FPL Strategy: Maximizing Double Gameweek 26 | Arsenal's Key Players & Transfer Tips (2026)

FPL Focus: Maximizing the Double Gameweek! | News

After our recent victory over Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, we're gearing up for another midweek challenge in the Fantasy Premier League (https://fantasy.premierleague.com/) as we enter Gameweek 26.

Viktor Gyokeres' double substitution and Martin Zubimendi's impressive goal secured our win against the Black Cats in N5. Now, we're set to face an in-form Brentford in a London derby on Thursday.

This week also marks the first Double Gameweek of the FPL season, with our rearranged trip to Wolves scheduled for GW26, just a week after our match against them.

RAYA AND ZUBI'S 100-POINT CLUB

Saturday's hat-trick performance showcased Arsenal's stars' potential, with Zubimendi once again exceeding expectations. The Spaniard's £5.2m price tag proved valuable, surpassing the 100-point mark with his 10-point haul. His popularity is rising, though he's still owned by only 3.9% of teams.

David Raya (£5.9m) has also achieved the 100-point milestone this season, with seven points against Sunderland bringing his total to 106. Joining Gabriel (£7.1m), Declan Rice (£7.5m), Jurrien Timber (£6.4m), and Bukayo Saka (£9.9m) in the 100-point club, Leandro Trossard (£6.8m) is close behind with 92 points.

Gyokeres' owners (£8.7m) have seen a 11.5% increase in squad presence, with the Swedish striker scoring 12 points in half an hour on Saturday. His second-half brace sealed the victory.

BRENTFORD'S EUROPEAN CHALLENGE

Brendan Rodgers' Brentford, currently in seventh place, is on a mission to secure European football under Keith Andrews' leadership. Several Bees stars have been a boon for FPL managers, with Igor Thiago (£7.0m) leading the way. Thiago, priced at £6.0m when he joined in the summer, has scored 131 points with 17 league goals. He's the undisputed penalty taker and, with Kevin Schade (£7.0m) suspended, his position is solidified.

Another standout performer is Caoimhin Kelleher (£4.6m), Brentford's goalkeeper, who has impressed with 94 points and three penalty saves.

Dango Ouattara (£5.8m) at the Gtech Stadium has been a recent standout, returning from AFCON duty with 20 points in the last two Gameweeks. He scored the winning goals at Newcastle United and Aston Villa, and his next two fixtures are against Brighton at home and Burnley away.

GET YOUR GUNNERS READY FOR DGW26!

Gameweek 26 is the first Double Gameweek of the 2025/26 season, with multiple fixtures for some Premier League clubs, including us. We'll travel to Wolves on Wednesday, February 18, after our FA Cup fourth-round match with Wigan Athletic and six days after our Brentford game.

To maximize points, aim for three Arsenal assets in your FPL squad, ensuring they all start. If any blanks occur against Brentford, the Wolves game offers a second opportunity. Gabriel, Raya, Rice, and Timber are popular picks, with Zubimendi and Gyokeres in inspired form.

Other Gunners like Riccardo Calafiori (£5.6m) and Noni Madueke (£6.8m) could be solid options, with Calafiori's recent injury keeping his price competitive. Madueke, who scored a hat-trick against Wolves last season, has been in good form.

WOLVES' CHALLENGE

Wolves, despite a poor campaign, have two matches in GW26, visiting Nottingham Forest on Wednesday and hosting another team next week. Joao Gomes (£5.3m) has been their top FPL performer with 62 points, while Mateus Mane (£4.6m) burst onto the scene with two goals against Everton and West Ham.

Mane and Gomes, along with new striker Adam Armstrong (£5.5m), could be considered for Free Hit strategies.

DGW STRATEGY FOR GW31

Plan your GW31 strategy now, as both Gunners and Wolves will have a Blank Gameweek due to the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. City and Crystal Palace, their original opponents, won't feature in FPL that week, resulting in zero-point totals for all players.

UNDER THE RADAR

While top-performing players like Bruno Fernandes (£9.8m) and Cole Palmer (£10.5m) grab attention, there are budget-friendly alternatives who have excelled recently.

Crysencio Summerville (£5.6m) at West Ham, with 36 points in four Gameweeks, has been a star. The Dutch winger has a home double-header against Manchester United and Bournemouth.

Bournemouth has offered FPL bargains like Eli Junior Kroupi (£4.7m) and Alex Scott (£5.0m), and their new signing Rayan (£5.5m), a forward-minded midfielder, scored in a man-of-the-match display against Aston Villa.

Lastly, Leeds United, particularly at Elland Road, has been strong, with James Justin (£3.9m) delivering 25 points in four Gameweeks as an attacking outlet. He's a bargain, but prices may rise with two away games ahead.

Complete and submit your transfers and team selection by Tuesday night at 6 pm UK time to avoid missing GW26!