When the full 2023-24 Premier League fixture list was released back on June 15th, naturally the first thing most FPL managers looked at were those all-important Gameweek 1 fixtures. These matches are always a huge factor in any fantasy bosses’ thinking when it comes to selecting their first squad of the season.
As we inch ever closer to the Gameweek 1 deadline at 18:30 (UK) on Friday, here is the list of fixtures for the opening round of the Premier League and the key ramifications from an FPL perspective.
Friday 11th August
Burnley vs Man City (20:00)
Saturday 12th August
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest (15:00)
Bournemouth vs West Ham (15:00)
Brighton vs Luton (15:00)
Everton vs Fulham (15:00)
Sheffield Utd vs Crystal Palace (15:00)
Newcastle vs Aston Villa (17:30)
Sunday 13th August
Brentford vs Spurs (14:00)
Chelsea vs Liverpool (16:30)
Monday 14th August
Man Utd vs Wolves (20:00)
All kick-off times are UK
Key Gameweek 1 Fixture Ramifications
Many FPL managers are likely to see the three newly promoted sides as ones to target in terms of owning assets going up against those clubs. With that in mind, Championship winners Burnley vs Premier League champions Man City stands out as a potentially lucrative fixture from a fantasy point of view. These two clubs clashed in last season’s FA Cup quarter-final, with Man City thrashing the Clarets 6-0 at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland (£14.0m) scored a hat-trick in that game and it will be no surprise to see the Norwegian out of his own as both the highest owned Gameweek 1 asset and the most captained player.
Haaland isn’t the only player capable of racking up significant fantasy points in this particular fixture though, as midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (£10.5m) is likely to create plenty of goalscoring opportunities for Man City and may also gain chances of his own.
Elsewhere, Brighton assets are proving extremely popular ahead of their home fixture against Luton. Roberto De Zerbi’s ultra-attacking style of play could see the Hatters struggle in their Premier League bow and FPL managers will look to try and capitalise. Winger Kaoru Mitoma (£6.5m) is courting plenty of interest, as is new record signing Joao Pedro (£5.5m).
Two other clubs who look to have gained favourable fixtures to begin the campaign are Arsenal and Man Utd. The Gunners were top of the table for a large period of last season and will want to hit the ground running at home to a Nott’m Forest side who just managed to stay up. With key forward Gabriel Jesus injured, the Arsenal midfield is one to focus on FPL wise, the likes of Martin Odegaard (£8.5m), Buyako Saka (£8.5m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£8.0m) all being attractive picks.
Man Utd meanwhile, host a Wolves side who have endured a turbulent summer, leading to head coach Julen Lopetegui leaving the club around 62 hours before the season officially starts. Handicaps relating to FFP have seen them unable to adequately strengthen their squad and Erik ten Hag’s side could take full advantage. Fantasy bosses will therefore be eying up the likes of Marcus Rashford (£9.0m), Bruno Fernandes (£8.5m) and left-back Luke Shaw (£5.5m) as players capable of providing lucrative Gameweek 1 returns.
