Pro Pundits - FPL General
19 August 2026 315 comments
@FPLGeneral @FPLGeneral
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As we count down to the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 1 deadline, we’re welcoming back our team of guest contributors for 2026/27.

This time, we hear from FPL General, who shares his Gameweek 1 Bench Boost team reveal.

General, aka Mark, has abandoned the Haaland-less experiment of 2025/26! He has three top 500 finishes to his name – and plenty more excellent ranks besides:

SeasonRank
2024/2543,049
2023/2445,480
2022/2315,148
2021/2210,112
2020/2148,541
2019/2021,997
2018/19516,873
2017/18362
2016/1741,734
2015/16102
2014/15352
2013/1413,247



Here we go again! How good is it to have FPL back in our lives this weekend? 

I’m very excited for the season ahead after my experimental one last year. There won’t be any self-imposed player restrictions this time around! It’s back to basics. Another top 50k finish is the end goal – if I don’t win it outright, of course!

There’s no point beating around the bush, so here’s my current draft…

Current Gameweek 1 Draft


FPL Stats Centre
315 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 hours, 42 mins ago

    "Hey word Nick"

  2. Bod
    • 15 Years
    4 hours, 40 mins ago

    When do we expect Konsa could play his first game at Arsenal?

    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      4 hours, 39 mins ago

      GW2

      1. Bod
        • 15 Years
        4 hours, 38 mins ago

        Sad face

        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          4 hours, 37 mins ago

          Well he’s not even signed yet, so it ain’t gonna be Friday is it

          1. Bod
            • 15 Years
            4 hours, 33 mins ago

            They should have ordered with Amazon Prime

    2. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      4 hours, 34 mins ago

      Question is does he most threaten Mosquera or White?

      1. Ball Ake
        • 2 Years
        4 hours, 25 mins ago

        Mosq

      2. Mr Turnip 1
        • 1 Year
        4 hours, 24 mins ago

        Good question. Could be either but possibly White, because Mosquera can play CB or RB but Arteta doesn’t trust White at CB because he’s not brilliant in the air, so Konsa and Mosquera can both play in two slots, whereas White can only play in one.

        Imo white is the best of those three at RB tbf, but I’m not Arteta so who knows what he’ll do

      3. Bod
        • 15 Years
        4 hours, 9 mins ago

        The answer is potentially different while Saliba is out and when he’s back…

        Short term maybe Mosquera misses out and when Saliba is fit he shifts to right back?

  3. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    4 hours, 40 mins ago

    Best GK to pair with Kinsky for BB2?

    A Leno (sun)
    B Petrovic (EVE)
    C Rushworth (HUL) - triple Coventry defence

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 hours, 37 mins ago

      B or C

      Or D. lLammens

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 14 Years
        4 hours, 30 mins ago

        Only 4.5 budget

    2. Bod
      • 15 Years
      4 hours, 35 mins ago

      I’d be tempted by Leno, and depending how the first 2 gwks go play him ahead of Kinsky in GW3 too

  4. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 hours, 35 mins ago

    Is SUN O’Nien likely to start first couple of weeks?

    1. Salarrivederci
      • 10 Years
      4 hours, 27 mins ago

      Yes. He looks set for GW1. You would probably only need him for the first or the two first matches.

    2. H Dog
      • 16 Years
      4 hours, 26 mins ago

      Probably GW1, probably not GW2

    3. bso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 hours, 20 mins ago

      Really need him for 2 weeks

  5. Salarrivederci
    • 10 Years
    4 hours, 34 mins ago

    Brighton match might change things, but this feels good! Two biggest problems is which attacker to bench in GW2 and surviving GW5 without Haaland.

    BB active:

    Lammes - Verbruggen
    Gabriel - Calafiori - Rodon - De Cuyper - Hume
    Bruno - Palmer - Mbeumo - Ødegaard - Le Fee
    Thiago - Pedro - DCL

    Gl all!

    1. Mr Turnip 1
      • 1 Year
      4 hours, 23 mins ago

      Nice team

      You can get Haaland by GW5 fairly easily if you’re worried about him, just sell Bruno and Thiago

  6. CheesyZoot
    • 7 Years
    4 hours, 34 mins ago

    Play Ndiaye or Le Fee GW1?

