The Hard Tackle lists the five best options to consider for the captain’s armband heading into FPL Gameweek 26 of the 2025/26 season.

Gameweek 26 in the Premier League is right around the corner, and for FPL managers, it is captaincy time again. That little armband choice can make or break your mini-league dreams, boosting one player’s points by double. With some juicy fixtures on the slate, including a double gameweek for one big club, there is no shortage of tempting options.

We have zeroed in on five standout candidates who could haul big. Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland, Liverpool’s sharp finisher Hugo Ekitike, Chelsea’s penalty king Cole Palmer, Manchester United’s midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes, and Arsenal’s rock-solid Gabriel Magalhaes all have paths to glory. Picking the right one means digging into their form, their team’s attack, and, crucially, the weaknesses of their opponents.

It is not just about goals or clean sheets; it is the full package, complete with bonuses, assists, and clean sheets if you are sneaky. Gameweek 26 kicks off with eye-catching matches and ends with Arsenal’s Double Gameweek clash. Managers are already buzzing in the forums about whether to triple-captain or just safely band.

Forget the bandwagon jumps; let us break down why these five rise above the rest. We shall look at their season stories, recent dips or peaks, and why their next opponent is primed for punishment. By the end, you will have the info to lock in confidently before the deadline hits.

Erling Haaland: Manchester City’s FPL wonder vs shaky Fulham

Erling Haaland might have hit a mini-slump lately, bagging just two goals in his last eight outings, but do not sleep on him for Gameweek 26. Manchester City travel to Fulham, a side that has been leaking goals in recent weeks, conceding in bunches from set pieces and open play alike. Fulham’s backline has shipped six goals in the three most recent games, leaving Haaland with a feast ahead.

This season, Haaland has been a points monster overall, averaging over seven points per game and sitting top of the FPL roost despite the dry spell. He has hauled 20+ points multiple times from braces and bonuses, owned by nearly everyone for good reason. Against Fulham’s soft centre, expect him to rediscover that ruthless edge and deliver captaincy gold.

Hugo Ekitike: Liverpool hotshot takes on wobbly Sunderland

Hugo Ekitike has quietly become a Liverpool force this term, and Gameweek 26 pits him against Sunderland, whose defence swings wilder than a pendulum. The Black Cats have mixed it up badly: rock-solid one week, torn apart the next.

Ekitike’s points history screams value: double-digit hauls in wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle early on, with goals and bonuses piling up to 38 total points midway. His recent form – assists and strikes in key games – makes him primed to exploit Sunderland’s up-and-down back four. If Liverpool click, he’s your differential captaincy rocket.

Cole Palmer: Chelsea wizard faces Leeds United’s leaky defence

Cole Palmer is red-hot after that wild hat-trick against Wolves last weekend, burying three in the first half to fire Chelsea to victory. Now, in Gameweek 26, he eyes Leeds United at home? Fixtures point to West Ham vs Leeds, but Palmer’s Chelsea host? Actually, Sunderland vs Chelsea away, but Leeds’ defense has been all over, conceding freely in promotion pushback. Their backline inconsistencies – goals galore shipped lately – scream Palmer party.

Palmer’s recent FPL returns are chef’s kiss: that hat-trick likely netted 20+ points with pens and bonuses, building on a season of ice-cold finishes. He’s the guy for penalties, free-kicks, and magic moments against rattled defenses like Leeds’. Captain him, and watch the points flood in as Chelsea dominate.

Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United engine powers past West Ham woes

Bruno Fernandes is United’s heartbeat in attack, dictating play and chipping in goals or assists week in, week out. West Ham await in Gameweek 26, and their defense has been a joke lately – porous at the back, hammered by pace and creativity. Fernandes thrives against such chaos, pulling strings from deep.

This 2025/26 season, Bruno’s been gold: fifth straight gameweeks with returns, 42 points in that streak alone from goals, assists, and bonuses. Matches show him netting twice in one game, assisting galore – over 150 FPL points total likely. His shots, fouls won, and leadership make him a captaincy no-brainer versus Hammers’ holes.

Gabriel Magalhaes: Arsenal wall doubles up big

Arsenal’s double gameweek in 26 changes everything for Gabriel Magalhaes, their towering defender who’s nailed clean sheets and set-piece threats all year. With two bites – likely softer opponents like Wolves home after Brentford – his haul potential skyrockets. Arsenal’s backline is the league’s stingiest, conceding peanuts.

Gabriel’s season stats pop: top-four FPL points for a defender, form at 5.8, blending shutouts with bonus magnets. Eight straight clean sheets earlier, attacking corners – double GW means double joy, expected 13+ points ceiling. He’s safer than forwards with that fixture boost.

Key FPL Captaincy Options at a Glance

Honourable Mentions

If those five do not fit your squad, peek at Jurrien Timber for Arsenal’s DGW defensive solidity, Declan Rice bossing midfield doubles, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s sneaky hauls, Bryan Mbeumo’s sting, Matheus Cunha’s firepower, Morgan Rogers’s Villa vibes, Joao Pedro’s all-round play, Viktor Gyokeres’ recent form, and Evanilson’s spark. There is plenty more fish in the GW26 sea.