FPL Gameweek 1 tips: Best players, team new buy-ins, players setup and more

The 2023/24 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season is almost upon us, with champions Manchester City visiting newcomers Burnley at Turf Moor in the first kick-off of the season.

In a much-anticipated fashion, we get to see managers struggle around the choice of a formidable squad to begin the season with, hence, the need for this article.  Our FPL experts – currently 1st ITW, has taken a close look at the Gameweek 1 fixtures and the players to target for your Fantasy Premier League (FPL) teams.

Burnley vs Manchester City - The Manchester City Assets

Beginning with the first game IN THE WEEK, Manchester City takes on newly-promoted Burnley side. The last time these two met was in the FA Cup last season, where City ran rout on the Championship leaders, putting six past them with no response.

The absence of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundoğan creates a new profile for Phil Foden (£7.5m) who has long been an admirable starter under Pep Guardiola. Foden”s minutes is targeted to increase exponentially as

Erling Haaland (£14.0m) brags a TSB of 89%  for managers to have already registered for this season’s campaign and it comes at “no surprise” considering he surpassed his xGs in his debut season, scoring 36 goals from a season-long xG of 32.76, surpassing his xG by about 3 goals.

Kevin De Bruyne (£10.5m) Although he’s barely got any minutes under his belt this pre-season, Pep Guardiola’s ManCity will definitely struggle without the Manchester City captain. He’s also another choice of a Mancity asset. ✅

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest - Which Gunners asset entices you?

After considering the valuable amount of assets FPL managers can make a choice from in the Arsenal squad, the Nottingham game looks incredibly easy a fixture to consider.

First up, we can’t overlook Bukayo Saka (£8.5m), who I believe is the top Arsenal asset to have. He’s a guaranteed starter with penalty duties.

That said, there are all other solid options to pick from and my preferred choice to pick from would be the Defence. And in the defence, we have Gabriel (£5.0m), Saliba (£5.0m) and Jurrien Timber (£5.0m). These three seems already nailed starters in Arteta squad, so you get to choose at least one of them.

In order of hierarchy, the Brazilian defender tops the chart. He surpassed his xMins last term by a mile, with over 3,411 mins played in a possible 3,420 Mins. An impressive data! He also averaged a goal every 12 game, better than his counterpart and teammate, Saliba.

Manchester United vs Wolves - Does Old Trafford beckons on you?

Many may find an awful lot of reasons to say Erik Ten Haag and Man United are not “out-and-out capable” of challenging for the Premier League title this season. While these are all just sentimental judgements, the fact is, with their performance last season, they could go on to surprise the PL this season, challenging their local rivals to the title.

Man Utd have had an eventful off-season addressing the need at the GK, CM and CF roles. Onana claims crosses and passes better than De Gea, so should help with the fluidity and movement. Mount is an improvement on the defensive and counter-pressing attributes that Erikssen offers and the addition of Rasmus Højlund, would create options for the managers that may look to their assets.

In ticking the first real asset off the list, we take a look at Bruno Fernandes (£8.5m), the midfielder appears to have continued in his fine form and xMins set up from last season. A guaranteed starter and a chance creator merchant. Averaged a G/A every 178mins last season. He ticks the box firmly as the go-to number-one Manchester United asset. ✅

Following an impressive preseason, one would only assume Rashford at £9.0m is a fantastic value, after his remarkable dazzling performances in the 2022/23 season. Playing a more advanced role this season in the 9 position, with Garnacho and Antony on the flanks, we expect so much more. The forward surpassed his xGIs (18.13) for last season, finishing the season with 17 goals and 7 assists.