Are Haaland, Bruno, Gabriel and João Pedro Essential for FPL Gameweek 1?

The short answer

Official Fantasy has identified Erling Haaland (£15.5m), Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m), Gabriel (£8.0m) and João Pedro (£7.5m) as its four must-have players for the start of 2026/27.

OneFPL agrees that all four are excellent. But "excellent" and "essential" are not identical.

OneFPL essential rating

Haaland: the hardest player to fade

Haaland is the most expensive FPL player ever at £15.5m, but official analysis says 71% of managers already own him.

He has also been the top-scoring player after the opening six Gameweeks in each of his four Manchester City seasons.

That creates two reasons to own him:

1. Expected points
2. Captaincy protection

Going without can work, but the rest of the squad needs to be meaningfully stronger.

Read Is Haaland worth £15.5m? for the full no-Haaland structure.

Bruno: fixture and role combine

Bruno was the highest-scoring FPL player after Michael Carrick took over in Gameweek 22 last season, producing 129 points in 17 Gameweeks.

United now open against Hull away and Ipswich at home.

That makes Bruno both a premium midfielder and a genuine captain alternative to Haaland.

There is a small late pre-season concern: Bruno has missed two recent penalties. That should be monitored, but it does not erase his overall role.

Compare him in the updated GW1 captain guide.

João Pedro: arguably the easiest value pick

João Pedro is £7.5m and official FPL says he scored eight pre-season goals and supplied two assists.

Chelsea also have a useful early schedule, including Fulham away before home matches against Brighton and Hull in the first four Gameweeks.

The combination of price and role makes him easier to fit than the other three.

If you are looking for one "must-have" that does not force major squad sacrifices, João Pedro is probably it.

Gabriel: brilliant, but there is an alternative

Gabriel scored 209 points in only 30 starts last season and combines clean sheets, set-piece threat and defensive contributions.

The issue is opportunity cost.

William Saliba's injury has allowed Cristhian Mosquera (£5.5m) to secure the centre-back role alongside Gabriel, according to the official final Scout Selection.

That means you can potentially save £2.5m while still buying into Arsenal's defence.

Read the updated best £5.5m Arsenal defender guide.

Can you own all four?

Yes.

They cost a combined £43.0m, leaving £57.0m for the remaining 11 squad positions.

The favourable £4.0m pricing of promoted defenders makes the structure possible.

See the OneFPL GW1 draft structures for complete squad examples.

OneFPL verdict

Haaland, Bruno and João Pedro are the hardest three to leave out. Gabriel is the best player of the four to replace if the £2.5m saving on Mosquera transforms your midfield or attack.

"Essential" should describe squad structure, not fear. If your alternative uses the money well, fading one premium can be completely rational.

FAQ

Who are the official FPL must-have players for GW1?

The Scout identifies Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel and João Pedro.

Can I fit all four in a £100m squad?

Yes, but you need to use several budget players, especially £4.0m promoted defenders.

Who is the easiest of the four to go without?

Gabriel, because Arsenal currently have a cheaper £5.5m route through Mosquera while Saliba is injured.

Sources

• Premier League: The Scout's must-haves for 2026/27 FPL
• Premier League: final Scout Selection