FPL GW28 Review2025/26 GW28 Review how did you do?
Published · refreshed
Hero of the week0.6% owned
Damsgaard made the difference. The template did not.
Gameweek 28 of the 2025/26 season proved to be a week of average difficulty with significant individual standout performances shaping managers' fortunes. Popular captaincy picks largely disappointed, creating a fertile ground for savvy differential selections to thrive. We dive into the real outcomes, extracting critical lessons to apply as we look towards GW29.
How the field scored
The average manager scored 53. Around 68 was a useful target for a green arrow; 83+ made it an elite week.
Did the armband deliver?
- 65.9%0→0Missed
Haaland
MCI· 65.9% owned - 54.5%8→16Missed
SemenyoMCI· 54.5% owned - 45.7%2→4Missed
João Pedro
CHE· 45.7% owned - 42.8%9→18Missed
Gabriel
ARS· 42.8% owned - 38.3%13→26Missed
B.Fernandes
MUN· 38.3% owned
Heroes and villains
- DamsgaardBRE · 0.6% owned18ptsInstrumental in Brentford's impressive 4-goal haul against Burnley, securing the top score of the gameweek.
Ekitiké
LIV · 29.7% owned15ptsA key attacking contributor in Liverpool's dominant 5-2 victory over West Ham.
J.Gomes
WOL · 0.3% owned14ptsCombined a crucial goal with a clean sheet in Wolves' 2-0 home win against Aston Villa.- B.FernandesMUN · 38.3% owned13ptsDelivered a match-winning performance with attacking returns in Manchester United's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
- HaalandMCI · 65.9% owned0ptsThe highest-owned captain blanked completely in a 1-0 win for City, hurting a vast percentage of managers.
- João PedroCHE · 45.7% owned2ptsFailed to provide any meaningful attacking returns for his significant ownership as Chelsea lost 2-1.
- Dúbravka
BUR · 32.4% owned0ptsConceded four goals in Burnley's 3-4 defeat, returning 0 points for over 30% of managers who owned him.
Three lessons
- 01
Embrace Differential Upside
Gameweek 28 highlighted that when highly-owned players falter, low-owned differentials like Damsgaard (0.6%) and J.Gomes (0.3%) can provide massive rank-boosting returns. Identifying these players through form or favorable fixtures can be a game-changer.
- 02
Captaincy Volatility is Real
Despite high ownership, players like Haaland can blank entirely, while less popular options such as B.Fernandes (38.3% owned, 26 captain points) can deliver significant hauls. Consider form, opponent, and potential for bonus points beyond just name recognition.
- 03
Defenders Can Offer Explosive Returns
Beyond clean sheet points, defenders who contribute offensively, like J.Gomes (14 points from a goal and clean sheet) or Aït-Nouri (11 points), offer a valuable avenue for high scores. Look for defenders in attacking systems or those with set-piece threat.
Get the GW29 captain picks
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