Brighton’s double-up, or even triple-up, is on the table with Crystal Palace visiting the Amex. Pascal Groß and Maxim De Cuyper both have over 50 points and are in the top bracket for form. Their goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is also quietly racking up points at a budget price.
Elsewhere, there’s a new face up front for Fulham, a Chelsea veteran making a case for budget midfielders, and a Brentford defender to avoid as Liverpool come to town. We’ve looked at the numbers, the fixtures, and the ownership trends to pick out the best and worst options for this gameweek.
Also check our injury risk digest, price change predictions, and gameweek recap before you lock your team.
Quick picks
Haaland
CaptainHaaland at home to Ipswich, 75% owned
Gonzalo
DifferentialGonzalo García, Fulham’s new striker
Collins
AvoidCollins injured, faces Liverpool
McGinn
BudgetMcGinn, 5.4m, ticking over
Erling Haaland (Man City) vs Ipswich Town, Captain
- Pts
- 45
- G
- 6
- A
- 0
- xG
- 4.82
- xA
- 0.54
- Form
- 7.0
- Owned by
- 75.0%
- Price
- £15.6
Next fixture
Vs Ipswich Town at home on 17th October, 2026
Fixture difficulty level
2
Form
7.0
Erling Haaland faces Ipswich Town at the Etihad on 17th October, and this is the sort of fixture that can punish those who try to be clever.
Why we like him
Haaland takes on Ipswich Town at home on 17th October, and the numbers are as one-sided as you’ll see. He’s already scored six goals this season, with an xG of 4.82 and a total of 45 points. Ipswich have an FDR of 2, and City rarely slip up in these fixtures.
The Norwegian’s form line is 7.0, which is strong but not even his ceiling. He’s notched all his points without any assists, so there’s even room for more if City’s attack clicks. Haaland’s minutes are secure, and he’s the penalty taker, so there’s no reason to overthink it.
Ownership is at 75%, which means any haul will hurt those who try to go against him. The Premier League’s own Scout has him as the top captain pick for Gameweek 7, and the BBC calls him the obvious choice.
City’s home record against promoted sides is ruthless. Haaland’s underlying numbers back up what we see: he’s getting chances, and he’s converting them. If you’re not captaining him, you’re hoping for a miracle.
FPL impact
At £15.6m, Haaland is the most expensive player in the game, but his points-per-million is still competitive given his output. His ownership makes him the template captain, so the risk is in not picking him, not in following the crowd.
There’s no real captaincy debate this week. Even if you want to be different, the fixture and his numbers make it a dangerous move. If you’re chasing, a vice-captain punt is the only way to go.
If you don’t own Haaland, you’re in a tiny minority and probably suffering for it. If you do, the armband is almost compulsory. Transfers in will be minimal, as most managers already have him.
There’s no reason to sell or bench. If you’re looking for a differential, look elsewhere, but don’t overthink the captaincy this week.
What do we suggest?
Captain Haaland. Don’t try to be clever. If you don’t own him, get him in if you can.
This is not the week to gamble against the obvious pick.
Pascal Groß (Brighton) vs Crystal Palace, Vice Captain
- Pts
- 53
- G
- 3
- A
- 5
- xG
- 2.02
- xA
- 1.05
- Form
- 12.3
- Owned by
- 38.8%
- Price
- £6.0
Next fixture
Vs Crystal Palace at home on 18th October, 2026
Fixture difficulty level
2
Form
12.3
Pascal Groß hosts Crystal Palace at the Amex on 18th October, and his numbers are as good as any midfielder in the game right now.
Why we like him
Groß faces Crystal Palace at home on 18th October, and he’s in the best form of his Brighton career. He’s scored three goals and provided five assists already, racking up 53 points and an xG of 2.02. Palace are rated FDR 2, so the fixture is as good as it gets for a Brighton asset.
His form line is 12.3, which is the highest of any midfielder this week. Groß is on set-pieces and penalties, and he’s involved in almost every Brighton attack. The BBC’s FPL preview calls him the safest Brighton option, and his role has only grown under the new manager.
Groß’s underlying stats are backed up by the eye test. He’s not flashy, but he’s always in the right place and rarely misses a minute. Brighton’s home record is strong, and Palace have struggled to keep clean sheets away from home.
With Brighton’s attack firing and Groß at the heart of it, he’s a reliable vice-captain or even a captain for those without Haaland. His consistency makes him a set-and-forget option in midfield.
