This article is part of our Fantasy Premier League Tips series.
FPL Gameweek 26: Best Teams to Target for Upcoming Fixtures (Next 5 GWs)
As Double Gameweek 26 approaches, fixture analysis becomes far more reliable. Form trends are clearer, roles are more defined and it becomes easier to plan ahead by targeting teams with favourable upcoming schedules.
Below, we highlight the best teams to target from Double Gameweek 26 onwards, using fixture difficulty to identify sides most likely to deliver attacking returns, clean sheets and steady points over the next five Gameweeks.
Check out RotoWire's updated GW26 FPL rankings and FPL tips to improve your squad.
Our FPL GW26 cheat sheets include predicted lineups, team odds, goalscorer odds, set-piece stats, player stats and more.
RotoWire's Fixture Difficulty Ranker
Using RotoWire's Fixture Difficulty Ranker, which evaluates upcoming matches based on league position, goals scored and goals conceded, here are the best teams to target heading into Gameweek 26 and beyond.
Best Teams to Target for Upcoming Fixtures (GW26–GW30)
Arsenal
Arsenal are the standout side to target in Double Gameweek 26. A double against Brentford and Wolves is about as good as it gets, with both fixtures heavily favouring them. The bookmakers give Arsenal above a 70-percent chance of keeping a clean sheet across the Gameweek, which underlines just how dominant their defensive outlook is. They remain the best defence in the league, having conceded the fewest goals and topping the charts for expected goals conceded.
I still firmly believe that owning three Arsenal assets is the optimal approach. Any combination of David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel and Declan Rice works well, and even a triple defensive setup is viable if transfers allow. Declan Rice also deserves specific mention as he is on set pieces, offers strong defensive contribution numbers, benefits from clean sheet points and is completely nailed for minutes.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have the most obvious fixture swing outside of Arsenal. After a difficult run, their schedule improves dramatically with home fixtures against Burnley and Wolves, and this is the moment to invest.
Ismaila Sarr and Daniel Munoz are the headline targets. Sarr could be on penalties and provides direct goal threat, while Munoz ranks among the top three defenders for expected goal involvement this season, offering upside at both ends of the pitch. In defence, Maxence Lacroix continues to deliver solid defensive contribution numbers, while Chris Richards at just £4.4m stands out as an excellent budget enabler.
Liverpool
Liverpool's upcoming fixtures read Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Wolves and Tottenham, which keeps them firmly on the radar. Virgil van Dijk remains the defender of choice thanks to his defensive contribution numbers and set-piece threat. Dominik Szoboszlai is a fine hold in midfield despite the one-match suspension, as he continues to contribute defensively and remains involved on set pieces even when deployed deeper. Hugo Ekitike is also worth holding, as the fixtures ahead strongly favour continued attacking returns.
Manchester United
Manchester United continue to trend in the right direction, with West Ham, Everton and Crystal Palace coming up. There is a clear feel-good factor under Michael Carrick and the attack is where the value lies. Bruno Fernandes remains the standout asset, offering penalties, set pieces, creativity, bonus potential and defensive contributions. He is still top among midfielders for expected goal involvement.
Bryan Mbeumo is the obvious second attacker, playing centrally and coming off strong recent returns. Amad Diallo could emerge as a useful budget option with improved minutes, while Matheus Cunha is also worth monitoring given his form and increased security of minutes due to the Patrick Dorgu injury. The defence has quietly improved and is now at least worth keeping an eye on.
Manchester City
Manchester City's run includes Fulham, Newcastle, Leeds, Nottingham Forest and West Ham. Erling Haaland remains the obvious player to own, and those already holding Antoine Semenyo can comfortably keep him. Marc Guehi looks the most secure defensive option. City are worth targeting for managers with multiple free transfers, but with a Blank Gameweek 31 looming, I would be cautious about heavy investment otherwise.
Final Thoughts: Best Teams to Target in FPL From Gameweek 26
Targeting teams with favourable upcoming fixtures remains one of the most reliable ways to generate consistent returns in Fantasy Premier League, particularly as the season moves deeper into its planning phase. Arsenal and Crystal Palace stand out for sustained upside, while Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City offer a strong mix of value, differentials and budget enablers.
Use these fixture runs alongside predicted lineups, injury updates and chip strategy to maximise points over the next five Gameweeks.
