It’s time to look at some more differences as Gameweek 26 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) quickly approaches.
These three players all have ownership of 5% or less.
JORGEN BEACH LARSEN
- FPL Ownership: 1.3%
- Price: £6.1 million
- GW26-30 fixtures: BUR | WOOL | people | to | THIS
While Ismail Sarr (£6.3m) was the main headliner in Crystal Palace’s derby win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. It is also important to mention the role played by Jorgen Strand Larsen (£6.1 million).
The Norwegian, playing as the only striker in Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 formation (see image below), eventually made a blank, but he led the line well, scoring three shots and probably should have scored late on, when his low strike from Daniel Munoz‘s (£5.8 million) cut was saved.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m) has obviously been ruled out of Gameweek 26, and it is still unclear whether he will undergo surgery on his knee or not.
It opens the door for a Strand Larsen punt against Burnley, who rank 20th for actual and expected goals conceded (xGC) in 2025/26. Scott Parker’s team has also gone sixteen league matches without a win.
Furthermore, with upcoming games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United, three of the current bottom five will visit Selhurst Park over the next five Gameweeks, before likely blanking out in Gameweek 31.
Strand Larsen has clearly only just arrived at Palace, but when you look at the opportunities Mateta has been given this season it is clear they will play to his strengths.
“The playing style here suits me. It’s intense, high pressure, winning the ball high up the pitch. We had a few chances today, and the more we train together, the more we play together. They will know my qualities and my strengths. I felt like I played a good game today, but there is also a lot of improvement, but it’s a very good start to my journey here. I got a lot to eat today and that will continue in the future, so I’m looking forward to it.” – Jorgen Strand Larsen
So while it is Sarr who has understandably attracted the most signings this week, having scored in successive Gameweeks, it could actually be Strand Larsen who represents the strongest attacking option against the deep blocks of Burnley and Wolves.
MARTINE BRIDGE
- FPL Ownership: 5.0%
- Price: £5.3 million
- GW26-30 fixtures: bre + wool | to | WHAT | became | Eve
Martin Zubimendi (£5.3m) has quietly made nine attacking returns in all competitions this season.
Five goals have been scored in the Premier League, the second most by any Arsenal player:
Granted, Zubimendi doesn’t shoot much; in 2025/26 he will average a goal attempt every 94.9 minutes.
He doesn’t create much either (139 minutes per chance created), but as a nailed-on, in-form £5.3m ‘double’ Zubimendi could be worth a look if you can’t afford it, for example Declan Rice (£7.5m).
It’s also important to note that Zubimendi has collected Defensive Contribution Points (DefCon) in two of his last six games, and wasn’t far off in Gameweek 24, with three clearances, six recoveries and two tackles.
Notably, Zubimendi’s strike against Sunderland last week was his second from outside the penalty area this season. Next up are Brentford and Wolves, both of whom are in the bottom four for the number of shots conceded in such situations.
“From Zubi [goal] is also a special one. He is now contributing to the team in a way that we probably didn’t expect so much, but he really has an intuition and quality to create those moments in and around the box.” – Mikel Arteta on Martin Zubimendi
Besides the ‘double’, Zubimendi can easily be benched without eating up too much of your budget, so perhaps we shouldn’t be too hasty in overlooking the Spaniard as a valid budget option this week.
THREE REVIEWS
- FPL Ownership: 0.3%
- Price: £5.4 million
- GW26-30 fixtures: nfo + ARS | cry | AVL | LIV | bre
Another ‘doubler’, Three Arokodares (£5.4 million) to bet on in Gameweek 26.
The Nigerian striker has had some decent chances over the past six gameweeks as he found the net against Chelsea on Saturday, with his StatsBomb shotmap from this period below.
Tolu’s shot-to-goal conversion rate is admittedly poor this season (6.7%), so you’re not getting a reliable finisher.
However, his minutes seem relatively safe in light of Strand Larsen’s departure.
A four-point floor in Doubles Week 26 therefore seems possible.
It is understood that Tolu will likely have some fun against 17th-placed Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, rather than Arsenal. In the Tricky Trees’ last four home games, they rank 19th for number of goals conceded and 16th for xGC.
Although Wolves have lost their last three games, performances under Rob Edwards this year have been much better, with favorable results against West Ham United, Everton and Newcastle United.
So for those who need to free up some cash, Tolu could present a useful solution, and with an ownership of just 0.3% he also offers some upside if he can build on his goal against Chelsea.
#FPL #Gameweek #Differentials #Owner #Picks