FPL
FPL: GW1 Stars, Transfer Trends and GW2 Targets
The 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League season kicked off with a bang. We had explosive hauls, gut-wrenching heartbreaks, and the usual dose of VAR controversy to keep us on our toes. Managers are already moving fast in the transfer market. Let’s break it all down, from standout performers to early transfer trends, and look ahead to Gameweek 2.
The Stars of Gameweek 1
It was Sunderland who stole the show on their Premier League return, beating West Ham 3-0 in front of a rocking home crowd. Centre-back Dan Ballard topped the FPL charts with 17 points, thanks to a goal, clean sheet, bonus points, and hitting the new defensive contributions threshold. At just £4.5m, he’s already looking like a gift from the FPL gods.
Elsewhere, it was the weekend of the braces. Antoine Semenyo scored twice against Liverpool, becoming one of the first price risers of the season. He was joined by Erling Haaland, Richarlison, and Chris Wood in the two-goal club.
- Haaland: Topped the table for xG (2.01) with three big chances – no surprise, business as usual.
- Wood: Two shots, two goals. Classic Chris Wood efficiency.
- Richarlison: Bagged a brace against Burnley, including an overhead kick. His gametime could come under threat once Solanke regains fitness, but he’s made his case.
Other haulers included Tijjani Reijnders (10 points), Hugo Ekitike (11), and Mohammed Kudus (10) , all popular picks who delivered right away.
When FPL Dreams Turn Sour
Not everyone started with fireworks. Aston Villa’s attack was flat, posting the lowest xG (0.2) of any team this weekend. Ollie Watkins, highly backed after a strong pre-season, was starved of chances as Villa failed to impress against Newcastle.
Defensively, Villa owners were hit even harder. Ezri Konsa (20% ownership) saw red after hauling down Anthony Gordon, ending on just 3 points and now suspended for Gameweek 2.
Meanwhile, Matt Doherty of Wolves recorded the first negative score of the season. A yellow card and four goals conceded left him on -1. Ouch.
Heartbreakers & Late Wipeouts
Gameweek 1 also brought familiar pain for FPL managers.
- Eberechi Eze thought he had scored a free-kick at Stamford Bridge, only for VAR to rule it out due to Guehi’s positioning in the wall. Classic early-season heartbreak.
- Forest defenders were cruising to a clean sheet until a 78th-minute Brentford penalty wiped it away.
- Brighton defenders suffered even worse, conceding in the 96th minute against Fulham.
- And to twist the knife, Bruno Fernandes fell just one defensive contribution short of extra points.
These moments remind us why FPL can be as brutal as it is beautiful.
Things You Might Have Missed
Gameweek 1 had a few sneaky details that slipped under the radar:
- Anthony Gordon led the league with 7 shots, playing up front in Isak’s absence.
- Virgil van Dijk hit a ridiculous 21 defensive contributions – more than double the threshold.
- Rayan Aït-Nouri played a hybrid CB role vs City and snuck extra defensive points.
- Spurs creativity was on display: Kudus and Pedro Porro ranked among the top four for crosses.
- Promoted Sunderland only managed 0.7 xG despite scoring three – their finishing clinical, but sustainability a concern.
Transfer Trends
The biggest story of the week is Tijjani Reijnders. Over 700k managers have brought him in already, sending his price up to £5.6m with ownership reaching 27% so far.
The Dutchman’s popularity has triggered a reshuffle across squads. Here’s who’s making way:
- Florian Wirtz → The biggest casualty, sold by over 330k managers after blanking.
- Elliot Anderson → Despite better xGI than Reijnders, he’s being binned by Reijnders buyers. Could be a move managers regret.
- Omar Marmoush → Victim of Pep roulette, but owners are rolling the dice on another City mid instead.
- Even Cole Palmer is being sold by some! Despite his ownership above 60% and a home fixture next, panic has crept in.
Reijnders looks like a strong enabler, but there are shades of a knee-jerk here.
Form Forwards
Both Richarlison and Wood are hot transfer targets.
Statistically, Richarlison edges it with more shots, more shots in the box, and higher xG. His ceiling looks higher, but Solanke’s return may complicate his minutes. Wood, meanwhile, is nailed and clinical. With both Spurs and Forest sitting top for attack difficulty ratings over the next six fixtures, managers can’t go too wrong with either.
Looking Ahead to Gameweek 2
- Sunderland assets like Ballard are already proving value, though sustainability is a question.
- Villa attackers have excellent fixtures despite a poor opening. Patience with Watkins could pay off.
- Anthony Gordon is a genuine out-of-position gem if Isak remains sidelined.
- Richarlison vs Wood is shaping up to be the big budget forward debate of the week.
Transfers are flying, but remember: one week doesn’t define a season. Sometimes the best move is no move at all.
Final Thoughts
Gameweek 1 reminded us of everything we love (and hate) about FPL. Haulers came through, heartbreakers crushed us, and the transfer market is already buzzing with knee-jerks. But if there’s one truth in FPL, it’s this: staying patient often pays.
Now it’s time to get ahead of the pack. Download the We Play FPL app today, track transfers, plan your moves, compare players, and get AI-powered predictions to keep your team one step ahead.
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).
