fpl gameweek 26-team-news tips: Pick the best captains
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 7 min read
For gameweek 26, the top captain picks are Haaland, Fernandes, and Semenyo, based on their points per game and upcoming fixtures. The differential pick is Richarlison, who offers a low ownership with a strong chance to score against Tottenham. The following guide breaks down fixtures, captain options, and squad adjustments to maximise points.
fpl gameweek 26-team-news tips: Captain strategy
The fixtures for this weekend are balanced, with ten teams playing at home and ten away. The table below shows each match, the venue, and the kickoff time.
The fixtures table
| Home | Away | Venue | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | Fulham | Emirates Stadium | 15:00 |
| Bournemouth | Crystal Palace | Vitality Stadium | 15:00 |
| Brighton | Spurs | Amex Stadium | 15:00 |
| Chelsea | Ipswich Town | Stamford Bridge | 15:00 |
| Leeds | Aston Villa | Elland Road | 15:00 |
| Liverpool | Hull City | Anfield | 15:00 |
| Man City | Newcastle | Etihad Stadium | 15:00 |
| Notts Forest | Man Utd | City Ground | 15:00 |
| Sunderland | Everton | Stadium of Light | 15:00 |
| Brentford | Coventry City | Brentford Community Stadium | 15:00 |
Arsenal's home fixture against Fulham is a one‑to‑one test of the Gunners' defence, which has recorded 10 clean sheets this season. Fulham sits 11th in the table, meaning the match is likely to be evenly contested. The 15:00 kickoff gives both sides time to settle before the action begins.
Bournemouth faces Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium, a clash between a team that finished 13th and a side that sits 15th. Both clubs have shown defensive solidity, with Bournemouth recording 6 clean sheets and Palace 5. The fixture is expected to be a low‑scoring affair, offering opportunities for defensive points.
Brighton will play Spurs at the Amex Stadium, with Spurs dropping into the relegation zone. Brighton's 6th‑place finish last season gives them a competitive edge, while Spurs' 17th‑place position suggests a chance for a surprise result. The match could produce a handful of goals, benefiting forwards from both sides.
Chelsea's match against Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge pits the league leaders against a side that finished 38th. Chelsea's 26 wins have delivered 71 goals, while Ipswich's 51 goals against underlines their defensive frailties. The game is a clear advantage for Chelsea, but a few unexpected chances could arise.
Leeds will host Aston Villa at Elland Road, a fixture that balances a 9th‑place team with a 4th‑place club. Leeds has 6 goals for and 6 against, while Villa's 11 wins have produced 49 goals. The match should see plenty of action from midfield and attack.
Liverpool faces Hull City at Anfield, a clash between a 5th‑place side and a bottom‑six club. Liverpool's 63 goals for and 53 against reflect their attacking output, while Hull City's 48 goals against shows defensive weaknesses. The fixture is likely to generate goals for Liverpool, making forwards valuable.
Man City takes on Newcastle at the Etihad, a meeting between the league's 2nd place and a 12th‑place side. City has 77 goals for and 35 against, while Newcastle's 53 goals for and 55 against highlight their struggles. The match offers plenty of opportunities for high‑scoring points.
Notts Forest hosts Man Utd at the City Ground, a fixture that pits a 16th‑place side against a 3rd‑place team. Notts Forest has 48 goals for and 51 against, while Man Utd's 69 goals for and 50 against show their consistency. The match should be a high‑scoring affair for Man Utd.
Sunderland faces Everton at the Stadium of Light, a 7th‑place team against a 13th‑place side. Sunderland has 42 goals for and 48 against, while Everton's 47 goals for and 50 against indicate a balanced contest. The fixture could produce a handful of goals, favouring forwards on both sides.
Brentford will play Coventry City at the Brentford Community Stadium, a clash between an 8th‑place club and a 9th‑place side. Brentford's 55 goals for and 52 against show their attacking potential, while Coventry's 48 goals for and 51 against indicate defensive solidity. The match is likely to be a closely contested affair.
Captain picks (ranked)
1. Haaland
- Points per game: 6.8
- Fixture: Man City vs Newcastle
- Ownership: 74.8%
2. B.Fernandes
- Points per game: 6.7
- Fixture: Man Utd vs Man City
- Ownership: 48.7%
3. Semenyo
- Points per game: 5.5
- Fixture: Man City vs Newcastle
- Ownership: 22.6%
Haaland's 6.8 points per game and 10 clean sheets for Man City make him a reliable scorer. B.Fernandes, with 6.7 points per game and 9 clean sheets for Man Utd, offers a solid midfield option. Semenyo has 5.5 points per game, 12 clean sheets for Man City, and a low ownership that balances risk and reward.
Players to bring in (4-5)
Bring‑In List
| Player | Position | Points per game | Fixture | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Fernandes | Mid | 6.7 | Man Utd vs Man City | High consistency |
| Semenyo | Mid | 5.5 | Man City vs Newcastle | Low ownership |
| Mbeumo | Mid | 4.5 | Man Utd vs Man City | Strong run |
| Richarlison | Fwd | 3.7 | Spurs vs Tottenham | Low ownership |
| Gakpo | Mid | 3.6 | Liverpool vs Hull City | Good chance of points |
Bringing in Fernandes and Semenyo ensures a steady stream of points, while Mbeumo's 4.5 points per game and recent form add depth. Richarlison offers a cheap differential, and Gakpo's 3.6 points per game and the Liverpool fixture provide a solid backup option.
Players to move on (2-3)
Move‑On List
| Player | Position | Points per game | Fixture | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelleher | GK | 3.9 | Brentford vs Coventry | Low points, 5.6% ownership |
| Collins | DEF | 3.7 | Brentford vs Coventry | Low points, 2.0% ownership |
| Nico O'Reilly | DEF | 4.7 | Man City vs Newcastle | Low points, 22.7% ownership |
Kelleher's 3.9 points per game and 5.6% ownership make him a risky pick, especially against a strong Brentford side. Collins' 3.7 points per game and 2.0% ownership further reduce his value. Nico O'Reilly, with 4.7 points per game but 22.7% ownership, is an option that can be dropped for a more reliable defender.
The differential
Richarlison is the standout differential for this week. With 3.7 points per game and 1.9% ownership, he offers a high upside if he capitalises on Spurs' defensive frailties. The fixture against Tottenham, who sit 6th, provides a balanced chance for a goal. His low cost and ownership make him an attractive risk.
Key takeaways
- Haaland leads the captain chart with 6.8 points per game and a solid defensive side.
- Fernandes and Semenyo provide consistency and low ownership for midfield depth.
- Mbeumo and Gakpo add depth, balancing cost and points.
- Dropping Kelleher and Collins frees budget for higher‑value defenders.
- Richarlison offers a cheap differential with a 1.9% ownership.
FAQ
Q: Who should I choose as captain?
A: Haaland, Fernandes, or Semenyo are the top picks, with Haaland having the highest points per game and a strong defensive side.
Q: Is Richarlison a good differential?
A: Yes, his low ownership and 3.7 points per game give him a high upside, especially against Tottenham.
Q: Which defenders should I drop?
A: Kelleher and Collins have low points and ownership, making them safe to replace with more reliable options.
These fpl gameweek 26-team-news tips give you a balanced squad that maximises points while managing risk.