FPL
Fantasy Premier League Guide: Top Mid-Table Assets and Differential Picks for FPL 2025/26
Discover the top FPL picks and best differentials from mid-table clubs for the 2025/26 season.
The new Fantasy Premier League season is almost here, and once again, most managers will find themselves hunting for value and differential picks outside the usual big hitters. Whether you’re a template follower or a risk-taker, there’s a lot to unpack among the mid-table clubs this year. Let’s break down the top assets from Wolves, West Ham, Bournemouth, Manchester United, Everton, and then take a quick look at the ultimate Differentials for those managers brave enough to chase those elusive green arrows.
Wolves: Trust in Strand Larsen – But Who Else?
Wolves rarely dominate FPL conversations, but there’s one player who stands out for 2025/26: Jorgen Strand Larsen (£6.5m). With 14 goals and four assists in just 30 starts last season (despite not being on penalties), Strand Larsen is poised for even bigger things this year now that Cunha has departed. The Norwegian is tipped to take spot kicks, making him the clear focal point of Wolves’ attack. He’s already opened his preseason account, and with winnable fixtures early on, he could offer more consistency than most in his price bracket.
Looking for a budget midfielder? Keep an eye on Jhon Arias (£5.5m). He’s a new arrival with flair, set-piece potential, and a history of creating chances. Arias may not be nailed for 90 minutes just yet, but if he starts strong, the left-sided role could be his to lose. Lastly, for those who love a budget defender, Ki-Jana Hoever (£4.0m) is worth considering as Wolves rebuild their defence. He’s shown attacking promise, but is probably best used in rotation – especially with home games against Everton and Leeds in the early weeks.
West Ham: Bowen’s New Role, Wan-Bissaka’s Bonus Appeal
If you’re after guaranteed returns, Jarrod Bowen (£8.0m) is your man. Reclassified as a forward, Bowen scored 13 and assisted 11 last year, topping 193 FPL points and outshining every other Hammer by a distance. He’s the main attacking threat, and West Ham’s opening fixture against Sunderland looks a good place to start.
Defensively, the introduction of bonus points for defensive actions puts Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.5m) and Max Kilman (£4.5m) firmly on the FPL radar. Wan-Bissaka’s move from Manchester United saw him rack up two goals and six assists, and his interceptions and tackles mean he could pick up extra points under the new rules. Keep an eye on how the signing of Kyle Walker-Peters impacts his minutes. Kilman, meanwhile, is a clearance machine, perfect for picking up those new defender bonuses – and potentially a safe pick if you want a solid, busy centre-back.
Bournemouth: Kluivert’s Penalties and Truffert’s Attacking Promise
Justin Kluivert (£7.0m) offers goals, creativity, and – crucially – penalties. With 12 league goals last season (including a hat-trick of spot kicks at Wolves), Kluivert leads Bournemouth’s attacking options. Manager Andoni Iraola’s attacking setup means Bournemouth are expected to keep scoring, even with a tough run of fixtures to start.
Antoine Semenyo (£7.0m) is another reliable attacking pick, leading the team for shots last year and trailing only Salah and Palmer for attempts league-wide. He’s a safe, ever-present threat in the box, already scoring in pre-season. At the back, Adrien Truffert (£4.5m) stands out. The new French left-back brings attacking upside (already bagging a brace in preseason) and could prove a budget gem, even if he starts on the bench for tough fixtures like Liverpool away.
Manchester United: Fernandes Still the Main Man
Despite United’s rocky season, Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) remains their best FPL asset. Eight goals and 12 assists last year tell the story, but his all-round play – set pieces, penalties, and a high number of ball recoveries – give him multiple routes to points. The new defensive contributions rule should only boost his appeal.
Patrick Dorgu (£4.5m) is the best defensive option after a lively preseason, with a goal and assist already. He looks nailed for starts and has enough attacking intent to make him worth watching. Amad (£6.5m) is a wildcard pick – he broke out last year with eight goals and eight assists but may play a deeper role due to United’s new signings. Still, his price makes him tempting if you want a mid-priced punt. As for new arrivals Cunha and Mbeumo, consider waiting to see how they settle before investing.
