Football Paparazzi Weekly Fantasy Fix: Double Gameweek differentials & safe plays

Last Updated on 9 February 2026

Gameweek 26 is one of the most important rounds of the Fantasy Premier League season so far, with a select group of teams handed a valuable Double Gameweek. Extra fixtures mean extra opportunities, but also greater risk...

This is the kind of Gameweek where gains can be made without using a chip. You can simply target players with strong underlying numbers, set-piece involvement and secure roles across two matches.

Here are four players well-placed to capitalise on Fantasy Premier League’s Double Gameweek 26.

Declan Rice (Arsenal) – £7.5m

Declan Rice reminded Fantasy managers of his steady floor last weekend, ending a run of four blanks with defensive contribution points in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Sunderland. While the returns were modest, the underlying data remains excellent.

Across his last five matches, Rice created 15 chances. That is more than double any other Arsenal player in that period. His importance becomes even greater if Bukayo Saka remains sidelined, with Rice’s set-piece delivery likely to shoulder extra responsibility.

Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) – £6.3m

With ownership sitting at just 2.7 per cent, Ismaila Sarr is one of the standout differential picks heading into Double Gameweek 26. The Palace winger comes into the round in form, scoring in each of the last two Gameweeks to deliver 15 points.

Crucially, Sarr approaches a pair of home fixtures against Burnley and Wolves over Gameweeks 26 and 27. Both opponents have struggled defensively, particularly in wide areas, which suits Sarr’s direct style. Not to mention, he’s owned by less than 3% teams ahead of Gameweek 26.

Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) – £6.4m

Jurrien Timber offers a strong alternative route into Arsenal’s defence for Double Gameweek 26. He combines clean-sheet potential with genuine attacking threat. Unlike more traditional centre-backs, Timber’s positioning allows him to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

He ranks among Arsenal’s top five players this season for shots in the box and chances created, underlining his assist and goal potential across two fixtures. With Arsenal expected to control possession in both matches, Timber’s advanced role makes him an attractive pick.

Mateus Mane (Wolves) – £4.6m

Mateus Mane continues to offer excellent value as a budget enabler for Double Gameweek 26. Priced at just £4.6m, the Wolves forward has started each of the last eight matches, delivering two goals and an assist in that spell.

His attacking involvement stands out big time, leading his teammates for shots on target and big chances created recently. You can write off the Arsenal fixture but the trip to Nottingham Forest is promising with Forest conceding 15 big chances in the last 4 Gameweeks.