Looking for the edge in Gameweek 26? This week’s selection is a clinical blend of high-volume shooters and the league’s most creative sparks, all primed for a massive haul. From “pressing monsters” to tactical “high-line specialists,” here is the Scout’s Top 8.
1. Viktor Gyökeres – Brentford vs. Arsenal & Wolves vs. Arsenal
Viktor Gyökeres is undoubtedly the prime target for the season’s first Double Gameweek, and his recent match-winning brace against Sunderland has only heightened the hype. His ownership has surged to 11.5% as managers flock to the league’s newest elite forward who top-scored for Arsenal with a massive 12-point return in just 30 minutes of play. Statistically, he has been a “big chance” magnet, leading his teammates in shots inside the penalty area and creating high-value opportunities for others throughout the term. Perhaps most reassuringly for captaincy backers, he carries a near-flawless penalty record of 34 conversions from 38 career attempts, making him a major threat if Arsenal win a spot-kick in either fixture.
2. Gabriel – Brentford vs. Arsenal & Wolves vs. Arsenal
As a core member of Arsenal’s “100 Club,” Gabriel has already surpassed 100 total FPL points this season, making him the highest-scoring defender in the game. He offers a unique goal threat for a center-back, having recorded three goals and two assists while consistently ranking high for xG among defensive assets. On the defensive side, he has been the bedrock of a unit that has kept 12 clean sheets and conceded the fewest goals in the league. With two fixtures in a single week against teams with lower xG stats, his high baseline for clean sheet points and aerial dominance makes him one of the most reliable picks on the board.
3. Cole Palmer – Chelsea vs. Leeds United
Cole Palmer remains Chelsea’s undisputed talisman and the primary outlet for points through his monopoly over set-pieces and penalties. He is currently the highest predicted scorer for Gameweek 26 according to AI models, with an expected return of over 11 points. Fresh off a recent hat-trick, Palmer enters the home clash against Leeds as an explosive threat whose minutes are carefully managed to ensure he is at his most lethal. With a 38% anytime goalscorer probability, he is statistically the most likely player to find the back of the net in this midweek London encounter.
4. Bryan Mbeumo – West Ham vs. Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo is in scintillating form, having found the net in each of his last three Premier League appearances for Manchester United. He has already reached nine league goals for the season, including a vital strike in the recent victory over Tottenham. Historically, Mbeumo thrives against West Ham, boasting a career record of four goals and one assist in eight previous top-flight meetings against the Hammers. Now flourishing in a center-forward role under Michael Carrick, his historical average against this specific opponent is expected to rise as he becomes the focal point of United’s attack.
5. Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa vs. Brighton
Ollie Watkins has long been considered a “Brighton specialist,” a title he earned with a clinical double in their last meeting at the Amex Stadium. He is the spearhead of an Aston Villa attack that generated significant xG and multiple big chances in their previous clash with the Seagulls. Watkins is renowned for his relentless work rate, frequently cited by tactical analysts for never giving the opposition backline a moment of peace. With nearly 40 total shots and high involvement in the opposition box, he remains one of the league’s most consistent volume strikers for a team that creates chances at will.
6. Rayan Cherki – Manchester City vs. Fulham
Rayan Cherki has quickly established himself as Manchester City’s primary creative hub, leading the team with seven assists so far this season. He is expected to start against Fulham as City look to extend their incredible 19-match winning streak against the London club. Cherki boasts a high technical ceiling, recording steady shot numbers while maintaining elite dribbling metrics that allow him to penetrate deep into the final third. Facing a Fulham side that City have historically dominated, his vision is the specific tool Pep Guardiola will likely use to unlock any potential low block.
7. Eli Junior Kroupi – Everton vs. Bournemouth
The 19-year-old sensation Eli Junior Kroupi has already netted eight Premier League goals this season, ranking him as one of the most efficient young finishers in European football. He is exceptionally clinical, generating 0.17 expected goals per shot, a figure that ranks him among the top 50 in the league for pure shooting efficiency. Beyond his goals, Kroupi is a high-level initiator of dangerous attacks, frequently bypassing defenders with passes that free up his strike partners. He offers immense value as the top-ranked player for “scorer points per million salary,” making him the ultimate enabler for managers looking to fit multiple heavy-hitters into their squads.
8. Ismaila Sarr – Crystal Palace vs. Burnley
Ismaila Sarr enters this round with strong underlying data, averaging 0.22 expected goals per shot—the 20th best rate in the Premier League. He has already recorded four goals and an assist this term, including a strike in his most recent outing against Nottingham Forest. Sarr is a high-volume carrier of the ball, registering 18 progressive carries and creating 14 clear-cut chances for his teammates. Facing a struggling Burnley side, his high number of touches in the opposition box suggests he will have ample opportunities for a significant haul this weekend.
These eight players represent the most statistically backed and tactically relevant options for the upcoming round of fixtures. Whether it is through high-volume shooting, elite creative passing, or relentless defensive pressure, each pick has a clear path to a significant points haul this weekend. In a week defined by a crucial Double Gameweek for the league leaders, these are the assets most likely to define the outcome of your season.
