FPL GW25

Doubles are here!

We finally have the first confirmed double gameweek of the season, which will be in GW26 for Arsenal and Wolves.

I had hoped for a Chelsea upset, as that would've created a lot of chaos in FPL. This will be smooth sailing, as most engaged managers have 3 Arsenal players already.

But... now Saka is injured, there might be uncertainty around Timber, and with Sunderland at home you would ideally move now rather than later.

I own Timber myself, and he hasn't trained today. I don't think there is a problem and I expect him to start, but I think it is enough to put him in "don't buy" territory unless we get news. Definitely not a sell, though!

That leaves Rice as the prime candidate, as the move can be made with 1 transfer too. I think Rice makes sense as there are few good mids to buy this week too.

If you have the luxury of a strong bench this GW, you could bench Saka and wait for GW26 to make the Arsenal move.

I don't think Saliba is a good move (even though I own), then I would rather wait until next GW.

This should also make us consider using the Triple Captain chip. I think there can be only one way if you use it in GW26, and that is Gabriel. I don't own him, but I very likely will, and part of that is due to the option of going Triple Captain. We are not certain to get a better opportunity this season, and worst case we will only have one more double gameweek, which will require our bench boost most likely. We expect that will happen in GW33.

And even if we get a later double, likely in GW36 and best case scenario for Haaland, we may risk that 1) he isn't fit, 2) the league is wrapped up, or 3) minutes are lower due to UCL games.

I don't think there are many priority sells this GW and simultaneously few players you have to buy. I would rather keep Szoboszlai and stack the FT than sell, as it will come in handy down the line. Sarr is extremely interesting, Crystal Palace have amazing fixtures from next GW, but he also blanks in GW31. You could make that move if you're on 5 FTs and have no issue, but that will be for the few. If Gordon is out for longer than GW31, Harvey Barnes could be a shout too.

Just an early note, Salah has good underlying numbers again, Haaland is not performing and minutes are looking more shaky. I could consider a swap, but not before GW28. Keep an eye out for this.

Current chip plan is:

TC26, WC32, BB33, FH34

I expect the above to be the meta version amongst engaged managers. Easy to plan for, can't go very wrong.

I am considering stacking up to 5 FTs into GW31 to have the option of something like:

TC26, BB33, WC34, FH36/38

And then only go this route in case it looks at least on par with the meta version.

Team Selection

I will not make any transfers until tomorrow, but my planned transfer is to do Tarkowski to Andersen.

Andersen is better this week with higher clean sheet odds and similar DEFCON potential, and he frees up the money that enables me to buy Gabriel for DGW26. At the same time, his GW31 fixture is amazing against Burnley at home. At the same time, Everton do not have the best fixtures apart from GW29 against Burnley, but I'll have to accept that.

Bruno will once again captain the side. Vice currently on Timber, but will go to Haaland if there is uncertainty.