Using the FPL Fixture Difficulty Rating summed objectively across GW24–GW27, and applying the colour key (green = 1 through dark red = 5), six clubs clearly emerge as the best targets for this period:
- Chelsea (total FDR = 8)
- Crystal Palace (9)
- Manchester United (10)
- Bournemouth (10)
- Arsenal (11)
- Everton (11)
These teams combine fixture consistency, manageable opponents, and strong potential for both attacking and defensive returns. Below, we break down each club’s appeal, then highlight players from the Player Form and Defensive Contributions (CBIT) tables who best fit this window. Our algorithm-based score predictions for GW24 are here. (N.B. prices and ownership per GW22 so could now be a little out of date). With the introduction of Defensive Contribution (CBIT) points this season, squad construction now rewards not just clean sheets and goals, but also sustained defensive workload — particularly from centre-backs in teams expected to defend leads or face consistent pressure.
Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 24 is set at 13:30pm (UK time) on Saturday, 31st January 2026. The free to play FPL or pay to play season/weekend/daily games like FanTeam are ideal ways of following the Premier League action.
The Six Clubs With the Best GW24–GW27 Fixture Runs
Chelsea – The Clear Standout
Chelsea are the only club with four straight FDR-2 fixtures, giving them the lowest total difficulty by a clear margin. This is exactly the kind of run that rewards early investment, particularly in assets with secure minutes.
In midfield, Enzo Fernández (£6.5m, 12.2%) stands out as a reliable accumulator. His form score may not scream explosive hauls, but Chelsea’s ability to dominate possession in these fixtures suits his profile perfectly, delivering steady points through involvement, passing volume and occasional returns.
Up front, João Pedro (£7.2m, 29.0%) remains the most attractive attacking option. His ownership reflects growing confidence among managers, and this run provides multiple opportunities for returns without needing him to overperform.
Defensively, Chelsea are well suited to the new CBIT scoring. Reece James (£5.7m, 11%) offers the ideal blend of clean-sheet potential and attacking upside, while Chalobah (£5.6m, 21.3%) provides another route with strong defensive contribution potential in matches where Chelsea are expected to control territory.
Crystal Palace – Defensive Value in Plain Sight
Palace’s FDR total of 10 over the next 4 GWs places them in the top tier, largely because they avoid elite attacking sides across this four-week span. This makes them particularly attractive under the Defensive Contributions scoring system although they are now bottom of the 6 game form table, having lost Marc Guehi to Man City, so are only for those FPL managers looking to gamble against the grain.
While Palace attackers such as Mateta remain more situational, their defenders are quietly among the best value picks in the game. Maxence Lacroix (£5.1m, 6%) features prominently in the CBIT table, regularly reaching the 10-action threshold even when clean sheets are missed. Munoz £5.8m (6%) has the most bonus points of the remaining Palace defenders.
Manchester United – Balanced Fixtures, Targeted Investment
Manchester United’s summed FDR of 10 reflects a run that is neither spectacular nor threatening, but critically free of red fixtures.
From the Player Form table, Matheus Cunha (£8.0m, 6.4%) remains United’s most interesting attacking option. His ownership keeps him firmly in differential territory, and the fixture run suggests opportunities for returns without needing United to dominate games.
Defensively, United assets benefit from both clean-sheet potential and CBIT accumulation. Diogo Dalot (£4.5m, 5.0%) combines attacking involvement with defensive workload, while centre-backs continue to score well under the contribution system in tighter matches. The player at the top of the FPL form table though is Patrick Dorgu (£4.4m 9.4%) but he’s not likely to play GW24 due to a hamstring injury.
United are best approached selectively, but their place in the top six fixture runs is fully justified.
Bournemouth – Attack-Friendly Fixtures, Underrated Defence
Bournemouth also sit on a total FDR of 10, and their fixture run is particularly attractive for managers chasing attacking upside without paying premium prices.
From the Player Form table, Bournemouth attackers remain viable rotation options, especially against mid-table and bottom-half opposition. However, the real value lies at the back.
Marcos Senesi (£4.8m, 14%) is one of the standout defenders under CBIT scoring, ranking near the top of the Defensive Contributions table. In fixtures where Bournemouth are expected to defend deeper, Senesi’s ability to rack up clearances and blocks makes him a genuine set-and-forget option for this period.
Arsenal – Fixture Consistency Over Colour
Arsenal’s total FDR of 11 might not look exceptional at first glance but they are the League leaders. This makes their assets extremely predictable.
In midfield, Martin Ødegaard (£7.8m, 2.3%) is one of the best differentials in the game. Recent returns underline his form, and Arsenal’s ability to control matches ensures he remains heavily involved across all four fixtures.
Defensively, Gabriel (£6.9m, 38%) continues to justify his popularity. He combines clean-sheet probability with strong CBIT output and set-piece threat, making him one of the safest defensive picks available through GW27.
Arsenal may not offer explosive upside every week, but they are ideal for managers prioritising stability and consistency.
Everton – A Defensive Run Worth Trusting
Everton’s fixture total also comes in at 11, but their value lies in the type of matches they face rather than the headline difficulty.
Everton are particularly strong under the Defensive Contributions system. James Tarkowski (£5.8m, 14%) is arguably the single best CBIT defender in the league, frequently earning contribution points regardless of clean sheets. Over a four-week window like this, that reliability compounds quickly.
In midfield, James Garner (£5.2m, 4.6%) offers budget value with genuine involvement. His form score and minutes security make him an excellent enabler for managers restructuring squads around premium attackers.
Everton assets won’t haul often, but they offer one of the strongest cumulative points floors across GW24–GW27.
Why CBIT Scoring Changes the Equation
This season’s CBIT rule — awarding two FPL points to any defender reaching 10 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles — fundamentally shifts how defenders should be evaluated.
Across this fixture window:
- Palace, Everton and Bournemouth defenders benefit even when conceding once
- Centre-backs in mid-table sides become more valuable than full-backs reliant on attacking returns
- Fixture difficulty must be viewed alongside expected defensive workload, not just clean-sheet odds
Managers who ignore CBIT data risk leaving steady points on the table every week.
Final Thoughts – GW24 Is About Structure
GW24 isn’t about chasing last week’s haul. It’s about positioning your squad to accumulate points steadily across four favourable fixtures.
Based on objective FDR totals:
- Chelsea are the standout priority
- Man United and Bournemouth offer value through defence and selective attack
- Arsenal and Everton provide consistency and reliability
- Crystal Palace if you need to gamble.
Trust the numbers, respect the fixture run, and let others chase noise
For further discussions have a look at FISO’s FPL forum where you can also see the FPL mini-leagues and FPL side-games available.