FPL Gameweek 25 Goldmine: Fernandez, Pedro, Gabriel, and Ekitike Lead the Must-Have Picks for 2025-26
Fantasy Premier League enthusiasts are gearing up for the season's inaugural double gameweek, which begins following the current Gameweek 25 fixtures, making strategic transfer decisions more crucial than ever.
Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers will each enjoy dual fixtures in Gameweek 26, prompting managers to load their squads with players from these clubs—though Arsenal assets will understandably be prioritized.
However, focus shouldn't shift entirely to future planning, as the immediate round presents numerous enticing matchups. Between Friday and Sunday, substantial point-scoring opportunities await.
To assist your quest for upward movement in rankings, here are the top selections for FPL GW25.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers
While few keepers offer compelling clean sheet prospects for GW25, David Raya (£5.9m) remains a reliable choice. Arsenal host Sunderland on Saturday as they pursue their 13th Premier League clean sheet, and with their double fixtures against Brentford (A) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) in GW26, it's an ideal moment to select the Spanish goalkeeper.
Multiple budget keepers present point-scoring potential this weekend, notably Burnley's Martin Dúbravka (£4.0m) as the ultimate bargain option. West Ham United (H) represents one of his more favorable matchups, though the rejuvenated Hammers have shown significant improvement recently.
Managers seeking an upgrade from cheaper alternatives might consider Chelsea's Robert Sánchez (£4.9m), who travels to Wolves this weekend. If that fixture lacks appeal, the Spanish keeper then faces Leeds United (H) and Burnley (H) in his subsequent two league encounters.
Defenders
Defenders
Following similar reasoning to Sánchez, Chelsea center-back Trevoh Chalobah (£5.7m) represents an outstanding choice. As FPL's second-highest scoring defender with 117 points, he appears guaranteed a starting position in Liam Rosenior's defense for relatively manageable fixtures.
Arsenal's impending double makes owning one or two of their defensive assets mandatory. Gabriel (£7.0m) continues as essential despite his rising cost and pairs excellently with Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) and William Saliba (£6.0m)—with Timber preferred due to his offensive contributions.
Fulham's Joachim Andersen (£4.6m) enjoys attractive fixtures in the upcoming period, beginning with Everton (H) on Saturday. The center-back, exceptional for defensive statistics, then faces Sunderland (A), West Ham (H), Nottingham Forest (A) and Burnley (H) across his next six matches following Everton's visit.
Manchester United aren't celebrated for clean sheets, even under Michael Carrick's guidance, but Harry Maguire (£4.3m) offers outstanding value. Solid defensively and a reliable set-piece threat, he confronts struggling Tottenham Hotspur (H) this weekend.
Midfielders
Midfielders
United's defense hasn't strengthened but their attack is flourishing. Bruno Fernandes (£9.6m) stands as the clear premium selection, contributing two assists last weekend while maintaining his Premier League lead in chances created. Budget-conscious managers can opt for Bryan Mbeumo (£8.5m), currently deployed as a striker for the Red Devils.
Enzo Fernández (£6.8m) emerges as Chelsea's most attractive midfield asset, though Cole Palmer (£10.4m) could deliver substantial returns despite questionable value. For Arsenal, Declan Rice (£7.5m) becomes the primary attacking option following Bukayo Saka's injury.
Florian Wirtz (£8.3m) displays exceptional form, accumulating 37 points across his last five appearances. Despite facing Man City (H) in a challenging weekend fixture, Liverpool's improving attack could exploit a vulnerable defense.
Fulham's Harry Wilson (£6.1m) maintains his status as an excellent budget selection, while Antoine Semenyo (£7.8m), having already netted twice against Liverpool this season for Bournemouth, has transcended Man City's recent inconsistencies to provide consistent goals.
Forwards
Forwards
Erling Haaland (£15.0m) has disappointed since January but excluding the Norwegian remains risky, given his capacity for explosive performances in any match. His weekend adversary Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m), who delivered 13 points last weekend with his double strike, could reward his owners with another significant haul as his partnership with Wirtz continues developing.
Chelsea have depended heavily on João Pedro (£7.5m) in recent matches under Rosenior, accumulating 30 points across three Premier League games under the 41-year-old manager. Despite midweek involvement, the Brazilian should feature against Wolves and is positioned to exploit one of the division's weakest defenses.
Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m) has demonstrated excellent recent form and represents West Ham's most fixture-resistant option. A meeting with Burnley (A) this weekend appears enticing despite less favorable upcoming matches.
At his minimal price point, Mateus Mané (£4.6m) appears the sole Wolves player worth considering before their double gameweek. The next three fixtures read Chelsea (H), Forest (A) and Arsenal (H), hardly ideal matchups, but Mané remains a useful budget enabler.
When Is the FPL Gameweek 25 Deadline?
When Is the FPL Gameweek 25 Deadline?
FPL managers face an earlier deadline than typical, so exercise caution. All modifications must be completed by 18:30 GMT on Friday, Feb. 6 before Forest's journey to Leeds.