In today’s article, we’re diving into the world of AI predictions for Fantasy Premier League (FPL). As we approach Gameweek 1, Drafthound’s AI has crunched the numbers and made some bold predictions about which players are most likely to rack up the highest FPL points.
While AI offers a data-driven approach, we’ll also be adding our own analysis and insights to give you a well-rounded perspective.
AI Predictions: The Top Gameweek 1 Picks
Before we dive into the list, let’s take a closer look at why these AI predictions might make sense—and where they might be taking some risks. We’ll be comparing these AI predictions to traditional FPL wisdom and discussing whether following the algorithm could give you an edge over your rivals.
1. Erling Haaland (Man City)
- Expected Points: 6.5
- Position: Forward
- Price: £15.0m
- Ownership: 45.6%
- Fixture: vs. Chelsea (A)
AI Insight: Haaland tops the list with the highest expected points. Given his exceptional form last season, it’s no surprise that the AI favors him, even against a tough opponent like Chelsea.
FPL Expert Insight: Haaland is almost a set-and-forget for us here. He already bagged a hat-trick against Chelsea in preseason, and we expect him to carry on his impressive form against them in Gameweek 1.
2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- Expected Points: 6.1
- Position: Midfielder
- Price: £12.5m
- Ownership: 35.2%
- Fixture: vs. Ipswich (A)
AI Insight: Salah is a reliable FPL performer, and the AI predicts he’ll continue this trend against newly promoted Ipswich. Historically, Salah thrives in matches against lower-tier teams and always performs well in opening fixtures, making this prediction seem spot-on.
FPL Expert Insight: We agree with the AI and believe that Salah is a strong pick for Gameweek 1.
3. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Expected Points: 5.7
- Position: Midfielder
- Price: £10.0m
- Ownership: 27.4%
- Fixture: vs. Wolves (H)
AI Insight: Arsenal’s star is expected to shine in their opening fixture at home against Wolves. The AI sees Saka as a key player in what could be a dominant performance by Arsenal. With Wolves struggling defensively last season, Saka’s chances of a big haul look promising.
FPL Expert Insight: It’s important to note that Saka hasn’t had much preseason, which could affect his minutes. Whether he starts Gameweek 1 remains to be seen.
4. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
- Expected Points: 5.7
- Position: Midfielder
- Price: £8.5m
- Ownership: 16.8%
- Fixture: vs. Wolves (H)
AI Insight: Ødegaard is projected to be one of Arsenal’s key playmakers in their opener against Wolves. The AI sees his creativity and set-piece potential as crucial for accumulating points, especially against a side that struggled defensively last season. However, with Arsenal having multiple attacking options, there’s always the possibility that the points could be spread out among different players, potentially limiting Ødegaard’s ceiling.
FPL Expert Insight: While the points could be spread, Ødegaard still looks like an attractive pick, particularly because he’s guaranteed to start, having had a full preseason with Arsenal. We expect him to play longer minutes than Saka.
5. Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Expected Points: 5.1
- Position: Midfielder
- Price: £10.0m
- Ownership: 10.9%
- Fixture: vs. Leicester (A)
AI Insight: Son is predicted to be a standout performer in Tottenham’s clash with Leicester. His ability to exploit space on the counter makes him a significant threat, especially away from home where Spurs can play to his strengths. The AI backs him to deliver.
FPL Expert Insight: Son is a solid pick for Gameweek 1, facing a newly promoted side with a favorable fixture. With an ownership of just 10.9%, he’s a strong differential option.
6. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
- Expected Points: 4.9
- Position: Forward
- Price: £8.5m
- Ownership: 56.4%
- Fixture: vs. Southampton (H)
AI Insight: Isak’s high ownership and expected points reflect the AI’s confidence in his ability to find the back of the net against Southampton. The AI considers Isak’s physical presence and finishing ability to be key in breaking down Southampton’s defense.
FPL Expert Insight: Isak is a solid pick with good fixtures not just in Gameweek 1, but across the first five gameweeks. After a strong season last year, he’s a reliable option.
7. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
- Expected Points: 4.8
- Position: Midfielder
- Price: £7.5m
- Ownership: 31.1%
- Fixture: vs. Southampton (H)
AI Insight: Gordon is expected to play a pivotal role in Newcastle’s attack against Southampton. The AI highlights his potential for assists and contributions from set-pieces as reasons for his predicted points.
FPL Expert Insight: Priced at £7.5 million, Gordon is a pick we can’t overlook this Gameweek given his relatively easy fixture. Last season, Gordon was instrumental for Newcastle, and we expect him to continue his impressive form.
8. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
- Expected Points: 4.8
- Position: Defender
- Price: £7.0m
- Ownership: 25.3%
- Fixture: vs. Ipswich (A)
AI Insight: Alexander-Arnold’s expected points reflect his dual threat as both a defender and a playmaker. The AI factors in his crossing accuracy and set-piece deliveries, which could be decisive against Ipswich.
FPL Expert Insight: While Liverpool’s defense wasn’t the most solid last season, Alexander-Arnold’s attacking output often compensates, making him a high-reward pick, albeit with some defensive risk. He’s a good shout with great fixtures.
9. Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
- Expected Points: 4.7
- Position: Midfielder
- Price: £7.5m
- Ownership: 8.1%
- Fixture: vs. Ipswich (A)
AI Insight: Jota is seen by the AI as a potential game-changer in Liverpool’s front line. His ability to play across multiple attacking positions and his knack for being in the right place at the right time are key factors in his expected points. However, with Liverpool’s depth in attack, rotation is a concern that could limit his minutes and, consequently, his points.
FPL Expert Insight: Jota appeals to us as a strong pick, especially since Nunez and Gakpo haven’t had enough preseason with Liverpool. Jota could be the main striker for at least the first two to three gameweeks.
10. Luis Díaz (Liverpool)
- Expected Points: 4.7
- Position: Midfielder
- Price: £7.5m
- Ownership: 8.2%
- Fixture: vs. Ipswich (A)
AI Insight: Luis Díaz is tipped by the AI to have a strong showing against Ipswich, particularly due to his pace and ability to stretch defenses. The AI values his potential for direct goal contributions in a match where Liverpool is expected to dominate possession. However, like Jota, Díaz faces competition for starting spots, which could impact his minutes and point potential.
FPL Expert Insight: While Díaz is a solid option, we’re not too keen on him, simply because there are better and safer picks in that price bracket. If you already have Salah in your side, then Díaz is not an ideal pick.
In conclusion, while AI provides valuable insights, it’s crucial to balance these predictions with traditional FPL wisdom and personal analysis. This approach ensures a more holistic strategy for Gameweek 1 and beyond.