Gameweek 27 offered a mix of goalkeeping interventions, midfield control and clinical attacking moments that decided a number of fixtures.

Brighton secured a much-needed 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday with Bart Verbruggen prominent in goal. Verbruggen has again been linked with a blockbuster exit from Brighton & Hove Albion, and his performance underlined why. He made four saves and 11 recoveries as Brighton repelled sustained pressure en route to three points.

Manchester United’s summer recruit Senne Lammens provided a similar defensive platform in Monday’s 1-0 win over Everton. Tasked with providing a steady presence, Lammens matched Verbruggen’s totals of four saves and 11 recoveries. He came to life late on and a stunning reach to prevent Michael Keane’s long-range thunderbolt from nestling into his top corner was one of the key moments.

Manchester City’s control in the middle was driven by Rodri in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United. He registered the most touches (95) and completed the most passes (67) in the match. His influence also showed defensively with six recoveries, four clearances and a game-high five tackles.

Nico O’Reilly stole some of the spotlight with a two-goal haul from a more advanced role on the left wing. The 20-year-old’s versatility was evident and the performance has ignited calls for a spot in England’s World Cup squad.

Fulham recorded a 3-1 victory over Sunderland with several strong contributions. Calvin Bassey and Harry Wilson narrowly missed out on a place in this round-up, while Alex Iwobi stood out. His excellent corner set up Fulham’s opening goal and he wrapped up the win with a composed finish from a narrow angle.

Raúl Jiménez led the line for Fulham against Sunderland with two goals. He rose highest to head home Iwobi’s corner and converted from the penalty spot as Sunderland’s pressure built, also enjoying physical battles with Omar Alderete and Dan Ballard.

Cherries goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović was key in Bournemouth’s 0-0 draw with West Ham United. Just three of West Ham’s 20 shots were on target and Petrović produced several reaction saves to keep the match goalless.

Eberechi Eze just loves playing Tottenham Hotspur. Restored to attacking midfield, he scored twice and created two chances in a 4-1 win that helped reignite Arsenal’s title charge.

The Premier League returns after FA Cup and Champions League midweek fixtures, with Sunday’s North London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal the standout tie. Wolves’ midweek fightback has added extra intrigue to that fixture and other games across the weekend.

Saturday’s early kick-offs deliver several high-stakes battles. Aston Villa, eliminated from the FA Cup last weekend, can concentrate on the league and Europa League. Injuries have weakened Unai Emery’s squad and, while Villa remain mathematically in the title picture, their priority is holding off a chasing pack. Leeds have been resilient this year under Daniel Farke and will look to exploit Villa’s absences. Prediction: Aston Villa 2–2 Leeds.

Brighton remain without a league victory since Jan. 3 and have failed to score in three straight matches. Fabian Hürzeler’s side struggled against Liverpool in the FA Cup and could be drawn closer to the relegation fight. Brentford, sitting seventh and in contention for European football, can deepen Brighton’s troubles if they repeat their recent standards. Prediction: Brentford 3–0 Brighton.

Chelsea, who beat Burnley 2–0 in the reverse fixture, visit Turf Moor after an extra day’s rest. Burnley claimed their first Premier League win since October at Crystal Palace last time out but remain nine points from safety. Chelsea aim to return to winning ways in the top flight. Prediction: Chelsea 3–0 Burnley.

West Ham’s squad depth was exposed in the FA Cup and they must rely on key performers like Crysencio Summerville to halt Bournemouth’s resurgence. Andoni Iraola’s future on the south coast remains unresolved. Prediction: West Ham 1–1 Bournemouth.

Manchester City can cut the gap at the top after Arsenal’s midweek slip at Molineux. City face Newcastle for a third meeting in quick succession, with the pair set to meet again in the FA Cup. Prediction: Man City 3–1 Newcastle.

Crystal Palace are under pressure after recent European frustration and home disquiet, with fans heard chanting “Sacked in the morning” as Palace were held in a playoff tie. Wolves will aim to capitalise after earning a point at Arsenal. Prediction: Crystal Palace 0–1 Wolves.

Further weekend calls: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Liverpool; Sunderland 1–0 Fulham; Tottenham 1–2 Arsenal; Everton 0–2 Man Utd. Gameweek 27 closes on Monday night with United visiting Everton.

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).