FPL 2025/26: Arsenal’s set-piece specialist leads our five must-buys ahead of GW20

After a chaotic festive schedule full of rotation headaches, Gameweek 20 in FPL 2025/26 offers a fresh chance to reset in the new year, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. Whether you’re chasing green arrows or protecting your rank, these five players bring the mix of form, fixtures and upside you need right now. From Arsenal’s set-piece goal threat to one of the league’s most underrated midfield engines, these are the names for everyone to get behind before the deadline.

Gabriel (6.4m)

He’s back – and Arsenal instantly look sturdier for it. Gabriel’s presence in defence steadies the Gunners while making him a nightmare for opponents at corners. Despite missing seven matches, he still leads all defenders for FPL points this season, which says everything about his value. Bournemouth, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest are next – the three worst teams in the league for conceding from set pieces. That’s music to the ears of anyone eyeing the Brazilian, who thrives on bullet headers, DEFCON points and double digit hauls. If you want defensive returns with an attacking edge, Gabriel is your man for Gameweek 20 and beyond.

Jarrod Bowen (7.6m)

When West Ham find their groove, Jarrod Bowen is almost always at the heart of it. Priced at 7.6m and owned by under 8% of managers, he’s a brilliant differential just waiting to catch fire again. The fixtures couldn’t be better either – Wolves this week, followed by Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, three sides that all leave space for Bowen’s direct running and sharp finishing. He’s as reliable as they come in this West Ham setup, constantly popping up with decisive moments. In a sea of unpredictable forward picks, Bowen is pure consistency with a high ceiling. A textbook FPL buy for Gameweek 20.

Ollie Watkins (8.6m)

If you’d written off Ollie Watkins earlier in the season, it’s time to reconsider. The Villa striker has roared back into form with five goals and two assists in his last six matches, racking up 42 points in that stretch. Only 8% of managers currently own him – and that makes him a real differential with bite. The fixtures aren’t frightening either: Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Everton can all be breached. Watkins has already proved he can score points against top sides this season, proving fixture-proof potential. In a season short on reliable forwards, he looks the complete package once more.

Cristian Romero (5.0m)

Tottenham may not scream “clean sheets,” but Cristian Romero is quietly making a case. Spurs actually rank sixth for expected clean sheets over the next four gameweeks, and with Sunderland, Bournemouth, West Ham and Burnley to come, there’s a real opportunity for defensive returns. Romero’s physical dominance and 9.3 DEFCON per 90 show his consistent contribution, and when Spurs do hold firm, he often nicks bonus points too. Owned by fewer than 4% of managers, he’s a true differential for those wanting something a little bolder at the back. If Spurs tighten up even slightly, Romero could be gold.

Bruno Guimarães (7.0m)

Bruno Guimarães is the heartbeat of this Newcastle side and finally delivering the FPL points to match. Last week’s 10-pointer showed exactly what he brings – control, creativity, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. This week, he faces a Crystal Palace side struggling to keep clean sheets and missing key defensive players. With Newcastle pushing back to full strength, Bruno is dictating play higher up the pitch, giving him huge assist and goal potential. If you want a midfielder who leads from the front and rewards bold picks, he’s your guy.