The final double gameweek of the FPL season is here, and it's time to make your moves count. With Manchester City and Crystal Palace both playing twice, this is a pivotal moment for managers chasing glory—or just a respectable finish. Tripling up on Pep Guardiola's side is essential, but the big question is: which City assets do you pick beyond the obvious Erling Haaland? And how many Palace players should you trust as Oliver Glasner's squad chases European dreams?
I've put together my ideal Free Hit team for this crucial week, selected to fit within a £100m budget. This squad is built for maximum impact as the season winds down. Don't forget to catch our FPL special Q&A with expert Holly Shand, live on the BBC Sport website on Friday at 15:30 BST.
Last week, a triple Arsenal defence paid off with three clean sheets, while Noah Okafor and James Hill delivered 10-point hauls, and captain Igor Thiago found the net. Now, let's dive into this week's picks.
Goalkeeper & Defender: Brighton's Bargain Duo
Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) and Jan Paul van Hecke (£4.6m) both face Wolves at home. Wolves have lost their last two away games 3-0 and 4-0, scoring just seven goals on the road all season. Backing Brighton's defence is a smart, budget-friendly move.
Midfield: City's Attacking Edge
Nico O'Reilly (£5.2m) takes on Brentford (h) and Crystal Palace (h) this week. While a double City defence is tempting, goal difference could decide the title, so this team prioritizes attacking upside from Guardiola's side. If you're only picking one City defender, O'Reilly's goalscoring and bonus-grabbing form makes him the standout choice.
Defender: Palace's Reliable Starter
Jaydee Canvot (£4.5m) faces Everton (h) and Manchester City (a). Rotation is a concern for Palace, but with a potential Uefa Conference League final on Thursday, they have three weeks to recover before the big game. Glasner's rotation hasn't paid off lately—his side has just one point from their last three games and is nervously eyeing the relegation zone. Still, Canvot has started eight straight matches and earned defensive contribution points in five of them, making him a solid pick.
Defender: Arsenal's Clean Sheet Machine
Arsenal's defence is on a roll, so Gabriel has to be in the team of the week again. With four clean sheets in recent outings, he's a must-have for any Free Hit squad.
This week is all about balancing double-gameweek firepower with form and fixtures. Whether you're chasing a top rank or just bragging rights, these picks should give you the edge. Good luck, managers!