Gameweek 1 Player Picks
Three fixtures are in focus for our Gameweek 1 player picks, as the 2018/19 Fantasy Premier League season launches.
Which of the Gameweek 1 player picks will provide the best potential for goals, assists and clean sheets?
Our Gameweek 1 player picks are brought to you by Starting 11. It is a Daily Fantasy Premier League football app, which has grown in popularity amongst the FPL community this year. You can select a team without any budget constraints and battle against others. You can challenge the community by downloading the FREE App on Android or iOS and create a team.
There’s plenty to consider in terms of FPL transfers and creating your Starting 11 lineups. Each week we will be providing Fantasy Premier League tips in 3 categories: Safe Spine, Goals Galore and Clean Sheet Stack.
Safe Spine: Liverpool (vs West Ham)
FWD: Mohammed Salah
MID: Naby Keita
DEF: Virgil Van Dijk
GKP: Alisson Becker
Liverpool have the most favourable fixture in Gameweek 1, as they host West Ham at Anfield. A home fixture is always favourable, and West Ham are known for their defensive frailties.
The “Safe Spine” provides a player from the selected side in each playing position, to create a secure pick right across the pitch.
Mohammed Salah is the star in this Liverpool line up. Expect him to be involved in most of the goals on Sunday afternoon.
New signing, Naby Keita, is expected to make his first Premier League start. He’s a strong passer of the ball in midfield, creating plenty of chances for the front three.
Alisson should boost Liverpool’s clean sheet potential this season. The West Ham attack will test their defence, so Alissson could pick up save points. Virgil Van Dijk provides an aerial threat from set pieces.
Goals Galore: Arsenal vs Manchester City
FWD: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sergio Aguero
MID: Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Riyad Mahrez
Expect the goals to be flying in at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon, as Arsenal entertain Manchester City. The Gunners will be hoping for a strong start under new manager Emery, but the Champions will be a tough opponent.
The “Goals Galore” fixture suggests both teams to score, so each week we will select a couple of midfielders and forwards from both clubs represented.
Aubameyang is a World-Class player who is fixture proof. Despite Manchester City being difficult to break down, Aubameyang should be able to unlock their defence in this home game. Mkhitaryan is a creative force and most likely to provide assists.
Sergio Aguero proved his fitness, converting two goals against Chelsea in the Community Shield. Expect a similar story this weekend against the Gunners. Riyad Mahrez should be able to exploit injuries in the Arsenal left back position.
Clean Sheet Stack: Chelsea (vs Huddersfield)
DEF: Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Marcos Alonso
Chelsea are the best bet for a clean sheet this weekend, as they travel to a Huddersfield side who scored just 28 goals last season. Despite looking shaky in the Community Shield, it took two longer range efforts from Sergio Aguero to find the back of the net.
The “Clean Sheet Stack” looks at selecting several players from a defensively favoured fixture each week to provide a stacked back line for clean sheet points.
The Chelsea full backs provide plenty of attacking potential, with Azpilicueta and Alonso leading the Premier League goal and assist statistics for several seasons. David Luiz is back in the side, providing points potential from clearances.
Starting 11
Here’s how we are lining up for the Gameweek 1 Starting 11 contesets. There’s cash and free contests available for Saturday and Sunday. Mo Salah takes the captains armband.
If you’re interested in playing Daily Fantasy Football with us and many other FPL community members this season, please download the FREE Starting 11 app today by clicking the banner below – available on Android & iOS.
Keep an eye on the blog over the next few days, for all of the community Gameweek 1 Fantasy Premier League tips.
