FPL Top Transfer Recommendations: Gameweek 26

The Hard Tackle lists the five best options to consider to bring into your team heading into FPL Gameweek 26 of the 2025/26 season.

Gameweek 26 is knocking on the door, and for FPL managers, it is crunch time to nail those last-minute transfers that could swing your mini-league standings. With the February fixtures shaping up nicely for some tasty match-ups, we have zeroed in on five standout players who look primed to deliver big points.

These are Crystal Palace’s rampaging defender Daniel Munoz, Nottingham Forest’s rising star Neco Williams, Everton’s midfield dynamo Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Manchester United’s hot-shot Bryan Mbeumo, and Chelsea’s clinical finisher Joao Pedro.

These picks are not just random punts but backed by sizzling form, dream draw opponents, and that perfect mix of attacking threat and defensive solidity to haul in points from every angle. Picture this: the Premier League calendar in early 2026 has thrown up some absolute gifts for FPL bosses.

Teams like Burnley, Wolves, Bournemouth, West Ham United, and Leeds United have certain issues, either leaking goals or struggling to fire blanks up top. That is where our five picks come in, each facing a fixture that plays to their strengths like a video game cheat code.

Whether you are chasing the rankings or just trying to avoid the red arrow, swapping in these lads could mean the difference between a steady green and a podium finish. We have all been there, staring at the transfer tab on a Monday night, second-guessing every click. But this week, the stars align without the headache of rotation risks or injury doubts.

Over the next few sections, we will break down why each player deserves a spot in your squad, digging into their recent exploits, points history, and why GW26’s opposition makes them unstoppable. It’s not about blind faith; it’s about spotting patterns that have turned differentials into captaincy shouts. And with the season hitting its stride toward those crucial doubles later on, these moves set you up for more than just one big week. Stick around, because by the end, you will see why ignoring them could be your mini-league downfall.

Why Daniel Munoz is a Must-Have in FPL

Daniel Munoz has been top-class for Crystal Palace, turning heads with his relentless energy and knack for chipping in with goals and assists. In the 2025/26 season so far, he has notched 3 goals and 3 assists in 17 starts, averaging a solid 7.32 rating per game while logging over 1,200 minutes.

Playing as a wing-back, he bombs forward like a midfielder trapped in a defender’s body, which means clean sheets, tackles, and attacking returns all in one package. That appeal skyrockets in GW26 when Crystal Palace host Burnley at Selhurst Park on February 11.

Burnley sit second from bottom with just 15 points from 26 games, leaking 24 more goals than they have scored and on a skid of five straight losses before that Palace clash earlier. Their defence is a sieve, conceding freely against pacey wing-backs like Munoz who can exploit the flanks. Expect Crystal Palace to dominate possession and shots, giving Munoz prime chances for crosses, shots on target, and maybe another header like his Turf Moor winner.

Neco Williams edges ahead

Neco Williams has stepped up big-time for Nottingham Forest this season, blending tough defending with growing attacking threat to become a budget defender gem in FPL. He has clocked over 2,100 league minutes, a career high, with standout defensive stats.

His offensive output is on the rise too. Recent history backs it: consistent starts, clean sheets against shaky attacks, and points from set-pieces, making him a steady earner even in tough ties. Gameweek 26 pits Nottingham Forest at home against Wolves on February 11, and that is where Williams feasts.

Wolves are in freefall after suffering three successive defeats, thus sitting dead last in the Premier League. They have lost recent head-to-heads to Nottingham Forest, struggling offensively and defensively, which plays right into Williams’s hands for interceptions, clearances, and counter-attack surges. His improving returns could net 10+ points easily in this mismatch, especially with Forest’s home edge.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s midfield magic

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall brings that advanced midfielder spark to Everton, lurking high up the pitch to snag goals, assists, and shots that FPL managers crave. In 17 apps this season, he’s bagged 4 goals and 2 assists over 1,380 minutes in 16 starts, hitting a 6.90 average rating with 19 shots and 6 on target. His GW25 exploits lit up the scoresheet, building on hauls like 8.1 (goal), 8.0 (goal+assist vibes), and 9.2 (goal+assist), showing he thrives in space with bonus-friendly touches (848 total, 44 in box). That role—pushing forward, shooting often—makes him a differential pick over safe midfield plodders.
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Everton’s GW26 home clash with Bournemouth on February 11 screams points potential. Bournemouth have been shaky at the back, and after Dewsbury-Hall’s recent streak (goals in November double, assists earlier), facing their vulnerable defense post-GW25 form sets him up for a monster haul. Everton’s solid mid-table push (37 points) means more attacking freedom, with Dewsbury-Hall’s xG (1.86) and recent ratings (multiple 8+) pointing to double figures if he repeats those box touches and shots. Bournemouth’s leaky setup amplifies his advanced role perfectly.

Bryan Mbeumo’s Hot Streak
Bryan Mbeumo has been United’s midfield engine since his AFCON return, exploding with three goals in four games that have FPL bosses buzzing. Now at Manchester United, his displays scream value—promising runs, shots, and finishes against top sides like City, Arsenal, and Tottenham, where those goals landed him big points hauls. Recent history is gold: consistent starters, attacking returns boosting his tally, and bonuses from high ratings in United’s fluid system. He’s turned inconsistency into reliability, making him a mid-price monster.
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West Ham’s GW26 trip to Old Trafford on February 11 is Mbeumo’s playground. Hammers languish with 23 points, riddled by inconsistencies—defensive woes (17 conceded GD worst-ish) and poor away form against United’s attack (10 goals in 5 recent). United’s home dominance (9/15 H2H wins) and Mbeumo’s post-AFCON fire (goals vs big boys) spell hauls from goals, assists, or shots. His points surge makes this low-risk for 12+ in a favorable setup.

Joao Pedro’s Striker Surge
Joao Pedro is Chelsea’s Brazilian firecracker up top, hitting stride with recent goals that have him primed for FPL glory. With 9 goals in 24 matches, he’s feasting on chances, blending finishing with runs that rack up bonus points alongside Enzo types. His form screams momentum—consistent starters, shots on target, and hauls building toward long-term captaincy appeal in Chelsea’s push (43 points).

Leeds’ defensive wobbles make Chelsea’s February 11 home game a dream. Leeds hover on 29 points with -9 GD, leaky at the back against pacey forwards like Pedro. This matchup lets him bag a brace or assist fest, setting up hauls for weeks ahead in Chelsea’s title charge. His international class shines here for big returns.

FPL Transfer Recommendations at a Glance

Honourable Mentions

Honourable mentions for your transfer radar: Diogo Dalot, Marc Cucurella, Lewis Hall, Bruno Fernandes, Florian Wirtz, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Morgan Rogers, Kai Havertz, Hugo Ekitike, and Lorenzo Lucca. These player are bubbling with tasty fixtures ahead.