90min

FPL Gameweek 1: Top AI captain picks

  • FPL returns with Haaland the front-runner for Gameweek 1 captaincy
  • Fantasy Football Hub is a purpose-built site to help turn FPL managers to FPL winners
  • Compete against your friends, family and work colleagues for bragging rights

By Holly Shand

Haaland and Rashford are among the top captain options
Haaland and Rashford are among the top captain options / Visionhaus / Contributor / Alex Caparros / Stringer
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After weeks of building our Fantasy Premier League squads there's still some big decisions to make ahead of FPL Gameweek 1, including which player to captain.

With favourable fixtures for Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal there are plenty of options on the table.

So who are the top picks? We've picked out the best selections in conjunction with Fantasy Football Hub's powerful AI Points Predictions tool to show their predicted points for the Premier League's opening weekend.

Erling Haaland vs Burnley (A) | Predicted Points: 8.2

Erling Haaland
Haaland scored 36 league goals last season / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

There are no surprises about the top AI prediction for Gameweek 1.

Erling Haaland produced the best goalscoring season ever seen in the Premier League in 2022/23, netting 36 goals. The big Norwegian has already scored against 16 Premier League teams and will be looking to make it 17 on Friday evening against Burnley.

It couldn't get much better for Haaland with a match against a newly promoted side. His popularity in the game is colossal, currently sitting in 86.5% of sides which will be a new record for Gameweek 1. Many owners will captain him so the safe play for this early phase of the season is to follow the crowd and the AI.

Marcus Rashford vs Wolves (H) | Predicted Points: 6.5

Marcus Rashford
Rashford will lead Man Utd's attack / Visionhaus/GettyImages

For those who fancy more of a maverick start to the campaign, Marcus Rashford looks like the best placed alternative to Haaland to captain in Gameweek 1. Manchester United face a Wolves side who have parted ways with Julen Lopetegui before the season has even begun, surely giving the Red Devils an advantage heading into the contest.

Rashford is expected to lead the line with newcomer Rasmus Hojlund out injured for the first few weeks of the season. His record at Old Trafford last season was phenomenal with 13 of his 17 goals coming on home turf.

Only Haaland scored more fantasy points in home games in 2022/23 and that trend could continue this season.

Bukayo Saka vs Nottingham Forest (H) | Predicted Points: 5.9

Bukayo Saka
Saka is an outside captain contender / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

When it comes to the captaincy decision for FPL Gameweek 1, don't discount Bukayo Saka either.

Arsenal kick off their campaign against a Nottingham Forest side still shopping for a first choice goalkeeper. Saka was the most prolific of the Gunners' attackers last campaign, contributing 14 goals and 12 assists.

This fixture ended 5-0 in Arsenal’s favour in 2022/23, with Saka on the scoresheet. The England winger has the added appeal of being on penalties and regularly completes 90 minutes, which could be beneficial with added time now extended in the Premier League following a change in rules.

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