Football Paparazzi Weekly Fantasy Fix: Best picks for FPL Gameweek 25

Last Updated on 5 February 2026

Gameweek 25 comes at the perfect time if you’re looking to move ahead in your mini-league. Despite no European football to contend with in midweek, there was the small case of four teams playing in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Factoring that in, there are still some superb fixtures to look forward to, and some unbelievable picks to make.

Here are the best Fantasy Premier League picks for Gameweek 25.

Declan Rice (Arsenal) – £7.5m

Declan Rice looks well-placed to reward patient Fantasy managers in Gameweek 25, especially with Bukayo Saka still an injury doubt. Rice is currently Arsenal’s top-ranked midfield asset and remains central to everything Mikel Arteta’s side do in possession.

While he’s blanked in four successive Gameweeks, the underlying numbers remain encouraging. Rice ranks second among all players for chances created, producing 12 in total, including three big chances, as per Squawka.

With 11 goal involvements this season, four goals and seven assists, a home fixture against Sunderland presents an ideal opportunity for returns.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – £10.4m

Cole Palmer appears to have shaken off his injury concerns after completing 90 minutes against West Ham last time out. While it’s been a relatively quiet campaign by his own high standards, Palmer’s role remains Fantasy gold.

He continues to monopolise Chelsea’s set pieces and penalty duties when on the pitch, giving him multiple routes to returns. Wolves sit bottom of the table and have struggled defensively throughout the season, making this trip an ideal entry point.

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) – £7.6m

Jarrod Bowen arrives in Gameweek 25 in excellent form, delivering two goals and an assist across his last two appearances. Crucially, those returns include an away trip to Stamford Bridge, underlining his ability to punish defences on the road.

A visit to Turf Moor offers another appealing opportunity. Burnley continue to struggle near the bottom of the table and remain vulnerable in wide areas, exactly where Bowen thrives.

At £7.6m, he provides reliable attacking threat without the premium price tag, making him a strong option for managers seeking form and fixture alignment.

Thiago (Brentford) – £7.1m

Thiago completes the GW25 shortlist as a high-upside pick against a potentially fatigued Newcastle side. Eddie Howe’s team face a quick turnaround after a midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City, which could blunt their intensity on Saturday.

Brentford arrive in solid form, fresh from an impressive away win at Aston Villa, and Thiago is set to become the focal point of their attack. With Kevin Schade suspended following his red card, much of the Bees’ attacking responsibility should flow through the Brazilian.

Even in a tricky away fixture, Thiago’s volume and involvement make him a smart Fantasy gamble.