Gameweek 10 of the 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League season arrives with a mix of frustration and opportunity. Premium assets have faltered, differentials are thriving, and fixture swings are opening doors for bold managers to climb the ranks. Whether you’re chasing green arrows or trying to recover from a wildcard gone wrong, this week offers a rich landscape of tactical pivots.
🔥 Must-Have Picks for GW10
Let’s start with the players you need to consider locking into your squad.
🛡️ Gabriel (Arsenal, DEF, £6.5m)
Arsenal’s defensive record is absurd: just 12 shots on target conceded since GW2. Gabriel is the top-scoring defender in FPL and with Saliba nursing a knock, he’s the only nailed-on Arsenal centre-back. His aerial threat from set pieces adds bonus upside. Arsenal face Burnley in GW10—a fixture ripe for a clean sheet and potential attacking return.
🎯 Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace, FWD, £7.7m)
Mateta is quietly becoming one of the most efficient forwards in the game. With a 0.98 xGI per 90 and penalty duties, he’s the focal point of Palace’s attack. Palace’s next six fixtures are dreamy, starting with Brentford at home. If you’re looking for a mid-priced striker with explosive potential, Mateta is your man.
🎨 Eberechi Eze (Arsenal, MID, £7.6m)
Yes, Eze is now an Arsenal player—and he’s thriving. With four goal contributions in six starts, he’s the most affordable route into Arsenal’s attack while Odegaard is sidelined. His xG and xA are modest, but he’s a flair player who creates magic from nothing. Against Burnley, expect him to be heavily involved.
🧱 Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace, DEF, £5.7m)
Muñoz leads all defenders in expected goal involvement this season. Palace’s clean sheet record isn’t elite, but their fixtures are soft and Muñoz’s attacking output makes him a double threat. He’s a long-term hold with short-term upside.
💸 Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth, FWD, £4.6m)
The ultimate budget enabler. Kroupi has four goals in just 163 minutes and could retain his spot with Evanilson still a doubt. Even if he’s benched, he’s the perfect third striker to free up funds elsewhere. And if he starts against Man City and scores? You’ll be ahead of the curve.
🌟 Surprise Differentials to Watch
These players are flying under the radar but could deliver big in GW10.
🧨 Malick Thiaw (Newcastle, DEF, £4.9m, 0.4% ownership)
Newcastle’s defence is second only to Arsenal in xGA, and they face West Ham—the second-lowest xG team in the league. Thiaw is cheaper than his teammates and offers ultra-differential potential. If you’re chasing rank, this is your guy.
🐾 Raúl Jiménez (Fulham, FWD, £6.2m, <1% ownership)
Jiménez is still on penalties and Fulham’s fixtures are turning. He’s building form and could explode against a leaky Wolves side. If you’re tired of template picks, this is a low-risk, high-reward punt.
🧠 Lucas Paquetá (West Ham, MID, £5.9m)
Paquetá is on penalties and has quietly racked up 32 points this season. West Ham face Newcastle at home, and while the Magpies are defensively solid, Paquetá’s creativity and flair make him a wildcard option for managers looking to differentiate.
🚨 Players to Avoid or Sell
Not every big name is worth holding. Here are the flops and fading stars.
❌ Joao Pedro (Chelsea, FWD)
Pedro has just 0.36 xGI across his last five matches. He’s not shooting, not creating, and not involved. Crystal Palace’s Mateta has more big chances than Pedro has total shots. Time to cut your losses.
❌ Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, DEF)
Liverpool’s defence is shaky and their fixtures are tough. Van Dijk’s leadership doesn’t translate into FPL points, and at his price, there are better options. Gabriel and Muñoz offer more upside for less money..
❌ Evanilson (Bournemouth, FWD)
Injury doubts and rotation risk make Evanilson a frustrating hold. Even when fit, he may not start. Kroupi is outperforming him and costs less. Move on.
❌ Pedro Porro (Spurs, DEF)
Porro’s attacking delivery is elite, but Spurs’ upcoming fixtures are brutal. Clean sheets will be rare, and his price tag depends on attacking returns. Better to pivot to defenders with easier schedules.
🧠 Strategic Tips for GW10
- Triple up on Arsenal: Gabriel + Eze + Saka (if budget allows) is a powerful combo.
- Target Palace assets: Mateta and Muñoz offer value and form.
- Use budget enablers wisely: Kroupi lets you invest in premium midfielders.
- Don’t chase past hauls: Players like Porro and Van Dijk may have scored recently, but their fixtures and form don’t justify a hold.
- Fixture planning matters: Brighton, Palace, and Liverpool have great runs. Spurs and Chelsea do not.
🏁 Final Thoughts
GW10 is a turning point. The season has settled, and the data is clear: Arsenal’s defence is elite, Palace’s attack is rising, and several big names are fading. Whether you’re wildcarding, free hitting, or just making a couple of transfers, the key is to back form, fixtures, and nailed minutes.
Don’t be afraid to ditch underperformers. Don’t be afraid to punt on differentials. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the chaos.
Bought to you by Co-pilot and JAM-IE
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