Pras_FPL Gameweek 1 Tips: Back Isak Over Haaland In Attack

The Premier League is back and with it comes the return of FPL. Content creator and seasoned expert Pras_FPL takes you through his FPL Gameweek 1 tips.

I’m Pras_FPL and welcome to the first of a weekly series for SportsCasting where I will be providing my thoughts on my FPL picks for each gameweek.

For context, over the last 12 seasons of FPL I have achieved four top 10k finishes, including two top 5k finishes. My seasonal average over the last five seasons is around 21.4k.

Pras’ FPL Gameweek 1 Tips

Captain Pick

I don’t think you can go wrong with either Salah or Isak this week as captain picks. Both also have a fantastic run of next fixtures in their opening five.

Defence – Gabriel

• Fixture: Wolves, Home

For Gameweek the defender with the most upside is Gabriel. Not only are Arsenal really strong defensively but the Brazilian also provides a goal threat at the other end. He was comfortably ahead of his counterparts, William Saliba and Ben White, for xG last season.

While there is longer term security in picking Saliba, for one week only I am backing Gabriel for a clean sheet at home to Wolves with a chance for attacking returns.

Midfield – Mo Salah

• Fixture: Ipswich, Away

For me, Mo Salah and Bukayo Saka are the standout midfield picks this week. Salah historically has a stellar record against promoted sides in GW1, and it seems that Saka will start for Arsenal, following his mini-break, who have looked really sharp as a team in pre-season.

I will back the Egyptian this week for captaincy – I think Ipswich will give it a right go at home and this will play into Salah’s hands with space to exploit in behind the last line.

Attack – Alexander Isak

• Fixture: Southampton, Home

Going against Erling Haaland is never easy, but this week I am backing Alexander Isak. At just 8.5m, he is a bargain playing for a Newcastle team buoyed by the return of Nick Pope and Joelinton.

Isak registered 25 attacking returns in 27 starts last season, and home to the promoted Southampton is exactly the fixture where I am expecting a big haul. I don’t think you can go wrong with either Salah or Isak this week as captain picks. Both also have a fantastic run of next fixtures in their opening five.

For a detailed review, I co-host a podcast called The FPL Wire, and you can also follow me on X @Pras_FPL for more FPL tips.