Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Strategy Behind Not Selecting Haaland for Gameweek 1

In the lead-up to Gameweek 1 of the Fantasy Premier League 2026/27 season, an expert has opted not to include Erling Haaland in their squad, despite his usual prominence as a top pick. The decision is based on a strategy that prioritizes squad flexibility and captaincy options.

The expert's current draft focuses on spreading the budget across midfield rather than investing heavily in Haaland. Bruno Fernandes is chosen as the captain for the first two Gameweeks, with the intention of maximizing points through various midfield options. The goalkeeper pairing is also designed for optimal rotation and to facilitate a Bench Boost strategy in Gameweek 2.

Defensive selections include players from Tottenham and Manchester United, with an emphasis on early fixtures and potential clean sheets. The squad is structured to allow for quick adjustments based on team news and performance, with plans to reintroduce Haaland for Gameweek 3. This approach balances risk and opportunity, aiming to capitalize on the opening fixtures while maintaining a pathway back to premium players.