FPL 2025/26: Five players you must have in your line-up ahead of double gameweek

FPL 2025/26 gameweek 26 is finally upon us – the first double gameweek of the season, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. Arsenal and Wolves both play twice, and with fixture swings starting to shake things up across the league, this is where FPL managers can pull ahead. Nailing the right double‑gameweek picks while keeping an eye on those with form and consistency will be key. Whether you’re chasing rank, climbing mini‑leagues, or simply setting up for the next few weeks, here are five players worth buying for this crucial round.  

Declan Rice (7.5m)

Rice continues to quietly deliver. A five‑point return last week came from a clean sheet and DEFCON bonus – the equivalent of an assist in disguise. His underlying creativity has been superb: over the last six gameweeks, he’s produced 16 key passes and generated 1.67 expected assists. Add set‑piece duties and constant 90‑minute reliability, and he’s the picture of consistency. With Bukayo Saka sidelined, Rice could take on even more responsibility in attack. Combining safe minutes with steady returns and DEFCON potential, Rice looks essential for this double and beyond. An Arsenal midfielder who never stops delivering value.

João Pedro (7.6m)

If you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on João Pedro, this is the moment. Two strong fixtures ahead and a clear run of starts make him one of the best short‑term attacking punts in the game. When fit, Pedro can be electric – open‑play threat and involvement in everything Chelsea do going forward. While his minutes can be volatile long term, the short window between now and Gameweek 28 makes him perfect for managers looking to capitalise on form. Expect chances, responsibility, and the potential for a double‑digit haul. He’s not one to hold forever, but right now, he’s a buy.

Viktor Gyökeres (8.7m)

Momentum is starting to build again for Viktor Gyökeres. After scoring against Leeds and netting a brace off the bench against Sunderland, he looks like a confidence player ready to erupt just in time for Arsenal’s double. Fixtures against Brentford and Wolves offer potential for attacking returns – and if, as expected, he starts both, he’s one of the standout forward punts of the week. There’s some rotation risk, but the upside is immense. With Saka out, Gyökeres could also be on spot‑kick duty. It’s a high‑risk, high‑reward move, but with doubles often defining ranks, this might be the punt that changes your season.

Ismaila Sarr (6.3m)

Sarr has quietly gone under the radar and become a reliable mid‑priced option – and this double gameweek could push him out of the spotlight. The Crystal Palace winger is on penalties and produces a strong 0.47 xGI per 90 minutes – higher than Matheus Cunha and equal to João Pedro. With Burnley and Wolves up next, both at home, he’s well positioned to deliver attacking returns. Palace’s attack goes through him, and his consistency of minutes makes him easy to trust. Add his explosive pace and penalty threat, and Sarr offers the rare combination of floor and upside for his price. A smart buy for both short‑ and medium‑term gains.

Daniel Muñoz (5.8m)

If you’re after a differential who can genuinely move the needle this week, Muñoz is your man. The Crystal Palace full‑back has home fixtures against Burnley and Wolves – the same two sides he bagged 14‑point hauls against earlier in the season. One of the league’s most adventurous defenders, Muñoz combines clean‑sheet potential with serious attacking upside. In his last outing, he was one tackle away from another DEFCON return and also created a big chance. He’s flying under the radar, but the signs are there for another haul. At 5.8m, he’s the kind of pick that separates patient planners from bold managers. One that has the potential to make you fly up the ranks.