FPL impact
At £6.0m, Groß is still underpriced for his output. His ownership is climbing, now at 38.8%, but he’s not yet a template risk. If you’re looking for a way to differentiate from the crowd, he’s a solid vice-captain.
He’s not a flashy pick, but he’s delivering every week. Transfers in are rising, and he’s a safe hold for the next run of fixtures. If you’re on a wildcard, he should be near the top of your midfield list.
There’s no rotation risk, and his set-piece duties add to his appeal. He’s a player you can leave in your team and not worry about.
If you want a Brighton midfielder, Groß is the one to own. He’s a steady points scorer and a good alternative captain if you’re feeling bold.
What do we suggest?
Buy or hold Groß. He’s a top vice-captain and a reliable starter.
If you’re looking for a safe midfield pick, he’s your man for this week and beyond.
Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton) vs Crystal Palace, Premium Pick
- Pts
- 53
- G
- 2
- A
- 3
- xG
- 1.8
- xA
- 0.67
- Form
- 10.7
- Owned by
- 34.6%
- Price
- £5.1
Next fixture
Vs Crystal Palace at home on 18th October, 2026
Fixture difficulty level
2
Form
10.7
Maxim De Cuyper welcomes Crystal Palace to the Amex on 18th October, and his attacking numbers are matching the best defenders in the game.
Why we like him
De Cuyper faces Crystal Palace at home on 18th October, and he’s become one of the most attacking defenders in FPL. He’s scored two goals and assisted three, with an xG of 1.8 and an xa of 0.67. That’s 53 points already, matching the top midfielders for output.
His form line is 10.7, and he’s nailed on for starts when fit. Brighton’s left side is their main attacking outlet, and De Cuyper is often the player delivering the final ball. The BBC’s injury roundup says he’s fit for this gameweek, so there’s no reason to worry about his minutes.
Brighton’s home fixtures are strong, and Palace have struggled to create chances away from home. De Cuyper’s attacking threat means he’s not reliant on clean sheets for points. He’s also a bonus magnet, picking up extra points for his all-round play.
With Brighton’s fixtures turning, De Cuyper is the standout premium defender for this run. His attacking numbers are up there with the best, and he’s still under the radar for many managers.
FPL impact
At £5.1m, De Cuyper is a bargain for his output. His ownership is 34.6%, so he’s not yet a template risk, but that could change quickly if he keeps delivering. Transfers in are rising as managers look for attacking defenders with good fixtures.
He’s a safe hold and a good buy for those on a wildcard. There’s no rotation risk, and his attacking numbers mean he can deliver even if Brighton concede.
If you’re looking for a premium defender, De Cuyper is the pick of the bunch this week. He’s a player you can set and forget for the next run of fixtures.
He’s not a captain option, but he’s a reliable source of points from the back. His price will only rise if he keeps delivering.
What do we suggest?
Buy or hold De Cuyper. He’s the best premium defender for this week and the next few.
If you’re on a wildcard, make sure he’s in your squad.
Gonzalo García (Fulham) vs Hull City, Differential
- Pts
- 16
- G
- 1
- A
- 0
- xG
- 3
- xA
- 0.59
- Form
- 2.0
- Owned by
- 7.3%
- Price
- £6.1
Next fixture
Vs Hull City at home on 17th October, 2026
Fixture difficulty level
2
Form
2.0
Gonzalo García lines up for Fulham at home to Hull City on 17th October, and he’s a new face with the numbers to back up a punt.
Why we like him
García faces Hull City at home on 17th October, and he’s Fulham’s new number nine. He’s scored once so far, but his xG is 3, showing he’s getting chances. Hull are rated FDR 2, so this is a good fixture for a forward looking to make his mark.
His form line is only 2.0, but the underlying numbers are better than the headline points. García is Fulham’s main striker, and the Premier League’s pre-season guide says he’s ahead of Rodrigo Muniz in the pecking order. He’s also top for shots and big chances among Fulham players.
Fulham’s next three fixtures are all against promoted or struggling sides, so García has a run of games to build on. His ownership is just 7.3%, so any haul will shoot you up the ranks if you’re chasing.
He’s not a long-term hold, but for this week and the next two, he’s a proper differential. If you need a forward under £6.5m, García is the pick.
FPL impact
At £6.1m, García is priced as a budget forward, but his underlying numbers are better than most in that bracket. His ownership is low, so he’s a genuine differential for those looking to make up ground.
