FPL 2025/26 hits gameweek 28 and you should be targeting players from Liverpool and Brentford
FPL gameweek 28 lands right in that sweet spot between the early doubles and the chaos still to come, and it’s a great week to lean into form teams. Liverpool are tightening up at the back while still racking up chances, Brentford’s fixtures are about as good as it gets, and a couple of mid‑priced midfielders are quietly lining up huge upside before we hit Wildcard territory. Whether you’re chasing rank or just trying to hold ground through the upcoming blanks, doubling on both Liverpool and Brentford – with one smart midfield pick alongside – could be the move that shapes the rest of your season.
Virgil van Dijk (6.0m)
Van Dijk is in one of those spells where everything comes at once – clean sheets, DEFCON and goal threat. He’s just delivered back-to-back double‑digit hauls, and Liverpool’s defence looks solid again, with strong underlying numbers for xGA over the last few gameweeks. Wolves and Brighton both struggled for quality chances recently, and the upcoming schedule offers more opportunities for shutouts as Liverpool chase a Champions League spot. Add his set‑piece threat into the mix and you’re looking at a premium defender who can haul in any given game. If you want a safe, high‑ceiling pick at the back for the medium term, Van Dijk is close to perfect.
Harry Wilson (5.9m)
Wilson looks tailor‑made for a four‑week punt up to Wildcard 32. Fulham’s schedule is about as good as it gets: four of the bottom five in their next four matches, starting with a vulnerable Tottenham side, then home to West Ham, away to Nottingham Forest and finally Burnley at Craven Cottage in Gameweek 31. Wilson’s set‑piece delivery, long‑range shooting and creative numbers all make him a standout mid‑priced midfield option. With Fulham still needing points and him among their top contributors for goals and assists this season, he’s exactly the kind of player who can quietly rack up returns while attention sits elsewhere.
Dango Ouattara (5.9m)
Ignore the Gameweek 27 blank – Dango Ouattara was incredibly unlucky not to return, posting around 0.99 expected goal involvement in that match alone. The process is clearly there and the fixtures now fall perfectly for him. Burnley this week is an ideal entry point, followed by a very kind run over the next six that even includes a nice Leeds fixture in the blank. Brentford’s schedule is stacked with teams below them in the table, and while Igor Thiago will draw most of the attention, Ouattara offers a cheaper, more explosive route into their attack. Penalty-winning potential, direct running and low ownership – he ticks every differential box
Hugo Ekitike (8.9m)
Ekitike’s underlying numbers scream “buy the dip.” Over the last six gameweeks he’s produced 3.49 xG and 0.73 xA, yet has only two goals to show for a hefty 4.22 expected goal involvement. That level of underperformance usually doesn’t last, especially for a forward in a Liverpool side creating plenty. West Ham at Anfield next, followed by Wolves, Spurs and then Brighton in blank Gameweek 31, gives him a brilliant platform to correct that finishing. Many are flocking to Igor Thiago, but Ekitike’s volume and involvement are right up there, if not better. Good fixtures often create good form – and he looks on the verge of a serious streak.
Igor Thiago (7.1m)
Despite being the second most sold forward this week, Thiago should still be high on your priority list. He sits second only to Erling Haaland in the Premier League scoring charts with 17 goals and remains Brentford’s main man up front. Burnley is up next, followed by Bournemouth, Wolves and Leeds – four fixtures where you’d happily back a striker, especially one on penalties and the finishing ability he has. Every week you go without him is another week you’re hiding behind the sofa. Even if you already own one Brentford attacker, doubling up with Thiago through this run is absolutely viable. Stay sensible and get him in; he’s exactly the sort of asset who can punish hesitation.
