FPL GW1: Semenyo leads City tips vs Bournemouth

Manchester City host Bournemouth on Sunday 23 August in Gameweek 1 of the Premier League season, with kick-off at 14:00 (UK). The fixture marks Enzo Maresca's first top-flight game in charge since his appointment as manager this summer.

Antoine Semenyo (£8.5m) is the standout Fantasy Premier League pick ahead of the deadline on Friday 21 August at 18:30 (UK). The midfielder recorded five assists in three pre-season matches against Inter, K League All Stars and Atletico Madrid across 176 minutes — an assist every 35.2 minutes.

Semenyo's pre-season form follows a strong 2025/26 FPL campaign. His 17 goals last season were more than any midfielder, and his 23 attacking returns ranked second among all midfielders. He also posted six Defensive Contribution Points, 18 Bonus Points and 12 clean sheets, with four of those Defensive Contribution Points coming directly against Sunday's opponents Bournemouth.

Bournemouth's Evanilson (£6.0m) is flagged as the one to watch from the visiting side, having netted three goals and contributed two assists during pre-season.

Among differentials, Brentford's new signing Mamadou Sangare (£5.5m) scored in his side's final pre-season friendly and is expected to contribute regular Defensive Contribution Points. Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (£6.5m), who delivered a solid FPL season in 2025/26, has registered three assists in pre-season and carries low ownership heading into Gameweek 1.