Top FPL GW1 Buys 2025/26: Best Value Picks Across All Positions for Opening Gameweeks

Introduction

Our Players to Buy series is back. As you draft your Gameweek 1 squad, it’s vital to blend proven performers with tight-budget enablers. This blog guides you on whom to buy—so you always stay ahead. Let’s break down the best value options to start your season strong across all positions.

Goalkeepers: Premium Security Meets Value

• Alisson (Liverpool): Tops the GK charts with 18.1 projected points for the next five GWs and just 11% ownership—a low-key differential if you’re wary of doubling up on Liverpool defence.
  
• Kelleher (£4.5m, Brentford): A standout as well-capitalised backup by AllAboutFPL thanks to Brentford’s shot-heavy style and his sterling per-game points average.
  

Defenders: Points from Graft & Rotational Value

• Van Dijk (Liverpool): Leading with 20.6 projected points over the first five. Expect his clean sheet potential to pair well with Merseyside’s fixture swing.
  
• Murillo (Forest): The forest defensive contributions king, racking up the most DCP in 2024/25—excellent value under the new scoring system.
  
• Budget stars: Wan-Bissaka, Van de Ven, and Max Estève — great rotational assets under £4.5m with good fixture cycles.
  

Midfielders: Mix of Returns & Defensive Stability

• Mohamed Salah tops midfield projections with 33.5 points for the initial weeks—captaincy locks and premium returns.
  
• Bruno Fernandes: Consistent returns and defensive contributions make him a safe mid-tier option.
  
• Budget Enablers:
  
  • Elliot Anderson (£5.5m, Forest): Massive under-the-radar value with both attacking returns and DCP hauls.
  • Moises Caicedo (£5.5m, Chelsea): Strong DCP stats and regular minutes make him a workhorse pick.
  • Jhon Arias (£5.5m, Wolves): Creative spark with set-piece threat and strong fixtures.
  • Declan Rice (£5m, Arsenal): Double threat via set pieces and defensive reliability—excellent value on Dream Team projections.
    

Forwards: Big Points, Budget Picks

• Haaland vs Salah? Salah leads projections. Last season, he was the highest-scoring mid; Haaland remains high-ceiling but more expensive.
  
• Mid-Price Gems: Mateta (Palace) & Bowen (West Ham) are both in red-hot pre-season form—solid GW1 picks with goal expectations.
  
• Budget Enablers:
  
  • Strand Larsen (£6.5m, Wolves): Reliable minutes and goal threat—rich upside for the price.
  • Thiago (Brentford): Could shine if Wissa moves on, offering potential for starts and spot-kicks at only £6m.
    

Conclusion

• Securekeepers: Alisson for reliability; Kelleher for value.
  
• Defenders: Van Dijk and Murillo for stability; Wan-Bissaka & Estève for budget rotations.
  
• Midfielders: Salah is a top-tier captaincy pick; Rice, Anderson, Caicedo, and Arias offer cheap trust.
  
• Forwards: Mateta and Bowen for opener form; Strand Larsen and Thiago for enabler value.
  

Which budget gem are you adding to your GW1 squad? Share your picks below! If this helped your draft, remember to share to spread the edge.