Gameweek 27 arrives at a pivotal moment in the 2025/26 FPL season. Arsenal’s recent double is behind us, the FA Cup disruptions have settled, and we’re entering the stretch where every transfer has real consequences. GW27 offers a mix of favourable fixtures, standout form players, and a few emerging differentials who could tilt mini‑leagues.

Below is your fully accurate, form‑driven, fixture‑driven guide to the best players to target for GW27.

GW27 Fixtures

Here are the confirmed Premier League fixtures for Gameweek 27:

Aston Villa vs Leeds
Brentford vs Brighton
Chelsea vs Burnley
West Ham vs Bournemouth
Man City vs Newcastle
Crystal Palace vs Wolves
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool
Sunderland vs Fulham
Tottenham vs Arsenal
Everton vs Man United

These fixtures shape everything — and several stand out immediately for FPL upside.

Players to Target for GW27

⭐ 1. Erling Haaland (Man City, FWD)

Fixture: Newcastle (H) Why target: Haaland leads the Premier League in goals (22), xG (20.3), xG per 90 (0.85), and shots on target per 90 (2.0). City are heavy favourites at home (64% win probability). bing.com

Newcastle’s defence has been inconsistent, and Haaland’s underlying numbers remain unmatched. Even when City aren’t at their best, he’s still the most explosive captaincy option.

Verdict: Essential. Captaincy favourite.

⭐ 2. Igor Thiago (Brentford, FWD)

Fixture: Brighton (H) Why target: Thiago is one of the hottest players in the league right now — 17 goals already and second in the Golden Boot race.

Brentford are in outstanding form:

6 wins and 2 draws in their last 10 league matches
League‑leading 36 big chances in that period

Brighton concede high‑quality chances, and Thiago is generating them at volume.

Verdict: The best non‑premium forward for GW27.

⭐ 3. Cole Palmer (Chelsea, MID)

Fixture: Burnley (H) Why target: Chelsea have an 78% win probability vs Burnley.

Palmer ranks among the league’s best for xG+xA per 90 (0.78). He’s on penalties, set pieces, and is Chelsea’s creative hub.

Burnley remain one of the weakest defences in the league.

Verdict: A must‑own for GW27. Huge haul potential.

⭐ 4. Bruno Fernandes (Man United, MID)

Fixture: Everton (A) Why target: Fernandes leads the entire Premier League in:

Assists (12)
Big chances created (18)
Chances created (78)

United are inconsistent, but Fernandes’ output is elite regardless of fixture difficulty.

Verdict: High‑floor, high‑ceiling pick.

⭐ 5. Rayan (Bournemouth, MID – Differential)

Fixture: West Ham (A) Why target: The 19‑year‑old winger has exploded onto the scene with 2 goals and 1 assist in just 198 minutes.

West Ham vs Bournemouth is projected to be an open game (both teams with similar win probabilities).

At just 0.9% ownership, he’s the standout differential midfielder for GW27.

Verdict: Perfect for managers chasing rank.

⭐ 6. Jørgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace, FWD – Differential)

Fixture: Wolves (H) Why target: Strand Larsen scored a brace last week and looks settled after his January move.

Wolves have conceded heavily this season, and Palace are favourites at home (57.8% win probability).

Verdict: A sharp short‑term punt with form + fixture.

⭐ 7. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, DEF)

Fixture: Nottingham Forest (A) Why target: Van Dijk delivered a 17‑point haul in GW26 thanks to a clean sheet, goal, and bonus.

Liverpool remain strong defensively, and Forest are struggling for goals.

Verdict: Best premium defender for GW27.

⭐ 8. Nathan Collins (Brentford, DEF – Budget Pick)

Fixture: Brighton (H) Why target: Collins has returned to the XI and Brentford have a favourable run: Brighton, Burnley, Bournemouth, Wolves, Leeds.

He offers defensive contributions + set‑piece threat.

Verdict: Excellent £5.0m enabler.

⭐ 9. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, MID)

Fixture: Tottenham (A) Why target: Despite the derby being a tougher fixture, Saka remains one of the league’s top performers (13th in power rankings).

He’s fixture‑proof and still on penalties.

Verdict: Hold, and still a strong play even in a derby.

⭐ 10. Antoine Semenyo (Man City, MID/FWD)

Fixture: Newcastle (H) Why target: Semenyo has 3 goals in his last 4 and is thriving in City’s attack.

He’s a cheaper route into City’s frontline with real upside.

Verdict: A high‑upside alternative to double‑City midfield.

Final Thoughts

GW27 offers a rare blend of:

Elite premium options with great fixtures (Haaland, Palmer)
Red‑hot mid‑priced forwards (Igor Thiago, Strand Larsen)
Differentials with real upside (Rayan, Collins)
Reliable season‑long performers (Saka, Fernandes, Van Dijk)

If you’re chasing rank, the Brentford and Bournemouth differentials are your edge. If you’re protecting rank, Haaland + Palmer + Van Dijk is the safe spine.

This is one of the clearest gameweeks of the season — the data and fixtures align beautifully.

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