It was a good weekend for the For Foot Sake advice with numerous players saluting. In this FPL Gameweek 26 Preview, we’ll look at a challenging set of fixtures and which ones could yield the strongest returns. With a lot of shrewdies’ favourites returning to form, namely Bruno Fernandes, Cole Palmer and Elliott Anderson, there are plenty of options to cast the eye over.
FPL Gameweek 26 Target Fixtures & Players
Arsenal (vs Brentford, away, and vs Wolves, away)
The first double gameweek of the season and it comes for Arsenal, who have a tricky trip to Brentford followed by a winnable looking away fixture at basement side Wolves. Those matches are sandwiched between a home FA Cup tie with Wigan, so Mikel Arteta’s men will likely have a good chance to rotate his squad. This can be perilous for FPL managers, but there are a few gems who are automatic starters for the Gunners.
Top Picks:
- Gabriel (7.1m) – Another clean sheet last time out was music to our ears and he continues to be the best defender in the game by some distance.
- William Saliba (6.1m) – Gabriel’s defensive partner and a key cog in the Arsenal defensive machine. Also a threat at set pieces.
- Martin Zubimendi (5.2m) – Mikel Arteta clearly trusts the Spaniard and he has two goals in his last two games. He’s also a defensive contribution magnet so carries multiple routes to points.
- Viktor Gyökeres (8.7m) – Another sound pick for the FFS Gameweek 25 preview to continue his good form. He’ll fancy his chances against a leaky Wolves defence in the second match of the gameweek.
Manchester City (vs Fulham, home)
City’s late rally against Liverpool kept the title race alive and they’ll be fully expected to overcome a Fulham side who suffered a home defeat to Everton last time out. There may be some rotation risk, but there are still plenty of great assets in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Top Picks:
- Marc Guehi (5.2m) – Has instantly changed the look and feel of the City backline, a defcon monster and very solid clean sheet chance here.
- Omar Marmoush (8.3m) – A bit of a differential pick here, owned by just 2.5% of managers and nearly scored against Liverpool. Has done well since his AFCON return.
- Phil Foden (8.2m) – Another differential who didn’t play at all at the weekend. It’s tough to second guess Guardiola’s selections, but Foden will feel aggrieved not to start this one.
- Erling Haaland (14.9m) – A goal and assist in the big game at Anfield showed why you sell him at your peril. A must-have this week.
Crystal Palace (vs Burnley, home)
Palace picked up a priceless three points against Brighton at the weekend and will have identified this as a game where three points are essential if they’re to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap. They should have the weapons to neutralise a Burnley side who look as good as down already.
Top Picks:
- Daniel Munoz (5.8m) – The best full back in the game, a serious threat going forward and strong clean sheet potential this week and next.
- Maxence Lacroix (5.1m) – Set piece threat and wouldn’t put you off doubling up on Palace defence here.
- Ismaila Sarr (6.3m) – The key attacking player for Palace. Got the winner against Brighton and will fancy his chances of another haul here.
Chelsea (vs Leeds, home)
Chelsea made it another win for Liam Rosenior against Wolves and look to have a real attacking intent about them at the moment. Leeds had a big win at home to Forest on Friday, but this looks a daunting prospect for them here against a Blues side brimming with confidence.
Top Picks:
- Marc Cucurella (6.1m) – Cucurella will fancy his chances of attacking returns in this fixture.
- Cole Palmer (10.5m) – Back in the starting line-up and repaid Rosenior’s faith with a first-half hattrick. Could be a set and forget for the rest of the season.
- Joao Pedro (7.6m) – Continued his good form with two assists against Wolves and is the most in-form forward in the game. Real value too.
Manchester United (vs West Ham, away)
What a story this is for Michael Carrick. They travel to relegation threatened West Ham with a real swagger and will fancy their chances of making it five wins in a row.
Top Picks:
- Diogo Dalot (4.5m) – Assisted at the weekend and enjoying life under Michael Carrick.
- Bruno Fernandes (9.8m) – A third double-digit haul in four games makes this a rinse and repeat affair.
- Bryan Mbeumo (8.6m) – Another goal for the Cameroonian means he’s a likewise selection to his Portuguese team-mate.
FPL Gameweek 26 Captain Picks
Gabriel (C) – A rare opportunity to captain a defender, but two matches that both look to have clean sheet potential and set piece threat make Gabriel a reliable option this week.
Cole Palmer (VC) – Now he’s back starting he’s a must-have in the captaincy consideration, would be the captain if not for Arsenal’s double.
Worth a Punt
Senne Lammens (5.0m) – Only 2% owned and a good route into an improved Manchester United defence.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (4.9m) – A 13 point haul at the weekend makes him a great option in the sub-5.0m midfielder bracket.
Jorgen Strand Larsen (6.1m) – Two great home fixtures make the new Eagles centre forward a great option this week.
Igor Jesus (5.8m) – Leading the line for Forest and just a 1.5% ownership. A home game with Wolves is enticing as any for this forward differential.
NEW: FPL Gameweek 26 FFS Team Selection
GK: Sanchez (4.9m)
DEF: Lacroix (5.1m), Dalot (4.5m), Gabriel (7.0m) Munoz (5.8m)
MID: Fernandes (9.8m), Sarr (6.3m), Palmer (10.5m), Zubimendi (5.2m)
FWD: Gyökeres (8.7m), Haaland (14.9m)
SUB: Dubravka (4.0m), Hill (3.9m), Mainoo (4.6m), Kroupi (4.7m)
TOTAL: 99.9m