FPL 2025/26: The Ultimate Wildcard Guide for Gameweek 24

FPL wildcard season is officially open. Gameweek 24 marks the start of the second half of the campaign – when ranks are made, chips are planned, and fixture swings force big decisions. After the chaos of GW23 – United toppling Arsenal, Haaland’s benching shock, and Bournemouth’s last-minute Liverpool heist – managers now have the perfect window to reset, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. Whether you’re chasing green arrows, setting up for a potential Double Gameweek 26, or repairing a tired squad, this is the moment to draft smart, find the right balance between template security and explosive differentials, and take control of your season again.  

Haaland or No Haaland?

At 15.1m, it’s easy to question Haaland’s value, especially after missing out in GW23. But here’s the reality – selling him rarely ends well. He’s the definition of a “make or break” asset, capable of a 15-point haul at any moment. Yes, holding him means you can’t have everyone, but you also avoid the weekly fear that comes with not owning him. The bonus? His quieter patch allows you to hand the armband to other assets. If you’re on a wildcard, the best play is probably still to keep him and build smartly around that premium slot.

Finding Your Second Striker:

It’s a tricky position this week with no standout second forward.  

– Thiago continues to deliver, sitting second in the Premier League scoring charts and on penalties, though his fixtures aren’t ideal for the short term. GW27 he’ll be back on our watchlist. 

– Jarrod Bowen is back on penalties too and always carries goal threat, though his wide role limits big hauls.

– Hugo Ekitike offers potential as a punt, but minutes remain a concern for an 8.8m asset

If you want pure value, Evanilson is the standout: three returns in four, great fixtures, and possibly on penalties with Bournemouth’s other attackers out. At just 2.5% ownership, he’s the differential forward of the moment.

Triple Arsenal – A No-Brainer:

With a probable Double Gameweek 26, you’ll want three Gunners in your Wildcard.  

– Declan Rice is the first pick – elite value, on set pieces, goal involvement, and averaging 10.85 DEFCON per 90.  

– Bukayo Saka continues to post strong underlying numbers and remains likely on penalties despite some rotation. 

– Gabriel is the defensive favourite thanks to set-piece threat and DEFCON, while William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, and David Raya offer varying degrees of reliability versus upside.  

Arsenal remain top of the league for a reason, pick Gabriel, Rice and one of Saka, Timber, Saliba or Raya as your third slot. 

Budget Forwards:

With Haaland in your team, you’ll need enablers elsewhere.  

– Eli Kroupi Jr (4.6m, Bournemouth) provides steady minutes with potential attacking involvement.  

– Mateus Mané (4.5m Wolves) is potentially the better pick – nailed, physical, and possibly facing a double in GW26.  

Not flashy, but both tick the all-important “starts every week” box. Perfect bench options in a congested fixture period.

João Pedro – Risk vs Reward:

Chelsea’s fixtures scream potential, and João Pedro’s recent goal involvements only add to the temptation. But rotation is the elephant in the room. Competing in multiple competitions, Pedro isn’t guaranteed consistent starts. His ceiling is high; his floor is brutal. If you can afford the risk, go for it – but ensure your bench is playable. He’s the definition of a bonus gamble: thrilling when it works, painful when it doesn’t.

Manchester United’s Revival:

Michael Carrick’s United look reborn – disciplined, confident, and full of attacking intent. Their performances against City and Arsenal show real momentum.  

– Bruno Fernandes is back to his best – on penalties, playing attacking midfield, and brimming with confidence. He’s the heart of any Wildcard midfield and as essential as they come. 

– Bryan Mbeumo stays reliable but may be overshadowed by others due to his counterattacking style of play.  

– Matheus Cunha now looks a sharp differential after Patrick Dorgu’s injury opened more attacking spots. He’s a differential punt that loves to play in the pockets of defences 

Avoid the Bournemouth Defence:

Despite their impressive attacking output, Bournemouth remain leaky at the back. They rank 15th for xGC and 18th for goals conceded, making their defenders a tough sell despite good fixtures on paper. If you want clean sheets, target other teams – Chelsea, Arsenal, or even Sunderland, who are quietly posting excellent defensive numbers.  

In short: Bournemouth for attack, not defence.

Wildcard Summary:

This is the week to reshape your team for the long term. Fixture swings, doubles, and injuries mean balance is everything – a mix of solid premiums, reliable nailed picks, and one or two bold differentials can set you up for big green arrows through February and March.  

Example Wildcard Draft – Template Meets Maverick

Here’s a balanced Wildcard 24 squad that blends core template players with sneaky differential value. It’s structured for the upcoming fixture runs and doubles:

Goalkeepers:

Robert Sánchez, Martin Dúbravka  

Defenders:

Gabriel, Andersen, Timber, Chalobah, Collins  

Midfielders:  

Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernández,  Rogers, Ndiaye  

Forwards:

Haaland, Mateus Mané, Evanilson  

If you prefer running a three‑forward setup, you could upgrade Mateus Mané to someone like João Pedro and free up funds by downgrading one of your midfielders to a value option such as Enzo Le Fee, Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall, James Garner, or Elliot Anderson. It’s a simple tweak that leans into attacking depth without compromising balance or flexibility. 

This draft is a great starting point and nails the essentials – Haaland, Bruno, and Arsenal coverage – while weaving in form/differential picks like Morgan Rogers and Evanilson. It offers budget flexibility, DEFCON potential, and enough rotation cover to last several weeks. Play it smart, roll your transfers when needed, and build towards that crucial Double Gameweek 26.