FPL predictions: Which players will score the most points in Gameweek 1?

Open up your spreadsheet, select your witty team name and lock in your first draft, it's time for 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League.

The addictively torturous experience of FPL is well underway for another season as Gameweek 1 creeps closer and time is running out to select your squad for the opening round of fixtures. It's a stressful and often punishing escapade but how else are you going to prove your staggering ball knowledge to your friends and family?

Fortunately, we've done a little research to help you on your journey, compiling a list of the players most likely to offer up sizeable hauls in Gameweek 1.

Let's take a look, shall we?

Goalkeepers

Let's start with the boring bit, eh? Goalkeepers can prove frustrating in FPL given they're extremely unlikely to earn many points if they don't keep a clean sheet - although the odd penalty save and some bonus points are possible, of course.

Therefore, you want to prioritise a goalkeeper that plays behind a solid defence, with David Raya (£5.5m) the obvious option. A significant contributor to the sternest rearguard in the Premier League last season - earning 135 points in the process - the Arsenal stopper kicks off his campaign with a home clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers. A clean sheet looks likely.

Alisson (£5.5m) could also net a healthy haul given Liverpool's opening fixture comes away at newly-promoted Ipswich Town and the Reds have kept three clean sheets during their six pre-season matches, conceding no more than one in any fixture.

A cheaper option would be Mark Flekken (£4.5m), with Brentford hosting Crystal Palace. The Eagles have lost Michael Olise this summer and will be without sharpshooter Jean-Philippe Mateta for the beginning of the campaign. The Bees could keep a clean sheet, with Flekken grabbing a few save points, too.

Defenders

There's a theme emerging here already. It seems essential to invest in Arsenal's defence somehow and William Saliba (£6m) and Gabriel (£6m) are the standout choices. Guaranteed to start, they were consistent FPL assets last term with goals and clean sheets and both scored in the Gunners' most recent 2-0 friendly victory over Lyon.

If you're more of a full-back enthusiast in FPL then there are some enticing options. Tottenham's Pedro Porro (£5.5m) could bag a nice return away at newly-promoted Leicester City in GW1, as could Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier (£6m) at home to Southampton.

If you fancy a riskier gamble, Aston Villa summer signing Ian Maatsen (£5m) could offer a healthy reward. The attack-minded left-back, who can even play as a winger, managed three goals, two assists and ten clean sheets in 23 appearances on loan at Borussia Dortmund last season. He faces West Ham on the road in his debut match for the Villans.

Manchester United are rarely a safe bet in FPL these days but Diogo Dalot (£5m) could be a steady provider early in the season. Kicking off at home to Fulham in GW1, the Portugal international is guaranteed to start following Aaron Wan-Bissaka's departure and managed 111 points last term - the 15th highest of any defender in 2023/24.

Midfielders

The obvious and most expensive midfield option, Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) could well be essential for GW1. Liverpool are away at Ipswich and it's, well, Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian is an FPL legend and offers great value in spite of his large price tag. If he starts, Diogo Jota (£7.5m) could also lead the line for the Reds at Portman Road, yet he's classified as a midfielder in the game.

Again, you're safe with Arsenal midfielders at home to Wolves. Bukayo Saka (£10m) and Martin Odegaard (£8.5m) are the prime selections, while even Declan Rice (£6.5m) managed 165 points last season and grabbed two assists from set pieces against Lyon in the Gunners' aforementioned friendly.

Anthony Gordon (£7.5m) could rack up some serious numbers at home to Southampton in GW1, as could Bryan Mbeumo (£7m) at home against Crystal Palace. The Cameroonian could play up front despite being a midfielder in FPL.

Son Heung-min (£10m) has a strong record against Leicester and has been in great form during pre-season. He's always a reliable provider in FPL. The same can be said of Bruno Fernandes (£8.5m) at Man Utd, although Alejandro Garnacho (£6.5m) could be a better shout against Fulham.

Forwards

As obvious as Salah is Manchester City forward Erling Haaland (£15m). He costs an absolute fortune this season and starts with a tricky trip to Chelsea, but a regular stream of pre-season goals - including a hat-trick against Sunday's opponents - and two consecutive Golden Boots are enough to convince us.

Alexander Isak (£8.5m) is one of FPL's most popular options prior to GW1 and for good reason. He scored 21 goals last season in just 30 outings and a home clash against Southampton means he will be fighting for the armband in many FPL teams.

Ollie Watkins (£9m) is another reliable goal-getter and a trip to a West Ham side that kept just one clean sheet during pre-season - that coming against fifth tier Dagenham & Redbridge - is an exciting proposition.

On the cheaper side of things, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6m) could be an interesting differential for GW1. Facing a Brighton side under new management, the England striker could add to the two goals he netted in pre-season.

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