Gameweek 24 of the 2025/26 Premier League season arrives at a moment of real volatility. GW23 was chaotic — surprise benchings, late leaks, and unexpected results — and managers are scrambling to stabilise their squads before the fixture swing hits. With DGW26 confirmed and several clubs entering strong runs, GW24 is shaping up to be one of the most important weeks of the season for transfers, chip strategy, and rank movement.
The deadline is Saturday 31 January 2026 at 13:30 UK time, and the fixture list is stacked with meaningful matchups.
GW24 Fixtures at a Glance
The full Premier League schedule for GW24 runs from 31 January to 2 February 2026, with standout fixtures including:
- Chelsea vs West Ham
- Liverpool vs Newcastle
- Leeds vs Arsenal
- Tottenham vs Manchester City
- Sunderland vs Burnley
- Aston Villa vs Brentford
These fixtures matter because several top FPL assets have elite matchups, while others face tougher tests that may influence transfer decisions.
The Big Picture: Why GW24 Matters
Three major dynamics define this gameweek:
1. Fixture Swings Begin Now
Multiple FPL analysts highlight that GW24 marks the start of a favourable run for several clubs — particularly Arsenal, Chelsea, Villa, and Liverpool.
2. DGW26 Is Confirmed
Depending on the League Cup result, either:
- Arsenal + Wolves or
- Chelsea + Everton will double in GW26.
This means transfers made now should ideally serve both GW24 and the upcoming double.
3. Injuries Are Shaping the Market
Key absences include:
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – missed GW23
- Ollie Watkins (Villa) – hamstring issue picked up in Europe
This opens the door for alternative picks.
Top Transfer Targets for GW24
Based on current-season data, form, fixtures, and xGI numbers, these are the strongest buys for GW24.
1. Bruno Fernandes (Man United, MID, £9.5m)
Fixture: Fulham (H) Ownership: 24% xGI: 0.69 per 90
Bruno is arguably the most complete FPL midfielder this season. Under Carrick, United are more structured, and Fernandes is thriving with penalties, set pieces, and elite underlying numbers.
Why buy:
- Consistent returns
- High involvement in all phases
- Great long-term fixtures
- DGW26 relevance
If you want a reliable premium midfielder, he’s the standout.
2. João Pedro (Chelsea, FWD, £7.2m)
With Palmer out and Chelsea entering a golden run (WHU, WOL, LEE, BUR), João Pedro becomes the most reliable attacker in the squad.
Why buy:
- Penalties when Palmer is absent
- Strong xGI
- Guaranteed minutes
- Excellent fixtures
He’s also a perfect Watkins replacement.
3. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea, MID, £6.7m)
Enzo has quietly become a strong FPL option thanks to penalties, creativity, and nailed minutes.
Why buy:
- Great value
- Fixtures are outstanding
- High involvement in buildup and final third
If you want a Chelsea double-up, Enzo + Pedro is the way.
4. Matty Cash (Aston Villa, DEF, £4.8m)
Villa’s fixtures are superb: BRE, BOU, BRI, LEE, WOL, CHE.
Cash offers both clean sheet potential and attacking threat.
Why buy:
- 7 clean sheets
- 5 attacking returns
- Cheap route into a strong defence
He’s one of the best defenders to own for the next six weeks.
5. Evanilson (Bournemouth, FWD, £7.0m)
Evanilson is trending heavily in price movement predictions and has been a consistent threat.
Why buy:
- Strong form
- Bournemouth attack looks sharp
- Good medium-term fixtures
A great differential forward.
6. Declan Rice (Arsenal, MID, £7.4m)
Arsenal face Leeds in GW24 and have one of the best fixture runs in the league.
Rice is delivering both defensive and attacking returns this season.
Why buy:
- Set-piece involvement
- Bonus point magnet
- Arsenal’s form is strong
A safe, consistent pick.
Differentials Worth Considering
Bryan Mbeumo (Man United, MID, £8.3m)
Now at United and thriving, Mbeumo is projected for a price rise.
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland, FWD, £5.5m)
Sunderland have Burnley at home — a great fixture.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool, MID, £6.6m)
Liverpool face Newcastle at Anfield and have a favourable run.
Players to Sell Before GW24
1. Ollie Watkins
Injured, uncertain return timeline.
2. Cole Palmer
Missed GW23 and may not start GW24.
3. Any Man City Defender
They face Spurs away — a tough fixture — and rotation is rife.
Captaincy Picks for GW24
1. Bruno Fernandes – Fulham (H)
Safest pick with elite numbers.
2. João Pedro – West Ham (H)
High ceiling, penalties, great fixture.
3. Bukayo Saka – Leeds (A)
Arsenal are top of the league and in strong form.
Wildcard Thoughts
GW24 is one of the most popular wildcard weeks of the season due to:
- Fixture swings
- DGW26 planning
- Injuries to key players
A strong wildcard core would include:
- Fernandes
- Saka
- João Pedro
- Enzo Fernández
- Matty Cash
- Rice
- One Liverpool mid (Szoboszlai or Díaz)
- A Bournemouth attacker
Conclusion
GW24 of the 25/26 season is a pivotal moment. With fixture swings, DGW26 looming, and several premium assets hitting form, this is the week where smart managers can gain serious ground.
Top 3 Transfers This Week:
- Bruno Fernandes
- João Pedro
- Matty Cash
brought to you by Copilot and JAM-IE
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