FPL GW26 Preview: Transfers In vs Fixtures (GW26–GW35)

With Gameweek 26 kicking off tonight, transfer activity has surged as managers look to align short-term form with longer-term fixture runs. Using the most transferred-in players list and the Fixture Difficulty Rating table from GW26 to GW35, this preview breaks down the 10 most represented clubs on the transfers-in list and assesses whether their upcoming schedules justify the investment.

Our algorithm-based score predictions based on form & recent XGs for GW26 are here. Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 25 is set at 18:00pm (UK time) tonight on Tuesday, 10th February 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.

Arsenal

Arsenal dominate the transfers-in list this week in main due to their DGW26 but also reflecting both form and fixture appeal. Their run from GW26 to GW35 includes several favourable home fixtures and manageable away trips, alongside their Double Gameweek in GW26.

Upcoming fixtures (GW26–GW35)
BRE (A) & WOL (A)
TOT (A)
CHE (H)
BHA (A)
EVE (H)

BOU (H)
MCI (A)
NEW (H)
FUL (H)

Gyökeres £8.8m 12.8% – Form 5.2 – Points 75 – Tr In 362k
Gyökeres has attracted heavy interest as a mid-priced forward option. While Arsenal’s fixtures include some tougher away trips, the home matches against Chelsea, Bournemouth and Fulham provide strong potential for returns.

Zubimendi £5.3m 5.0% – Form 6.0 – Points 101 – Tr In 304k
Zubimendi offers value in midfield with steady points accumulation. His price makes him an attractive enabler for managers wanting Arsenal coverage without committing premium funds.

Rice £7.5m 35.1% – Form 3.0 – Points 134 – Tr In 291k
Rice continues to be popular despite modest recent form. His appeal lies in minutes security and bonus point potential, particularly in home fixtures later in the run.

J. Timber £6.4m 30.8% – Form 4.2 – Points 121 – Tr In 225k
Timber remains one of the most reliable Arsenal defenders. Clean sheet potential in the Bournemouth and Fulham home games boosts his medium-term appeal.

Gabriel £7.1m 42.5% – Form 5.8 – Points 135 – Tr In 198k
Gabriel is once again the standout defensive pick from Arsenal. The home fixtures in this run align well with his aerial threat from set pieces.

Raya £5.9m 35.0% – Form 5.0 – Points 106 – Tr In 183k
Raya offers a strong route into Arsenal’s defensive returns. The Bournemouth and Fulham home fixtures provide realistic clean sheet opportunities.

Saliba £6.1m 14.2% – Form 5.5 – Points 83 – Tr In 140k
Saliba is a slightly more differential Arsenal defensive option, with similar clean sheet prospects to Gabriel at a lower ownership level.


Manchester United

Manchester United assets remain popular as managers target fixtures that offer scope for attacking returns, particularly away to West Ham and home to Crystal Palace and Leeds.

Upcoming fixtures (GW26–GW35)
WHU (A)
EVE (A)
CRY (H)
NEW (A)
AVL (H)
BOU (A)
LEE (H)
CHE (A)
BRE (H)
LIV (H)

Bruno Fernandes £9.8m 36.0% – Form 8.8 – Points 141 – Tr In 284k
Fernandes continues to lead the midfield transfers. His involvement in goals and assists makes him fixture-proof to an extent, though the home matches against Crystal Palace and Leeds are particularly appealing.

Mbeumo £8.6m 22.1% – Form 7.2 – Points 103 – Tr In 219k
Mbeumo offers a strong alternative midfield pick with differential potential. His appeal is strongest in the fixtures against Crystal Palace and Leeds.

Dalot £4.5m 4.4% – Form 5.0 – Points 85 – Tr In 101k
Dalot provides budget defensive coverage for United. Clean sheets are less reliable in this run, but his attacking threat offers upside.


Chelsea

Chelsea’s fixture run includes a cluster of home matches and several green-rated games, making their midfield and forward options appealing.

Upcoming fixtures (GW26–GW35)
LEE (H)
BUR (H)
ARS (A)
AVL (A)
NEW (H)
EVE (A)
MCI (H)
MUN (H)
BHA (A)
NFO (H)

João Pedro £7.6m 44.0% – Form 9.5 – Points 122 – Tr In 262k
João Pedro is one of the standout forward picks for this run. Home fixtures against Leeds and Burnley provide immediate opportunities for goals.

