Gameweek 25 is shaping up to be one of the most strategically important weeks of the season. With the first Double Gameweek now confirmed for GW26, managers have a rare opportunity to get ahead of the curve. Whether you’re chasing mini‑league rivals or protecting a lead, the decisions you make this week will echo for months.

This blog breaks down:

The key players to target for GW25
How to prepare for the GW26 Double Gameweek
Transfer strategies
Captaincy thoughts
Chip planning
Fixture analysis and risk management

Let’s dive in.

1. Understanding the Landscape: Why GW25 Matters

The confirmation of the first Double Gameweek of the season—featuring Arsenal and Wolves—has reshaped the FPL landscape. Arsenal’s GW31 fixture against Wolves has been moved forward to GW26, creating a double for both sides.

Double Gameweek 26 Fixtures:

Team	Fixtures
Arsenal	Brentford (A), Wolves (A)
Wolves	Nottingham Forest (A), Arsenal (H)

Both teams will blank in GW31, so every transfer now must consider both the short‑term upside and the long‑term consequences.

2. Who to Target for GW25 (with GW26 in mind)

A. Arsenal Assets – The Priority Targets

Arsenal are the standout team to invest in. Their form, underlying numbers, and upcoming double make them essential.

1. Gabriel Magalhães (DEF, £7.0m)

A nailed‑on starter with strong goal threat from set pieces. His price is rising quickly, reflecting high demand. Why buy?

Arsenal defence remains one of the league’s most reliable
Two away fixtures in DGW26 but both against beatable attacks
Excellent bonus point potential

2. Declan Rice (MID, £6.5m)

Rice has become a surprisingly strong FPL asset this season, offering consistency and set‑piece involvement. He’s also a popular transfer target this week. Why buy?

Secure starter
Increasing attacking output
Great value for a double gameweek

3. Jurrien Timber (DEF, £6.3m)

Timber is back and offering both defensive solidity and attacking involvement. His ownership is climbing. Why buy?

Versatile, bonus‑friendly
Strong clean sheet potential

4. Bukayo Saka (MID)

If fit, he remains the standout Arsenal attacker. Monitor injury news closely.

B. Wolves Assets – Strong Differentials

Wolves are less explosive than Arsenal but offer excellent value.

1. Jean‑Ricner Bellegarde / Midfield options

Wolves midfielders are cheap and offer rotation‑proof minutes.

2. Defensive picks (e.g., Toti, Dawson)

Wolves’ defensive numbers have improved, and Forest (A) is a favourable fixture.

Why consider Wolves?

Cheap enablers for DGW26
Good fixture in GW26 (Forest)
Allow you to fund premium Arsenal picks

C. Other GW25 Targets (Non‑DGW)

While planning for the double is important, GW25 itself offers strong single‑gameweek opportunities.

1. Bruno Fernandes (MID, £9.6m)

A popular captaincy candidate this week. His form and talismanic role make him a safe pick.

2. Bryan Mbeumo (MID, £8.4m)

Back from injury and immediately among the most transferred‑in players.

3. João Pedro (FWD, £7.4m)

High ownership, strong form, and a likely price rise.

4. Dominic Calvert‑Lewin (FWD)

A differential captaincy option according to community polls.

3. Fixture Analysis for GW25

The fixture ticker shows Arsenal, Brighton, and Aston Villa with favourable runs.

Best Fixtures in GW25:

Arsenal vs Sunderland – Strong clean sheet and attacking potential
Brighton vs Bournemouth – Good for João Pedro and Mitoma owners
Aston Villa vs Wolves – Villa attackers could thrive

Teams to Avoid:

Chelsea – Inconsistent
Everton – Tough fixtures ahead

4. Transfer Strategy for GW25

A. Roll or Attack?

Many managers are debating whether to roll a transfer or attack early.

Reasons to Roll:

More information before DGW26
Flexibility to make 2–3 moves next week
Avoiding hits before a major double

Reasons to Attack:

Arsenal assets are rising in price
Wolves players are cheap and easy to bench
You may want to beat the market

5. Captaincy for GW25

Community polls show a wide spread of captaincy options.

Top Candidates:

Bruno Fernandes – Safe, consistent
Dominic Calvert‑Lewin – High upside
Bryan Mbeumo – Form pick
Gabriel / Rice – If you trust Arsenal’s fixture

My Pick:

Bruno Fernandes – Best combination of form, fixture, and reliability.

6. Chip Strategy: When to Use What

With the first double confirmed, chip planning becomes crucial.

Wildcard

Ideal between GW27–29 to prepare for the GW31 blank.

Bench Boost

GW26 is viable if you already have 12–15 starters.

Free Hit

Almost certainly needed in GW31, where four teams will blank.

Triple Captain

Not ideal for GW26 unless you trust Arsenal attackers.

7. Preparing for the GW26 Double Gameweek

Here’s how to prepare without compromising GW25:

A. Prioritise Arsenal

Aim for 2–3 Arsenal players by GW26.

B. Add 1–2 Wolves Enablers

Cheap, flexible, and useful for bench depth.

C. Avoid Over‑committing

Remember: both teams blank in GW31.

D. Plan Transfers Backwards

Think:

Who do I want in GW31?
How many transfers will I need to navigate the blank?

8. Example Transfer Plans

Plan A: Aggressive

GW25: Bring in Gabriel + Rice
GW26: Add Wolves defender + Arsenal attacker
Chip: Bench Boost in DGW26

Plan B: Conservative

GW25: Roll
GW26: Bring in 2 Arsenal + 1 Wolves
Chip: Save for later

Plan C: Differential

Target Wolves early
Captain a differential like Mbeumo or DCL
Aim for rank gains before DGW26

9. Final Thoughts

Gameweek 25 is the calm before the storm. The decisions you make now especially regarding Arsenal and Wolves, will define your season. With the first Double Gameweek confirmed and a major blank looming in GW31, the smartest managers will balance short‑term gains with long‑term planning.

Key Takeaways: