Fantasy Premier League: Double Gameweek 26 Strategy and Team News
London, 10 February 2026 – As the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season enters a critical phase, managers are focusing their attention on Double Gameweek 26 (DGW26). With Arsenal scheduled to play twice against Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, the community is debating the most effective use of chips, specifically the Triple Captain. Meanwhile, injury concerns at Chelsea and Manchester United are forcing late transfer decisions ahead of the upcoming deadline.
Arsenal Assets Take Centre Stage
The primary talking point for DGW26 is the double fixture for Arsenal. Experts and AI models suggest a “triple-up” on Arsenal players is the most viable strategy. Gabriel Magalhães has emerged as a leading captaincy candidate due to his goal threat and Arsenal’s defensive stability. Other highly sought-after assets include Bukayo Saka, despite recent minor injury concerns, and William Saliba, whose price has recently risen to £6.1m.
Injury Updates and Team News
Reliable reports from club training grounds indicate several key absences and returns that will impact squad selection:
- Chelsea: Reece James is currently sidelined with illness. However, Tosin Adarabioyo and Roméo Lavia have returned to training. Cole Palmer is confirmed fit and remains a high-priority asset.
- Manchester United: Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt remain unavailable for selection. Mason Mount is also expected to miss the upcoming fixtures.
- Brentford: Bryan Mbeumo’s fitness is being monitored closely ahead of the clash with Arsenal.
- Bournemouth: Teenage forward Eli Junior Kroupi is gaining traction as a “differential” pick following strong recent performances.
Key Rules and Scoring for 2025-26
The 2025-26 season introduced specific scoring adjustments that managers must account for when selecting midfielders and forwards. Points are now more closely tied to volume of actions on the pitch, rewarding high-activity players even in the absence of direct goal involvements.
FPL Reference Data
The following table outlines the standard scoring system and key player data for the current period.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Clean Sheet (GK/DEF) | 4 Points |
| Clean Sheet (MID) | 1 Point |
| Bonus Points | 3, 2, and 1 points awarded to top performers per match |
| Action Bonus | 2 points for every 12 actions (Midfielders and Forwards) |
| Double Gameweek Rule | Players earn two sets of points if they feature in both fixtures |
| Total Players | Approximately 13 million active managers |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Double Gameweeks affect my captain?
If you select a captain who plays twice in a single Gameweek, they will earn double points for both matches. This makes them ideal candidates for the Triple Captain chip, which would result in their points being tripled across both fixtures.
What happens if my player only plays in one of the two fixtures?
The player will only earn points for the match in which they featured. If they do not play at all in either fixture, your vice-captain’s points will be doubled instead (provided the vice-captain played).
How are bonus points calculated?
Bonus points are determined by the Bonus Points System (BPS), which utilises a range of statistics to evaluate a player’s performance. The three best-performing players in each match are awarded 3, 2, and 1 additional points respectively.