    1. Bod
      • 15 Years
      4 hours, 29 mins ago

      I’m not even sure why you would have Le Fee in your squad if you’re not playing him GW1

      Also, BB?

      1. Mr Turnip 1
        • 1 Year
        4 hours, 22 mins ago

        This

  7. Brosstan
    • 12 Years
    4 hours, 31 mins ago

    The arrival of this fn David at brighton ruins my team...

    1. NoOneCares
      • 1 Year
      4 hours, 25 mins ago

      I think the players you picked have ruined your team more.

      1. Brosstan
        • 12 Years
        4 hours, 21 mins ago

        Upvoting your own comment as always. Post on your main account pathetic loser

        1. NoOneCares
          • 1 Year
          4 hours, 10 mins ago

          No point getting angry at me because you have picked crap players. I have one account, you frothing at the mouth doesn't change that.

          1. Brosstan
            • 12 Years
            4 hours, 5 mins ago

            Yea youre just some guy who started posting last year who hate select people with no reason. Not at all based on prior experience on this site. Sure.

    2. Mr Turnip 1
      • 1 Year
      4 hours, 22 mins ago

      Get Sangaré of Brentford if you need a Groß replacement

  8. Bod
    • 15 Years
    4 hours, 31 mins ago

    If Ndiaye goes to the gunners will he impact on Tzolis minutes?

    1. Mr Turnip 1
      • 1 Year
      4 hours, 22 mins ago

      Yes

    2. TafOnTour1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      4 hours, 8 mins ago

      What reputable source is reporting our interest in Ndiaye?!

  9. Topbe
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    4 hours, 30 mins ago

    A) semenyo+mosquera
    B) 6.5mid (schade, anderson, etc)+gabriel

    Bb in gw2

    1. H Dog
      • 16 Years
      4 hours, 24 mins ago

      A if no Haaland, B if you do

    2. Mr Turnip 1
      • 1 Year
      4 hours, 21 mins ago

      B, I’m worried about Mosquera’s minutes

  10. D15jones
    • 4 Years
    4 hours, 26 mins ago

    Non bruno team:

    GK: Raya, Verbruggen

    DEF: VVD, Tarky, Maguire, Calafiori, Ajer

    MID: Mbuemo, Szob, Tzolis, Le Fee, Grob

    FWD: Haaland, Joao Pedro, DCL

    What are your thoughts guys?

    1. Ball Ake
      • 2 Years
      4 hours, 22 mins ago

      Nice team (similar to mine), if it were me I'd downgrade Tark or VVD and upgrade ELF or Gross.

    2. H Dog
      • 16 Years
      4 hours, 20 mins ago

      Hmm if I don’t have Bruno think I’d want Gabriel in defence, but this is a pretty well balanced team

    3. Happyhiccup
      • 5 Years
      4 hours, 8 mins ago

      Nice, similar to mine but perhaps more balanced. I’m worried about cal mins so went gab, also went for multiple scoring routes attacking and def in mid. Szob & Anderson on corners. Still got 0.5 itb to finish the team.

      Any thoughts welcome…

      Gk: Kinsky / Palmer

      1. Happyhiccup
        • 5 Years
        4 hours, 6 mins ago

        Gk: kinsky, palmer
        Def: vvd, Gabriel, Muharemović, Thomas, Davis
        Mid: Szob, Mbuemo, Anderson, Tzolis, Slater
        Fwd: Haaland, J Pedro, Thiago

  11. FPLamateur
    • 2 Years
    4 hours, 24 mins ago

    Best £5.5 midfielder? Currently on Tonali

    1. H Dog
      • 16 Years
      4 hours, 22 mins ago

      Gross if planning to play GW1 but not 2, Sangare if set and forget

    2. Mr Turnip 1
      • 1 Year
      4 hours, 21 mins ago

      Sangare

  12. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 9 Years
    4 hours, 20 mins ago

    Bruno back in, thoughts on this?
    BB1, bench Brighton players and Ajer GW2, FH or WC GW3

    Lammens - Verbruggen
    Calafiori - White - Maguire - Ajer - Hume
    Bruno - Szoboszlai - Tzolis - Schade - Groß
    Haaland - Pedro - Georginio

    1. H Dog
      • 16 Years
      4 hours, 16 mins ago

      Team looks good enough to not need as early a wildcard (gw6 better as that’s when fixtures turn for united)

      Two united defenders feels like overkill

      Rutter is a risk beyond GW1, and don’t think he’ll score much. Could find 0.5 for a 6m forward (brobbey, igor Jesus, DCL)?

