FPL Pre-Season Friendly Roundup: Star Performances and Key News

With pre-season underway for Premier League teams leading into the 2026/27 season, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players are keeping an eye on key matches. Here’s a rundown of notable results, standout performances, and upcoming fixtures across several clubs.

Arsenal vs Girona to Real Betis

  • Matches: August 1: Arsenal v Girona; August 5: Arsenal v Real Betis (play in Dublin); August 9: Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund (London).
  • Key Performances: No standout individual performances were highlighted for Arsenal in the given matches, but upcoming clashes against stronger opposition will be more revealing.

Aston Villa vs Walsall and Porto

  • Friendly Series Overview:
  • July 21: Aston Villa 5 – 0 Walsall (Madjo x 2)
  • July 25: Aston Villa 1 – 2 Porto (Lynch)
  • July 28: Aston Villa 2 – 4 Real Sociedad (Madjo, Hemmings; new midfielder Joao Gomes)
  • Star Performances: Luka Lynch and Brian Madjo.

Bournemouth: First Team Efforts in Early Friendly Series

  • Friendly Matches:
  • July 24: Bournemouth 4 – 1 St. Pauli (Gannon-Doak, William, Jebbison)
  • July 30: Bournemouth v Augsburg (not detailed)
  • August 4: Bournemouth v Genoa (behind closed doors)
  • August 8: Bournemouth v Real Betis (Seville) featuring James Hill and Bafode Diakite.

Brentford: Jadon Anthony’s Goals

  • Results:
  • July 15: Brentford 3 – 2 AFC Wimbledon with Mason Morgan, Jadon Anthony, and Martin Damsgaard contributing.
  • Notable Performers: Jadon Anthony scored his first FPL-friendly goal as he settles into his new club.

Brighton vs Roma and Bologna

  • Friendly Series Overview:
  • July 18: Brighton 4 – 1 Wycombe (Kostoulas x 2, Osman)
  • August 1: Brighton v Strasbourg (behind closed doors)
  • August 8: Brighton v Roma at Brighton
  • August 15: Brighton v Bologna also in London.
  • Star Performances: Pascal Struijk making a debut and Fabian Hurzeler’s eleven changes were key.

Chelsea with Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens

  • Matches:
  • July 28: Chelsea 6 – 4 Western Sydney Wanderers (Gittens, Essugo; Pedros hat-trick)
  • August 15: Chelsea v Real Sociedad in London featuring Joao Pedro.
  • Star Performances: Joao Pedro’s three-goal hat-trick and assisting role were pivotal.

Coventry with Milan Van Ewijk

  • Friendly Matches Overview:
  • July 11: Coventry 2 – 3 AFC Wimbledon (Bassette, Van Ewijk)
  • July 18: Coventry 0 – 0 Northampton (Frank Lampard made eight changes)
  • August 8: Coventry v Espanyol
  • August 14: Coventry v Monaco.
  • Notable Performers: Milan Van Ewijk and Loum Tchaouna were key in the first match against AFC Wimbledon.

Crystal Palace with Matheus Franca

  • Matches:
  • July 18: Crystal Palace 5 – 1 Swindon (Franca x 3)
  • July 25: Crystal Palace 0 – 3 Bromley and lost to RC Lens.
  • Star Performances: Matheus Franca’s impressive three-goal haul was a highlight in the first match against Swindon.

Everton with Hayden Hackney

  • Matches Overview:
  • July 18: Everton 4 – 0 Dundee (Foster, Barry)
  • July 25: Everton 0 – 0 Bolton
  • August 1: Everton v Hamburger.
  • Notable Performers: Hayden Hackney’s debut is notable after recovering from a groin injury.

Fulham with Sessegnon

  • Matches Overview:
  • July 28: Fulham 1 – 1 Al-Ahli (Sessegnon)
  • August 15: Fulham v Stuttgart in London.
  • Notable Performances: Ryan Sessegnon was among the brighter performers early in pre-season.

Hull with Butland and Konyaspor

  • Matches Overview:
  • July 25: Hull 3 – 0 Konyaspor (Butland)
  • July 28: Hull 2 – 1 Caykur Rizespor (Butland, Dowell).
  • Star Performances: Jack Butland shone in the opening friendly and £4.5m signing Regan Slater started games.

This roundup offers a glimpse into pre-season activities across several clubs, highlighting key matches and performances to prepare Fantasy Premier League teams for the upcoming season.