We are here with our best Gameweek 1 FPL Midfielder Picks for this Week. With the 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season finally underway, managers are already looking for the best midfielders to build their Gameweek 1 squads around. With several premium options, exciting new arrivals and budget-friendly picks available, choosing the right midfielders could make a huge difference to your opening-week rank.
Here are our top five FPL midfielders to buy for Gameweek 1.
1. Martin Ødegaard — £6.5m
Martin Ødegaard endured a difficult campaign for Arsenal last season, looking like a shadow of the player who had previously established himself as one of the Premier League's best creative midfielders.
However, the Norwegian has looked like a completely different player recently. His performances for Norway at the World Cup were excellent, while he also got on the scoresheet in Arsenal's impressive 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Ødegaard currently looks like a player reborn, and his £6.5m FPL price makes him particularly appealing. With Arsenal facing Coventry in Gameweek 1, he could be one of the best budget midfielders to own from the opening weekend.
2. Bruno Fernandes — £12.0m
After a record-breaking Premier League campaign, Bruno Fernandes returns to FPL at an eye-catching £12.0m price tag.
The Manchester United captain enjoyed an outstanding season, breaking the all-time Premier League record for assists with an incredible 21 assists. While his price is undoubtedly premium, it can be justified when considering the numbers he produced last season.
United also have an attractive opening fixture against newly promoted Hull. Fernandes is expected to remain central to everything Manchester United do in attack, making him one of the safest premium midfield choices for Gameweek 1.
3. Antoine Semenyo — £8.5m
Antoine Semenyo could be one of the most appealing midfield options at £8.5m, particularly for FPL managers looking for a nailed-on starter.
Semenyo faces his former club Bournemouth in Gameweek 1 and enters the season with plenty of momentum following his excellent form last campaign. While City have several exciting attacking options, including Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden, rotation could potentially be a concern for some of them.
Semenyo, meanwhile, looks like one of Enzo Maresca's key players and should offer greater security when it comes to minutes. If he can continue his excellent form against Bournemouth, he could quickly become one of the most popular midfield picks.
4. Cole Palmer — £9.5m
Cole Palmer had a frustrating campaign last season, with injuries limiting his appearances and his performances falling below the incredibly high standards he had previously established.
However, 2026/27 could be a make-or-break season for the Chelsea star, and Fulham provides him with an excellent opportunity to remind FPL managers why he is regarded as one of the league's best attacking players.
With Xabi Alonso now in charge, Palmer could be given the freedom and tactical responsibility needed to rediscover his best form. At £9.5m, he carries some risk, but if Palmer returns to his peak level, that price could quickly look like a bargain.
5. Bryan Mbeumo — £8.0m
For managers who want a Manchester United midfielder without spending £12.0m on Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo could be the ideal alternative.
Mbeumo has looked extremely promising during pre-season, and his versatility makes him particularly interesting from an FPL perspective. Carrick has even used him as a striker, which could significantly increase his goal-scoring potential if that role continues into the Premier League season.
At just £8.0m , Mbeumo offers an intriguing combination of attacking potential, starting security and positional flexibility. If he carries his pre-season form into the campaign, he could be one of the standout midfield bargains of the season.
Final Verdict
From Ødegaard's budget appeal to Fernandes' premium consistency, there are plenty of strong midfield options for Gameweek 1. Ødegaard, Fernandes, Semenyo, Palmer and Mbeumo all offer different routes to FPL points, making them five players worth serious consideration before the opening deadline.
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