FPL 2025/26: Bukayo Saka and Manchester City duo among five players to sell ahead of GW25

We’ve finally got confirmation – Arsenal’s win over Chelsea means the Gunners will face a Double Gameweek 26 against Brentford and Wolves, while Wolves will double too with Nottingham Forest and Arsenal. Fixture swings always spark opportunity, but they also expose a few weak links, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. Minor injuries, rotation worries, and shifting priorities mean there’s no room for sentiment this week. Some popular names may have peaked, and now’s the time to be ruthless. Getting ahead of the curve before the doubles could be the difference between green and red arrows. Here are five players to consider selling before Gameweek 25 kicks off.

Bukayo Saka (9.9m)

News of Saka’s minor injury should be enough to make managers think twice. He missed the EFL Cup semi‑final against Chelsea and, even if he returns in time for Arsenal’s Double Gameweek 26, his value at 9.9m feels steep for uncertain minutes. In this new phase of the season, an Arsenal defensive double or even triple up looks more reliable – with Declan Rice adding steady returns and Gabriel and Jurrien Timber racking up clean-sheet points. Saka remains brilliant when fit, but the risk of limited minutes due to his injury doesn’t justify that price tag. If you can’t count on consistent starts, it’s time to move on.

Rayan Cherki (6.6m)

Technically gifted, wonderfully creative – but not someone you want in your FPL team right now. Pep confirmed Cherki picked up a knock, and with Liverpool next followed by Fulham and Newcastle, his short‑term prospects look shaky. He’s already a rotation risk when fit with so many attacking options at City, and an injury only adds to the uncertainty. City haven’t been fluid in attack recently, and Pep’s midfield roulette seems to be in full swing. With the doubles coming, every transfer counts, and you can’t afford to waste one on a may or may not start asset. The same logic applies to Phil Foden – both are risky holds as Pep looks to manage minutes carefully.

Anthony Gordon (7.3m)

Anthony Gordon looked a clever differential pick a few weeks ago, but that run has come to an end. He limped off in Newcastle’s semi‑final clash with Manchester City, and although the injury doesn’t seem long term, uncertainty over his fitness makes him a sell. Newcastle’s fixtures don’t offer easy entry points either, and with so many in‑form midfield options like Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernandez and Rice all delivering, it’s an easy switch. With Gordon – there’s no point holding an injured doubt when the midfield pool is stacked. Use the spot elsewhere until his return feels secure.

Igor Thiago (7.1m)

Selling Igor Thiago won’t feel comfortable – he’s nailed for 90 minutes, on penalties, and a proven finisher – but sometimes you have to play the fixtures. Newcastle away and Arsenal at home in the next two weeks doesn’t scream points, and there are better short‑term options with higher upside. Joao Pedro stands out as the perfect two- to three- week sideways move: cheap, decent fixtures, and plays up front for Chelsea. Thiago is good enough to revisit later, especially when the schedule turns in GW27, but right now he’s an easy sell. Short‑term pain for long‑term gain – take the chance to refresh before his form inevitably dips.

Nico O’Reilly (5.3m)

You can like O’Reilly’s game and still recognise the problem – rotation and shaky clean‑sheet potential in City’s defence. Even if he’s still likely first choice, the next run of fixtures against Liverpool, Fulham, and Newcastle isn’t exactly inviting. City haven’t looked defensively solid, and O’Reilly’s attacking threat doesn’t offset that risk. When points are thin and doubles loom, steady starters from Arsenal or Wolves make far better value. O’Reilly isn’t a bad player to own, but the ceiling isn’t high enough, and the floor is getting lower every week. If you’ve got him, move early to a more stable pick such as Timber, Trevoh Chalobah or a differential in Daniel Muñoz.