FPL 2025/26: Ekitike and Calvert-Lewin among four players you have to dump ahead of GW21
Several big-name players should be dropped from your FPL 2025/26 team
Gameweek 21 arrives at a tricky point in the FPL 2025/26 calendar, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. With fixture swings just around the corner and some injury clouds hanging over key assets, it might be time to trim some of the fat from your squad – or in some cases, just take a step back and hold your nerve. Here are four ‘sells’ to guide your transfer plans this week.
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Hugo Ekitike (9.1m)
It’s a frustrating one for owners. Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike had all the signs of a cheap forward gem – nailed-on to play when fit, lively, and with great fixtures ahead. But after missing the Gameweek 20 match against Fulham due to fitness issues, the uncertainty around his availability makes him a tough hold going into Arsenal away. The fixtures after that (including Burnley) are tempting, but a lack of reliable fitness news means he’s currently more headache than hero. Selling now is justifiable, especially if it funds a midfield upgrade. With options like Mateus Mane, Eli Kroupi Jr, and Beto all emerging as playable enablers, there’s no reason to tie up cash in a doubt. One to keep an eye on.
Joško Gvardiol (6.1m)
Gvardiol’s injury against Chelsea looked worrying, and Pep Guardiola’s post-match comments – “it doesn’t look good” – told managers everything they needed to know. With Manchester City’s back line constantly rotating even when fully fit, there’s little point holding an injured Gvardiol through this stretch. City’s fixture congestion means minutes will continue to be juggled, and those valuable defensive slots are better spent elsewhere. Cut your losses and reinvest that 6.1m in a nailed starter with better short-term prospects. Whether you pivot to another City defender like Matheus Nunes or switch across to a Newcastle, Everton or Aston Villa asset, there’s a route to suit everyone.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (5.9m)
If you hopped aboard during Leeds’ attacking uptick, it might be time to step off. Calvert-Lewin has been serviceable but not spectacular – and the next four fixtures are far from kind for an attacker (Newcastle, Fulham, Everton, and Arsenal). They’re not disastrous, but they’re certainly uninspiring. While DCL can nick a goal in any given week, his ceiling looks capped at a time when others around his price bracket have juicier runs ahead. If you need funds to jump on in-form attackers or upgrade midfielders, he’s an easy move out. Solid, but now expendable.
Phil Foden (8.9m)
Phil Foden’s talent is undeniable, but from an FPL perspective, he’s testing patience. Four straight blanks at 8.9m simply isn’t sustainable, even for loyal owners. City’s upcoming fixtures (Brighton, Manchester United, Wolves) aren’t terrible, but with others like Bruno Fernandes about to enter a stellar run from Gameweek 24 onward, this might be the perfect pivot. Foden’s minutes have at least been steady, which makes him a decent placeholder for now – but if you’re starved of consistency or want to free cash for upgrades elsewhere, he’s a sell. But if you can hold off until GW22/24 this is ideal.
Roll Your Transfer
Often the smartest FPL move is no move at all. Rolling your transfer in Gameweek 21 could be the most strategic play on the board. Fixture swings are coming thick and fast: Manchester United’s schedule worsens dramatically from Gameweek 22, Bournemouth’s fixtures ease only from Gameweek 24, and Chelsea’s dream run begins around then too. By saving now, you’ll have more free transfers to play with when those fixture swings open up. Even Spurs have an appealing short-term run (West Ham and Burnley in GW22/23), meaning a short punt before a wildcard-like reset could be the best approach. Holding firm this week might just give you the upper hand when chaos hits later.