Gameweek 26 will be a turning point for every Fantasy Premier League manager as the Premier League campaign hits its business end. With the big games around the corner and the war of points intensifying, this is your golden chance to bridge the gap with possible contenders. Whether you are in pursuit of your mini-league top gun or looking to enhance your lead, the guide below will equip you with everything required to down GW26 in style.
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The following is a probable lineup to maximize your returns in Gameweek 26:
Formation: 3-4-3
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
Though the Gunners are facing a Westham side under resurgence, Arsenal’s defensive solidity should give him a clean sheet opportunity against the Hammers.
DEF: Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
Arsenal and Gabriel enter a home match versus West Ham on the back of two clean sheets over the last three Gameweeks. Gabriel was a big success in his last meeting with the Hammers, producing a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win in Gameweek 13.
DEF: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)
The English defender is a guaranteed starter and his owners can be assured of attacking returns and possibly a clean sheet.
DEF: Daniel Munoz (Fulham)
Munoz is one of the most attacking defenders in the league. He has the highest xG (expected goals) among defenders. Munoz can contribute goals and assists against Oliver Glasner’s porous side.
MID: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
His away record helps Liverpool’s Egyptian to hold onto the captaincy, despite a tough test against Manchester City. Salah has an incredible 11 double-figure hauls from just 14 road trips, averaging 12 points per match.
MID: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)
The Brentford star’s record against promoted clubs suggests he is among the best alternatives to Salah for the captaincy for the Bees’ trip to Leicester City. Mbeumo has amassed a hefty 50 points in his four meetings with such opponents this season, including hauls of 19, 15 and 14 points.
MID: Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
Injuries have blighted Arsenal’s attack, with winger Leandro Trossard a clear beneficiary for enhanced minutes. He’s started all of their last four games in the Premier League, registering one goal and three assists, taking him up to 10 goal involvements for the campaign. Like Gabriel, he also impressed in the reverse fixture against West Ham, with a goal and an assist at the London Stadium.
MID: Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)
With his pace and aptitude for flair, Kluivert may wreak havoc against a Wolves team that prefers to leave opposition vulnerable at the back. A worthy gamble for those seeking to win promotion.
FWD: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins impressed on his return from injury against Ipswich Town, completing 90 minutes and getting on the scoresheet to take him up to 11 goals for the campaign. The next visitors to Villa Park are Chelsea, in a seemingly tough fixture on paper. But the Blues have lost their last three away games to Brighton and Hove Albion, Man City and Ipswich so won’t be high on confidence.
FWD: Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
The Magpies have suffered recent home defeats to both Bournemouth and Fulham. If they do score past this resolute Forest defence then expect Alex Isak to be the man involved, having produced 17 goals this season.
FWD: Yoanne Wissa (Brentford)
The forward’s displays against promoted clubs indicate he could be worth the Brentford double-up alongside their talisman Mbeumo. Wissa has amassed 37 points across four such matches in 2024/25 Fantasy.
Subs: Pickford (GK), Rodgers, Robinson, L. Davis.
Every fixture has its own strategic appeal, but the focus will undoubtedly be on Manchester City vs Liverpool, where FPL heavyweights can either soar or plummet.