Everton: Value Up Front and at the Back
If you’re looking for a budget forward, Beto (£5.5m) offers strong early-season value. Eight goals in 15 starts last season and on penalties in preseason, he’s the focal point of Everton’s attack. Iliman Ndiaye (£6.5m) edged Beto for goals last season and is the usual penalty taker, but his price is a little higher and rotation risk remains.
Defensively, James Tarkowski (£5.5m) could be a game-changer under the new rules. He would’ve been among the top scorers for defensive actions last season, and with Everton boasting strong underlying defensive numbers, there’s reason for optimism. With Pickford’s price up and fullback rotation likely, Tarkowski is the safest Toffee in defence.
The Ultimate Differentials
Want to really break away from the pack? The Ultimate Differentials is all about low ownership and high upside. A few highlights:
- Bart Verbruggen (Brighton, £4.5m) pairs well for rotation and offers clean sheet potential as Brighton improve defensively.
- Murillo and Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest, £5.5m) both are bonus and goal magnets; early fixtures are strong for defensive returns.
- Muñoz (Crystal Palace, £5.5m) ultra-attacking fullback with serious goal threat.
- Eze (Palace, £7.5m), Gibbs-White (Forest, £7.5m), Kluivert (Bournemouth, £7.0m) each could deliver big points and are owned by under 10% of managers.
- Evanilson (Bournemouth, £7.0m) and Wissa (Brentford, £7.5m) flying under the radar up front despite strong returns last year.
Differentials like these are best used to complement a solid core. Don’t go all in, but having two or three low-owned gems can supercharge your rank if they hit early.
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May your arrows be green. happy managing!
Chelsea
2025-26 FPL: Best XI and Captain Choice for Gameweek 4
Best FPL XI for Gameweek 4, captain pick, budget enablers and bench options before Saturday 11am BST
The international break has given Fantasy Premier League managers a pause before Gameweek 4. With several enticing fixtures this weekend, selecting a balanced eleven alongside a reliable captain is the priority.
In goal, Robert Sánchez (£5.0m) is among the top-scoring keepers after three rounds. The Chelsea goalkeeper has two clean sheets and 17 points, and he has earned added save points in two of his three fixtures. Chelsea visit a Brentford side described as goal-shy, making Sánchez a strong pick. Martin Dúbravka (£4.0m) remains a sensible low-cost second keeper with a secure starting spot at Burnley.
We recommend starting three defenders. Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m) has collected defensive contribution points across wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle United and posted an eight-point return at home to Arsenal. Liverpool travel to Burnley on Sunday and another clean sheet is plausible. Crystal Palace wing back Daniel Muñoz (£5.5m) offers both defensive and attacking upside; he has 19 points from three games, including an assist and a nine-point haul at Aston Villa, and Palace host Sunderland. Pedro Porro (£5.6m) has featured in Tottenham’s organised defence — Spurs have conceded once in three matches and visit West Ham United, where Porro could target a clean sheet and an attacking return.
Fulham’s Joachim Andersen (£4.5m) and Leeds United’s Gabriel Gudmundsson (£4.0m) are useful bench options.
Mohamed Salah (£14.5m) has a goal and an assist from three matches and is the captain recommendation as Liverpool face a Burnley defence that has conceded six goals so far. Cody Gakpo (£7.7m) has provided a goal and two assists and is a strong partner in attack.
Antoine Semenyo (£7.4m) and Jack Grealish (£6.7m) have been standout performers and both have home matches this weekend. Fulham’s Josh King (£4.5m) is a budget enabler after an offside/VAR intervention denied a goal at Chelsea.
João Pedro (£7.7m) leads the forwards with two goals and two assists (26 points). Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m) is Palace’s route into attack after opening his account at Villa Park; an injury to Ismaïla Sarr increases his responsibility. Viktor Gyökeres (£9.0m) could be appealing when Arsenal host Nottingham Forest; Forest have changed manager and the incoming Ange Postecoglou will need time to implement his approach, which may affect Forest defensively in the short term.
The deadline for Gameweek 4 is Saturday, 13 September at 11 a.m. BST (6 a.m. ET, 3 a.m. PT) ahead of Arsenal’s lunchtime fixture with Nottingham Forest.
