s first double game week FPL 2025/26 The season is finally here – and it’s just as exciting for managers loading up Armory And the wolf Players, it also means it’s time to trim the dead weight, Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst writes. Injuries, suspensions, rotations or players simply out of form – these transfers out can be just as important as what you bring in. Clearing space for a key double-gameweek asset can make all the difference. Here are five players you should be watching for ahead of the Gameweek 26 deadline.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (8.5 m)

For 8% still clings MathematicsIt’s time to admit defeat. His injury rules him out of the next few fixtures, and although Burnley and Wolves look like a plum tie for Crystal Palace, there’s no point holding onto the 7.5m forward who is unlikely to feature. Thus there is a lot of money sitting idle at this stage of the season. The Stryker market is rich with options: drop down to Eli Krupi Jr Or Matthew Mane For budget flexibility, or to pivot look Pedro, Jorgen Strand LarsenOr Victor Gaycarres If you want high ceiling potential. Plenty of ways to upgrade just don’t waste a single one hoping Mateta returns soon.

Bucayo Saka (9.9m)

Saka is still on the sidelines, this is about opportunity cost. Arsenal’s double is golden, but it makes little sense to use one of your three slots on an injured asset at about 10m. Even if he returns in time, two perfect starts are no guarantee. Managers jumping Bruno Fernandes While already getting steady returns Coll Palmer Offers spacious ceilings and Declan Rice Serves as a reliable double-gameweek pick. Selling Saka frees up funds and opens the door for in-form midfielders. It’s a tough call, but the right one – at that price, the uncertainty isn’t worth it when every point matters in the doubles.

Nathan Collins (5.0m)

Nathan Collins’ fairytale run seems like a distant memory now. Between Gameweeks 17 and 21, he rewarded the owners with three clean sheets, one goal, two assists and a DEFCON return. But since then, his grip on the starting line-up has slipped – Sep van den Berg has started Brentford’s last two matches. Collins From the outside looking in. At 5.0m, he’s still valuable enough to move upwards as an Arsenal defender Gabriel Or even next to it Daniel MunozThe under-the-radar Palace full-back offers genuine attacking potential. Do not sit on passive defenders during a double; Use its price tag to reinvest wisely.

Phil Foden (8.2 m)

Still owned by over 11% of managers, Phil Foden continues to be one of the most disappointing players in FPL. The quality is undeniable, but the minutes are maddening. Pep’s constant rotation means you never know when he’s going to start – and that uncertainty is a killer during a double-gameweek season. With midfielders like Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernandez, RiceAnd that too Ismaila sir All delivering steady returns, it’s an easy call to cash out. Foden will always tempt you with that one-week gap, but with of Manchester City The attack now spreads the goals around, there’s no reason to wait. Time to move on.

Cristian Romero (5.0 m)

Cristian Romero’s volatility finally caught up with him again. One red card and two goals conceded Manchester United A devastating -3 points mean for owners – and it gets worse. That dismissal was his second red of the season, he was handed a four-match suspension, Romero has always been a yellow card magnet, but this stretch on the sidelines confirmed what FPL managers already knew: he’s not worth the headache. Spurs’ defensive record doesn’t justify the hold either. At 5.0m, quieter, more profitable picks are available. If you still own it, don’t think twice – sell now.