FPL
The Best FPL Forwards & Mid-Priced Defenders for 2025/26: Who to Trust?
Discover the best premium forwards and top mid-priced options in attack and defence for FPL 2025/26.
Which premium forward deserves your armband? Is there a reliable mid-priced gem who could free up cash for your midfield? And with the new defensive contributions, are those £5.0m–£5.5m defenders now must-haves? Let’s break down the best picks for the 2025/26 campaign, focusing on strikers who can deliver early points and defenders who combine value with consistency.
Best Premium Forwards: 2025/26’s Heavy Hitters
Here we’re including anyone at £8.0m or higher. Here’s how the best shape up for Gameweek 1 and beyond.
Erling Haaland (£14.0m) – The Reluctant Differential?
Let’s start with the obvious: Erling Haaland. Last season, his 22 goals and three assists felt a touch underwhelming by his own sky-high standards. But make no mistake, Haaland remains the most explosive FPL asset in the game. He’s central to City’s attack, responsible for 42% of their goals when on the pitch. Even in what was seen as a “down” year, City scored the second most goals (72) and boasted an xG of 70.14.
With Rodri back, some fresh faces, and early fixtures against Wolves (A), Spurs (H), Brighton (A), United (H), and Burnley (H), Haaland could explode out of the blocks again. Right now, his ownership sits at a surprisingly low 18%. If you’re choosing between him and Salah, it’s perfectly viable to back Haaland as your one premium.
Alexander Isak (£10.5m) – The Wildcard Transfer Watch
Isak is the second-best forward in the game, and, depending on price, some argue he’s the best overall. After bagging 23 goals and six assists for Newcastle, his future is now under the microscope, with Liverpool showing strong interest.
If he moves to Anfield, his appeal goes up, even if he loses penalties. The supply at Liverpool, the league’s top scorers (86 goals, 81.76 xG), would make him a massive threat. But, until his future is settled, there’s a risk. Newcastle’s opening games, Aston Villa (A) and Liverpool (H), aren’t ideal for FPL managers looking for fast starts. Monitor closely; if he moves, we’ll need to reassess Salah and the Liverpool attack as a whole.
Viktor Gyokeres (£9.0m) – The Arsenal Newcomer
Gyokeres arrives at Arsenal after a stunning spell at Sporting, where he scored 97 goals and delivered 27 assists in just 102 games. His penalty record is elite (89% conversion), and he could even challenge Saka for spot-kicks. If he claims pens, the £1.0m discount versus Saka makes him intriguing.
But there are risks: no full pre-season, Arsenal’s opening fixtures (Liverpool, City, Newcastle in first six), and competition from Kai Havertz. For now, Gyokeres is a “wait and see,” but don’t forget about him.
Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) – Mr. Reliable
Watkins has scored double-digit goals in every Premier League season he’s played. Last year, he managed 16 goals and eight assists, and he’s nailed on to start for Villa (who have a kind opening schedule). The odds say he’ll stay put, and with Villa’s great fixtures, Newcastle (H), Brentford (A), Palace (H), Sunderland (A), Fulham (H), Burnley (H) , he’s the second highest-scoring forward for the first eight. Watkins is a solid, low-risk pick.
Hugo Ekitike (£8.5m) – The Anfield Enigma
Ekitike joins Liverpool after 15 goals and eight assists at Frankfurt. He boasts excellent underlying numbers (xG 21.6, xA 6.8) and should thrive under Arne Slot. If he nails down the number nine role, surrounded by creative players like Salah and Wirtz, he could be one of the bargains of the year. The only caveat: If Isak arrives, Ekitike’s place (possibly on the left, rotating with Gakpo) becomes less certain. Watch preseason closely.
Mid-Priced Forwards: Value in Attack
Forwards between £6.5m and £7.5m are always tempting for those hunting value. This season’s best bets include proven finishers and some exciting wildcards.
- Evanilson (£7.0m, Bournemouth): Led his team for xG (12.46) and big chances. With Enes Unal injured, he’s nailed for minutes and a steady source of points, especially after the tricky GW1 at Anfield.
- Jorgen Strand Larsen (£6.5m, Wolves): Ended last season with a flurry of goals and assists, now likely to be Wolves’ main striker and possibly on penalties. Enables flexibility elsewhere.
- Chris Wood (£7.5m, Nottingham Forest): Last season’s surprise package. Nailed for minutes and pens, with a great opening run of fixtures.
- Danny Welbeck (£6.5m, Brighton): The veteran led Brighton in goals and, with Joao Pedro and Ferguson gone, should start up front and take pens.
- Dominic Solanke (£7.5m, Spurs): Nine goals and five assists in a tricky debut season at Spurs. If Son leaves, he could take pens. Spurs’ fixtures are kind and he could start strong.
Best Mid-Priced Defenders: Unlocking New Value
With the new rules rewarding clearances, blocks, interceptions, and tackles, defenders in the £5.0m–£5.5m bracket look better than ever. Here are your top picks:
1. Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace, £5.0m)
A full-back who plays more like a winger. Four goals and six assists last season, plus great attacking stats. Palace’s early fixtures (Forest, Sunderland, West Ham, Everton, Bournemouth) are inviting. If you want an attacking defender who can deliver double-digit hauls, look no further.
2. Nikola Milenković (Nottingham Forest, £5.0m)
Offers a big goal threat from set-pieces. Forest’s fixtures are strong for clean sheets, and Milenković is one of the highest-scoring defenders for goals.
3. Murillo (Nottingham Forest, £5.0m)
Leading all defenders for defensive contributions and bonus points. Not a huge goal threat, but his baseline value is immense, especially with Forest’s kind opening games.
4. James Tarkowski (Everton, £5.0m)
Reliable, bonus-heavy, and a threat from set-pieces. Everton have a nice opening run, and if fit, Tarkowski offers a safe floor for points.
Building a successful FPL team is all about blending explosive premiums, value picks, and set-and-forget defenders. Whether you’re gambling on Haaland, eyeing Isak’s transfer saga, or searching for bonus magnets in defense, balance is key.
Don’t forget: For the latest transfer updates, player analysis, and predicted points, download the “We Play FPL” app! Get ahead with transfer planning, compare players side by side, and make informed decisions for a flying start to the season.
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).