Transfers in are rising as managers look for a cheap striker with good fixtures. He’s not a captain option, but he’s a good third forward for those on a wildcard or looking to shake up their attack.
There’s some risk, as he’s new to the league and Fulham’s attack can be inconsistent. But the fixtures are kind, and the numbers suggest a haul is coming.
If you’re chasing mini-league rivals, García is the sort of punt that can pay off. If he scores, you’ll be ahead of the crowd.
What do we suggest?
Buy García if you need a cheap forward for the next few weeks.
He’s a proper differential with the fixtures and numbers to back it up.
Nathan Collins (Brentford) vs Liverpool, Player to Avoid
- Pts
- 10
- G
- 0
- A
- 0
- xG
- 0.51
- xA
- 0.05
- Form
- 0.0
- Owned by
- 0.8%
- Price
- £5.4
Next fixture
Vs Liverpool at home on 17th October, 2026
Fixture difficulty level
4
Form
0.0
Nathan Collins faces Liverpool at home on 17th October, but he’s injured and Brentford’s fixture is as tough as it gets.
Why we are wary
Collins is set to miss the Liverpool game at home on 17th October with a calf injury and no return date. Brentford’s fixture is FDR 4, and their defence has struggled against top sides. Collins has just 10 points this season, with no goals or assists, and his form line is 0.0.
Even when fit, Collins is not offering much for FPL managers. His xG is only 0.51, and he’s not involved in attacking set-pieces. Brentford’s defence has been leaky, and Liverpool’s attack is one of the best in the league.
The Brentford team news confirms Collins is ruled out until after the international break. There’s no reason to hold or buy a defender who’s injured and facing one of the toughest fixtures.
His ownership is just 0.8%, so there’s no risk in selling. Brentford’s fixtures don’t improve much after this, so it’s time to move on if you still have him.
FPL impact
At £5.4m, Collins is overpriced for his output. His ownership is almost non-existent, and there’s no reason to bring him in. Transfers out will rise as managers clear out injured players.
He’s not a rotation risk, he’s just unavailable. Even when fit, he’s not delivering enough to justify a spot in your squad.
If you’re looking for a Brentford defender, there are better options, but even then, the fixtures are poor. Collins is a sell or avoid until he’s fit and Brentford’s defence improves.
There’s no upside to holding. Use the money elsewhere.
What do we suggest?
Sell or avoid Collins. He’s injured and Brentford’s fixtures are poor.
There are better options at every price point.
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton) vs Crystal Palace, Defender Pick
- Pts
- 32
- G
- 0
- A
- 0
- xG
- 0
- xA
- 0.2
- Form
- 7.7
- Owned by
- 21.8%
- Price
- £4.5
Next fixture
Vs Crystal Palace at home on 18th October, 2026
Fixture difficulty level
2
Form
7.7
Bart Verbruggen faces Crystal Palace at home on 18th October, and he’s quietly putting up strong numbers for a budget goalkeeper.
Why we like him
Verbruggen takes on Crystal Palace at the Amex on 18th October, and he’s already collected 32 points this season. Brighton’s defence is solid at home, and Palace’s attack is not the most threatening. Verbruggen’s form line is 7.7, which is strong for a £4.5m keeper.
He’s kept clean sheets and picked up bonus points, with an xa of 0.2 showing he’s involved in Brighton’s build-up. The BBC’s FPL team of the week regularly includes him as a budget option, and he’s nailed on for starts.
Brighton’s fixtures are good for the next few weeks, so Verbruggen is a set-and-forget keeper. His ownership is 21.8%, so he’s not yet a template risk, but that could change if he keeps delivering.
If you’re looking to save money in goal, Verbruggen is the best pick for this week and the next run of games. He’s reliable and offers clean sheet and bonus potential.
FPL impact
At £4.5m, Verbruggen is the best value keeper for this run of fixtures. His ownership is rising, but he’s still a differential compared to the premium keepers.
Transfers in are going up as managers look for a budget route into the Brighton defence. He’s a safe hold and a good buy for those on a wildcard.
He’s not a captain option, but he’s a reliable source of points from the back. His price will only rise if Brighton keep delivering clean sheets.
If you’re looking for a set-and-forget keeper, Verbruggen is the pick. He’s nailed on and offers good value for money.
What do we suggest?
Buy or hold Verbruggen. He’s the best budget keeper for this week and beyond.
