The Premier League is back, and with it comes the excitement of a brand-new Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season. As the first gameweek approaches, managers are busy finalizing their squads, strategizing for the long campaign ahead.

The season's kick-off is set for 17th August at 12.30 AM IST, with Manchester United hosting Fulham at Old Trafford in a match that promises to set the tone for the opening weekend.

The deadline to finalize your FPL team is just one hour before kick-off, so time is of the essence.

As expected, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah are among the most sought-after players this season. Haaland, coming off a record-breaking campaign, is priced at a whopping £15m, the highest in FPL history.

Salah follows closely at £12.5m, reflecting his consistent goal-scoring prowess. Chelsea's young midfielder Cole Palmer has seen his value rise to £10.5m, reflecting his growing importance in the team.

While the big names will dominate many FPL teams, differential picks could be the key to gaining an advantage in the early gameweeks. Diogo Jota, priced at £7.5m, is one such option.

Another intriguing pick is Emile Smith Rowe, now priced at £5.5m following his transfer to Fulham. Smith Rowe has been guaranteed a starting role, making him an attractive budget option in midfield.

In defense, Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah, priced at £4.5m, is a potential bargain. Last season, Arsenal boasted one of the Premier League’s best defenses, and having at least one of their defenders in your FPL squad could pay dividends.

Both Gabriel and William Saliba are priced at £6.0m, offering solid options for those looking to invest in a reliable defense.

The start of a new season offers a fresh slate for FPL managers, players, and fans alike. With no form to go on, picking the right players from the get-go is crucial.

To help you get off to a flying start, we’ve analyzed the top picks and potential differential options building two 15-man sides for the opening weekend with and £100m budget in mind.

Fantasy Premier League Team 1 (3-4-3)

Goalkeeper: Pickford (EVE - £5.0m)

Defence: Robinson (FUL - £4.5m), Saliba (ARS - £6.0m), Quansah (LIV- £4.5m)

Midfield: M.Salah (LIV - £12.5m), Kulusevski (TOT - £6.5m), Nkunku (CHE - £6.5m), Smith Rowe (FUL - £5.5m)

Forward: Haaland (MCI - £15.0m), Isak (NEW - £8.5m), Watkins (AVL - £9.0m)

Reserves: Valdimarsson (BRE - £4.0m), Harwood-Bellis (SOU - £4.0m), Faes (LEI - £4.0m), Winks (LEI - £4.5m)

Captain: Mohamed Salah, Vice-Captain: Erling Haaland

PL Fantasy Premier League Team 2 (3-5-2)

Goalkeeper: Ederson M. (MCI - £5.5m)

Defence: Pedro Porro (TOT- £5.5m), Gabriel (ARS - £6.0m), Robertson (LIV - £6.0m)

Midfield: Palmer (CHE- £10.5m), Ødegaard (ARS - £8.5m), Amad (MUN - £5.0m), Minteh (BHA - £5.5m), Diogo J. (LIV- £7.5m)

Forward: Haaland (MCI - £15.0m), Solanke (TOT - £7.5m)

Reserves: Flekken (BRE - £4.5m), Barco (BHA - £4.0m), Faes (LEI - £4.0m), Cannon (LEI - £4.5m)

Captain: Diogo Jota, Vice-Captain: Martin Odegaard