If Harry Kane were not already on the pre-season watch lists of Fantasy Premier League managers, Wednesday's fixtures announcement should offer extra notice of his 2017/18 credentials.
The Tottenham Hotspur striker has endured a slow start to his previous two campaigns and has yet to score a Premier League goal in the month of August.
But Kane has been handed the chance to break this curse and carry his end-of-season scoring streak into a promising opening eight Gameweeks of 2017/18.
Spurs' first eight Gameweeks
| GW | Opponents |
|---|---|
| 1 | Newcastle (A) |
| 2 | Chelsea (H) |
| 3 | Burnley (H) |
| 4 | Everton (A) |
| 5 | Swansea (H) |
| 6 | West Ham (A) |
| 7 | Huddersfield (A) |
| 8 | AFC Bournemouth (H) |
Mauricio Pochettino's side face a trip to Championship winners Newcastle United on the opening day, before Chelsea arrive as their first home opponents at Wembley Stadium in Gameweek 2.
But with further home dates against Burnley, Swansea City and AFC Bournemouth, coupled with trips to Everton, West Ham United and Huddersfield Town, Kane and his Spurs team-mates will begin as highly attractive FPL prospects.
Watch all 29 of Kane's 2016/17 goals
Another Golden Boot for @HKane! Enjoy all 29 of his @PremierLeague goals in 2016/17 in just over 100 seconds... #OneOfOurOwn pic.twitter.com/ggIrbsN1hV
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 24, 2017
Arsenal and Heaton tempt managers
Arsenal also look likely to gather early investment after their first five home matches offer them the chance to make a convincing start.
Leicester City arrive at Emirates Stadium in Gameweek 1 before AFC Bournemouth, West Bromwich Albion, Brighton & Hove Albion and Swansea also visit.
Home fixtures also look extremely favourable for Burnley, a factor that could again promote Tom Heaton as a major FPL target.
Sean Dyche's side host West Brom, Crystal Palace, Huddersfield, West Ham and Newcastle in their first five Turf Moor encounters.
The Baggies themselves will also provide FPL managers with some early mid-priced players.
AFC Bournemouth, Stoke City, West Ham and Watford are their first four opponents at The Hawthorns.
Similarly, Southampton's players will be monitored, having been a handed a run where they face just one of last season's top six – Manchester United – over the first 11 Gameweeks.