FPL GW1 Avoids 2025/26: Who to Skip (and Which Cheap Alternatives to Buy)

Introduction

Picking the wrong early-season players can cost rank fast. This short, tactical guide covers the top players to avoid for FPL Gameweek 1 (2025/26)—why they’re risky and which cheaper or safer alternatives to consider so you can protect transfers and build value for the long run.

Why some players are immediate avoids (short timeline & rotation risk)

Managers should prioritise minutes, penalties and nailed status ahead of raw talent. Pep-run teams regularly rotate attackers (so avoid City mids/forwards except Haaland for now). Jarrod Bowen’s switch from midfielder to forward changes his scoring formula (fewer midfield bonus/clean-sheet points), which is why many are cautious despite his recent form. 

Big-name avoids — who and why

Man City attackers (except Haaland)—Savinho, Foden, Doku, Cherki: Pep’s rotation is unpredictable; even in form, minutes are never guaranteed. Stick with Haaland if you want City coverage early. 

Bryan Mbeumo (now at Manchester United) — Repeating last season’s tiny sample overperformance (xG vs goals) plus changes of team/role make him a wait-and-see option. If Bruno remains penalty taker, Mbeumo’s appeal falls. 

Reece James & injury-prone defenders — High ceilings but recurring injuries and managed minutes make expensive wing-backs risky early; cheaper roaming full-backs (e.g., Cucurella) are less volatile. 

Newcastle wide men — Gordon, Murphy, Barnes, and Elanga: four players competing for two spots. Great squad depth—but not the place to hunt nailed minutes for GW1. Opt for Isak (if confirmed) or skip Newcastle attackers until lineups settle.

Players reclassified (Bowen, Cunha, etc.). — Position switches affect points maths (goals as forwards yield different baseline scoring than midfielders). Bowen remains dangerous—his price (c. £8.0m) and reclassification make him less template-friendly despite excellent end-of-season form. 

Who to buy instead — safer short-term alternatives

• Premium reliability: Mohamed Salah (captaincy magnet) or Haaland if you want a City anchor.
  
• Mid-price forwards: Watkins (Villa) — good minutes and strong early fixtures.
  
• Budget defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Neco Williams, or a 4.5m Spurs rotation (Van de Ven/Udogie) for fixture rotation.
  
• Budget midfield enablers: Elliot Anderson (Forest) or other £5.0–5.5m starters who lock minutes and set-piece duties.
  

Practical rules for GW1 draft

1. Prioritise minutes > upside for Gameweek 1.
   
2. Avoid teams with multiple players fighting for the same position (Newcastle wingers, Liverpool full-backs).
   
3. Treat position reclassifications (Bowen → FWD) as value changers — they alter long-term returns, not just short-term.

Conclusion (comment & share)

Avoids for GW1 are about minimising early transfer risk: skip players with rotation, uncertain minutes, or damaging position switches. Which avoid surprised you most — Bowen or a City attacker? Comment below and share this guide if it helped finalise your draft.