Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Le Fée, Szoboszlai and Zirkzee headline the first FPL pre-season watchlist after the latest Premier League friendlies.
Results and observations updated: 27 July 2026
The first major round of Premier League friendlies has produced goals, injuries and early tactical clues.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Arsenal vs MK Dons | 3-0 |
| Bromley vs Crystal Palace | 3-0 |
| Fulham vs Norwich | 0-2 |
| Hull vs Konyaspor | 3-0 |
| Leeds vs Wrexham | 2-3 |
| Liverpool vs Sunderland | 4-2 |
| Rosenborg vs Manchester United | 0-5 |
| Tottenham vs Auckland | 2-0 |
| St Pauli vs Bournemouth |
Manchester United begin against promoted Hull and Ipswich. We compare Bruno Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo and the best defensive third pick.
James Garner has undergone groin surgery and is targeting a training return around the opening week. Here are Everton's safer FPL alternatives.
| 1-4 |
Friendly scores should not be treated as league predictions. Team strength, minutes and tactical roles matter more.
Bruno produced one of the standout early moments with a volley in Manchester United's 5-0 win.
United begin against Hull and Ipswich, so a strong pre-season supports an already convincing Gameweek 1 case.
Watchlist status: Strong rise.
Szoboszlai scored as Liverpool beat Sunderland 4-2.
His £7.0m price and Liverpool's opening fixtures make his tactical role one of the most important pre-season questions.
He becomes especially attractive when he plays close to the forward, takes penalties or direct free kicks and avoids a deeper role.
Watchlist status: Rising, role still required.
Le Fée scored a memorable long-range goal for Sunderland.
Sunderland begin away to Ipswich before hosting Fulham. His value comes from creativity and possible set pieces rather than one friendly goal.
Watchlist status: Differential watch.
Zirkzee was among Manchester United's attacking winners.
The performance improves his pre-season standing but does not guarantee a league start because United have several attacking options.
Watchlist status: Football winner, FPL minutes risk.
Hull kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 win.
Charlie Hughes is particularly interesting as a minimum-price defender because his defensive-action numbers could support contribution points.
The Gameweek 1 fixture against Manchester United makes him a bench option rather than a starting pick.
Bournemouth scored four against St Pauli.
Junior Kroupi's midfield classification and attacking role remain interesting, but Bournemouth start away to Manchester City.
Palace lost 3-0 to Bromley.
One early friendly should not remove Muñoz, Mitchell or Henderson from consideration, but a new manager means last season's defensive structure may not continue unchanged.
Fulham lost 2-0 to Norwich.
The club is adjusting under a new manager, while the opening match against Chelsea reduces immediate appeal.
Several players are starting because World Cup internationals remain absent.
A cheap player can perform well in July and lose his place in August.
| Category | Player or team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Premium winner | Bruno Fernandes | Role, fixtures and friendly performance |
| Mid-price riser | Szoboszlai | Goal, price and Liverpool fixtures |
| Differential | Enzo Le Fée | Set-piece potential and early fixtures |
| Rotation risk | Zirkzee | Strong performance but major competition |
| Budget defence | Hull | Minimum-price starting candidates |
| Schedule warning | Bournemouth | Difficult opening fixtures |
| Defensive warning | Crystal Palace | New manager and poor friendly result |
| Team to avoid early | Fulham | Tactical uncertainty |
Follow availability through OneFPL Injury News and compare players in the OneFPL Player Lab.
Bruno is the strongest early winner.
Szoboszlai and Le Fée have improved their appeal, but both need tactical confirmation. Zirkzee remains a watchlist player rather than a safe pick.
Yes, when they confirm a secure role or advanced position. They matter less when the player is covering for an absent international.
The final major friendly normally provides the best Gameweek 1 lineup clue.
No. Maintain a watchlist and act only when several positive signals agree.
OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
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