FPL 2025/26 enters its 28th week, and your focus should be on selecting players from Liverpool and Brentford
FPL Gameweek 28 is ideally positioned between the initial double gameweeks and the future unpredictability, presenting an excellent opportunity to back in-form squads. Liverpool are fortifying their defense while consistently generating scoring opportunities, Brentford’s match schedule is exceptionally favorable, and a couple of moderately valued midfielders are subtly poised for significant returns ahead of the Wildcard period. Whether you’re pursuing a higher standing or endeavoring to maintain your position despite future blank gameweeks, selecting two players from both Liverpool and Brentford – with a judicious midfield choice as an accompaniment – could be the strategy that defines your season’s remainder.
Virgil van Dijk (6.0m)
Van Dijk is experiencing one of those periods where multiple positives align – clean sheets, defensive alerts, and an attacking presence. He has just achieved consecutive high-scoring returns, and Liverpool’s backline appears robust once more, supported by impressive underlying metrics for expected goals against over recent gameweeks. Both Wolves and Brighton found it difficult to create significant scoring opportunities lately, and the forthcoming fixture list presents additional chances for shutouts as Liverpool vie for a Champions League position. Combine this with his aerial prowess from dead-ball situations, and you’re considering an elite defender capable of significant point returns in any given match. If you desire a reliable, high-potential defensive option for the foreseeable future, Van Dijk is nearly flawless.
Harry Wilson (5.9m)
Wilson appears perfectly suited for a four-week speculative investment leading up to Wildcard 32. Fulham’s fixture list is exceptionally favorable: facing four of the league’s bottom five teams in their upcoming quartet of games, commencing with a susceptible Tottenham squad, then at home against West Ham, away to Nottingham Forest, and finally Burnley at Craven Cottage in Gameweek 31. Wilson’s dead-ball expertise, distant striking ability, and impressive playmaking statistics all make him a prominent choice among moderately priced midfielders. With Fulham still requiring points and him among their primary sources of goals and assists this season, he’s precisely the type of individual who can subtly accumulate points while others focus elsewhere.
Dango Ouattara (5.9m)
Disregard the Gameweek 27 absence of points – Dango Ouattara was remarkably unfortunate not to register a return, recording approximately 0.99 expected goal involvement in that match alone. His underlying metrics are distinctly evident, and the match schedule now aligns favorably for him. Burnley this week is an optimal starting opportunity, followed by a highly favorable sequence of matches over the subsequent six that even features a suitable Leeds match during the blank gameweek. Brentford’s fixture list is filled with lower-ranked opponents, and while Igor Thiago will attract the majority of the focus, Ouattara provides a more economical, yet more dynamic, pathway into their offensive strategies. Ability to earn penalties, direct offensive runs, and limited ownership – he satisfies all criteria for a differential pick.
Hugo Ekitike (8.9m)
Ekitike’s underlying statistics strongly suggest a “buy the dip” strategy. Over the past six gameweeks, he has generated 3.49 expected goals and 0.73 expected assists, yet managed merely two goals despite a substantial 4.22 expected goal involvement. Such a degree of underachievement rarely persists, particularly for an attacker within a prolific Liverpool squad. West Ham at Anfield next, followed by Wolves, Spurs, and then Brighton in blank Gameweek 31, provides him with an excellent opportunity to improve his conversion rate. Numerous managers are gravitating towards Igor Thiago, but Ekitike’s activity and participation are comparable, if not superior. Favorable matchups frequently foster strong performance – and he appears poised for a significant run of form.
Igor Thiago (7.1m)
Despite being the forward with the second highest number of transfers out this week, Thiago ought to remain a top consideration. He ranks only behind Erling Haaland in the Premier League’s goal-scoring standings, with 17 goals, and continues to be Brentford’s primary offensive player. Burnley is up next, followed by Bournemouth, Wolves, and Leeds – a quartet of matches where one would confidently support an attacker, particularly an individual entrusted with penalty duties and possessing his striking prowess. Each week you omit him from your squad is another fraught period of apprehension. Even if you already own one Brentford attacker, selecting an additional Brentford attacker alongside Thiago for this stretch is entirely feasible. Exercise good judgment and acquire him; he’s precisely the type of player who can capitalize on indecision.