The clock is ticking for FPL managers as Gameweek 25 looms, and crucial decisions about your squad could make or break your season! If you're scrambling for those last-minute insights, don't worry, I've got you covered with a swift rundown of everything you absolutely need to know.
The FPL Gameweek 25 deadline is set for 18:30 GMT on Friday, February 6th. Make sure all your transfers and team selections are locked in before then!
Big News: Double and Blank Gameweeks Confirmed!
Get ready, FPL managers, because the first Double Gameweek (DGW) and Blank Gameweek (BGW) of the 2025/26 season have been officially announced, all thanks to the EFL Cup final. Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to play twice in Gameweek 26. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace and Manchester City will be sitting out entirely in Gameweek 31, making them a quadruple blank. This is the signal for all serious managers to start strategizing their upcoming transfers and planning their chip usage for the crucial final stretch of the season.
Arsenal's Squad: A Double-Edged Sword?
For those of you who have heavily invested in players from these four teams, now is the time to strategize! You'll need to decide whether to use a chip or assemble a full starting XI for Gameweek 31. Some managers might even be considering a Wildcard right now, with some drafts heavily favouring Arsenal players. However, there's a cloud of uncertainty hanging over some key Arsenal stars. Jurrien Timber (£6.4m) might not have participated in training on Thursday, and initial reports suggest that Bukayo Saka's (£9.9m) recent injury could sideline him until Gameweek 27. This is precisely why discussions about the best Saka replacements are rife, with some managers already bringing in a couple of alternatives into their own squads.
Who to Target in Midfield and Beyond?
The midfield landscape is a hot topic in the FPL community. Bruno Fernandes (£9.7m) is practically a must-have, earning unanimous praise in Scout Squad selections and being the captain choice for all 18 'Great and the Good' managers in the previous gameweek. Cole Palmer (£10.4m) could be in line for a start against Wolves after a midweek substitute appearance. His teammate Enzo Fernandez (£6.8m) is in excellent form, boasting four goals in his last six appearances. Over at Liverpool, Florian Wirtz (£8.3m) appears to be finding his rhythm.
Looking at other potential gems, the out-of-form Declan Rice (£7.5m) is arguably due for an assist, while Morgan Rogers (£7.6m) is on the cusp of scoring his next goal. For those seeking value, Bryan Mbeumo (£8.5m) could be a great option given Manchester United's upcoming fixture run. Ismaila Sarr (£6.3m) might be on penalty duty for Crystal Palace, and the arrival of Oscar Bobb (£5.1m) at Fulham shouldn't necessarily impact Harry Wilson's (£6.1m) playing time.
But here's where it gets tricky... Kevin Schade (£7.0m) is currently suspended, and Anthony Gordon (£7.3m) might be carrying an injury. These are definitely players to monitor closely!
Your Gameweek 25 Captaincy Choice
When it comes to the armband, Bruno Fernandes is the top recommendation from both Captain Sensible and our Rate My Team (RMT) algorithm. Following closely behind, Gabriel Magalhaes (£7.1m) is the next best option, with Bryan Mbeumo and Jarrod Bowen (£7.7m) tied for third place.
Team Reveals and Differential Picks
Curious about what the top FPL minds are doing? You can check out the team reveals from eight-time top 10k finisher Zophar, Hall of Famer Dan Wright, and FPL General's interesting Haaland-less lineup. Our weekly Scout Picks, which essentially act like a Free Hit, are heavily favouring trios from Arsenal and Chelsea. For those looking for those game-changing low-owned players, our suggested differential picks include Crysencio Summerville (£5.5m), who has scored in three consecutive matches and is set to face Burnley. This is the part most people miss – identifying these hidden gems can be crucial!
Predicted Line-ups and Final Thoughts
We've also got predicted starting XIs for all 20 Premier League teams to help you make those informed decisions. Whatever you choose to do, I wish you the very best of luck in FPL Gameweek 25!
Now, over to you! With the confirmed Double and Blank Gameweeks on the horizon, how are you planning your chip strategy? Are you all-in on Arsenal and Wolves for Gameweek 26, or are you bracing for the blank in Gameweek 31? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below – I'm eager to hear your strategies and any potential disagreements you might have with these picks!
