Double Gameweek Captain: Haaland or Palmer?! GW-26
As Gameweek 26 of the Fantasy Premier League kicks off, competition in the Mini Leagues heats up, and even the smallest decisions can be the difference between climbing the ranks or falling behind.
Picking your GW26 captain wisely—or making a timely, strategic transfer—can make all the difference, giving you a clear edge in the points race.
At Fantasy 26 Club, we leverage AI-driven analysis to study player performances from previous Gameweeks, assess the strength of upcoming fixtures, and evaluate team and player form. This allows us to provide well-researched captain recommendations for GW26, along with practical fantasy tips to optimize your squad and maximize your points haul.
Zubimendi (5.2m)
With Arsenal facing a Double Gameweek in GW26 and Bukayo Saka sidelined through injury—combined with the competition between Jesus and Gjkres for the main striker spot—Zubimendi becomes an undeniable choice for your captain.
Arsenal will face two relatively weak opponents, Brentford and Wolverhampton, and Zubimendi’s consistent starting role makes him even more appealing. He has already scored 5 goals and accumulated 20 points over the last two Gameweeks, making him a strong and reliable captain pick for GW26.
João Pedro (7.7m)
João Pedro continues to prove himself as one of the most consistent attacking options in this season’s Fantasy Premier League, having racked up 122 points thanks to 10 goals and several assists. His steady form, combined with his reasonable price relative to his point returns, makes him a reliable and tempting attacking option in FPL.
In Gameweek 26, Chelsea faces Leeds United in a fixture that looks promising offensively, particularly given the space Leeds tends to leave at the back. João Pedro is expected to play a key role in the final third, both in scoring and creating chances, benefiting from his regular starting position and his status as a central figure in Chelsea’s attack.
All these factors make him a strong captain pick for GW26, or a smart addition to strengthen your squad and boost your potential points haul.
Palmer (10.5m)
The English star, Cole Palmer, is back in form, having scored a hat-trick against Wolverhampton, earning 20 points and bringing his Premier League tally to 7 goals this season.
With Chelsea’s upcoming match against Leeds United, making Palmer your captain is a strong option—especially since he takes penalties and is a regular starter in Chelsea’s lineup, particularly alongside Rosenero. Having Palmer as your captain for the next Gameweek could be a game-changing decision for your squad.
Erling Haaland (15.1m)
Erling Haaland continues to cement his status as the most potent attacking force in this season’s Fantasy Premier League, having already amassed 183 points. His exceptional finishing ability and knack for converting half-chances have seen him score 21 goals so far, proving he is a relentless goal machine inside the box, thanks to his intelligent positioning and high conversion rates.
In Gameweek 26, Manchester City hosts Fulham in a fixture that looks highly promising offensively, especially given City’s technical superiority and their ability to dominate possession and create numerous chances. This scenario gives Haaland a clear edge, making him a constant threat to score, whether from open play or set pieces.
With his consistent form and decisive presence against any opponent, Haaland remains the top captain pick for GW26 without hesitation—a near-guaranteed option for any fantasy manager aiming to maximize points and climb the Mini League rankings.
Brian Mwome (8.4m)
Brian Mwome continues to prove his value as one of the top high-return attacking options for his price in this season’s Fantasy Premier League, having accumulated 95 points thanks to 9 goals and his influential role in creating chances in the final third. His consistent form and pivotal presence in attack make him an attractive option for managers seeking a balance between quality and cost.
In Gameweek 26, his team, West Ham United, faces a match expected to be relatively open, especially given the occasional spaces in West Ham’s defense. This scenario gives Mwome a real opportunity to keep racking up points, whether through scoring or creating chances, benefiting from his regular starting role and involvement in set pieces.
With his affordable price and solid points ceiling, Mwome stands out as a smart option to strengthen your squad in GW26, and he could serve as an ideal differential pick for managers looking to take a calculated risk that provides a competitive edge in the Mini Leagues.
In the end, choosing your GW25 captain in Fantasy Premier League is a delicate balancing act between stats, fixture strength, and current player form. Haaland remains the safest option for those who prefer a reliable pick, while João Pedro, Bowen, and Mwome offer smart alternatives for managers aiming to gain an edge with game-changing choices. Keep a close eye on your squad, follow the latest team news before the deadline, and make your decision with confidence… the right captain could be the key to climbing the rankings this week!