FPL
FPL Gameweek 3 Dream XI: Haaland, João Pedro and a Forest trio
FPL Gameweek 3 picks: a Nottingham Forest trio, two Manchester United options and Haaland to captain
Gameweek 3 brings a final Fantasy Premier League decision before the September international break. Liverpool vs. Arsenal will unnerve managers, but several attractive home fixtures mean there are still clear options for big returns.
Goalkeeper
Matz Sels (£5.0m) remains a budget pick thanks to Nottingham Forest’s strong defensive record. The Midlands side have conceded once in both opening matches, and Sels should benefit when Forest host hopeless West Ham United in Gameweek 3.
Defence
Marc Cucurella (£6.1m) has returned in both gameweeks, beginning with a clean sheet and an eight-point haul against Crystal Palace and following that with an assist against West Ham. Fulham visit Chelsea and Cucurella’s attacking potential makes him an appealing option.
Pedro Porro (£5.6m) has prospered from Tottenham Hotspur’s improved defensive performances under Thomas Frank, recording two clean sheets so far. He offers attacking threat against a Bournemouth side that conceded four to Liverpool in their opener and that remain unsettled after summer exits.
Patrick Dorgu (£4.5m) is a low-cost pick despite Manchester United’s embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town midweek. He should have license to attack newly-promoted Burnley at Old Trafford and could even help to a clean sheet.
Midfield
Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) is still an excellent asset despite his wayward penalty at Fulham. He managed 13 defensive contributions at Craven Cottage and remains a set-piece taker and chief creator for United at home to Burnley.
Mohammed Kudus (£6.6m) produced two assists on his Spurs debut for ten points and impressed at Manchester City. At home to Bournemouth he is a creative, cheaper alternative to Brennan Johnson (£7.1m).
Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.5m) has created four chances, recorded 0.49 expected goals and registered an assist across the opening two matches. He faces a West Ham defence that have conceded three or more in all three competitive games this term.
Morgan Rogers (£7.0m) is at home to Crystal Palace and could exploit fatigue after Palace’s Europa Conference League qualifying trip to Norway on Thursday.
Attack
Chris Wood (£7.7m) has two goals from the opening weekend against Brentford and should target West Ham’s disjointed defence.
João Pedro (£7.6m) produced a 15-point haul with two assists and a goal in the 5–1 win over West Ham; with Cole Palmer (£10.5m) absent again, João Pedro can drop deeper and influence play and is a strong captain candidate.
Erling Haaland (£14.1m) remains a premium option. After two in the opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers and an inefficient display versus Tottenham, he faces Brighton & Hove Albion, who have conceded in both opening matches. Haaland scored at the Amex Stadium last season and should be in contention for further returns.
FPL
FPL Gameweek 3 Transfer Tips: Forwards, Midfielders, and Who to Hold
FPL GW3 transfer tips: Best forwards, midfield gems, and who to hold or sell for the weeks ahead.
Gameweek 2 has given us plenty to think about. We’ve already seen early price rises, some surprise performances, and a number of popular picks who’ve started slowly. As we head into Gameweek 3, the big question is who to bring in, who to hold, and who to move on. Let’s break it down.
Forwards Around £7.5m: Pedro, Wood, or Mateta?
A lot of managers are hunting for a forward in the £7.5m bracket. The three names leading the conversation are João Pedro (7.6m), Chris Wood (7.7m), and Jean-Philippe Mateta (7.5m).
João Pedro
Pedro absolutely smashed it in Gameweek 2 with three attacking returns. But let’s not forget how Gameweek 1 looked: hooked on 72 minutes, no returns. His minutes are the main concern.
- If Cole Palmer is out for an extended period, Pedro becomes a much stronger pick. He could play in the number 10 role, remain first-choice striker, and maybe even get penalties.
- If Palmer is fine, Pedro is still decent, but expect the odd frustrating early sub.
Chelsea’s fixtures are fine, not great. United away in GW5 and Liverpool at home in GW7 could be tricky, but Liverpool’s defense currently looks open.
Chris Wood
Wood looks appealing, especially if you’re considering a Free Hit in GW4.
