Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 1 locks on Friday 21 August 2026 at 18:30 BST — 10 days from today (11 August). Use this daily note for the friendlies that matter, injury flags and what to lock before deadline.
Countdown
- GW1 opener: Arsenal vs Coventry City (Fri 21 Aug, 20:00 BST).
- Official FPL deadline: Fri 21 Aug, 18:30 BST.
- Community Shield: Arsenal vs Manchester City (Sat 16 Aug, Cardiff) — last big minutes check before GW1.
Today & this week on the pitch
- Chelsea face Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia (11 Aug) — watch wing-backs, João Pedro minutes and whether Caicedo keeps set-piece duties under Alonso.
- Arsenal host Como (12 Aug) then Community Shield vs City (16 Aug) — Calafiori/White/Gabriel minutes matter with Saliba and Timber out.
- Haaland is due back into City training this week — confirm minutes before you triple-up City assets.
FPL flags from pre-season
- Arsenal: Saliba (back) and Timber out — Mosquera/Calafiori/White are the cheaper defensive routes.
- Man City: Rodri rehab after back surgery — Elliot Anderson (£6.5m) stays interesting if minutes stick.
- Newcastle: Wissa scored twice vs Valencia under new coach Jaissle — re-check Osula/Wissa ownership before GW1.
- Hull: Charlie Hughes ruled out of GW1 vs United; Tzolakis (£4.5m) is the budget GK story.
- Brighton: Pascal Groß looks first-choice on pens after Welbeck’s exit — Rutter/Kostoulas for forward upside.
Read next (free)
- Best FPL Captains for GW1 — safe picks, differentials and when to avoid the template.
- Best Budget FPL Defenders — £4.0–£4.5m + DEFCON.
- Best Value FPL Players 2026/27 — underpriced by position.
- Yesterday’s 10 Aug update — keep the daily trail.
Play it today
Open Gameweek Fantasy on FootballDream, captain your GW1 pick for 2× points, and invite friends to a free mini-league. No download, no entry fee.