FPL GW26 Review2025/26 GW26 Review how did you do?
Published · refreshed
Hero of the week22% owned
Virgil made the difference. The template did not.
Gameweek 26 proved to be an average scoring affair, with the overall average landing at 58 points. Captaincy was a mixed bag, offering both explosive differentials and significant blanks for popular choices. Navigating this landscape required astute decision-making, and we'll unpack the key lessons to carry forward into Gameweek 27.
How the field scored
The average manager scored 58. Around 73 was a useful target for a green arrow; 88+ made it an elite week.
Did the armband deliver?
- 68%5→10Missed
Haaland
MCI· 68% owned - 50.2%14→28Missed
SemenyoMCI· 50.2% owned - 46.1%10→20Missed
João Pedro
CHE· 46.1% owned - 43.1%7→14Missed
Gabriel
ARS· 43.1% owned - 36.9%7→14Missed
GuéhiMCI· 36.9% owned
Heroes and villains
- VirgilLIV · 22% owned17ptsLiverpool's 1-0 victory over Sunderland secured a clean sheet, augmented by significant attacking and bonus points for Virgil.
HincapieARS · 0.6% owned15ptsDespite Arsenal failing to keep a clean sheet in either fixture, Hincapie delivered explosive attacking returns from defence.
RiceARS · 35.1% owned14ptsInstrumental for Arsenal, Rice provided key attacking contributions resulting in a double-digit haul.- SemenyoMCI · 50.2% owned14ptsScored big in Manchester City's dominant 3-0 win over Fulham, combining attacking returns with a clean sheet.
B.Fernandes
MUN · 36.8% owned2ptsA highly-owned midfield premium who delivered just 2 points in Manchester United's 1-1 draw, hurting many active teams.- Dúbravka
BUR · 32.7% owned1ptsAs a popular goalkeeper pick, conceding 3 goals in Burnley's 2-3 loss to Crystal Palace resulted in a blank and disappointment. 
Rogers
AVL · 30.8% owned2ptsDespite Aston Villa securing a 1-0 clean sheet win, Rogers failed to contribute attacking or defensive points for his significant ownership.
Three lessons
- 01
Don't Chase Ownership Blindly
High ownership doesn't guarantee returns, as evidenced by Haaland and Fernandes. Focus on form, fixtures, and underlying stats rather than popular consensus alone.
- 02
Exploit Defensive Differentials
Virgil and Hincapie demonstrated that defenders, particularly those with attacking threat or from strong defensive units, can offer massive differential hauls, especially if overlooked.
- 03
Target Strong Home Fixtures
Manchester City's dominant 3-0 home win highlights the potential for big hauls from players in strong teams with favourable home matches, especially against weaker opposition.
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