Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are assessing transfer strategies ahead of Gameweek 28, which features an early deadline of 18:30 GMT on Friday, February 27, 2026, culminating in Arsenal’s match against Chelsea, according to FantasyFootballScout.co.uk.
Current FPL rankings, as of February 24, 2026, place Erling Haaland of Manchester City at the top of the overall rankings, followed by Igor Thiago of Brentford. Mohamed Salah of Liverpool ranks third overall and first among forwards, while Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United is fourth overall and second among midfielders, according to RotoWire.
Several players are emerging as potential differentials for Gameweek 28. FantasyFootballFix.com highlights five players currently owned by less than 10% of FPL managers who too have fixtures in Blank Gameweek 31, making them attractive medium-term options. These players are identified based on underlying data and fixture schedules.
Analysis of the teams of 20 top FPL managers, those consistently ranking within the top 10,000 reveals common trends in player selection and transfer activity. FantasyFootballGeek.co.uk’s assessment of these managers’ teams provides insight into potential transfer targets and strategies.
The suspension tightrope is also a key consideration for FPL managers, with several players nearing a ban. Managers are monitoring the situation to avoid unexpected points deductions, as reported by FantasyFootballScout.co.uk.
Team news and predicted lineups are crucial for informed transfer decisions. Updates from pre-match press conferences, along with injuries and bans databases, are being closely followed to assess player availability and potential starting roles. Eddie Howe’s recent press conference provided updates on the status of Wissa, Botman, and Gordon, according to FantasyFootballScout.co.uk.
The availability of FPL chips, including the Wildcard, is also influencing transfer strategies. Managers are weighing the pros and cons of using chips in Gameweek 28, with discussions focusing on optimal timing and potential team drafts.
