FPL Gameweek 1 2025/26: Highlights, Results, Top Picks, Tips & Upcoming Fixtures – Ultimate Fantasy Premier League Guide

Are you searching for FPL Gameweek 1 highlights, FPL GW1 results, or the best FPL picks for Gameweek 1 in the 2025/26 season? You've come to the right place! As the Premier League kicks off on August 16, 2025, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are already buzzing with excitement over early results, player hauls, and strategic tips. With new rules like defensive contribution points (DECON) and relaxed assists boosting scores, GW1 is shaping up to be a high-scoring affair. Early data shows an average of 5 goals per game, making attackers like Salah essential.
FPL Gameweek 1 Results and Highlights: Matches Played So Far
As of late evening on August 16, 2025, two thrilling fixtures have wrapped up in FPL Gameweek 1, delivering plenty of goals, bonus points, and FPL hauls. These results are crucial for managers eyeing FPL transfer targets for GW1 and beyond.
Liverpool 4-2 AFC Bournemouth: Salah Shines in Season Opener
The 2025/26 Premier League campaign exploded into life at Anfield with Liverpool's high-octane 4-2 victory over Bournemouth. This match epitomized why Mohamed Salah FPL ownership is sky-high at over 60% – he's a must-have for any serious manager.
🔍 Liverpool Match Key Moments
- 12' - Salah opens scoring from Alexander-Arnold cross
- 28' - Darwin Núñez doubles lead with bullet header
- 55' - Luis Díaz makes it 3-1, assisted by Salah
- 82' - Salah seals win with second goal on counter-attack
Wolves 1-3 Manchester City: Haaland Brace Powers City to Victory
Manchester City's title defense started strong with a 3-1 win at Molineux, showcasing why Erling Haaland FPL is one of the most popular FPL picks for Gameweek 1 at 55% ownership. This clash provided clean sheet points and assist hauls, ideal for FPL GW1 top players lists.
Best FPL Picks and Transfer Targets for Gameweek 1 2025/26
Looking for FPL transfer targets GW1 or top FPL picks for Gameweek 1? Based on early performances and stats, here are our recommendations inspired by expert analyses.
Premium Must-Haves
Mohamed Salah (£14.5m) – Essential with 18 points already, 60%+ ownership
Erling Haaland (£14.0m) – Brace confirms his haul potential, fixture-proof
Cole Palmer (£10.5m) – Penalty taker with favorable fixtures ahead
Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) – Ideal differential for the Arsenal clash
🎯 Budget Enablers & Differentials
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m) – Assists and DECON value
- Maxime Estève (£4.0m) – Budget enabler for rotations
- Kaoru Mitoma (£6.5m) – Low-owned with upside
- Antoine Semenyo (£6.0m) – Budget differential after scoring
FPL Tips for 2025/26: Captaincy, Strategies & Common Mistakes
Maximize your Fantasy Premier League tips for Gameweek 1 with these expert strategies to help you climb the rankings and dominate your mini-leagues.
Captaincy Picks: Salah or Haaland for proven hauls; Palmer as a differential captain
Chip Usage: Save your chips - too early to panic with Wildcard or Bench Boost
Avoid Knee-Jerks: Don't chase points – use underlying stats like xG for decisions
Fixture Focus: Target teams like Nottingham Forest for clean sheets in easier fixtures
Upcoming Games for the Rest of FPL Gameweek 1: Fixtures & Predictions
The action continues with these FPL GW1 fixtures. Use our table for quick reference and predictions based on Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR).
Date/Time | Home Team | Away Team | Prediction & FPL Tip |
---|---|---|---|
Sun, Aug 17 - 14:00 | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Chelsea win 2-0; Captain Palmer for penalties |
Sun, Aug 17 - 14:00 | Nottingham Forest | Brentford | Forest clean sheet; Pick Murillo (£5.5m) |
Sun, Aug 17 - 16:30 | Manchester United | Arsenal | 2-2 draw; High goals – Fernandes differential |
Mon, Aug 18 - 20:00 | Leeds United | Everton | Leeds 1-1; Budget picks like Summerville shine |
FAQ: Common FPL Gameweek 1 Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the best captains for FPL GW1? Salah, Haaland, or Palmer based on fixtures
- What are the most popular FPL picks? Isak, Watkins, Palmer trending upward
- How to handle FPL transfers in GW1? Roll if possible for flexibility in GW2
- Should I use my Wildcard already? No - save it for international break or emergencies
🔮 Looking Ahead
With Salah and Haaland already delivering massive hauls in GW1, the template is forming quickly. The new DECON system is rewarding defenders more than ever, making premium defenders like Alexander-Arnold essential. Keep an eye on price rises – Salah has already risen £0.1m. Monitor the remaining fixtures closely, especially the Manchester United vs Arsenal clash which could define early differentials. Stay ahead in Fantasy Premier League 2025/26 by following data-driven decisions rather than emotional transfers. The season has only just begun, and patience will be rewarded!