Top 5 FPL Teams with the Best First 3 Fixtures in 2025/26

Getting off to a strong start in FPL is all about targeting the right teams early. In this article, we break down the Best First 3 Fixtures in FPL 2025/26, highlighting five teams with the most favourable opening schedules.

These sides offer great early potential for clean sheets, goals, and strong captaincy options – making them ideal foundations for your Gameweek 1 squad.

Sunderland

According to the Fantasy Football Scout Fixture Ticker over on our sister site, Sunderland have a better starting schedule than any other side.

The Black Cats gained promotion from the Championship last season after their dramatic win against Sheffield United in the Play-off final.

A good start to the season could be crucial for their survival hopes, and with matches against West Ham, fellow promoted side Burnley and Brentford in their first three, they could well achieve that.

Burnley

Sunderland and Burnley make up the top two teams on the fixture ticker. Unlike Sunderland though, Burnley gained promotion to the Premier League by securing second place in the Championship – matching first-place Leeds for points, but lacking in goal difference.

Burnley come up against last seasons 17th place Tottenham in Gameweek 1, fellow promoted side Sunderland in Gameweek 2 and last seasons 15th place Manchester United in Gameweek 3.

Whilst Tottenham and Manchester United were poor last season, many expect them to be challenging for European spots in the upcoming campaign. This suggests that Burnley’ Gameweek 1 and 3 fixtures could be tougher than predicted.

Check out every Premier League sides best run of fixtures for the upcoming season.

Everton

Placed third is Everton. The Toffees finished two league places above and with eight points more than their dire 23/24 campaign. This shows that we have seen some growth since David Moyes took them under their wings.

Three consecutive losses in their opening league matches last season made it a tough start for the Toffees, but that is unlikely to repeat this time around. In fact, don’t be surprised to see them win during their first three matches with meetings against newly promoted Leeds, Brighton and then Wolves.

Leeds should be their easiest opposition, with Brighton potentially being their toughest. Wolves could also hold potential for them after they finished 16th last season.

Chelsea

Statistically the best of the bunch mentioned so far is Chelsea. The Blues finished fourth in the Premier League last season after a successful end to their season.

Some would argue Chelsea should top the ticker considering their quality and the fact they face Crystal Palace, West Ham and Fulham, three fellow London sides they are expected to beat.

Many FPL managers are likely to flock to Chelsea assets considering their starting schedule and overall quality. Many could be keen on the players like Cole Palmer or Pedro Neto depending on price-tags.

Brentford

The fixtures are fairly middling for Brentford, albeit completing the top five. An opening clash against 25/26 Europa League participants Nottingham Forest could be very difficult.

The Bees then follow up their clash with Forest by meeting with Aston Villa, another side who qualified for Europe next season.