The 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League ( FPL) season opened with a competitive first gameweek, as some key assets from top clubs returned points while a few unexpected names made an early impact.
Some popular captaincy picks also gave good returns to their managers, though differentials proved decisive in separating early leaders from the pack. There has also been some panic-buying among FPL managers as they have bought in some impressive players after the first round of games.
The attention now turns to Gameweek 2, where fixture shifts and early form guide transfer decisions are. However, with several standout performers attracting rapid interest, managers face balancing short-term gains with long-term strategy.
If you are thinking of bringing in some players ahead of the FPL game week 2 then these are your options.
(1) Hugo Ekitike:
The French international was the most transferred-in player by FPL managers just a few minutes after the Liverpool game against Bournemouth after he scored one goal and created another. The Swedish international can continue in the same form when the Reds face Newcastle United away from home.
(2) Chris Woods:
The Nottingham Forest forward player made FPL managers who overlooked him something to worry about after he scored two goals against Brentford in the Premier League opening weekend. Chris Wood sent a message to everyone who had doubts that he might not be able to replicate the same form as he did last season.
Forest will play Crystal Palace in their next Premier League game which will be difficult than the match against Brentford. However, if there is any player who can break down the Palace defence then it will be Wood.
(3) Semenyo:
The Bournemouth midfielder is one player you can’t afford to miss out on after he rewarded the 68 managers who triple-captained him in the first match week of the English Premier League. Semenyo scored two quick goals against Liverpool which is a sign of what is to come going into the rest of the season.
(4) Erling Haaland:
The Norwegian international ensured managers who didn’t select him regretted their decision. He scored two goals in the opening game of the weekend against Wolves.
Haaland’s transfer fee is a big problem for most managers because if they bring in the forward player they might have to let go of Mohamed Salah or Cole Palmer. However, if you want a striker who can guarantee you goals from now on into the season, then Haaland is the best guy out there.
(5) Tijjani Reijnders:
Reijnders is one of the most amazing midfielders who was impressive in the opening weekend of the fantasy Premier League. He scored a goal and also created one for Haaland also having his fingerprints all over the first goal.
He will be a major part of Pep Guardiola’s squad as the 2025/26 season progresses. The 27-year-old is a big addition to the squad of any FPL manager because of his transfer fee and what he is expected to return in terms of goals of assists.
Notable Transfers out
•Wirtz
•Konsa
•Isak
•João Pedro
Notable Transfers in
•Reijnders
•Semenyo
•Ekitike
•Wood
Conclusion: These opinions are solely those of the writer, but when it comes to FPL, any advice should be evaluated based on your personal feelings about these players.