FPL Gameweek 25-team-news: Liverpool vs Coventry City
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 6 min read
FPL Gameweek 25-team-news tips hinge on the clash between Liverpool and Coventry City, where the defending champions will test a side fresh from a lowly finish. The round also sees Arsenal host Ipswich Town, a fixture that offers a clear path for the Gunners' midfield to rack up points. These two matches shape the rest of the guide, and the numbers are worth a look.
With the schedule packed and squad budgets tight, the choices made here can swing a captaincy, a cheap dip or a differential into a winning hand.
Fixtures
| Match | Venue | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool vs Coventry City | Coventry Building Society Arena | 20:00 |
| Crystal Palace vs Brentford | Selhurst Park | 20:00 |
| Everton vs Leeds | Hill Dickinson Stadium | 20:00 |
| Fulham vs Nott'm Forest | Craven Cottage | 20:00 |
| Hull City vs Sunderland | MKM Stadium | 20:00 |
| Ipswich Town vs Arsenal | Portman Road | 20:00 |
| Newcastle vs Chelsea | (venue unknown) | 20:00 |
| Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 20:00 |
| Manchester United vs Brighton | Old Trafford | 20:00 |
| Aston Villa vs Bournemouth | Villa Park | 20:00 |
Captain Picks
Three names stand out as the most reliable sources of points this week. The first pick must be Erling Haaland, whose 6.8 points per game and 27 goals this season make him a sure bet against a defensive side like Coventry. The second spot belongs to Bruno Borges Fernandes, who has 6.7 points per game and 24 assists that can turn a win into a double‑point haul. The third captain choice is Declan Rice, whose 5.1 points per game and 18 clean sheets give him a steady return even if the midfield struggles to score.
- Erling Haaland - 6.8 pp, 27 goals, 8 assists, 13 clean sheets, 155 cost.
- Bruno Borges Fernandes - 6.7 pp, 9 goals, 24 assists, 7 clean sheets, 120 cost.
- Declan Rice - 5.1 pp, 4 goals, 9 assists, 18 clean sheets, 75 cost.
Players to Bring In
The next five players offer a blend of high output and favourable fixtures. Starting with Igor Thiago, 4.8 points per game and 22 goals at a 80 cost make him a value pick for a team that can finish in the top four. Next is Morgan Gibbs‑White, who has 5.1 points per game and 15 goals, and his 10 clean sheets add defensive stability. Enzo Fernández provides 4.4 points per game and 10 goals, and he is a key piece for a midfield that can dominate the box. Rayan Cherki brings 4.1 points per game and 13 assists, and his 8 clean sheets give him a good chance to score on a day when the midfield is open. Finally, Jérémy Doku offers 4.0 points per game, 5 goals, and 8 assists, and his 8 clean sheets mean he can contribute both defensively and offensively.
- Igor Thiago - 4.8 pp, 22 goals, 1 assist, 10 clean sheets, 80 cost.
- Morgan Gibbs‑White - 5.1 pp, 15 goals, 4 assists, 10 clean sheets, 80 cost.
- Enzo Fernández - 4.4 pp, 10 goals, 5 assists, 8 clean sheets, 70 cost.
- Rayan Cherki - 4.1 pp, 4 goals, 13 assists, 8 clean sheets, 75 cost.
- Jérémy Doku - 4.0 pp, 5 goals, 8 assists, 8 clean sheets, 75 cost.
Players to Move On
Two players are less likely to contribute this round. James Garner is injured and has zero chance of playing; his 4.2 points per game and 7 assists are currently out of reach. Nikola Milenkovic has 3.1 points per game and has not scored, and his 55 cost is steep for the output he delivers.
- James Garner - 4.2 pp, 2 goals, 7 assists, 11 clean sheets, 60 cost (injured).
- Nikola Milenkovic - 3.1 pp, 0 goals, 1 assist, 9 clean sheets, 55 cost.
Differential
For a one‑off risk, consider Ismaïla Sarr. He runs the numbers with 4.2 points per game, 9 goals, and 2 assists, and his 65 cost keeps him outside the top 20 most‑owned players. If a top‑flight side like Crystal Palace breaks a streak, Sarr can deliver a tidy return.
- Ismaïla Sarr - 4.2 pp, 9 goals, 2 assists, 9 clean sheets, 65 cost.
Key takeaways
- The clash between Liverpool and Coventry City offers the highest expected points for a single match this week.
- Erling Haaland remains the most consistent return‑on‑investment captain option.
- Bringing in Igor Thiago and Morgan Gibbs‑White gives depth without breaking the budget.
- Dropping James Garner frees up a slot for a player who will see the field.
- Targeting Ismaïla Sarr as a differential can lift a squad that otherwise sits on a plateau.
FAQ
Which fixture offers the best defensive potential for a clean sheet? The match between Manchester United and Brighton features a historically strong defensive side against a team that has struggled at the back, raising the probability of a clean sheet.
How does the injury status of James Garner affect his value? Garner is listed as injured with no chance of playing until after 22 August; keeping him in the squad now would waste both points and budget.
What is the advantage of using Rayan Cherki as a captain over Bruno Borges Fernandes? Cherki’s 13 assists and 8 clean sheets provide a more balanced risk profile, with the potential for points from both goals and assists, whereas Fernandes relies heavily on assists and has a slightly higher cost.
Why is dropping Nikola Milenkovic a smart move? Milenkovic’s 3.1 points per game and lack of goals make him a low‑yield option; reallocating his budget to a player with higher output maximises return.
When should I consider switching the captain from Haaland to Rice? If Liverpool’s fixture moves to a more defensive side or Haaland’s cost rises through transfer activity, Rice’s consistent clean‑sheet record and 5.1 points per game make him a viable alternative.