As the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 1 deadline approaches, expert insights are back with our contributors.
In this edition, five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman reveals his current squad draft.
Explore the FPL 2026/27 pre-season guide for tips and strategies.
CHIP STRATEGY
This early chip strategy has a clear rationale, with the Free Hit and Triple Captain reserved for later rounds. Optimizing chip usage is a common tactic among seasoned players, as different gameweeks present varying opportunities for point accumulation. Specific weeks tend to have more favorable fixtures, making it critical to plan when to deploy these potent tools.
- Gameweek 4 – Wildcard
- Gameweek 5 – Bench Boost
By aligning the Wildcard with Gameweek 4, players can reshape their squads significantly based on trends observed in the early weeks of the season. The intention here is to capitalize on emerging form and fixture schedules. Meanwhile, the Bench Boost in Gameweek 5 coincides with a potential influx of players from less heralded clubs who could have suddenly favorable matchups.
Thus, this strategy allows for squad optimization focused on Gameweeks 1-3, supporting some of my player choices. The aim is to sift through early matches to identify hidden gems, often from clubs overlooked in pre-season hype. I'm targeting about three free transfers as quickly as possible for greater flexibility, particularly with the first international break approaching. This period can often disrupt team coherence, so planning ahead is mandatory.
From Gameweek 4, I plan to reevaluate my Manchester United players and possibly swap them out for emerging talents. High-profile players don't always deliver consistent returns, and with a crowded fixture list, you may find better bang for your buck elsewhere.
Budget-friendly choices from Leeds United and Nottingham Forest could be vital for the Bench Boost in Gameweek 5. These clubs are often overlooked, making them ripe for exploitation as they typically offer lower-cost players who can still produce valuable points.
TEAM REVEAL
Building a competitive squad with both Erling Haaland (£15.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) feels quite feasible this season, hence their inclusion as key premium players. The sheer firepower of Haaland makes him an automatic consideration for most managers, while Fernandes has remained a reliable source of points despite Manchester United's ups and downs in form.
I've settled on a 4-4-2 formation, though shifting to a back five could be on the table for Gameweek 2 depending on the fixtures ahead. Flexibility in formation allows for adaptation as the season unfolds. A strong 4-4-2 can often outscore more complex formations, especially early in the season when teams are still finding their rhythm and defensive solidity. You'll want your most talented players on the field, and that often means prioritizing midfield and forward slots.
DEFENDERS
FUTURE OUTLOOK
As FPL enthusiasts gear up for the season, the macro trends of player performances will play a significant role. You've got to stay attuned to form and fixture lists, especially teams that may struggle or surge during the coming weeks. With varying managerial tactics emerging, identifying players from less prominent squads could prove invaluable.
Masters of the game know that the early part of the season often serves as a fertile ground for surprises—players can either live up to their high price tags or become immediate liabilities, costing managers precious points. If you're working in this space, watch carefully how the first few gameweeks unfold; trends established now could set the stage for success or failure down the line.
And then there are the implications of injuries and international breaks, which can often derail even the best-laid plans. How quickly managers adapt will determine who rises to the top of the league. It’s a chess match, and every move counts.