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        3 hours, 41 mins ago

        It's only short term so I think Georginio is okay for that, don'treally like any of the 6.0 strikers at the moment,
        Double United defence I think is fine for the first few games.

        However I've already left Bruno out again x)

  13. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 hours, 19 mins ago

    A J Pedro & Brobbey/DCL
    B Isak & 4.5 bench player

    1. H Dog
      • 16 Years
      4 hours, 14 mins ago

      Depends on if bench boost (A), and what your midfield is like (A if have wirtz/szob, B if Palmer)

  14. Kebab pig
    • 6 Years
    4 hours, 18 mins ago

    Seems like Buendia will be on set pieces and might be on penalties as well but don't see him in many teams, why?

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 hours, 16 mins ago

      Villa a wait and see for me with the fixtures. Have found Buendia always historically been underwhelming despite decent xA stats and the likes, going back many seasons.

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 hours, 15 mins ago

      Who is he sending that Set Piece towards? Rogers? Watkins? Konsa?

      1. Beto Hall Tzol
        • 9 Years
        3 hours, 34 mins ago

        Tielemans. Oh, nope.

    3. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      4 hours, 7 mins ago

      He’s probably next one out the door

  15. Jrot94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 hours, 16 mins ago

    How’s your BB1 no haaland team compare. (I know you probably have DCL over brobbey)

    Lammens. Verbruggen
    Calif. gvardiol. VVD rodon. Hume
    Bruno. Mbeumo. Semenyo tzolis schade
    Isak Pedro brobbey

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 hours, 37 mins ago

      Tasty. Go with your gut. Schade is a great pick and Brobbey could be too.

  16. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 hours, 9 mins ago

    Thoughts on this? BB in GW2 a possibility!

    Verbruggen - Kinsky
    Maguire - Hume - Calafiori - Rodon - Van Ewijk
    Szoboszlai - Tzolis - Bruno - Mbeumo - Gomez
    Haaland - Pedro - DCL

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      3 hours, 47 mins ago

      Verb is good long term but face CHE in BB2. Brighton has Europe before GW1/2 so unsure re Gomez either

  17. ZlatanFC
    • 1 Year
    4 hours, 8 mins ago

    Ok so which two do I choose:
    A) Muharemovic
    B) Vuskovic
    C) Jacquet

    Already have Cali and fodder plus 0.5 ITB

    1. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      4 hours, 1 min ago

      I’m on A + B

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 11 Years
      3 hours, 59 mins ago

      A the most likely to start GW1 of the three

      1. ZlatanFC
        • 1 Year
        3 hours, 50 mins ago

        Yeah I get that, I have Aina in the bench as back up. So if you had to choose between Jacquets and Vuskovic then?

        1. g40steve
          • 8 Years
          3 hours, 38 mins ago

          Going C

  18. ricpenno
    • 4 Years
    4 hours, 8 mins ago

    BB done:

    Donnarumma/Raya
    Kerkez/Shaw/Gvardiol/Gabriel/James
    Mbeumo/Semenyo/Wirtz/Tzolis/Ndiaye
    Isak/DCL/Pedro

    Anything look horrible here (apart from Haaland absence)…

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 11 Years
      3 hours, 59 mins ago

      Is James, Reece James? If so, I wouldn’t go there

      1. ricpenno
        • 4 Years
        3 hours, 55 mins ago

        Assisted and showed well in 62 mins as captain against Sociedad. Which Che def would you have?

    2. Happyhiccup
      • 5 Years
      3 hours, 59 mins ago

      Not confident on city keeping cs this weekend, other than that love the quality you’ve got for bb

      1. ricpenno
        • 4 Years
        3 hours, 54 mins ago

        Thanks, wanted core Arse, City, Pool, Che to start season. I see City tightening up after cup showing.

  19. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 hours, 1 min ago

    Think I'm locked in. Gone for something a bit different-

    BB2
    WC4

    Kinsky
    Calafiori, Ajer, Shaw
    Bruno, Mbeumo, MGW, ELF
    Haaland, Thiago, DCL

    Petrovic, Van Ewijk, Thomas, Sangare

    1. Happyhiccup
      • 5 Years
      3 hours, 57 mins ago

      Sangare of Brentford?