- GW3: West Ham (H) – excellent.
- GW4: Arsenal (A) – can be avoided with a Free Hit.
- GW5: Burnley (A).
- GW6: Sunderland (H).
Those four look brilliant. Minutes seem secure for now, but with Europe coming, his long-term game time might be tested.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mateta is quietly the cheapest of the three and arguably has the best run of fixtures if you’re looking beyond the next four.
- GW3: Villa (A).
- GW4: West Ham (A).
- GW5: Bournemouth (H).
- GW7: Everton (A).
- Both Mateta and Wood are on penalties. The question marks lie with Palace’s attack after losing Eze, but the fixtures are kind.
Verdict:
- Short-term: Chris Wood edges it.
- Longer-term: Mateta looks safer.
- João Pedro could become the standout if Palmer is sidelined, but otherwise he feels riskier than his ownership suggests.
Midfield Dilemmas: Bowen and Wirtz
Two popular names who haven’t delivered yet: Jarrod Bowen (7.9m) and Florian Wirtz (8.4m).
Jarrod Bowen
- Two blanks to start, price drop already.
- Fixtures: Forest (A), Spurs (H), Palace (H).
- Not sparkling form-wise, but he always plays 90 minutes and has been consistent in past seasons.
If you want to move him on, that’s fine. But he’s not a “must sell.” Only move him if you’ve got a second free transfer or a stronger priority like replacing an injured player.
Florian Wirtz
A lot of hype pre-season, but no goals or assists yet. He doesn’t look especially threatening around the penalty area either.
- Fixtures: Arsenal (H), Burnley (A), Everton (H).
- His minutes are safe, and a benching in GW3 seems unlikely despite speculation.
Like Bowen, he’s not an urgent sell, but patience is wearing thin. The Arsenal fixture is tough, but selling before Burnley (A) feels risky.
Verdict: Both Bowen and Wirtz are holds if you have fires elsewhere. If you’re restructuring or chasing form, moving them is reasonable.
Midfield Replacements: Who to Buy
If you are selling Wirtz, Palmer, or Saka, here are some strong options:
Around £8.0 – 7.0m
- Cunha (8.0m) Excellent one-week punt vs Burnley (H). Could even be a cheeky captain shout. But beware: Man City (A) and Chelsea (H) follow.
- Semenyo (7.2m) Always shoots, plays close to 90 minutes, and has a strong run of fixtures. Could be a “buy and hold” until your Wildcard.
- Morgan Rogers (7.0m) Fixtures are good, but he’s wide rather than central. Hold if you already own him, but buying now feels less appealing than cheaper options.
Around £6.5 – 6.6m
- Sarr (6.5m) Nailed, good fixtures, huge differential under 5% ownership.
- Kudus (6.6m) Very popular, safe for minutes right now, and Spurs have good fixtures. Only slight worry is whether Spurs sign another winger.
Budget Options
- Tielemans (6.0m) Always starts, steady but not explosive. Safer as a filler, but Sarr and Kudus look more exciting.
- Reijnders (5.7m) A Manchester City attacker for under £6m. Inconsistent but the price is too good to ignore.
Spurs Attackers: Which One?
Spurs are flying under Thomas Frank and many managers are eyeing up their attackers.
- Kudus (6.6m): The standout pick. Minutes look strong, and he’s central to their attack.
- Brennan Johnson (7.0m): Gets great chances but minutes are less secure. A new signing could reduce his starts.
- Richarlison (6.7m): Currently starting as number nine, but Solanke will threaten his spot long term.
Verdict: Kudus is the one.
Final Thoughts
- Forwards: Wood for the short term, Mateta for the longer run. Pedro if Palmer is out.
- Midfielders: Bowen and Wirtz aren’t urgent sells, but plenty of exciting options are emerging. Sarr and Kudus stand out.
This is one of those weeks where patience could pay off. But if you’re itching to make a move, the £6.5–7.5m midfield bracket is where the real value lies.
Download the We Play FPL app for transfer planning, player comparisons, and points predictions to give yourself the best chance of climbing the ranks.
May your arrows be green. Happy managing!
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