If you’re on a wildcard, make sure he’s your first-choice goalkeeper.
John McGinn (Aston Villa) vs Newcastle, Budget Pick
- Pts
- 27
- G
- 1
- A
- 2
- xG
- 1.64
- xA
- 0.31
- Form
- 8.0
- Owned by
- 2.5%
- Price
- £5.4
Next fixture
Vs Newcastle away on 17th October, 2026
Fixture difficulty level
3
Form
8.0
John McGinn travels to Newcastle on 17th October, and he’s quietly ticking over as a budget midfield option.
Why we like him
McGinn faces Newcastle away on 17th October, and he’s one of the few budget midfielders delivering steady returns. He’s scored once and assisted twice, with an xG of 1.64 and an xa of 0.31. That’s 27 points so far, and his form line is a solid 8.0.
Villa’s attack is balanced, and McGinn is involved in most of their build-up play. He’s nailed on for starts and rarely misses a minute. Newcastle away is FDR 3, but Villa have shown they can score against anyone.
At £5.4m, McGinn is a cheap way into a top-half attack. His ownership is just 2.5%, so he’s a proper budget differential. The Guardian’s Villa coverage has long praised his work rate and attacking threat.
If you need a fifth midfielder or a budget starter, McGinn is one of the best options this week. He’s not explosive, but he’s reliable and always involved.
FPL impact
At £5.4m, McGinn is priced perfectly for a bench or rotation midfielder. His ownership is low, so any haul will boost your rank if you start him.
Transfers in are steady, and he’s a safe hold for the next few weeks. He’s not a captain option, but he’s a good budget enabler for those looking to spend big elsewhere.
There’s no rotation risk, and his minutes are secure. If you’re on a wildcard or need a cheap midfielder, McGinn is a solid pick.
He’s not going to win you the week, but he won’t let you down either.
What do we suggest?
Buy or hold McGinn if you need a budget midfielder.
He’s a safe pick for those looking to free up funds for premium assets.
Jordan Henderson (Chelsea) vs Everton, Form Pick
- Pts
- 20
- G
- 2
- A
- 1
- xG
- 0.14
- xA
- 0.13
- Form
- 10.0
- Owned by
- 0.3%
- Price
- £4.9
Next fixture
Vs Everton away on 17th October, 2026
Fixture difficulty level
3
Form
10.0
Jordan Henderson visits Everton on 17th October, and he’s quietly putting up numbers for a budget midfielder at a top-six club.
Why we like him
Henderson faces Everton away on 17th October, and he’s started the season with two goals and an assist. That’s 20 points from a budget midfielder, with a form line of 10.0. Everton are FDR 3, but Chelsea’s attack is improving and Henderson is involved in the build-up.
His xG is 0.14 and xa is 0.13, so he’s not getting into the box as much as some, but he’s making the most of his chances. Henderson’s experience and leadership mean he’s likely to keep his place in the side. The Chelsea official site is full of praise for his impact since joining.
At just 0.3% ownership, Henderson is a proper differential for those looking to shake up their midfield. He’s not a long-term hold, but for this week and the next few, he’s worth a punt if you need a budget option.
Chelsea’s fixtures are mixed, but Henderson’s form makes him a good short-term pick. If you’re chasing, he’s the sort of player who can make a difference.
FPL impact
At £4.9m, Henderson is one of the cheapest starting midfielders at a top-six club. His ownership is almost zero, so any haul will be unique to your team.
Transfers in are low, but that could change if he keeps delivering. He’s not a captain option, but he’s a good budget enabler for those looking to spend big elsewhere.
There’s some risk, as Chelsea’s midfield is crowded, but Henderson’s experience should keep him in the side. If you need a fifth midfielder, he’s a good shout for this week.
He’s not a long-term hold, but he’s worth a punt for those looking to shake up their squad.
What do we suggest?
Buy Henderson if you need a budget midfielder with form.
He’s a short-term punt with the fixtures and numbers to back it up.
Gameweek 7 is all about picking your battles. Haaland at home to Ipswich is the safe captain, and Brighton’s triple-up is well worth considering with Palace visiting. There are budget options in midfield and up front if you need to free up cash, and there’s no reason to hold onto injured or out-of-form defenders with poor fixtures.
The numbers back up the obvious moves this week, but there’s still room for a differential or two if you’re chasing. Stick to the data, trust the fixtures, and don’t try to be too clever with the armband. Good luck, and may your green arrows be plentiful.