The long-awaited 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season is finally here, and Gameweek 1 is set to bring thrilling action and plenty of fantasy points opportunities. As FPL managers worldwide finalize their squads, it’s crucial to start strong and set the tone for a successful campaign.
Gameweek 1 features a variety of intriguing fixtures that could make or break your FPL team's start. The action begins on Friday night with a highly anticipated clash between Manchester United and Fulham, providing the first glimpse of potential fantasy assets. Over the weekend, standout matches like Arsenal vs. Wolves, Liverpool vs. Ipswich, and the headline Sunday fixture between Chelsea and Manchester City will test the mettle of even the most seasoned FPL managers.
New signings, pre-season form, and fixture difficulty are all factors to consider as you build your team for Gameweek 1. Will you back established stars, or gamble on a breakout performance from a fresh face? Our preview will guide you through the key captaincy choices, differential picks, and transfer strategies to help you maximize your points.
Manchester United v Fulham - Friday 16th August, 8pm KO.
The 2024/25 FPL season kicks off with Manchester United hosting Fulham under the lights at Old Trafford. This fixture presents a great opportunity to capitalize on United's attacking assets.
Top 3 Expected Points Scorers According to The Algorithm:
Bruno Fernandes – 6.87 xPoints: A reliable captaincy pick, Fernandes is set to be the creative force behind United's attack and their penalty taker.
Marcus Rashford – 5.36 xPoints: Rashford’s pace and goal-scoring ability make him a strong option against a potentially vulnerable Fulham defense.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4.84 xPoints: Garnacho is an exciting differential pick with high upside if he starts, offering great value.
United's attackers are primed for a strong start, making them ideal candidates for your FPL squad in Gameweek 1. Keep an eye on team news to ensure you make the most of this fixture.
Ipswich v Liverpool - Saturday 17th August, 12:30pm KO
Liverpool travel to newly-promoted Ipswich for the first Saturday fixture of the season, offering prime FPL opportunities for managers.
Top 3 Expected Points Scorers According to The Algorithm:
Mohamed Salah – 7.55 xPoints: Salah is the standout captaincy option for Gameweek 1, with a favorable matchup against Ipswich’s defense.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4.98 xPoints: Known for his attacking returns as well as clean sheet potential, Alexander-Arnold could be a key asset this weekend.
Diogo Jota – 4.93 xPoints: Jota's knack for scoring in these fixtures makes him an enticing pick, especially considering he's expected to start in Liverpool’s attack.
Liverpool’s stars are expected to shine, making them essential considerations for your Gameweek 1 lineup.
Arsenal v Wolves - Saturday 17th August, 3pm KO
Arsenal kick off their season at home against Wolves, with their attacking players looking poised to deliver solid FPL returns.
Top 3 Expected Points Scorers According to The Algorithm:
Bukayo Saka – 6.94 xPoints: Saka is Arsenal's key man, offering both goal and assist potential, making him a top captaincy contender.
Martin Ødegaard – 5.81 xPoints: Ødegaard’s creativity and set-piece duties could lead to valuable points, especially in a favorable home fixture.
Kai Havertz – 5.27 xPoints: Havertz could be a differential pick, offering both goal threat and midfield stability in Arsenal’s setup.
With a strong fixture at the Emirates, Arsenal’s key players are well worth considering for your Gameweek 1 lineup.
Everton v Brighton - Saturday 17th August, 3pm KO
Everton welcome Brighton to Goodison Park in what could be a closely contested match, offering some interesting FPL options.
Top 3 Expected Points Scorers According to The Algorithm:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 4.45 xPoints: Calvert-Lewin is Everton’s main goal threat and could be a strong differential pick if he starts the season fit.
Dwight McNeil – 4.16 xPoints: McNeil’s crossing ability and set-piece involvement make him a potential source of assists and attacking returns.
Yankuba Minteh – 3.97 xPoints: Brighton’s new signing could be an under-the-radar option, with his pace and creativity offering potential for FPL points.
This fixture may not be packed with obvious FPL stars, but these players could provide valuable returns for those willing to take a punt.
Newcastle v Southampton - Saturday 17th August, 3pm KO
Newcastle host Southampton at St. James' Park, with their attacking assets and defensive stalwart looking primed for FPL points.
Top 3 Expected Points Scorers According to The Algorithm:
Alexander Isak – 7.19 xPoints: Isak is Newcastle's main goal threat and a top captaincy option for this fixture, expected to lead the line against a leaky Southampton defense.
Anthony Gordon – 5.75 xPoints: Gordon’s ability to create and score makes him a strong midfield option, especially with Newcastle’s attacking form at home.
Kieran Trippier – 4.55 xPoints: Known for his set-piece delivery and potential for clean sheets, Trippier remains a solid pick, offering both defensive and attacking returns.
Newcastle’s players are well-positioned to start the season strong, making them key targets for your Gameweek 1 squad.
Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth - Saturday 17th August, 3pm KO
Nottingham Forest take on Bournemouth at the City Ground in a fixture that could see some under-the-radar FPL assets deliver solid points.
Top 3 Expected Points Scorers According to The Algorithm:
Morgan Gibbs-White – 4.88 xPoints: Gibbs-White is the creative spark for Forest, with potential for both goals and assists making him a valuable midfield pick.
Chris Wood – 4.63 xPoints: Wood’s physical presence and finishing ability make him a strong differential option up front, especially in home fixtures.
Antoine Semenyo – 4.35 xPoints: Semenyo’s pace and direct play offer goal potential, making him an interesting pick for those looking at Bournemouth’s attacking assets.
This fixture could be a hidden gem for FPL points, with these players offering strong potential for those willing to look beyond the usual big names.
West Ham v Aston Villa - Saturday 17th August, 5:30pm KO
West Ham face Aston Villa at the London Stadium in a match that features some intriguing FPL assets capable of delivering points.
Top 3 Expected Points Scorers According to The Algorithm:
Ollie Watkins – 4.97 xPoints: Watkins remains a consistent goal threat for Villa, making him a strong option for managers looking for a reliable forward pick.
Jarrod Bowen – 4.59 xPoints: Bowen’s attacking involvement for West Ham, coupled with his ability to score and assist, makes him a solid midfield option.
Leon Bailey – 3.94 xPoints: Bailey’s pace and dribbling could be key to Villa’s attack, and he offers potential as a differential pick in midfield.
This fixture promises to be a competitive one, with both sides having players who can make a significant impact in your FPL team.
Brentford v Crystal Palace - Sunday 18th August, 2pm KO
Brentford and Crystal Palace clash at the Gtech Community Stadium, with several key FPL assets ready to make their mark.
Top 3 Expected Points Scorers According to The Algorithm:
Eberechi Eze – 5.23 xPoints: Eze is Crystal Palace’s creative force, offering both goal and assist potential, making him a strong pick for this fixture.
Ivan Toney – 5.15 xPoints: Toney is Brentford’s primary goal scorer and a reliable forward option, expected to be heavily involved in their attacking play.
Bryan Mbeumo – 4.44 xPoints: Mbeumo’s versatility and eye for goal make him a valuable midfield asset, with potential for attacking returns against Palace.
This fixture offers a balanced mix of attacking threats from both teams, making it an interesting match for FPL managers looking to secure points from less heavily-owned players.
Chelsea v Manchester City - Sunday 18th August, 4:30pm KO
The marquee fixture of Gameweek 1 sees Chelsea take on Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, with plenty of FPL firepower on display.
Top 3 Expected Points Scorers According to The Algorithm:
Erling Haaland – 6.47 xPoints: Haaland remains a top captaincy option despite the tough fixture, with his goal-scoring prowess making him a constant threat.
Cole Palmer – 5.11 xPoints: Palmer’s potential role against his former club adds intrigue, and he could be a valuable differential for managers looking to capitalize on his attacking output.
Kevin De Bruyne – 4.74 xPoints: De Bruyne’s ability to dictate play and provide assists makes him a solid pick, even in a difficult away fixture.
This high-profile clash offers opportunities for FPL managers who trust in their premium assets to deliver, with City’s stars likely to be key contributors.
Leicester v Spurs - Monday 19th August, 8pm KO
Leicester City host Tottenham Hotspur in what promises to be an exciting encounter, with several key FPL assets ready to shine.
Top 3 Expected Points Scorers According to The Algorithm:
Son Heung-min – 6.21 xPoints: Son is a standout captaincy option this week, with his goal-scoring and assist potential making him a top pick for FPL managers.
Dominic Solanke – 5.29 xPoints: Solanke is a consistent performer, and his ability to score goals makes him a strong differential choice against Leicester.
Brennan Johnson – 4.66 xPoints: Johnson's pace and creativity could unlock the Spurs defense, offering a solid return for those looking to take a punt on a lesser-owned player.
This fixture offers plenty of attacking potential, with Son leading the charge for Spurs and Solanke providing a valuable option for those seeking differential points.
Maximize Your FPL Success with The Algorithm
As we head into the highly anticipated 2024/25 FPL season, making the right captaincy and transfer decisions from Gameweek 1 is crucial. With key players like Haaland, Salah, and Son poised to deliver big returns, it’s essential to optimize your team to stay ahead of the competition.
Our Gameweek 1 preview has highlighted the top expected points scorers across all the key fixtures, helping you make informed decisions. However, to truly dominate your mini-leagues and climb the overall ranks, you need consistent, data-driven insights that only The Algorithm can provide.
The Algorithm offers tailored recommendations to your team based on the latest data and trends, ensuring your team is always optimized for maximum points. And the best part? We're offering a free trial so you can access our Gameweek 1 recommendations at no cost.
Don’t miss out on the chance to kickstart your FPL season with the best possible team. Sign up now for a free trial of The Algorithm and get your Gameweek 1 recommendations. Take the guesswork out of FPL and start your season with confidence!
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