      1. 1justlookin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        3 hours, 52 mins ago

        Forest

        1. Happyhiccup
          • 5 Years
          3 hours, 42 mins ago

          Ooh I was expecting Brentford’s, still solid looking options, only thing would say is do you need to burn a wc, I’d expect a lot of your team to still be relevant gw4 with free transfers covering your changes

          1. 1justlookin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            3 hours, 35 mins ago

            I know what you mean mate but i just thought I'd commit to it for a change. Gives me an opportunity to take out Mbeumo, Le Fee and Thiago for the likes of J.Pedro etc..

  20. FPL Emu
    • 15 Years
    3 hours, 58 mins ago

    Are there any 5.0 midfielders that are actually worth the extra 0.5 to get in for bench boost?

    Are there even any good 4.5-5.0 mids at all?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      3 hours, 57 mins ago

      Are there even any good 4.5-5.0 mids at all?I dont think so...

    2. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
      • 15 Years
      3 hours, 53 mins ago

      Might have to go to 5.5 if it's for a BB

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 hours, 53 mins ago

      Gomez of Brighton is the best I could find

    4. Davros
      • 17 Years
      3 hours, 39 mins ago

      Norgaard when he’s not injured

  21. Pompel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 hours, 56 mins ago

    How nailed is Shaw ? Do I need to find the extra £05m to stretch to Maguire for nailedness?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      3 hours, 55 mins ago

      it depends if they sign someone to replace him

      1. Pompel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 hours, 52 mins ago

        Any credible rumors on that?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 12 Years
          3 hours, 50 mins ago

          read a few posts on reedit .

        2. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          3 hours, 43 mins ago

          Still very much interested in for Hall apparently.

          1. Pompel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 hours, 34 mins ago

            Txs all, I’ll see if can find the extra 0.5

  22. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 12 Years
    3 hours, 55 mins ago

    too early to get these players - yes or no

    a jacquet
    b muharemovic
    c Vuskovic

    cheers 🙂

    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      3 hours, 54 mins ago

      Going A

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 12 Years
        3 hours, 52 mins ago

        so

        a no
        b yes
        c yes

        I really should have made my question clearer lol

        ty 🙂

      2. Brosstan
        • 12 Years
        3 hours, 49 mins ago

        Didnt you just say "no newcomers"?

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 hours, 53 mins ago

      B probably the safest for now.
      But A could be great
      C has Europe …

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 12 Years
        3 hours, 52 mins ago

        perfect, thank you v much!

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 12 Years
          3 hours, 51 mins ago

          maguire for first 2 could become jacquet, assuming no price change of course

          1. Albrightondknight
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 hours, 33 mins ago

            Plan of Jacque in for 3 doesn’t sound bad.
            Just don’t book too many transfers in advance. Spent the last 2 days tweaking the final draft so I can minimize planned transfers.

    3. Captain Mal
      • 2 Years
      3 hours, 51 mins ago

      Muharemovic should be nailed.
      I'd keep an eye on the other two, but wouldn't go there yet.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 12 Years
        3 hours, 51 mins ago

        thank you captain.

    4. Davros
      • 17 Years
      3 hours, 37 mins ago

      No

  23. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    3 hours, 55 mins ago

    0.5 left, where to spend & who’s worth a gamble at 4.5 mid?

    A Hold

    B Szobo > Wirtz

    C Shaw > Maguire

    Kinsky
    Calafiori, Jacquet, Shaw
    Bruno, Semenyo, Szobo, Tzolis,
    Pedro, DCL, Haaland

    Dubz, Greaves, ????, Konsa

    1. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 hours, 50 mins ago

      C all day long

      1. g40steve
        • 8 Years
        3 hours, 44 mins ago

        Thx

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      3 hours, 40 mins ago

      C

    3. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      3 hours, 39 mins ago

      “I’m not taking the newcomers reputations until proven we’ve been here before. Sticking with proven players until others emerge.”

      Jacquet, Tzolis?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 12 Years
        3 hours, 36 mins ago

        dude is allowed to change his mind 🙂

        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          3 hours, 35 mins ago

          Been like 6 hours hahaha

          1. Albrightondknight
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 hours, 32 mins ago

            I do a new draft every 6 minutes.

