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
GW23 FPL: Defensive Anchors, Value Midfielders and Budget Forward Targets
GW23 FPL: defensive must-haves, cheap forwards and mid-priced midfielders with promising fixtures 23
With Gameweek 23 on the horizon managers should balance safe, high-floor options with a handful of budget differentials. For those using a two-keeper rotation, Robin Roefs (£5.0m) of Sunderland is the standout short-term pick; he is the game’s second highest-scoring stopper and faces West Ham United (A). Brentford’s Caomhín Kelleher (£4.6m) looks appealing against Nottingham Forest (H), who arrive tired after a midweek defeat to Braga. Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) offers slightly better value than Bernd Leno (£4.9m) for the Fulham v Brighton meeting, while David Raya (£5.9m) remains a set-and-forget despite an awkward clash with Manchester United (H). Arsenal’s defence continue to be the strongest in the division by some distance.
At the back, Gabriel (£6.9m) is essential after 38 points in the last four gameweeks, and pairs well with Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) or William Saliba (£6.0m) for those wanting an Arsenal double-up. Chelsea begin a favourable run with Crystal Palace (A), making Trevoh Chalobah (£5.6m) a compelling pick. James Tarkowski (£5.7m) has three clean sheets in his last five and could reward managers against Leeds United (H). Budget defenders Omar Alderete (£4.1m) and Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m) have clean sheet potential away at London Stadium, and Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) gains appeal versus Burnley (A) after a positive Champions League result for Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester City face Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) on paper but recent defeats to Man Utd and Bodø/Glimt are a concern; Rayan Cherki (£6.7m) is a cost-effective route into their attack, having scored two in his last three matches in all competitions, while Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) remains a riskier pick. Declan Rice (£7.4m) combines defensive returns with goals and is the highest-scoring midfielder. Cole Palmer (£10.4m) should be fit for Chelsea’s trip to Selhurst Park but Enzo Fernández (£6.6m) is the smarter, cheaper alternative. Harry Wilson (£5.9m) is exceptional value against Brighton.
Up front, Erling Haaland (£15.1m) stays essential for most squads. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) could threaten at the Vitality Stadium after a lively display against Marseille despite failing to score (well, an onside goal at least). Brentford’s Igor Thiago (£7.2m), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and budget option Eli Junior Kroupi (£4.6m) are all listed as weekend differentials with immediate upside.
FPL
FPL Gameweek 22: goalkeepers to target, defensive doubles and midfield differentials
Budget goalkeepers, Arsenal defensive doubles and differential midfielders to target for Gameweek 22
Domestic cup action provided a brief mental break for Fantasy Premier League managers, but focus returns for Gameweek 22. The round opens with the Manchester derby at Old Trafford and finishes with a south coast battle on Monday night.
Goalkeepers on the radar include Robin Roefs (£4.9m) of Sunderland, who faces Crystal Palace (H); Palace are winless in nine matches and low on confidence after their FA Cup exit to Macclesfield Town. David Raya (£5.9m) remains a safe option given Arsenal’s knack for clean sheets as they travel to Nottingham Forest (A). Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) offers a budget route between the posts after the Seagulls kept clean sheets in their last two home matches and now host Bournemouth (H).
At the back, Arsenal defenders stand out. Gabriel (6.7m) is essential for his clean sheet potential and attacking returns, having produced 30 points in the last three matches following two goals and a shutout. Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) provides a sensible double-up for extra Arsenal coverage. Matty Cash (£4.8m) is attractive for Aston Villa at home to Everton (H), offering attacking potential with three goals and two assists in the league this term. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) is a short-term punt against Burnley (H). Cheaper defensive options include Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) versus West Ham (H) and Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m) and Omar Alderete (£4.1m).
Midfield looks lively. The Manchester derby is made more interesting by the return of Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m), who is described as fixture-proof and could thrive playing further forward under Michael Carrick. Rayan Cherki (£6.8m) is Manchester City’s standout midfield option, with seven goal contributions in his last 10 games across all competitions. Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) could be worth the gamble after an excellent start to life at the Etihad. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (£10.2m) and Declan Rice (£7.3m) are both options at the City Ground, with Rice offering arguably better value. Florian Wirtz (£8.2m) has 34 points from his last five games and is the Liverpool midfielder to consider for Burnley. Enzo Fernández (£6.4m), Bruno Guimarães (£7.2m), Harry Wilson (£5.9m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.7m) are other midfield names to note.
Among forwards, Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains essential despite recent form and has a strong Manchester derby record: eight goals and three assists in nine previous meetings with Man Utd. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) returned from injury with a goal and assist in the FA Cup and has eight goals and two assists this season, making him a strong pick against 19th-place Burnley. Igor Thiago (£7.1m) has scored five goals in his last two games and is on 16 Premier League strikes this term. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and Raúl Jiménez (£6.2m) are both recommended for the potentially high-scoring meeting at Elland Road.
Arsenal
FPL Gameweek 18: Goalkeepers, Bargains and Must-Haves for the Deadline
FPL GW18 picks and deadline details: goalkeeper sleeper plays, budget forwards and premium options..
The Boxing Day sequence leaves Fantasy Premier League managers choosing carefully ahead of Gameweek 18. Several goalkeeper and outfield options stand out given the fixtures and recent form.
Alisson Becker (£5.4m) remains a contender despite Liverpool not keeping many clean sheets this season; Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored only nine times in 19 games. Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.5m) is an alternative after Bournemouth were held by Everton and Chelsea earlier this month, and Burnley conceded just once in their most recent match. Bernd Leno (£4.9m) is an attractive differential for Fulham at home against West Ham United.
Joško Gvardiol (£6.0m) is recommended as Manchester City aim to extend a run of successive clean sheets against Nottingham Forest, and his attacking output offers additional upside. James Tarkowski (£5.5m) could provide value for Everton against Burnley, who are among the lowest scorers in the division. Piero Hincapié (£5.5m) has been collecting points in Gabriel’s absence and should feature this week.
On the attacking side, Morgan Rogers (£7.2m) is under-selected by FPL managers and could offer an edge given his role in a high-performing team. Mason Mount (£5.9m) is a budget midfield option to consider while Bruno Fernandes will miss out on Boxing Day through injury, placing creative responsibility elsewhere. Anthony Gordon (£7.3m) arrives off recent double-figure hauls for Newcastle United and poses a direct threat to Manchester United.
Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains the premium forward for many squads, having scored almost half of his team’s goals and ranking behind only Phil Foden for current form; 74.1% of FPL players own him. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) has been scoring regularly and benefits from Alexander Isak being out injured. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8m) is the budget forward option after 22 points across the last two gameweeks and a favourable match-up with Sunderland.
The GW18 deadline for FPL is at 6:30 p.m. GMT (1:30 p.m. ET, 1.:30 a.m. PT) on Friday, Dec. 26.
