FPL Gameweek 10-team-news tips: Captain picks for the edge
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 6 min read
Choosing the right captain and squad for Gameweek 10 can swing your points haul by several goals. In this guide we focus on the fixtures that matter most, the top captain options, the best players to bring in, the ones you should drop, and a differential that could give you a competitive edge.
The fixtures table
| Fixture | Venue | Kickoff | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal vs Hull City | Emirates Stadium | 15:00 | Arsenal vs Hull City |
| Brighton vs Brentford | Amex Stadium | 15:00 | Brighton vs Brentford |
| Everton vs Coventry City | Hill Dickinson Stadium | 15:00 | Everton vs Coventry City |
| Fulham vs Newcastle | Craven Cottage | 15:00 | Fulham vs Newcastle |
| Ipswich Town vs Bournemouth | Portman Road | 15:00 | Ipswich Town vs Bournemouth |
| Leeds vs Spurs | Elland Road | 15:00 | Leeds vs Spurs |
| Man Utd vs Aston Villa | Old Trafford | 15:00 | Man Utd vs Aston Villa |
| Crystal Palace vs Liverpool | Selhurst Park | 15:00 | Crystal Palace vs Liverpool |
| Notts Forest vs Man City | City Ground | 15:00 | Notts Forest vs Man City |
| Sunderland vs Chelsea | Stadium of Light | 15:00 | Sunderland vs Chelsea |
The schedule is a mix of high‑scoring clashes, solid defenses and a few low‑point matches. Arsenal’s home game against Hull City offers a comfortable environment for a strong attacking squad, while Notts Forest at home to Man City is a low‑risk defensive fixture.
Captain picks (3 ranked)
| Rank | Captain | Team | Cost | PPG | Total Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erling Haaland | Man City | 15.5 | 6.8 | 239 | 27 goals, 8 assists, 13 clean sheets, 43 bonus points - the most reliable goal‑scoring engine in the league |
| 2 | João Pedro | Chelsea | 7.5 | 5.1 | 177 | 15 goals, 9 assists, 10 clean sheets, 30 bonus points - a high‑percentage finisher who thrives on set pieces |
| 3 | B.Fernandes | Man Utd | 12.0 | 6.7 | 235 | 9 goals, 24 assists, 7 clean sheets, 41 bonus points - a play‑maker who can rack up points from both ends |
Haaland tops the list because his goal tally is the highest and his points per game outpace every other forward. João Pedro is a clear second thanks to his consistent finishing and his ability to score from the penalty spot. B.Fernandes, while a midfielder, offers a double‑digit assist count and a high points per game rate that makes him a viable captain if you prefer a midfielder.
Players to bring in (4‑5)
| Player | Team | Position | Cost | PPG | Total Points | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiago | Brentford | FWD | 8.0 | 4.8 | 181 | 22 goals, 1 assist, 10 clean sheets - a striker who is already on a hot streak |
| B.Fernandes | Man Utd | MID | 12.0 | 6.7 | 235 | 9 goals, 24 assists - a play‑maker with a high goal‑contribution rate |
| B. Fernandes | Man Utd | MID | 12.0 | 6.7 | 235 | 9 goals, 24 assists - a play‑maker with a high goal‑contribution rate |
| Viktor Gyökeres | Arsenal | FWD | 7.5 | 3.6 | 128 | 14 goals, 1 assist, 12 clean sheets - a reliable forward in a top‑flight squad |
| B. Fernandes | Man Utd | MID | 12.0 | 6.7 | 235 | 9 goals, 24 assists - a play‑maker with a high goal‑contribution rate |
Thiago’s cost is pocket‑friendly, and his 22 goals already give him an edge over many other forwards. B.Fernandes is a consistent performer who can contribute both goals and assists, making him a safe bet for both a bench spot and a differential. Viktor Gyökeres is a budget forward who has shown a knack for finding the net in the current season.
Players to move on (2‑3)
| Player | Team | Position | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Garner | Everton | MID | Injury - groin issue, unlikely to return before the next match |
| Nico O’Reilly | Man City | DEF | Low points per game (4.7) and high cost (6.5) compared to other defenders |
| Sergio | Liverpool | MID | Low contribution in the current season - 0 goals, 0 assists |
Garner’s injury status makes him a risky inclusion, while O’Reilly’s return on form has been modest. Dropping a low‑impact midfielder can free up a budget spot for higher‑return options.
The differential
| Player | Team | Position | Cost | PPG | Total Points | Differential Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | DEF | 6.5 | 4.6 | 175 | 6.5 points per game for a defender is exceptionally high, and his clean‑sheet potential is strong |
| Gabriel | Arsenal | DEF | 8.0 | 6.5 | 209 | 18 clean sheets, 3 goals, 5 assists - a rare combination of defensive solidity and goal threat |
Virgil van Dijk offers a balanced risk‑reward profile: high points per game, solid clean‑sheet chances, and a cost that is still competitive. Gabriel, on the other hand, is a high‑impact defender who can score and assist in addition to his primary role. Either of these can provide a differential edge if the rest of the squad is well‑balanced.
Key takeaways
- Haaland remains the safest captain choice for his 27 goals and 6.8 points per game.
- Bringing in Thiago and B.Fernandes can boost your squad’s goal‑production without breaking the budget.
- Dropping injured players like James Garner and low‑return defenders such as Nico O’Reilly frees up valuable points.
- Virgil van Dijk or Gabriel can serve as high‑value differential picks.
- Focus on fixtures where your core teams face lower‑tier opponents to maximise scoring opportunities.
FAQ
Q1: Which captain should I choose for Gameweek 10? A1: Haaland is the top pick, followed by João Pedro and B.Fernandes. Their high points per game and goal involvement give them the best chance of delivering a maximum return.
Q2: Are there any budget-friendly forwards worth starting? A2: Thiago offers a solid return at £8.0, with 22 goals and 10 clean sheets already. Viktor Gyökeres also provides good value with 14 goals and a low cost.
Q3: Should I keep Nico O’Reilly on my bench? A3: O’Reilly has a low points per game (4.7) and a high cost (6.5). Dropping him and reallocating the budget to a more productive defender is advisable.
Q4: What differential picks can I add? A4: Virgil van Dijk and Gabriel are strong differential options. Both have high points per game for defenders and can contribute to clean sheets.