Palmer £10.5m 13.8% – Form 7.8 – Points 67 – Tr In 201k
Palmer’s ownership remains relatively low for a premium-priced midfielder. His creative output and penalty potential make him an intriguing differential.

Enzo £6.9m 23.1% – Form 6.0 – Points 116 – Tr In 92k
Enzo’s steady returns and budget-friendly price point make him a useful squad option during Chelsea’s favourable home run.


Liverpool

Liverpool’s run features a mix of fixtures, but several green-rated games provide opportunities for attacking returns.

Upcoming fixtures (GW26–GW35)
SUN (A)
NFO (A)
WHU (H)
WOL (A)
TOT (H)
BHA (A)
FUL (H)
EVE (A)
CRY (H)
MUN (A)

Ekitiké £8.9m 25.7% – Form 4.5 – Points 102 – Tr In 103k
Ekitiké remains a popular Liverpool forward. The away fixtures against Sunderland and Nottingham Forest are particularly attractive for short-term returns.


Crystal Palace

Palace assets are being targeted largely on the back of fixture difficulty rather than explosive form.

Upcoming fixtures (GW26–GW35)
BUR (H)
WOL (H)
MUN (A)
TOT (A)
LEE (H)

NEW (H)
WHU (H)
LIV (A)
BOU (A)

Sarr £6.3m 3.4% – Form 4.2 – Points 69 – Tr In 112k
Sarr offers differential midfield appeal, with two favourable home fixtures immediately in GW26 and GW27.

Muñoz £5.8m 7.7% – Form 2.0 – Points 97 – Tr In 104k
Muñoz is being brought in as a budget defensive option, primarily for the Burnley and Wolves home fixtures.


Aston Villa

Villa’s fixtures include a strong home run, making their midfield assets popular targets.

Upcoming fixtures (GW26–GW35)
BHA (H)
LEE (H)
WOL (A)
CHE (H)
MUN (A)
WHU (H)
NFO (A)
SUN (H)
FUL (A)
TOT (H)

Rogers £7.6m 30.2% – Form 5.5 – Points 123 – Tr In 129k
Rogers benefits from multiple home fixtures in this run. Matches against Leeds, Chelsea and Sunderland at home provide scope for attacking returns.


West Ham

West Ham’s midfield options are being targeted despite a mixed run of fixtures.

Upcoming fixtures (GW26–GW35)
MUN (H)
BOU (H)
LIV (A)
FUL (A)
MCI (H)
AVL (A)
WOL (H)
CRY (A)
EVE (H)
BRE (A)

Summerville £5.6m 2.1% – Form 9.0 – Points 74 – Tr In 94k
Summerville’s recent form explains the transfer interest, though his fixtures are less forgiving. He remains a higher-risk differential pick.


Wolves

Wolves assets are being transferred in despite a challenging fixture run.

Upcoming fixtures (GW26–GW35)
NFO (A) & ARS (H)
CRY (A)
AVL (H)
LIV (H)
BRE (A)

WHU (A)
LEE (A)
TOT (H)
SUN (H)

Mané £4.6m 2.8% – Form 2.0 – Points 42 – Tr In 93k
Mané is a budget forward pick, but Wolves’ fixtures are difficult overall. His appeal lies primarily in price rather than fixture quality.


Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s assets are being targeted for short-term fixture relief.

Upcoming fixtures (GW26–GW35)
EVE (A)
WHU (A)
SUN (H)
BRE (H)
BUR (A)
MUN (H)
ARS (A)
NEW (A)
LEE (H)
CRY (H)

Kroupi Jr £4.7m 6.9% – Form 3.0 – Points 66 – Tr In 92k
Kroupi Jr offers a low-cost attacking option. Home fixtures against Sunderland and Leeds provide the main appeal.


Final Thoughts

Arsenal dominate the transfers-in list for good reason with their DGW26, with depth of assets and also a favourable run of home fixtures. Chelsea and Manchester United offer strong short-term opportunities, particularly in midfield and forward positions. Liverpool remain viable for attacking returns, while clubs like Crystal Palace and Bournemouth provide budget enablers for managers restructuring their squads.

The key for GW26 is not simply following the crowd, but understanding where fixture quality genuinely supports the transfer trends.

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