FPL Gameweek 26-differentials tips: Chelsea and Brentford
By Arasi Rex · Updated 15 August 2026 · 6 min read
Most of the fpl gameweek 26-differentials tips should start with the fixture computer, because this week splits into obvious home bankers and genuine traps. Chelsea host Ipswich Town, Liverpool host Hull City, and Brentford host Coventry City, while Man City welcome Newcastle. The best route is to take one or two attackers from those home sides instead of forcing the same high-ownership names into every slot.
The fixtures table
| Home | Away | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | Fulham | Emirates Stadium |
| Bournemouth | Crystal Palace | Vitality Stadium |
| Brighton | Spurs | Amex Stadium |
| Chelsea | Ipswich Town | Stamford Bridge |
| Leeds | Aston Villa | Elland Road |
| Liverpool | Hull City | Anfield |
| Man City | Newcastle | Etihad Stadium |
| Nott'm Forest | Man Utd | City Ground |
| Sunderland | Everton | Stadium of Light |
| Brentford | Coventry City | Brentford Community Stadium |
Captain picks
The captain call should still start with the player who has the biggest goal involvement in the data. Erling Haaland has 27 goals, 8 assists and 239 total points for Man City, even if his 74.8% ownership makes him the opposite of a differential. Newcastle finished 12th with 49 points and conceded 55 goals, which gives Haaland the best floor-to-ceiling combination in Gameweek 26.
Second is João Pedro, who has 15 goals and 9 assists for Chelsea. He is selected by 54.2% of managers, so this is a structure play rather than a hidden gem. Chelsea's home fixture against Ipswich Town gives him the kind of penalty-box volume that underpins his 177 total points. He has outscored most midfielders while playing as a forward, and that role security matters.
Third is Bruno Fernandes. He has 9 goals and 24 assists for Man Utd, with 235 total points. The away trip to Nott'm Forest is not as clean as the Chelsea or Liverpool fixtures, but Forest finished 16th with 44 points and a negative goal difference. Bruno's set-piece involvement gives him a route to points even if Man Utd do not win.
Players to bring in
This section is where the fpl gameweek 26-differentials tips should get specific. Four players stand out at ownership levels that will not appear in the top ten most-selected lists.
Enzo Fernández is the first. He is selected by 5.5% of managers, has 10 goals and 5 assists, and plays for Chelsea in the fixture that should open up. Enzo has an expected goals total of 11.26, which is higher than his actual goals, and that matters when Chelsea need to break down a deep block.
Kevin Schade is second. The Brentford midfielder has 8 goals and 5 assists despite an expected goals total of 12.08, which suggests his finishing has been unlucky. He is selected by 2.2% of managers and Brentford host Coventry City.
Dango Ouattara is in the same fixture and even more overlooked. He has 7 goals and 8 assists, is selected by 1.4% of managers, and offers a different route into the same home attack. His expected goals total of 7.94 and expected assists total of 4.12 show a player making chances from open play as well as arriving late in the box.
Cody Gakpo is fourth. The Liverpool midfielder has 7 goals and 5 assists, costs 7.0, and is selected by 3.5%. Liverpool host Hull City, and Gakpo's expected goals total of 8.35 gives him one of the best per-minute profiles in this price bracket.
If you want a fifth swing, Richarlison has 11 goals and 4 assists but is only 1.9% owned. Spurs go to Brighton, which is a harder fixture, so he is a tournament play rather than the core pick.
Players to move on
The flip side of chasing differentials is knowing who is not going to play. Hugo Ekitiké is the clearest sell. The Liverpool forward has 11 goals and 4 assists, but his FPL status is injured with an Achilles injury and no return date in the data. A player with 0% chance of playing cannot help your Gameweek 26 squad.
James Garner is another injury casualty. The Everton midfielder has 7 assists on the season but is flagged with a groin injury and expected back 22 Aug. If he is still in your squad, the reserve slot is better used on a live option from one of this week's home sides.
Jurriën Timber is a third. The Arsenal defender has 3 goals and 5 assists, but his groin injury and expected return on 21 Aug mean he cannot be part of a Gameweek 26 plan. Arsenal's clean sheet record is strong, but defenders who do not play score zero.
The differential: fpl gameweek 26-differentials tips
The one player I keep coming back to is Rayan Cherki. He has 13 assists and 4 goals for Man City despite only 1,772 minutes, and his 9.3% ownership makes him a true differential. His expected assists total is 8.87, which supports the idea that his creative numbers are repeatable. Man City host Newcastle in a game where Cherki's final pass could be the difference between a good score and a great one. That is the edge in these fpl gameweek 26-differentials tips.
Key takeaways
- Erling Haaland is the strongest captain option with 27 goals, 8 assists and 239 total points.
- Enzo Fernández is the best midfield differential at 5.5% ownership, with Chelsea hosting Ipswich Town.
- Brentford are the best source of low-owned attackers: Kevin Schade and Dango Ouattara both benefit from the home fixture against Coventry City.
- Hugo Ekitiké, James Garner, and Jurriën Timber are injury carries to move on from.
- Rayan Cherki is the single differential to close the week, with 13 assists in 1,772 minutes.
FAQ
Who should captain in FPL Gameweek 26?
Start with Erling Haaland, then João Pedro, then Bruno Fernandes. Haaland has 27 goals and 8 assists, while João Pedro's 15 goals and 9 assists make him the best Chelsea captain option.
Who are the best FPL differentials for Gameweek 26?
Enzo Fernández, Kevin Schade, and Dango Ouattara all fit the definition. Enzo is 5.5% owned, Schade 2.2%, and Dango 1.4%, and all three have home fixtures that support attacking returns.
Should I sell Hugo Ekitiké?
Yes. Hugo Ekitiké is flagged with an Achilles injury, has 0% chance of playing, and no return date in the data. His season numbers are good, but he cannot score points from the injury list.