      2. g40steve
        • 8 Years
        3 hours, 32 mins ago

        Both were outstanding Tzolis was unplayable against City & Jacquet looks like a young Virgil against Como

        Got bench if needed.

        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          3 hours, 30 mins ago

          Does that class them as “proven” then?

          1. g40steve
            • 8 Years
            3 hours, 19 mins ago

            Decent audition

  24. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 hours, 55 mins ago

    A. DCL and Schade (bench headache)
    B. Wirtz and 4.5 forward. Have Szob already
    Not going BB in either scenario.

    1. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 hours, 48 mins ago

      DCL Ndiaye

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 hours, 32 mins ago

        Cheers

  25. marpy016
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    3 hours, 54 mins ago

    Thoughts on this BB1, I like the depth because I can defer until international break:

    Verbruggen
    Calafiori - Muharemovic - Maguire
    Bruno - Mbuemo - Tzolis - Gross
    Haaland - JP - DCL

    Kinsky - N'Diaye - Ajaer - Davis

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      3 hours, 49 mins ago

      what about maguire to shaw and gross to hinchelwood?

    2. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 hours, 47 mins ago

      Bench is weak so great team but not for a BB1

  26. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 12 Years
    3 hours, 54 mins ago

    hinchelwood is still a good pick despite the arrival of David isnt he?

    1. Captain Mal
      • 2 Years
      3 hours, 44 mins ago

      David is a striker, so Hinshelwood won't be affected directly - though Rutter/Kostoulas could take minutes off him.
      I don't expect Hinshelwood to be a 90-minute player either way, but is a reasonable punt with enough upside. Arguably slightly overpriced, but if you can fit him in, why not?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 12 Years
        3 hours, 41 mins ago

        he s more exciting than gross and at this price range might be the best option. he could have a great season. it's him or schade or swap to 343 with David up front. cheers

  27. LangerznMash
    • 10 Years
    3 hours, 49 mins ago

    DEFCON + goal threat + cleansheet potential combined… best way to spend £26.5m = VVD / Collins / Vuskovic / Muharemovic / Ajer.

    1. Brosstan
      • 12 Years
      3 hours, 48 mins ago

      With that logic for maxing value you should own Gabriel for sure.

      1. LangerznMash
        • 10 Years
        3 hours, 42 mins ago

        Maybe,
        Gabriel / Muharemovic / Vuskovic / Ajer / Rodon… this looks better but costs £0.5m more

  28. bigbudgie
    • 12 Years
    3 hours, 47 mins ago

    Spurs make these signings Savinho and Marmoush what on earth is their starting XI going to be....anyone?

    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      3 hours, 37 mins ago

      We
      Spent Too Much Money
      On Average Players
      Because Relegation Looms

      1. Beto Hall Tzol
        • 9 Years
        3 hours, 24 mins ago

        Well the good news may be average is an upgrade. Maybe they invest in physio dept also.

        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          3 hours, 20 mins ago

          They’re in danger of winning the transfer window

  29. Happyhiccup
    • 5 Years
    3 hours, 45 mins ago

    No-one got any love for Anderson? Yes new team new manager but still expecting defcon, will get on the assists, corner and fk taker? What am I missing?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      3 hours, 44 mins ago

      might not get as many defcons with city? sangare could be the new anderson 🙂

      1. Happyhiccup
        • 5 Years
        3 hours, 38 mins ago

        Was banking on more assist opportunities 🙂

    2. Beto Hall Tzol
      • 9 Years
      3 hours, 21 mins ago

      Agree different proposition now in this side. Other options at his price and may crowd out optimal 3 city (Haaland, Semenyo, def) if they rebound from the weekends woeful effort.

  30. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 12 Years
    3 hours, 45 mins ago

    would you sacrific mbeumo to amad in order to improve defence?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 12 Years
      3 hours, 45 mins ago

      sacrifice

    2. Captain Mal
      • 2 Years
      3 hours, 42 mins ago

      Depends on chip strategy. If going for an early WC, I'd want Mbeumo in my team. If you plan to go longer, I'd be more comfortable ignoring him.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 12 Years
        3 hours, 39 mins ago

        wc as late as possible. these opening 2 fixtures are so good but no mbeumo means I can afford tark and raya at the back...and hinchelwood instead of gross 🙂 thank you v much!!