Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, brace yourselves—the Double Gameweek 26 is almost upon us, and the drama has already begun. But here's where it gets controversial: Arsenal's Leandro Trossard, a key player for many FPL squads, appeared to pick up an injury in their dominant 3-0 win over Sunderland. And this is the part most people miss—with no official update from Mikel Arteta, managers are left in the dark about his availability for the upcoming fixtures. Could this be a game-changer for your team?
Arsenal's victory was impressive, especially without Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, whose absences were expected. Yet, the potential loss of Trossard adds another layer of uncertainty. The winger, who had been instrumental against Sunderland, seemed to struggle as the game drew to a close, walking off unaided. Arteta praised his performance post-match but remained tight-lipped about his fitness. With Arsenal not playing until Thursday, we might not get clarity until after the Gameweek 26 deadline. Is this a risk worth taking, or should managers look elsewhere?
Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres is making a strong case for inclusion. Despite starting on the bench, he scored a brace, showcasing his ability to capitalize on opportunities. Six of his eight Premier League goals have come against newly promoted clubs, a stat that shouldn’t be overlooked. Arteta’s post-match comments about Gyokeres’ confidence and form suggest he could be a key player in the upcoming fixtures. But here’s the question: Is he a reliable starter, or will rotation limit his impact?
Gabriel Martinelli could also benefit from Trossard’s potential absence, though his recent deployments on the right flank—coupled with Noni Madueke’s early substitutions—add complexity. Madueke, despite limited productivity, could feature twice in Gameweek 26, but his minutes are far from guaranteed. Is he a gamble worth taking, or are there safer options?
Defensively, William Saliba and David Raya delivered unexpected returns, with Saliba earning DefCon points for the first time since Gameweek 1 and Raya securing a rare bonus point. Declan Rice also ended his goal drought, albeit with DefCon returns, while Martin Zubimendi continues to impress, now Arsenal’s joint-second-top league scorer. But here’s the controversial take: Is Zubimendi’s £5.2m price tag too good to ignore, or are his stats not quite up to par with Rice’s?
For Sunderland, it’s a case of moving on. Despite a third straight away defeat, their performance was an improvement on previous losses. With two home fixtures coming up—where they remain unbeaten—could they bounce back? What do you think: Are Sunderland’s home games a hidden gem for FPL managers, or is their form too inconsistent to trust?
As we head into Double Gameweek 26, the questions pile up. Will Trossard recover? Can Gyokeres maintain his form? And who will emerge as the defensive stalwart? One thing’s for sure: this week is shaping up to be a rollercoaster. What’s your strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s debate the best moves for this crucial gameweek!
