With Arsenal’s EFL Cup semi-final win confirming a Double Gameweek 26 for the Gunners (Brentford & Wolves) and for Wolves (Nottingham Forest & Arsenal), it’s time to start planning ahead, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. These are the weeks FPL managers live for – the fixture changes, the captaincy calls, and the scramble to get the right players in before the anticipated double gameweek. Now’s the perfect moment to move early on key assets before prices rise and rivals catch on. Whether you’re building for the doubles or trying to nail value picks for the next few weeks, here are five names who could transform your team heading into Gameweek 25.
Jurrien Timber (6.3m)
Timber might not be the most nailed Arsenal defender, but he’s looking like a player who could quietly deliver big in Double Gameweek 26. At a lower price than Gabriel, Timber offers attacking upside when he starts and has been easing back into minutes just in time for the key fixtures. Arsenal face Brentford and Wolves, both decent going forward but vulnerable to transitions – exactly the sort of games that suit Timber’s attacking strengths. With an FA Cup fixture against Wigan wedged between their double gameweek 26 fixtures, Mikel Arteta will likely rotate in the cup, meaning Timber’s league minutes should be safe. High ceiling, modest risk – a tidy differential for the double.
Gabriel (7.0m)
Gabriel is simply the Arsenal asset to own. In fact, he’s arguably the best FPL option in the entire game right now. His combination of clean-sheet potential, set-piece threat, DEFCON ceiling, and bonus‑point consistency makes him a genuine triple captain contender for Double Gameweek 26. Pricing at 7.0m sounds steep – until you realise he’s scoring like a premium midfielder at a cut of the price. Arsenal’s defence remains one of the league’s strongest, and Gabriel sits at the heart of it, always a magnet for DEFCON and attacking returns. If you somehow don’t have him yet, find a route to get him in. This is one you don’t want to overthink.
Declan Rice (7.5m)
If Gabriel is first in line, Rice isn’t far behind. He’s become the ultimate all-round FPL midfielder: relentless for minutes, a box-crashing goal threat, set‑piece involvement, and DEFCON points that rack up quietly every week. With Bukayo Saka sidelined, Rice might even gain more free‑kick duties, adding another path to points. It’s easy to overlook how consistent he’s been – that stoppage‑time assist against Chelsea in the cup felt like a perfect example of what he offers: composure, work rate, and reliability in the clutch moments. His upside through the doubles is huge, and for price and security, you won’t find a better midfield pick.
Elliot Anderson (5.3m)
At 5.3m, Anderson has quietly become one of the most underrated FPL assets in the game. His 32 points in the last six weeks is exceptional value, but what’s even more impressive is the consistency – only one blank since Gameweek 9. He’s a DEFCON monster, regularly sweeping up bonus points even when his team doesn’t keep a clean sheet. In fact, he’s outscored Antoine Semenyo’s three goals in the last five weeks despite just one assist to Anderson’s name, showing how DEFCON can transform steady performances into reliable returns. If you want a low cost midfielder who keeps rewarding patience, Anderson deserves serious consideration.
Bruno Fernandes (9.6m)
Outside the Arsenal core, Fernandes is the most important name for your FPL team. Back in his preferred No.10 role, he’s once again the heartbeat of Manchester United’s attack – involved in everything from open play chances to set pieces. After pivotal performances against Arsenal, City and Fulham, he’s not just a form pick, he’s a captaincy option every week. His route to points is endless: goals, assists, penalties, set pieces, DEFCON, bonus – you name it. With United’s confidence soaring under Michael Carrick and a run of favourable fixtures ahead, Bruno feels like one of those “don’t think, just buy” players. If you don’t own him yet, now’s the time.
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