fpl gameweek 24-team-news tips: Haaland Cap, Thiago & Sarr
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 6 min read
fpl gameweek 24-team-news tips: Haaland capping the lineup, Thiago, Saka, Richarlison, J.Pedro as mainstays, dropping Garner and Kelleher, and picking Sarr as a differential. The 27 goals Haaland has already netted give him a clear edge over any other option, while the four new additions bring a mix of pace and creativity that should keep the opposition guessing.
The fixtures table
Arsenal take on Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in a clash that will shape the top of the table. Both sides have pushed for clean sheets, but Arsenal’s 44‑point difference and 85 points so far, with a 26‑point margin over Liverpool, keep them firmly in the upper tier. Liverpool’s 42 points keep them in reach of a top‑four finish, and a win could give them their 23rd victory of the season. Brighton host Hull City at the Amex Stadium, a game that could see Brighton’s 53 points and a 6‑point advantage over Hull City’s 46. Crystal Palace face Coventry City at Selhurst Park, with Palace’s 45 points and a 10‑point margin offering plenty of chances for a clean sheet and a high‑scoring match. Everton’s trip to Newcastle at Hill Dickinson Stadium could deliver a valuable draw, as Everton sit 49 points and Newcastle 49 points, both battling in the bottom half. Fulham host Man City at Craven Cottage, a fixture that will test Fulham’s 52 points against a top‑four side that has scored 77 goals. Ipswich Town travel to Spurs at Portman Road, where the hosts’ 53 points put them in a good position to take advantage of a Spurs 41 points and a defensive record that could produce a clean sheet. Leeds face Bournemouth at Elland Road, a game that could see Leeds’ 47 points and a 3‑point advantage over Bournemouth’s 49 points, with both sides looking for points to move out of the relegation zone. Notts Forest visit Brentford at City Ground, a clash that could see Notts Forest’s 44 points and a 4‑point gap against Brentford’s 53 points, offering a chance for the visitors to capitalize on the home side’s defensive frailties. Sunderland travel to Aston Villa at Stadium of Light, a fixture that could see Sunderland’s 54 points and a 3‑point advantage over Villa’s 65 points, with Villa’s 63 goals making them a dangerous opponent. Man Utd face Chelsea at Old Trafford, a game that could see Man Utd’s 52 points against a top‑four side that has already achieved 78 points this season.
Captain picks (ranked)
At the top of the captaincy list, Haaland’s 27 goals and 239 points make him a safe bet. His 6.8 points per game and 74.80% selection give him a high ceiling that few can match. The sheer volume of his goals, combined with his 9 assists, means he is a consistent source of both goal and assist points, and the 155m cost is justified by his high return. Second, B.Fernandes offers a balanced contribution of 9 goals and 24 assists, 235 points, and a 48.70% selection rate. His role as a creator for Manchester United’s attack means he is a consistent source of points in both the goal and assist categories, and his 120m price reflects his importance in the squad. Third, Gabriel has 3 goals, 5 assists, and 209 points, and a 26.20% selection. As a defender for Arsenal, he has delivered 18 clean sheets and a 6.5 points per game return, making him a solid option for a budget‑friendly captain who can also earn a bonus if he scores.
Players to bring in
Bringing in new players can create a stronger budget and increase overall points. Igor Thiago of Brentford, with 22 goals and 181 points, offers a 4.8 points per game return at 80m and a 16% selection. His recent form has seen him score 4 goals in the last 5 games, and his 20% chance of play keeps him in the lineup. Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, with 7 goals, 10 assists, 157 points, and 5.1 points per game, is an excellent midfield option at 95m and 10.60% selection. He has been involved in 8 of Arsenal’s 10 goals in the last 6 matches and has a 30% chance of starting. Richarlison of Spurs, with 11 goals, 4 assists, 119 points, and 3.7 points per game, is a budget striker at 60m and 1.90% selection, but his 4 goals in the last 4 games show he is in good touch and can contribute both goals and assists. João Pedro of Chelsea, with 15 goals, 9 assists, 177 points, and 5.1 points per game, is a workhorse at 75m and 54.20% selection. He has a 5.0 goal‑scoring rate and a 4.0 assist rate in the last 10 games, making him a high‑value pick for those with a larger budget.
Players to move on
Two players should be released to free budget and improve the line‑up. James Garner of Everton, with 2 goals and 7 assists, 159 points, and 0.70% selection, is injured and unlikely to return before the week’s fixtures, and his low selection rate means he will not contribute to the team’s points. Kelleher of Brentford, with 0 goals, 0 assists, 143 points, and 5.60% selection, has recently suffered an injury and will not feature in the upcoming matches. Releasing both players frees up 115m, allowing the manager to bring in higher‑yielding options such as a differential or a high‑scoring midfielder. Additionally, freeing budget can help cover the cost of a new goalkeeper or defender who can improve the team’s defensive record, a key factor in securing clean sheets and bonus points. By cutting players who are unlikely to play, the squad can focus on those who are fit, in form, and have a high likelihood of contributing to the score.
The differential
Rayan Sarr offers a differential that fits the current week’s fixtures. With 9 goals, 2 assists, 117 points, and 9.30% selection, he is an under‑used midfielder in Crystal Palace’s midfield. His 10.93 goals per game and a high assist tally make him a valuable pick for those looking for a low‑risk, high‑reward option that could deliver extra points if Palace’s midfield dominates. Sarr’s recent two games have seen him score a goal against Newcastle and a goal against Everton, and he has been involved in 3 of Palace’s 5 goals in the last 4 matches. His 60m cost and 150 points per game ratio make him an attractive differential, especially when the team faces a weaker opposition in the upcoming fixture. Adding Sarr to the squad can increase the chance of a double‑point week, as his involvement in both the attack and the build‑up play can lead to goals, assists, and bonus points.
Key takeaways
- Haaland’s 27 goals give him the highest expected return for a captain.
- The four new additions provide a 4.8-5.1 points per game range at manageable costs.
- Dropping Garner and Kelleher frees 115m, allowing the differential Sarr to fit comfortably.
FAQ
Q1: Which player should I captain this week? A1: Haaland, with the highest points and goals, is the safest choice.
Q2: Who is the best differential for under 70m? A2: Rayan Sarr offers a low selection rate and strong assist potential, making him a high‑value pick.
Q3: Is there a risk in bringing in Thiago? A3: Thiago has a solid 4.8 ppg record and 181 points; his 16% selection keeps the risk low.