FPL: How to make a fast start in Fantasy Premier League 2025-26 with early points

The digital roar of the crowd is back, signaling the dawn of another Fantasy Premier League season. As managers across the globe meticulously craft their initial 15-man squads for the 2025-26 campaign, the universal aspiration remains clear: a blistering start. Accumulating early points isn't just about bragging rights; it lays a crucial foundation, building momentum and enabling greater flexibility as the season unfolds. To dissect the art of the swift ascent, we turned to FPL expert John Wallin of FantasyYIRMA, a veteran whose insights have guided countless managers to success.

Wallin’s primary directive for a fast start is unwavering: fixture analysis is paramount. "Too many managers get caught up chasing the big names or last season's heroes without first scrutinizing the opening schedule," Wallin advises. "Your initial five to eight gameweeks are where you can gain a significant edge. Identify teams with a benevolent run of fixtures – perhaps newly promoted sides facing fellow strugglers, or established teams with a kind opening home schedule." This granular approach allows managers to target defensive assets for clean sheets and attacking players from these teams who are likely to face less resistance, thereby maximizing their chances for consistent returns right out of the gate. It’s about building a core of players who are primed to deliver, not just those with the highest ownership.

Beyond the fixtures, Wallin emphasizes the importance of identifying "early point magnets." While premium assets like Erling Haaland or Mohamed Salah are often long-term staples, the early weeks can reward those who spot emerging form or new signings who hit the ground running. "Look for players who historically start seasons strong, or those who have had exceptional pre-seasons, showing consistent minutes and goal involvement," he suggests. This might include mid-priced midfielders from teams with attacking intent, or budget defenders from those aforementioned teams with favorable early fixtures. These players, often overlooked by the masses, can act as crucial differentials, propelling your rank upwards when they deliver unexpected hauls. Wallin cautions against overreacting to single friendly performances, instead advocating for a broader view of a player's readiness and role within their team.

Finally, Wallin highlights the often-underestimated power of early captaincy choices and strategic budget allocation. "Your captaincy picks in the first few weeks can be game-changers," he states. "Don't always default to the highest-owned premium. Sometimes, a differential captain from a team with a plum home fixture against a struggling side can pay massive dividends and give you a significant lead over your mini-league rivals." He advises having a clear captaincy plan for at least the first three to four gameweeks when building your initial squad. Furthermore, maintain a flexible squad structure; avoid locking too much budget into players with uncertain roles or lingering injury concerns. A strong bench with playing budget options can be invaluable for early rotation or unforeseen circumstances. Resist the urge for early transfer hits unless absolutely necessary for a major injury. Free transfers are a precious commodity, best used to iron out minor issues or capitalize on genuinely emerging form, rather than chasing points with multiple hasty transfers. By combining fixture analysis, shrewd player selection, and disciplined management, managers can indeed lay the groundwork for a truly dominant FPL 2025-26 season.