The fantasy season has started, and the usual question is back: what should you base your 15-man squad on?
Many managers pick players because they like them, because they finished pre-season in good form, or because they focus almost entirely on Gameweek 1. A better approach is to build for the first five Gameweeks, not just the opening weekend.
Choose 11 players you expect to rely on most weeks and four bench options you can rotate when needed. That reduces the chance of panicking after one Gameweek and making too many transfers. If the start still goes badly, a Wildcard after Gameweek 5 gives you enough real evidence to rebuild.
Which premium teams should you cover?
It is difficult to start the first five Gameweeks without representation from Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea because they are the league's strongest sides and have the highest upside for fantasy returns.
Manchester City
Erling Haaland at £15.5m is essential for me, and my preferred second City attacker is Semenyo at £8.5m.
Starting with two City attackers is appealing because Haaland's huge ownership limits how much ground you gain from owning him alone. I would avoid the City defence for now until Maresca's structure becomes clearer.
Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes at £12.0m also feels essential. He finished last season creating chances at an elite rate after returning to his natural role and was one of the strongest points scorers in the second half of the campaign.
For a second United player, Mbeumo at £8.0m is attractive in attack, especially with two promoted opponents in the opening two Gameweeks. Defensively, Luke Shaw at £4.5m and Harry Maguire at £5.0m are interesting, with Maguire my preference because of his aerial threat and United's set-piece emphasis.
Liverpool
Liverpool have several options, though their new line-up is not yet completely settled. I like Isak at £9.0m as the main attacking reference, while Jérémy Jacquet at £5.0m is an appealing defensive route compared with the more expensive Van Dijk at £6.5m.
Arsenal
I would not start with a double Arsenal defence because of the opening schedule. One defender should be enough. In midfield, Christos Tzolis at £6.5m looks like an excellent mid-price option after an impressive pre-season and an expected role from the left wing.
Chelsea
João Pedro at £7.5m is one of the best value picks of the season for me. His price is useful in a year when many assets are expensive, and he remains central to Chelsea's attack.
I would wait before committing to a second Chelsea attacker until we see how Palmer and Rogers work together, although Rogers is a perfectly reasonable pick in his price bracket.
Differentials from the rest of the league
Sunderland: with a good schedule and a defence-first approach, Ballard at £5.0m is a strong option.
Tottenham: they have gone under the radar in pre-season. Richarlison at £6.0m could become a dangerous differential if his friendly form continues.
Leeds: I would like at least one player. Harry Wilson at £6.5m is the standout midfielder, while Calvert-Lewin at £6.0m is attractive if you need a forward.
Newcastle: Harvey Barnes at £6.0m is my favourite differential. He has become a regular after Anthony Gordon's departure and was the team's top scorer in pre-season. He scored seven league goals last season despite starting only 19 matches.
Bench: do not overspend
Coventry defender Thomas at £4.0m can cover a cheap defensive slot. In midfield, Groß at £5.5m and Gomez at £5.0m from Brighton are budget options.
I would not use a precious forward slot on a bench striker this season. With several strong forwards available, I prefer spending the budget on three starting attackers.
Teams I would avoid early
Fulham: one of the toughest opening schedules and not enough attractive attackers.
Crystal Palace: uncertain form and limited appealing picks beyond Ismaïla Sarr at £6.5m.
Bournemouth: a new phase after Iraola's departure. I would rather wait and see before investing.
