FPL deadline: When does my team need to be locked in for GW1?

The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

• The 2026-27 Premier League season will get underway on Friday night when defending champions Arsenal will face newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
• The game is due to kick-off at 8pm BST, with Arsenal hoping to make a winning start to their title defence.
• Fantasy Premier League managers up and down the country will also be rushing to ensure they have their teams ready ahead of the deadline.
• With Friday’s match due to start at 8pm, the FPL deadline for Gameweek 1 is 6.30pm BST on 21 August.
• It looks set to be an intriguing opening weekend, with Manchester United facing Hull City on Saturday, while Liverpool travel to Newcastle on Sunday.