Who are the Best Midfielders to Pick for FPL Gameweek 1?

Whether you’re an FPL veteran or just dipping your toes for the first time, you know that getting those midfield picks right can be a game-changer. With price changes, new transfers, and wild fixture lists, the midfield slot is the trickiest area to nail before the deadline. Let’s break down the midfield scene: from the essential premiums to budget heroes and explosive differentials, so you can build a squad with confidence, excitement, and maybe even a little risk.

Why Midfielders Matter in FPL

• Extra points for goals and clean sheets compared to forwards.
• They’re involved in both attack and defence, making them more reliable for bonus points.
• Many are on set-pieces, penalties, and have creative freedom in their teams.

Premium Essentials (£8.5m+)

Mohamed Salah (£14.5m, Liverpool)

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Salah is FPL royalty and comes off a record-breaking season (28 goals, 19 assists, 344 points). He’s delivered an attacking return in every Gameweek 1 for eight years running. Although his price tag makes him the Most Expensive Midfielder, it's for good reason. Liverpool face Bournemouth in their opener, whose defence has been gutted by summer sales. Put simply, going without Salah is not for the faint-hearted, securing his place in the Top 5 Midfielders for this season.

Cole Palmer (£10.5m, Chelsea)

Palmer has exploded as Chelsea’s talisman, and he’s nailed for minutes and penalties, guaranteeing attacking returns. With 5.8 points per game last season and a friendly fixture run, Palmer is one of the most popular picks. He’s a strong captaincy option in early weeks when Salah’s fixtures toughen up.

Bukayo Saka (£10.0m, Arsenal)

Saka is always a creative hub when fit, especially now Arsenal finally have a true striker (Gyökeres). His output remains elite, 5.1 points per game, and high expected goals involvement. Slight downside: tough early fixtures and maybe the loss of penalty duties. Still, he’s capable of hauling against anyone.

Omar Marmoush (£8.5m, Man City)

Just reclassified as a midfielder, Marmoush arrives off a monster club campaign, 28 goals and 17 assists in two leagues. He finished strong at Manchester City, leading the team in shots and big chance involvement. Man City’s early fixtures include Wolves, Spurs, Brighton, and Burnley, decent, not daunting.

Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m, Man United)

Despite United’s patchy form, Bruno always finds a way. Eight goals, 12 assists last season, and is still their creative heartbeat. Some FPL managers are cautious due to United’s tough opening schedule, but Bruno offers reliability along with explosive upside.

Mid-Price Mavericks (£6.5m–£8.0m)

Florian Wirtz (£8.5m, Liverpool)

The Bundesliga sensation joins a supercharged Liverpool midfield, and given his attacking record (21 goals, 23 assists in 63 Bundesliga games), he could easily outscore his price tag if he nails a starting spot.

Eberechi Eze (£7.5m, Crystal Palace)

Eze combines consistency and thrill; he’s Palace’s creator-in-chief with a double-digit goal and assist threat. Palace have decent fixtures to start, too, and you can be sure to see Eze in the goals or the assists with the help of Mateta.

James Ward-Prowse (£7.0m, West Ham)

Is it even FPL without a nod to Ward-Prowse’s set-piece magic? Always good for a surprise haul, especially against weaker teams early on.

Value Picks (£5.5m–£6.5m)

Mohammed Kudus (£6.5m, Spurs)

With Maddison injured and Son transferred to LA, Kudus is set to play an advanced role in Thomas Frank’s new-look Spurs. Spurs have one of the kindest fixture runs to start: Burnley, Bournemouth, West Ham, Wolves, and Leeds. High upside, minimal risk.

Iliman Ndiaye (£6.5m, Everton)

Everton’s main man, penalty taker, and consistent point-scorer. He’s a high-floor, steady option, great for stability with the odd big match. Judging from his performances last season and his pre-season form, Ndiaye will be among the goals this season for Everton.

Morgan Rogers (£7.0m, Aston Villa)

Villa attack is always lively, and Rogers steps up a bracket after last year’s bargain heroics. As long as he’s fit and starting, he’s a watchlist must. Paired with the likes of Madrid's Asensio, they complete a potent attacking threat for Villa.

Youri Tielemans (£6.0m, Aston Villa)

Minutes, dependable returns, and possible penalties, Tielemans is often overlooked, but his steady presence and Villa’s attacking style make him an enabler pick with genuine upside.

Budget Gems (£4.5m–£5.5m)

Elliot Anderson (£5.5m, Nottingham Forest)

Now a guaranteed starter on set-pieces, Anderson managed a blend of defensive stability and attacking involvement (two goals, six assists last season). With decent fixtures and Anthony Elanga gone, Anderson offers a high floor and sneaky upside. Making him one of the Best FPL Budget Midfielders.

Moises Caicedo (£5.5m, Chelsea)

Hardly explosive, but Mr. Reliable. Last season, Caicedo would’ve gained extra points from defensive work alone. The absolute set-and-forget budget option if you want to squeeze in more premiums. With the new Defensive Contribution Points, Caicedo will profit a lot.

Enzo Le Fée (£5.0m, Sunderland)

The chief set-piece taker, never missing a minute, backs up his involvement stats (highest expected assists/90 at his price). Sunderland have a softer start, and Le Fée is a creative sleeper pick.

Lewis Miley (£4.5m, Newcastle)

If you just need a dirt-cheap midfielder to bench, Miley is getting preseason minutes and could be a surprise, especially with Newcastle’s attack and their pressing style of play under Eddie Howe. Miley came in as quite a surprise for an injury-riddled Newcastle team last season.

Explosive Differentials to Watch

• Ryan Christie (£5.0m, Bournemouth): If fit, Christie can deliver in an attacking role for a side with a favourable run after GW1.
• Jhon Arias (£5.5m, Wolves): New creative hub with impressive Brazilian league stats. Watch for minutes early on, but the upside is real.

Building Your Midfield: Tips & Strategies

• Go with at least one premium, Salah, Palmer, or Saka, anchor your team, and offer captaincy options.
• Balance explosive picks and reliable enablers: If you want to fit in more big hitters up front, don’t ignore budget midfielders who play 90 minutes and chip in steady points.
• Follow the fixtures: Tottenham and Everton have easy starts, stacking Kudus and Ndiaye could deliver massive returns.
• Watch for injuries and late transfers: Preseason form matters, but always sit tight until press conference updates.

Suggested FPL Midfield Template for GW1 with Predicted Points from Sportsdunia's AI Points Predictor

The table below suggests our readers with top picks (Midfielders) for the upcoming gameweek 1 based on the FPL predicted points generated by Sportsdunia's AI FPL Points Predictor.

Disclaimer: Predicted FPL points given in the above tables by Sportsdunia's AI FPL Points Predictor are completely based on historical data and are not speculations. The sole purpose of the tool is to provide FPL players with predicted points for a particular player.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the FPL midfield in 2025/26 is all about balance. Lock in a premium (Salah), pair with reliable picks (Palmer, Kudus), and fill the gaps with enablers who get minutes. Stay alert for preseason news, play the fixtures, and don’t be afraid to back a differential if you’re feeling brave. Your midfield will be the engine of your FPL squad. Pick wisely, stick with your gut, and let the points roll in.