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!
FPL
FPL Gameweek 28: Essential transfers, budget enablers and attacking picks
Gameweek 28 FPL guide: top transfers, budget enablers and midfield options for the coming fixtures .
Gameweek 28 carries weight for managers chasing mini-league positions and avoiding forfeits. With the season entering its final third, every transfer can matter.
Goalkeepers present clear options. Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.7m) is the suggested move for those switching stoppers: “Despite disappointing last weekend, the Brentford man faces Burnley (A) this time around” and then has Bournemouth (A), Wolverhampton Wanderers (H), Leeds United (A) and Everton (H). Alisson (£5.4m) offers a set-and-forget route given Liverpool’s fixture swing, beginning with West Ham United (H) and followed by Wolves (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H) and Brighton & Hove Albion (A). Đorđe Petrović (£4.5m) is a budget alternative after Bournemouth have kept two clean sheets in their last four and face Sunderland (H), Brentford (A) and Burnley (H).
At the back, Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m) stands out after 28 points across his last two and the combination of clean sheet potential, defensive contribution and goalscoring threat. Gabriel (£7.1m) remains an essential asset despite Arsenal’s recent defensive blunders; Chelsea (H), Brighton (A) and Everton (H) precede a blank in Gameweek 31. Budget enablers include Fulham’s Joachim Andersen and Bournemouth’s James Hill (£4.1m), with Andersen facing Tottenham (H), West Ham (H), Nottingham Forest (A) and Burnley (H), while Hill has supplied six points or more in his last five matches.
Midfield decisions will hinge on fitness and form. Bruno Fernandes (£9.9m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£8.7m) are both primed for Crystal Palace (H) and are described as largely fixture-proof; choosing between them is highlighted as difficult. Depending on his fitness after missing last weekend’s clash with Nottingham Forest, Florian Wirtz (£8.4m) appears the best Liverpool midfield option. Dominik Szoboszlai (£6.8m) is a strong alternative but is noted for less consistent attacking returns if used at right back.
Up front, Erling Haaland (£14.8m) has produced just one double-digit haul since Gameweek 17 but remains capable of quick returns, with Leeds (A) next. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) has encouraging fixtures and should be involved against West Ham. Igor Thiago (£7.1m) is on penalties and is recommended for GW28 starting with Burnley at Turf Moor.
FPL
FPL Gameweek 27: Best Transfers and Picks for the Weekend
GW27 FPL guide: goalkeeper and outfield transfer targets to consider ahead of weekend fixtures this.
With the season’s first double gameweek behind us, Gameweek 27 returns managers to a single-match rhythm. This weekend offers several appealing Fantasy Premier League options across positions, with the title race providing high-stakes fixtures over three days.
Goalkeepers are limited by tricky Arsenal and Manchester City schedules. Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez (£4.9m) presents a sensible short-term option against goal-shy Burnley (H). Sunderland’s Robin Roefs (£4.9m) regains appeal after facing Arsenal and Liverpool, with Fulham (H) next and subsequent matches at Bournemouth (A), Leeds United (A) and Brighton & Hove Albion (H). At a lower price, Brentford’s Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.6m) stands out; a noted penalty saver and shot stopper, he meets Brighton (H) and enjoys a run without any fixture rated higher than three until Gameweek 34.
Defensive transfers are similarly situation-dependent. Trevoh Chalobah (£5.8m) looks capable of a substantial haul in GW27 despite Chelsea’s difficult upcoming swing. Wesley Fofana (£4.4m) is an economical route into the Burnley match while Reece James (£5.6m) is a riskier option given uncertain minutes. Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) is attractive after a 17-point return against Sunderland last week; Liverpool face Nottingham Forest (A), West Ham United (H) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) next. For Sunderland, Nordi Mukiele (£4.6m) and Omar Alderete (£4.1m) serve as cheap enablers.
Midfield and attack decisions centre on form and fixture fits. Nico O’Reilly (£4.9m) returns to midfield for Man City and scored against Fulham last week while securing a clean sheet for 13 points. Bruno Fernandes (£9.8m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£8.6m) remain strong picks despite Manchester United’s trip to Everton (A). Florian Wirtz (£8.4m) has produced four double-digit hauls since Christmas and is worth attention. Morgan Rogers (£7.6m) is a consistent Aston Villa starter against Leeds (H). Cole Palmer (£10.6m) has 32 points across two matches, noting three of his four goals have been penalties.
João Pedro (£7.7m) has 48 points in five matches and faces Burnley. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) showed his explosive ceiling with 13 points in Gameweek 24. Erling Haaland (£14.9m) remains an essential long-term asset after two goals and an assist in his last two outings, despite an injury doubt. Igor Thiago (£7.0m) could help in Brentford’s meeting with Brighton. Newcastle’s Wednesday trip to Azerbaijan may create opportunity for Antoine Semenyo (£8.0m).
Arsenal
FPL Gameweek 25: Key Picks and Fixtures to Consider for the 2025/26 Double Gameweek
GW25 FPL tips: key goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward selections before the double GW.
As managers approach the first double gameweek of the 2025/26 season, gameplanning and transfer choices are especially important. With a full slate of fixtures from Friday to Sunday there are significant point opportunities ahead before the double in Gameweek 26.
Goalkeepers offer mixed appeal for GW25. David Raya (£5.9m) is a dependable option as Arsenal host Sunderland and chase a 13th Premier League shutout this campaign. Budget alternatives include Burnley’s Martin Dúbravka (£4.0m), who faces West Ham (H), and Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez (£4.9m), who travels to Wolves (A) before meeting Leeds (H) and Burnley (H) in his next two league games.
Defenders with appealing short-term fixtures stand out. Trevoh Chalobah (£5.7m) is the second-highest scoring defender in FPL with 117 points and looks a regular starter under Liam Rosenior. Arsenal’s double makes at least one of their defensive assets essential: Gabriel (£7.0m) is recommended despite his rising price, while Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) and William Saliba (£6.0m) complement him, Timber offering more attacking potential. Fulham’s Joachim Andersen (£4.6m) has attractive fixtures beginning with Everton (H) and a favourable run after that. Harry Maguire (£4.3m) gives value for Manchester United managers, offering defensive contribution points and set-piece threat against Tottenham Hotspur (H).
In midfield, Bruno Fernandes (£9.6m) is the standout pick as United’s forward line performs, having supplied two assists last weekend and leading the Premier League for chances created. Budget and mid-price options include Bryan Mbeumo (£8.5m) and Enzo Fernández (£6.8m), while Cole Palmer (£10.4m) remains potent for Chelsea. Declan Rice (£7.5m) is the primary Arsenal attacking midfield option following Bukayo Saka’s injury. Florian Wirtz (£8.3m) has delivered 37 points in his last five games and remains in form.
Forward choices are led by Erling Haaland (£15.0m), still capable of large hauls despite a quieter spell. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) recorded 13 points with a brace last weekend and could follow up. João Pedro (£7.5m) is central to Chelsea under Rosenior, while Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m) offers consistent returns for West Ham against Burnley (A).
