As Fantasy Premier League managers gear up for the pivotal Round 28, the stakes have never felt higher. With the season entering its final stretch, every transfer, captaincy pick, and bench decision could make or break a campaign. The pressure is mounting—not just on Premier League managers fighting for European spots or survival, but also on the millions of fantasy bosses desperate for a late surge up the ranks. So, what are the must-know moves and which players should you be eyeing—or avoiding—as the deadline looms?
Let’s kick things off with the hot commodities this week. Aston Villa’s remarkable rise to third place in the Premier League table has fantasy managers buzzing, especially when it comes to their defensive assets. While Unai Emery’s side has shown some inconsistencies of late, their midfielders and defenders are still attracting plenty of attention. Onana, Luiz, Cash, Mings, and Konsa have all been touted as smart picks for managers seeking points at both ends of the pitch. Villa’s upcoming fixture against Wolves may not be a guaranteed walkover, but the odds favor their backline and midfield to deliver steady returns.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are catching the eye for all the right reasons. The Reds have bounced back with three wins in their last four Premier League outings, keeping two clean sheets and conceding just three goals during that span. Their next four matches—against West Ham, Wolves, Spurs, and Brighton—look especially inviting, with West Ham and Wolves currently occupying relegation spots. Virgil van Dijk is leading the charge, having notched two goals and an assist in his last five gameweeks. His underlying numbers are equally impressive, ranking fifth among defenders for big chances on goal and ninth for shots in the box. As one fantasy pundit put it, "Van Dijk has picked up two goals and one assist in the last five gameweeks, his only attacking returns of this campaign in the Premier League."
But Van Dijk isn’t the only Liverpool defender worth considering. Makeshift wing-back Szoboszlai has been a revelation, and both Mac Allister and Gravenberch have emerged as solid midfield options. Ekitike, though less heralded, could also be a sneaky differential for those looking to outsmart their mini-league rivals.
Manchester United is another team drawing fantasy interest as they prepare to face Crystal Palace. Bruno Fernandes is a must-have—his consistency and set-piece prowess make him a perennial favorite. Casemiro joins him on the list of recommended picks for those with the budget to spare. In goal, Crystal Palace’s Lammens has been highlighted as a value option, especially with Palace’s season winding down and the pressure easing. Up front, Sesko and Cunha are both tipped to start and could reward managers willing to take a calculated risk.
Let’s not forget Manchester City, whose late-season surges under Pep Guardiola have become something of a tradition. While this year’s squad may lack some of the sparkle of previous vintages, they remain a force to be reckoned with. Nico O’Reilly, in particular, is the talk of the town. Listed as a defender but playing high in midfield, O’Reilly has bagged three goals in his last two gameweeks and now boasts four goals and three assists for the season. As one analyst observed, "He’s playing high in midfield in Pep Guardiola’s attack, despite being listed as a defender. Among defenders, he’s top for shots (eight) in this period, and he’s now up to four goals and three assists for the season." With City facing Nottingham Forest at home and trips to Leeds United and West Ham on the horizon, O’Reilly’s attacking potential is hard to ignore—even if City will blank in Gameweek 31 due to the Carabao Cup final.
Haaland remains a tempting captaincy option, as always, though Leeds United won’t make things easy for the reigning champions. Managers looking to balance their budgets have also been encouraged to consider Brentford’s van den Berg, Collins, Outtara, and Jensen, especially with a visit to Burnley on tap.
Of course, not every big name is a guaranteed hit. The list of players to avoid this week is just as crucial for managers hoping to dodge a costly mistake. Aston Villa’s attacking trio—Watkins, Buendia, and Rogers—are seen as risky picks against a stubborn Wolves side. Similarly, Liverpool’s Kerkez hasn’t convinced as a wing-back, and the high price tags of Salah and Gakpo might not justify the investment against West Ham. Over at Manchester City, Foden is considered unpredictable, while Semenyo is another wildcard best left on the bench for now. Donnarumma, meanwhile, is unlikely to keep a clean sheet against a dangerous Leeds attack led by World Cup-bound Calvert-Lewin.
The transfer market is buzzing, especially among defenders. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah and Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber are among the most transferred-out players this week. Timber, who was substituted in the 57th minute last game and has managed just one attacking return in 2026, is a prime candidate for the chopping block. Arsenal’s defense, despite boasting a league-leading 13 clean sheets in 28 games, has faltered recently, conceding four goals in their last three fixtures. With a blank looming in Gameweek 31, doubling up on Arsenal defenders is no longer seen as a viable strategy. Still, holding onto goalkeeper David Raya and center-back Gabriel for the next three matches—against Chelsea, Brighton, and Everton—remains a prudent move.
Chelsea’s defensive woes have also led to a mass exodus, with Chalobah and Marc Cucurella both seeing their ownership plummet. Despite an unbeaten run against bottom-half teams, Chelsea has failed to add to their nine clean sheets and has conceded seven goals in their last five games. Chalobah’s average of just 3.2 points per game has frustrated managers, even as he’s picked up the two-point defensive bonus in four of his last five outings. The Blues now face a daunting run, with trips to Arsenal and Aston Villa up next.
For those seeking a differential, Newcastle United’s Malick Thiaw is a name to watch. He faces Everton at home in Gameweek 28 and has already found the net four times this season, including a memorable brace at Goodison Park. Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is another budget-friendly alternative to Van Dijk, having scored in Gameweek 24 and hit the defensive contribution bonus in two of the last four gameweeks.
As Gameweek 28 approaches, the landscape is shifting rapidly. With transfer trends, fixture swings, and form all playing a part, fantasy managers have plenty to ponder. Will the tried-and-true stars deliver, or will a bold differential pick make all the difference? One thing’s for sure: the action is heating up, and every decision counts as the season races toward its dramatic finale.