Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, brace yourselves! Gameweek 25 is here, and it's a minefield of transfer decisions that could make or break your season. With fixtures, form, and injuries all in the mix, knowing who to buy, keep, or sell is more crucial than ever. But here's where it gets tricky: while some players are being widely transferred in or out, the wisdom of these moves is far from clear-cut. Let's dive into the details and help you navigate these decisions with confidence.
JARROD BOWEN
Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m) is currently one of the most in-form forwards in FPL, and his recent performances are hard to ignore. Over the last six Gameweeks, the England international has racked up 36 points—the second-highest among forwards—thanks to three goals, one assist, four defensive contribution (DefCon) points, and seven bonus points. His latest goal, though slightly fortunate, brought his total attacking returns to 11, an impressive feat given West Ham's mid-table position. But here's where it gets controversial: While Bowen’s stats are compelling, his wide positioning and relatively low shot count (13 in six Gameweeks) might raise eyebrows. Still, with upcoming fixtures against Burnley, Manchester United, and Bournemouth (who have the worst away defensive record), he’s a strong contender for Gameweek 25. His role as a penalty taker post-Lucas Paqueta’s departure, his involvement in set-pieces, and his low ownership (8.9%) make him a solid differential. VERDICT: BUY
MARCOS SENESI
Bournemouth successfully retained Marcos Senesi (£4.8m) in January, and now could be the perfect time to add him to your squad. Andoni Iraola’s side tops the Fixture Ticker for the next six Gameweeks, and Senesi’s DefCon potential is unparalleled. The Argentinian has earned DefCon points in 19 of his 23 starts, boasting an 82.6% success rate—the highest in FPL. He’s also creatively gifted for a centre-back, ranking joint-12th in chances created (19). While Bournemouth’s defensive record (two clean sheets in 15 matches) isn’t stellar, they’ve conceded fewer big chances at home than any other team, including Arsenal. Upcoming matches against Aston Villa, Sunderland, and Brentford add to his appeal. However, his seven yellow cards are a concern, as a 10th booking before 32 fixtures would trigger a two-match ban. VERDICT: BUY
IGOR THIAGO
Igor Thiago (£7.1m) has been a standout performer in the 2025/26 season, scoring 16 goals—second only to Erling Haaland (£15.0m)—and averaging 5.4 points per match. His 52 shots in the box and 28 big chances also rank him second. And this is the part most people miss: Despite a recent dry spell (no goals or assists in three matches), Thiago’s underlying stats remain impressive. Brentford’s tough fixtures ahead might deter some, but from Gameweek 27, their schedule becomes much kinder, making Thiago an obvious ‘buy’ then. For current owners, holding onto him is wise, especially with transfers at a premium this late in the season. VERDICT: KEEP, BUY IN GAMEWEEK 27
BUKAYO SAKA
Bukayo Saka (£10.0m) has struggled recently, delivering just six points in the last four Gameweeks. His injury during the warm-up at Elland Road sidelined him, and while it’s not serious, he’s expected to miss a few matches, including Arsenal’s Double Gameweek 26. Even if he returns sooner, Mikel Arteta’s cautious approach with his playing time (benchings against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth) is concerning. With Arsenal’s fixtures doubling, switching to Declan Rice (£7.5m) or Noni Madueke (£6.8m) makes sense. Alternatively, replacing Saka with a midfielder from another club while adding another Arsenal defender could be a smart move. VERDICT: SELL
MICKY VAN DE VEN
Micky van de Ven (£4.5m) has missed Tottenham’s last two matches due to injury but is expected to return for their trip to Manchester United. However, Spurs’ inconsistency and defensive struggles (just two clean sheets in nine matches) make him a risky pick. With an injury crisis and tough fixtures ahead, there are better options at similar price points, like Senesi. Gameweek 31, when Spurs top the ticker, might be a better time to reconsider him. VERDICT: SELL
Thought-provoking question for you: With Bowen’s wide positioning and Thiago’s recent form dip, are they still worth the investment, or are there safer alternatives? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
