The 2022/23 Fantasy Premier League champion Ali Jahangirov reveals his current 15-man squad for Gameweek 1.
Ali Jahangirov (@FPLGunz)
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford (£4.5m): I am expecting manager Sean Dyche to solidify Everton's defence and that should mean more clean sheets for Pickford. I think he's a good price due to his high potential for save points.
Joao Virginia (£4.0m): Pickford's back-up, so if the England international is injured or suspended, Virginia can step in.
Defenders
Luke Shaw (£5.5m): He's the best defensive option from Manchester United, even over the cheaper Andre Onana (£5.0m). Shaw will benefit from clean sheets and has the potential for attacking returns, too.
Pervis Estupinan (£5.0m): With three great opening fixtures which look good for both clean sheets and attacking returns, Estupinan is a great investment, particularly if we see more of those 17-point hauls he returned against Arsenal last season.
Gabriel (£5.0m): Investing in the Arsenal defence will be key. They have good fixtures. I favour Gabriel in that spot over the other Gunners' options.
Matty Cash (£4.5m): He has good long-term fixtures and investing in Aston Villa seems wise based on their revival under Unai Emery.
George Baldock (£4.0m): The right-wing back looks set to start for Sheffield United and appears to be one of the strongest £4.0m defender options.
See: FPL champion's tips: Getting the most from budget enablers
Midfielders
Mohamed Salah (£12.5m): The Egyptian is a certain starter in that Liverpool team, unlike Diogo Jota (£8.0m), Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo (all £7.5m), who are prone to rotation. I strongly believe the Reds will improve in attack this season due to their new creative midfield recruits. We may well see the Salah of a few seasons ago.
Marcus Rashford (£9.0m): He was so important for me in 2022/23 and I think he will be again this season too, even with the increase in price.
Bukayo Saka (£8.5m): He is the most popular midfielder in the game for a reason. Saka's 26 attacking returns were more than any other Arsenal midfielder last season.
Leandro Trossard (£7.0m): My most controversial pick is the Belgian. Many Fantasy managers think he isn't a sure starter for Arsenal, which is true, but with Gabriel Jesus (£8.0m) injured, I feel excited having him in my team.
Kaoru Mitoma (£6.5m): Brighton & Hove Albion's opening three fixtures are too good not to own Mitoma. Tripling-up on the Seagulls is a good strategy.
Forwards
Erling Haaland (£14.0m): After his excellent first season, I am surprised that Haaland isn’t in 100 per cent of teams. He is a must-have, for me.
Joao Pedro (£5.5m): Having Joao Pedro for Brighton’s excellent fixtures enables me to have Salah as a second premium after Haaland. He now also seems to have penalty duties, which adds to his appeal.
See: FPL champion's tips: Be flexible with your Gameweek 1 squad
Hwang Ui-jo (£4.5m): Nottingham Forest's forward will be my third sub. With an ownership of less than one per cent, he shouldn't drop in price.
Remember, the Gameweek 1 deadline is on Friday 11 August at 18:30 BST.
