Which team has the easiest fixtures to start FPL 2026/27?

By fixture difficulty, Everton, Liverpool, Man Utd and Newcastle share the softest opening runs, each averaging 2.83 across the first six gameweeks. Their defenders are strong early clean-sheet targets.

How does FPL fixture difficulty (FDR) work?

Each fixture is rated 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest) based on the opponent's strength. Managers target players from teams with a run of low-difficulty fixtures, because easy fixtures mean more goals, assists and clean sheets.

Should I pick players based only on fixtures?

No. Fixtures are a filter, not the answer. Use FDR to shortlist teams with easy runs, then check each player's projected points, because a premium with a tough fixture often still outscores a cheap player with an easy one.

Where can I see the FPL fixture ticker for 2026/27?

The live FDR ticker shows all 20 teams colour-coded 1 to 5, sortable by the easiest run over the next 3, 6, 8 or 10 gameweeks. It is free and updates as fixtures are rescheduled.

FDRFixtures2026/27Preseason

Best FPL Fixtures 2026/27: Easiest Opening Runs

July 24, 2026 · 5 min read

TL;DR

The best FPL fixtures to start 2026/27 belong to Everton, Liverpool, Man Utd and Newcastle, who all open with the softest runs by fixture difficulty. Target their defenders for clean sheets and their nailed attackers for the opening six gameweeks. Here are the easiest opening runs, and how to use them without over-thinking it.

Copilot verdictPLAY IT

“Fixtures win you the opening weeks. Load up on the teams with three or more green fixtures to start, then react after Gameweek 6 when form settles.”

Which Teams Have the Best Opening Fixtures 2026/27?

This is the single most useful preseason question. A £6.0m defender from a team with an easy opening run outscores an £8.0m one facing three tough away trips in August.

The live ticker below is the fastest way to see it. Sort it by the easiest run and the Gameweek 1 targets rise to the top: right now Everton, Liverpool, Man Utd and Newcastle share the softest opening six, each averaging 2.83 on fixture difficulty. Green is easy, red is hard, and you can switch between the next 3, 6, 8 or 10 gameweeks.

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How to Use the FDR Ticker

Sort by easiest to surface the teams with the best run. Three or more green fixtures in a row is a transfer-target signal.
Switch the horizon: 3 gameweeks for an immediate call, 6 for the standard planning window, 8 to 10 to read fixture swings early.
Then pick the player, not just the team. FDR is team-level. A team with easy fixtures is only useful if you own the right defender or attacker inside it.

FDR tells you where to look, not who to buy. Everton have a lovely opening run, but you still need the projected points to tell you which Everton player actually returns. Green fixtures plus high xPts is the combination.

Fixtures Are Step One, Not the Answer

Here is the catch: the model's top-projected players do not all come from the easiest-fixture teams. Haaland faces a couple of tough openers and is still the best captain in the game, because his ceiling beats the fixture. FDR is a quick scan for value; projected points are the decision.

Use the fixtures to find candidates, then check their xPts before you commit. The two together are how you beat managers who only look at the colours.

Which fixture-proof players fit your team?

Enter your Team ID and I combine fixtures and projected points into a transfer plan for your squad.

Plan My Transfers

New to fixture difficulty? Read the full FDR guide for how the ratings are calculated, then line up your best FPL team for 2026/27 and the full 2026/27 preseason guide.