Five hidden FPL gems to watch as the 2026/27 season kicks off
FPL is back, and here are five hidden gems you might want to consider for your first drafts.
The 2026/27 Premier League season is just around the corner, with less than four weeks until Arsenal host Coventry City in the opening match.
While many fans are watching the transfer window to pass the time, lots of others have been excited for the new Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game to launch.
After teasing for days, the game officially went live at lunchtime on Thursday (July 23), and thousands of managers are already picking their first drafts.
The first thing most managers do is check out the popular players and their prices for this season.
But with Manchester City star Erling Haaland priced at a record £15.5 million and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes going up £3 million to £12 million, it’s impossible to include all the big names on your team.
That means you’ll need to find some budget-friendly players who offer good value. Here are five picks to watch as preseason kicks off.
At just £4.5 million, Shaw could be one of the best bargains in the whole game.
The main concern with Shaw has always been staying fit, but last season he started all 38 Premier League games for Manchester United, showing he can be a regular for Michael Carrick’s team.
He scored 113 points last season, just one less than Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, putting him in line with popular picks like Eli Junior Kroupi and ahead of players like Riccardo Calafiori and Lewis Hall.
However, with United playing in cup competitions this season, Patrick Dorgu, who is now classed as a midfielder in FPL, might take some game time from Shaw.
Every FPL season, fans try to find the perfect £4 million defender who can sit on the bench most weeks but step up when needed.
In the past, players like John Lundstram, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and last season’s hero Maxime Esteve have helped managers save money for other stars.
This season, all defenders from promoted teams are priced at £4 million, and Thomas stands out as one of the best.
Although many expect Coventry City to be relegated, Frank Lampard’s team kept 17 clean sheets last season. Thomas scored three goals and had four assists, showing he can bring in defensive points and some attacking returns.
Like defenders, budget goalkeepers are important too.
David Raya (£6 million) will likely be popular, but his London rival Kinsky (£4.5 million) could offer better value, with Spurs expected to improve a lot under their new manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Guglielmo Vicario is still with Spurs but was left off their preseason squad, so it looks like Kinsky will be the first-choice keeper.
His opening games against Brentford, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Everton, and Aston Villa look promising for big points.
Though more expensive than the others here, Szoboszlai might be the best value pick this season.
Liverpool are a bit unknown right now, having yet to play under new manager Andoni Iraola.
But if Iraola’s time at Bournemouth is any clue, Szoboszlai’s attacking style fits well with the fast-paced style Iraola likes.
He has good opening fixtures, takes free-kicks and corners, and might even get penalties with Mohamed Salah gone.
Szoboszlai could become one of the most popular players by game week 1.
Arsenal have the best defense in the Premier League right now, and many will want a cheap way to include part of their backline.
Gabriel was the top scoring defender last season but at £8 million, he’s too expensive for managers who want strong attacking options.
Mosquera could be the perfect alternative, expected to start alongside Gabriel while William Saliba recovers from a back injury.
Although Arsenal haven’t said exactly how long Saliba will be out, they confirmed it will be an “extended period,” so Mosquera could be a fantastic pick at the start of the season.