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 Taโzim in Malaysia (11 Aug). Watch wing-backs, Joรฃo 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 (ยฃ6.4m) 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 (ยฃ4.5m) is the budget GK story.
- Brighton: Pascal Groร looks first-choice on pens after Welbeckโs exit: Rutter/Kostoulas for forward upside.
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