We’re about halfway through the long anticipated Double Gameweek 26, and my team currently has 62 points with eight more fixtures to go. Last week’s transfer plan shifted drastically before the deadline after injuries to Diogo Jota and Sergio Reguilon put their double gameweeks in jeopardy. In the end, I took a hefty 12-point hit to bring in Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, Kieran Tierney, Andy Robertson and Armando Broja for Bruno Fernandes, Jota, Reguilon, Tariq Lamptey and Michail Antonio. 

So far, the risk has paid some dividends, with Saka scoring against Brentford and Salah bagging a goal against Norwich. However, Brentford’s inconsequential last minute goal in a 2-1 defeat wiped out Tierney’s clean sheet, and Robertson was benched against Norwich. I also own Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who also failed to play in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Norwich. As a result, I feel as though my team has not quite fulfilled its potential so far. Yet, plenty of time remains for a massive score. I’m particularly looking forward to watching Salah, who I entrusted with my triple captain chip this week, play against a struggling Leeds side that has conceded 10 goals over their last three matches.

Looking forward to Gameweek 27, I am still planning to play my free hit chip, as six of my players don’t have a fixture. My current draft relies heavily on three teams: Manchester City, the title favorites; Tottenham, who just beat Manchester City; and Burnley, who currently sit 19th in the Premier League table.

Despite their loss to Tottenham, who always seem to give City trouble, the champions’ fixture against Everton this week still looks tantalizing for both attackers and defenders. At the moment, my plan is to include Joao Cancelo, Rúben Dias and Riyad Mahrez, although I could easily switch Dias for Phil Foden. Raheem Sterling also looks to be a great option for those using the free hit this week, but his £10.7 price tag weakens the rest of the team more than I can stomach. If you’re feeling a little more risky, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne are all capable of terrorizing the Everton defence if they start.

From Tottehnham, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane are the obvious options, as always. The duo was clinical against City, with Son getting two assists and Kane scoring two goals. I also have new signing Dejan Kulusevski, who picked up a goal and an assist against Manchester City, although he could be replaced in favor of Foden before the deadline. No Tottenham defenders excite me this week, especially as they play Leeds, who are always capable of scoring. 

Burnley’s 3-0 win against Brighton this week gave me some hope for their Gameweek 27 double of Crystal Palace and Leicester. Sean Dyche’s team usually prioritizes defensive stability, so I’ve gone for Nick Pope in goal and Ben Mee at the back. January signing Wout Weghorst has gotten off to a hot start in the Premier League up front for Burnley, so the striker will most likely be making an appearance in my free hit. Additionally, Maxwel Cornet could be an exciting option in midfield if you choose to double up in attack rather than defense.

Fernandes in midfield and Broja up top round off my starting 11. The Manchester United magician is fresh off two double-digit scores in a row and plays Watford in Gameweek 27, while the Southampton striker plays Norwich, who sit 20th in the league. Other United options like Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo also have potential but take up a lot of money. Diogo Dalot is more likely to make an appearance in my side, as the Manchester United defender costs just £4.6. On the bench of my free hit, Jacob Ramsey, Tino Livramento and Calum Chambers will ensure that I can field 11 players despite any surprise benchings.