As we navigate through the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season, GW26 of the 2023/24 campaign offers a unique challenge for managers, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, and Luton not featuring this week due to fixture scheduling. This scenario requires a strategic approach to team selection, emphasizing the importance of choosing players who not only are in form but also have favorable matchups in the absence of key teams. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the standout picks for GW26, each offering potential for high returns in a week where options are limited due to the lack of fixtures for some major teams.
1. Erling Haaland
(£14.4m, Forward, Manchester City)
Despite returning an underwhelming one goal in the double gameweek, Erling Haaland remains a formidable force in FPL. With Manchester City facing a Bournemouth side struggling with defensive issues, Haaland is primed for a strong showing. His high ownership and captaincy potential make him a crucial pick, especially in a week when Liverpool, a team many FPL managers heavily invest in, does not play. Missing out on Haaland could be significantly detrimental to your FPL rank given his explosive potential.
2. Hwang Hee-chan
(£5.5m, Midfielder, Wolves)
With Sheffield United showcasing some of the weakest defenses in the league and coming off a match where they conceded five goals, Hwang Hee-chan emerges as an attractive budget option. His duties on penalties, in light of Raul Jimenez’s absence, further enhance his appeal. For managers looking to exploit Sheffield United’s defensive fragility, Hwang represents a savvy pick, offering both cost-effectiveness and points potential.
3. Bukayo Saka
(£9.0m, Midfielder, Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka’s recent form has been nothing short of exceptional, with an impressive tally of six goals in his last five outings. Arsenal’s fixture against Newcastle is particularly enticing, considering the Magpies’ defensive downturn this season. Saka’s ability to consistently deliver attacking returns makes him an essential asset for GW26, especially with popular teams like Liverpool and Spurs out of action.
4. Rasmus Højlund
(£7.2m, Forward, Manchester United)
Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund has emerged as the league’s form forward, with a streak of scoring in six consecutive Premier League appearances. His matchup against Fulham at home presents a golden opportunity to extend his scoring run. For those looking to fill the void left by Darwin Nunez or other forwards from teams not playing in GW26, Højlund offers both form and fixture appeal.
5. Gabriel
(£5.2m, Defender, Arsenal)
Arsenal’s defensive record has been stellar, with the team conceding just two goals in their last five matches. Gabriel, as the most affordable nailed-on option in Arsenal’s defense, provides not only clean sheet potential but also a threat from set pieces, having contributed two goals and an assist recently. In a gameweek lacking options from teams like Chelsea and Spurs, Gabriel stands out as a valuable defensive choice.
GW26 poses a strategic challenge with the absence of Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, and Luton, forcing FPL managers to look for alternatives that can deliver high returns. From Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess to Gabriel’s defensive reliability, selecting the right mix of players could be key to navigating this unique gameweek successfully.