This article is part of our Fantasy Premier League Tips series.
Best Free Hit Team for FPL Gameweek 26 (GW26 Draft & Picks)
Gameweek 26 sets up well for a Free Hit built around favourable fixtures, secure minutes and upside, particularly in a double Gameweek context. There are clear opportunities to target premium attackers, defenders with strong clean sheet odds, and in-form mid-priced options.
The XI below is informed by expected goals data, clean sheet probabilities, set-piece roles and projected returns.
- Check out RotoWire's updated FPL GW26 rankings and full FPL strategy guide for this week.
- For injury updates on key players, visit our FPL Gameweek 26 Injury News page, updated daily.
- Use our Fixture Difficulty Ranker to compare upcoming FPL fixture runs and plan transfers during double gameweeks.
- Visit our Predicted Lineups page for GW26, updated throughout the week up to 75 minutes before kickoff.
How This FPL GW26 Free Hit Team Was Built
This Free Hit squad prioritises:
• Teams with the best fixtures in Gameweek 26
• Players with secure minutes and defined roles
• Penalty and set-piece takers
• Defenders with strong clean sheet odds
• High-upside attackers capable of double-digit hauls
Goalkeeper
Jose Sa is an interesting Free Hit pick in double Gameweek context. Goalkeepers have historically performed well in doubles even when clean sheets are not guaranteed, largely because of save volume and bonus potential, and Sa fits that profile perfectly. Even without a clean sheet, he feels like a goalkeeper with a realistic five-point floor across the two fixtures.
Defenders
Gabriel remains the standout defensive pick in the game. He plays for the best defence in the league, is excellent for defensive contributions, and carries genuine attacking threat from set pieces. Averaging over seven points per start highlights how strong his baseline is. The bookmakers are giving Arsenal above a 70-percent chance of keeping at least one clean sheet across the Gameweek, and that only strengthens the case.
Jurrien Timber complements Gabriel perfectly. Doubling up on the Arsenal defence makes a lot of sense given the fixtures and the underlying numbers. Timber is one of the most attacking defenders in the league and tops the charts for expected goal involvement among defenders. Even when attacking returns don't arrive, his involvement and clean sheet potential keep his floor high.
Daniel Munoz completes the defence nicely. A home fixture against Burnley, who have accumulated the fewest expected goals in the league, is as good as it gets. Munoz ranks inside the top three defenders for expected goal involvement this season, offering real upside at both ends of the pitch.
Midfielders
Bruno Fernandes continues to justify his status as an elite midfield asset. Penalties, set pieces, creativity, defensive contributions and bonus accumulation give him multiple routes to points. With the positive momentum under Michael Carrick, Bruno looks in top form and remains a cornerstone pick.
Cole Palmer looks back to his best and was taken off early in the win against Wolves, which strongly suggests a start in midweek. A home fixture against Leeds, combined with penalty and set-piece duties, makes him Chelsea's attacker of choice and a massive differential.
Declan Rice brings stability and upside. He's nailed for minutes, strong for defensive contributions, benefits from clean sheet points, and his set-piece involvement is particularly valuable in an Arsenal side that thrives in those situations.
Joao Gomes is a smart double Gameweek pick. He's nailed in the Wolves midfield, should start both games, and is well placed to hit defensive contribution thresholds. A return of six points or more feels very realistic.
Elliot Anderson rounds out the midfield. He leads the league for defensive contributions, shares set pieces and offers excellent value for his price.
Forwards
Erling Haaland remains unavoidable. A home fixture against Fulham combined with his explosive ceiling makes him the foundation of the squad.
Tolu Arokodare is the Wolves attacker to own. He's nailed to start both games, plays as the central striker and comes at an affordable price.
Final Thoughts for GW26
Gameweek 26 sets up well for a Free Hit approach, particularly with fixture concentration and several premium players landing in high-probability matchups. This squad is built to maximise both floor and ceiling by leaning into reliable defences, penalty takers, and attackers with genuine haul potential.
As always, keep a close eye on team news and predicted lineups before the deadline, as late changes can still influence optimal Free Hit construction.
Best Gameweek 26 Free Hit team
