2025–26 FPL: The Must-Have Players Who Will Dominate Gameweek 35

The clock is ticking for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers. With only four gameweeks left, the race to top mini-leagues and claim bragging rights is heating up.

Fortunately, each week brings a fresh chance to surge up the rankings, with a variety of compelling fixtures offering the prospect of big returns from established stars and a selection of differentials.

Tactical thinking is vital at this stage of the season, particularly for managers who still have chips in reserve. Every team is in a different situation, but certain selections look like must-haves across all squads in Gameweek 35.

Here are the players worth targeting before Friday's deadline.

Goalkeepers

In the unglamorous realm of shot-stoppers, David Raya (£6.0m) continues to reign supreme. The top-scoring goalkeeper put up a 10-point return last weekend and remains exceptional value, giving managers the option to double up on the Arsenal backline. Facing Fulham (H) this Saturday — a side that has failed to score in four of their last six league outings — another clean sheet looks very likely.

At the budget end of the market sits Leeds United's Karl Darlow (£3.9m). Having racked up 24 points over his last five appearances, a mouth-watering home fixture against already-relegated Burnley this weekend only enhances his appeal — and that of his Leeds colleagues. He's an excellent enabler and pairs perfectly with Raya.

With an eye on the double Gameweek 36 in which Crystal Palace feature twice, Dean Henderson (£5.1m) is worth considering. This Sunday's trip to Bournemouth (A) isn't the most attractive fixture, but bringing him in now sets managers up to benefit from his two games in the following round. A clean sheet at the Vitality Stadium is never out of the question either.

Defenders

Beyond the near-obligatory Gabriel (£7.2m), Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly (£5.1m) is fast becoming an essential selection. With City also enjoying a double gameweek next round, the left-back grows even more attractive, particularly after accumulating 27 points across his last three fixtures. Monday's visit to low-scoring Everton (A) presents yet another promising points opportunity.

Crystal Palace defenders will be in high demand this week, with Jaydee Canvot (£4.5m) and Chris Richards (£4.4m) providing affordable entry points into their backline, while the pricier Daniel Muñoz (£5.8m) offers greater attacking upside. The Colombian even found the net in last weekend's defeat at Liverpool.

Leeds' favorable fixture makes James Justin (£3.9m) their standout defensive option, though Jayden Bogle (£4.4m) and Pascal Struijk (£4.3m) are solid alternatives.

Bournemouth also remain worth backing, with James Hill (£4.2m) and Adrien Truffert (£4.7m) representing strong value at their respective price points.

Midfielders

There is just one truly non-negotiable midfield pick right now: Bruno Fernandes (£10.4m). The Manchester United captain is chasing the Premier League's single-season assist record and has delivered returns in each of his last seven outings. Even in a challenging home clash with rivals Liverpool this weekend, he looks set to reward his owners.

Arsenal lack a wealth of consistent attacking options, but Eberechi Eze (£7.2m) has grown increasingly influential and could build on his goal against Newcastle with another return in the Fulham fixture. The Englishman came off the bench midweek in Europe and made an immediate impact, suggesting he is likely to start on Saturday.

Rayan Cherki (£6.5m) stands out as the most attractive Manchester City midfielder currently available, offering an affordable and productive route to points. The Frenchman has become a key figure under Pep Guardiola and has accumulated 23 points across his last three matches. Everton will have plenty to fear from his creativity.

With the double gameweek on the horizon, Ismaïla Sarr (£6.3m) is a worthwhile investment. His minutes carry a slight risk following Thursday's Conference League semifinal first leg, but he remains Crystal Palace's primary attacking threat.

Noah Okafor (£5.6m) is in fine form for Leeds and should feature on Friday against Burnley despite a minor fitness concern. Enzo Fernández (£6.5m) has flourished during his short stint under Calum McFarlane and is a viable option in the Chelsea setup ahead of Monday's home clash with Nottingham Forest.

Forwards

Erling Haaland (£14.5m) is a must-own asset given his recent goalscoring form, but there are some intriguing options to pair alongside the Man City striker.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.7m) has the makings of a big haul against Burnley, particularly following the recent sacking of Scott Parker. The Clarets have effectively thrown in the towel, and Leeds are primed to capitalize as they push for top-flight survival.

West Ham United are another side desperately chasing points at the wrong end of the table, and Jarrod Bowen (£7.8m) keeps delivering for them. While the majority of his points have come at home — including 24 across his last two games at the London Stadium — a trip to Brentford (A) still represents a reasonable fixture for the England international.

João Pedro (£7.5m) could punish a tired Nottingham Forest defense that was in action on Thursday night. His compatriot Igor Thiago (£7.4m) could reward his backers against West Ham after a string of costly misses at Old Trafford in his previous outing.

When Is the FPL Gameweek 35 Deadline?

Leeds vs. Burnley takes place on Friday evening, meaning the GW35 deadline falls at 6:30 p.m. BST (1:30 p.m. ET, 10:30 a.m. PT) on May 1.