FPL Experts Name 20 Teams' Top Picks and Avoids Before 21 August Deadline
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 14
FPL Experts Name 20 Teams' Top Picks and Avoids Before 21 August Deadline
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 14
Summary
Four Fantasy Premier League experts have issued team-by-team advice for all 20 clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season opener on Friday 21 August, naming a talisman, a differential and a player to avoid for each side.
Arsenal defender Gabriel (£8m), Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (£15.5m) and Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes (£12m) were highlighted as standout premium picks after strong 2025-26 returns.
The guide also pushed lower-owned options such as Ben White (£5.5m), Levi Colwill (£5m), Phil Foden (£7m) and Neco Williams (£5m), with experts focusing on minutes security, set-pieces and defensive-contribution scoring.
Several popular or recognizable names were flagged as risks, including Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez (£7m), Manchester City's Marc Guehi (£6m) and Tottenham's Marcos Senesi (£6m), largely because of rotation, transfer uncertainty or weak value.
The recommendations are aimed at helping managers finalize Gameweek 1 squads before the deadline, with pricing, ownership and opening fixtures shaping many of the calls.