In this article, we break down five teams to target and five teams to avoid based on their upcoming fixtures, helping you make smarter picks and dodge potential traps.
Here are the teams to target…
Arsenal
Arsenal sit comfortably at the top of the table and remain one of the most reliable teams for Fantasy Premier League managers.
Their next five fixtures — Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Leeds, Sunderland, and Brentford — offer strong potential for both attacking and defensive returns.
The Gunners are
unbeaten in their last five matches, recording four wins and one draw.
Notable results include a 4–1 victory over Aston Villa, a dramatic 3–2 win against Bournemouth, and a solid 0–0 draw away to Liverpool.
Defensively, Gabriel has emerged as one of the standout FPL defenders this season, consistently delivering returns and bonus points.
Chelsea
Chelsea have looked inconsistent in recent weeks, but circumstances are beginning to favor them.
A new manager brings tactical freshness, and their upcoming fixture run is one of the most appealing in the league.
They face Brentford, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Wolves, and Leeds in their next five games.
Chelsea’s midfielders and defenders have contributed goals and assists, making them attractive differential options for managers looking to get ahead of the curve.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa are currently third in the table and continue to impress with their balance across the pitch.
Their midfield has been particularly productive, with Rogers a leading candidate in the Villa midfield, while Matty Cash offers consistent returns from both defense and attack.
Villa’s upcoming fixtures include Everton, Newcastle, Brentford, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Leeds. This mix of opponents provides multiple opportunities for clean sheets and attacking hauls.
Tottenham Hotspur
Although Spurs have struggled in their last three fixtures, their short-term schedule offers promise. Two of their next four matches are against relegation-threatened sides West Ham and Burnley.
The remaining fixtures are against Manchester City and Manchester United.
Spurs already defeated City 2–0 at the Etihad earlier this season and held United to a draw, suggesting that favorable results are possible.
Based on previous performances, defeats against either side are far from guaranteed.
Liverpool
Defending champions Liverpool currently sit fourth in the league and appear to be building momentum.
They are unbeaten in their last five matches, including a goalless draw at Arsenal and an entertaining 2–2 draw against Fulham.
Upcoming fixtures against Burnley, Bournemouth, and Newcastle offer strong potential for returns.
Key players are beginning to find rhythm, with Florian Wirtz showing signs of settling into the squad and contributing consistently.
Teams to avoid…
Brentford
Brentford’s favorable run of fixtures has come to an end, with a difficult sequence ahead.
They face Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Arsenal in quick succession, although they do play Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 23.
Despite the tough schedule, there is no urgent need to sell Thiago, as his price continues to rise and he remains a long-term hold for many managers.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace is enduring a poor run of form, having failed to win any of their last five matches, with three losses and two draws. Injuries and AFCON absences have significantly weakened the squad.
With upcoming fixtures against Sunderland, Chelsea, and Brighton in three of their next four matches, investing in Palace players carries considerable risk at this stage.
Leeds United
Leeds are winless in their last four matches and sit just two places above the relegation zone. Their immediate fixtures against Fulham, Everton, and Arsenal make returns difficult to predict.
If you do not already own Dominic Calvert-Lewin, this may not be the ideal time to invest, as more reliable forward options with easier fixtures are available elsewhere.
Manchester United
Manchester United are adjusting to life under a new manager, but their upcoming fixtures are unforgiving. They face Manchester City at home, Arsenal away, Fulham at home, and Tottenham at home.
United failed to win any of the reverse fixtures earlier in the season. Given the difficulty of this run, it may be wise to avoid investing in United assets for now.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest sit 17th in the table, just seven points clear of relegation, and have suffered four defeats in their last five matches.
Their next fixtures — Arsenal, Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Leeds — offer little encouragement. With poor form and limited attacking output, Forest players should be avoided entirely in FPL at this stage.
