As the 2025/26 season moves into a crucial midweek stretch, the January transfer window has already begun to shift the FPL landscape. Identifying assets who are not only in form but also locked into their starting lineups is the key to navigating the rotation risks that often plague these winter fixtures.
Morgan Gibbs-White (West Ham United vs. NOTTINGHAM FOREST)
Morgan Gibbs-White remains one of the league’s most dangerous options outside of the “big six,”. He currently leads Nottingham Forest in “touches in the final third” with over 400, ensuring he is the heartbeat of every attacking transition for his side. Facing West Ham tonight, he is expected to thrive against a team that traditionally leaves gaps in the “number 10” pocket where he operates most effectively. Furthermore, his high pass completion, defensive workrate and consistent chance creation mean he is averaging 1.5 bonus points per game whenever Forest avoids defeat.
Igor Thiago (BRENTFORD vs. Sunderland)
Igor Thiago has seen a significant value spike to £7.0m, making him the essential mid-priced forward for managers looking to balance their budgets. While Haaland still holds the overall scoring crown, Thiago’s recent hat-trick against Everton has cemented him as the most in-form “budget” option in the game. His 10.92 xG is among the highest for forwards under £9.0m, proving he is a consistent “big chance” magnet in the Brentford box. Thiago has become the undisputed focal point of the Bees’ attack and their most frequent outlet heading into a Sunderland matchup where he previously scored this season.
Ollie Watkins (Crystal Palace vs. ASTON VILLA)
Ollie Watkins is currently in the form of his life, spearheading Aston Villa’s push for a top-four finish and maybe even a title, with six goals in his last seven appearances. No other forward in the league has been on the end of more “big chances” over the last five gameweeks, with Watkins recording 12 in that span. He faces a Crystal Palace side that has struggled significantly, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last eight matches. Watkins’ specific ability to run the channels is a tactical mismatch for Palace’s current back three, and unlike other premium forwards, he is rarely substituted, which maximizes his scoring windows during this busy period.
Thierno Barry (EVERTON vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Thierno Barry has become a standout for Everton due to his incredible aerial dominance, ranking in the 94th percentile for aerial duels won. As the primary target for Everton’s league-leading cross volume, he operates as a traditional “fox in the box,” with 95% of his shots this season coming from within the penalty area. He faces a Wolves side that has conceded 26 goals this season, and his physicality is specifically designed to exploit their lack of height in central defense. Since taking over the starting role, he has averaged a reliable 84 minutes per game, making him a very secure pick for his price point.
Cole Palmer (CHELSEA vs. Fulham)
Cole Palmer continues to be the creative hub for Chelsea, averaging 1.06 key passes per 90 minutes to ensure he provides constant attacking returns. Following the recent managerial change at Stamford Bridge, Palmer should be granted even more positional freedom to roam and dictate play. He historically performs well in West London derbies, and with Fulham visiting this week, the stage is set for another talismanic performance. Crucially, he remains Chelsea’s designated penalty taker, which provides a secure points floor for FPL managers regardless of how the match unfolds in open play.
Phil Foden (MANCHESTER CITY vs. Brighton & Hove Albion)
Phil Foden has shown a renewed hunger for goal-scoring as Manchester City chases the top spot, taking 23 shots in his last six starts. He is a primary beneficiary of City’s “overload” tactics in a side that has netted 12 goals in their last six matches. Foden has a strong history of scoring against Brighton, whose open and expansive style allows him to find the vertical gaps he loves to exploit. Additionally, his creative upside has spiked recently, with his expected assists (xA) indicating that his link-up play with Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki is currently at its most productive level of the season.
Matheus Cunha (Burnley vs. MANCHESTER UNITED)
Matheus Cunha has emerged as one of Manchester United’s most vital attackers since his impact signing from Wolves, recently winning Man of the Match in the draw against Leeds. He carries significant scoring momentum into this week with three goals in his last five games, contributing towards silencing any doubts about his ability to perform in a “big six” environment. Under United’s system, he is utilized as a high-interchange forward, making him exceptionally difficult for opposition center-backs to track. Facing Burnley this week, his pace and directness will be major assets against a defense that can be caught out by quick transitions.
Brian Brobbey (Brentford vs. SUNDERLAND)
Brian Brobbey has inherited the role of being one of Sunderland’s attacking outlets, especially following the departure of key players to AFCON. He boasts an impressive 55.6% shot-on-target rate, marking him as one of the most efficient finishers in the league. Against a Brentford side that can be very rigid and compact in a low block, Brobbey’s raw power is the best tool Sunderland has to break the deadlock. He remains a low-ownership “maverick” pick, and securing him before a potential breakout performance could be a season-defining move for managers looking for a differential.
With the first match of the gameweek kicking off tonight, the clock is ticking on your transfers. Focus on these assets who pair tactical security with high-ceiling fixtures.
