FPL Captain Picks GW26 (2025/26 Season)

João Pedro stands out as the premium option for Gameweek 26, primarily due to Chelsea's favourable home fixture against Leeds. His current form of 7.5 points per game underscores his recent attacking output, making him a reliable choice. Leeds' defensive approach, which can be vulnerable on the counter, plays directly into his strengths as a mobile forward who thrives in space. Furthermore, Chelsea's improved attacking coherence at Stamford Bridge boosts his chances of significant returns.

Leeds' propensity to commit numbers forward, even away, often exposes their defensive flanks and central channels to inverted wingers and a fluid forward line. João Pedro, operating centrally with license to drift, is perfectly positioned to exploit the spaces left by their advancing full-backs or the gaps between centre-backs.

Bruno Fernandes offers a compelling alternative with a high ceiling, thanks to his assured penalty duties and Manchester United's decent away fixture against West Ham. His impressive 6.2 points per game on average demonstrates his consistent FPL relevance. United will look to dictate play against West Ham, and Fernandes is central to their attacking output, being involved in almost every significant offensive move. The added bonus of penalties significantly elevates his floor and ceiling for any given gameweek.

West Ham's midfield can be overrun when faced with sustained pressure and quick transitions. Fernandes's role as the primary creative hub and penalty taker makes him integral to breaking down organised defences, particularly given West Ham's tendency to concede fouls in dangerous areas and their susceptibility to set-piece deliveries.

For managers looking to make a significant rank jump, Morgan Gibbs-White offers an intriguing differential. With just 3.8% ownership, his potential returns against a Wolves side who can be breached away from home could be highly rewarding. As Nottingham Forest's key creative midfielder, almost all attacking play flows through him, particularly in home fixtures where Forest are more assertive. This specific gameweek presents a favourable matchup for him to deliver attacking returns.

Wolves' defence, while generally disciplined, can be susceptible to quick transitions and through balls against teams willing to commit forward. Gibbs-White's role behind the striker allows him to ghost into pockets of space between the lines, making him a central figure in Forest's attempts to break down their opponent's structure and create clear-cut chances.