FPL Top Picks for Gameweek 26

Gameweek 26 of the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League season is finally here to restore some normalcy after the back-to-back double gameweeks which many managers benefitted from. However, it is the prequel to gameweek 27 which begins the day after this one ends.

This means that every move that managers make in selecting their squads and/or assistant managers for week 26 must be carefully considered because of how close the deadlines are. This is basic FPL knowledge.

With that reminder out of the way, let us take a look at the games in week 26 that could produce the most value for managers while giving them enough leeway by way of assets selections ahead of week 27.

Gameweek Analysis

What to Do with Liverpool and Aston Villa Assets in Gameweek 26

Liverpool and Aston Villa delivered a banger for football lovers and FPL enthusiasts. The expected assets delivered the expected returns across both their games in the double gameweek, making many managers happy. Now both teams are in positions where these assets may be unable to yield points.

Aston Villa will host Chelsea while Liverpool will travel to Manchester City.

The home and form advantage works in Villa’s favour as we mentioned last week, but the Blues are an unpredictable side especially when faced with top tier opposition—a category which the Birmingham-based team now fall under.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will be facing an angry, wounded Manchester City while in an unstable place: their lead at the top of the table was greatly affected by their double gameweek performance and a loss could loosen their footing at the top of the table.

To help your decision-making process, take a look at their next opponents. Liverpool will face Newcastle United, while Villa face Crystal Palace.

The Verdict: Stick with the highest-scoring assets from both teams for the next two weeks because of their track record. This means you need to scout for assets from other matches and shed the extra Liverpool and Aston Villa weight to maximise your points haul in week 26.

Best Value Games in Week 26

Fulham vs Crystal Palace

This is a match that is hard to call but one that is certain to deliver goals and saves at both ends.

Players to target: Raúl Jiménez (£4.9m), Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.3m), Adama Traore (£5.5m), Alex Iwobi (£5.1m), Eberechi Eze (£6.7m), Daniel Muñoz (£4.8m), Antonee Robinson (£5.1m).

Southampton vs Brighton and Hove Albion

Football may have become an unpredictable game, but a Southampton loss is easier and more accurate to call these days. This presents the opportunity for Brighton assets to shine.

Players to target: Georginio Rutter (£6.3m), Yankuba Minteh (£7.3m), Kaoru Mitoma (£7.9m), Joe Aribo (£5.0m), Paul Onuachu (£5.0m).

Best FPL Players for Week 26

Ethan Nwaneri (£4.6m) — Arsenal

Stick with Ethan Nwaneri, who remains a budget midfielder and a steady riser in the FPL rankings. The Gunners will take on West Ham United and with most attackers out of commission, the youngster will get his chance once again.

Since becoming more involved five game weeks ago, the young attacking midfielder has either scored or assisted a goal for Arsenal. With West Ham’s shaky defence up next, it will be folly as an FPL manager to not have one of the hottest assets in the league right now in your squad.

Justin Kluivert (£6.0m) — AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth face Wolverhampton Wanderers at home, which places them in pole position to deliver the most points to FPL managers. The popular choice from the Cherries will of course be Justin Kluivert, who is second only to Mohamed Salah in FPL points haul over the last four games weeks (42 for Kluivert, 48 for Salah).

This is a favourable matchup for Bournemouth based on their current form which means that more points can be expected from the Dutch international.

Dango Ouattara (£5.1m) — AFC Bournemouth

Just like Kluivert, Dango Ouattara is expected to produce returns against Wolves. Sitting at a decent £5.1m, the fact that he is only behind Kluivert and Salah in FPL points haul for the past four weeks (38 points) means that this is a match that managers can choose to bring him in. Bournemouth also face Brighton next week, which is an equal opportunity game, meaning that having him in the team is a great way to ensure points.