The Hard Tackle lists the five best options to consider to bring into your team heading into FPL Gameweek 10 of the 2026/27 season.

As the FPL season approaches its tenth matchday of the 2026/27 campaign, managers find themselves at a crucial crossroads. The initial patterns of the season have firmly established themselves, but the relentless winter schedule is quickly looming on the horizon. Spotting the difference between a temporary patch of form and a genuine long-term value pick is what separates the top tier of managers from the rest of the pack.

Gameweek 10 brings a fresh slate of intriguing fixtures that offer prime opportunities to climb the global rankings. Balancing heavy hitters with budget-friendly enablers is more critical than ever, especially as top-tier differentials begin to emerge across the league. Whether you are looking to protect a lead in your mini-leagues or hunting for explosive differentials to spark a climb, targetting players with both form and fixture convenience is the ultimate blueprint.

This week’s selections focus on individuals who are capitalising on team momentum, step-up opportunities, and favourable match-ups against struggling opponents. From defensive rocks anchoring historical clean-sheet runs to creative talismanic midfielders set to exploit ailing backlines, these targets provide excellent avenues for success. Here are the five key players you should look to bring into your FPL squad ahead of the Gameweek 10 deadline.

James Hill

The young defender has become an absolute must-have asset under Marco Rose. James Hill is part of a Bournemouth defence that has kept an incredible clean sheet in six successive games in all competitions, which leads one to look at their early season results in disbelief. This astonishing defensive resilience includes thrice in the Premier League, notably punctuated by a stellar performance in their 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United.

With 24 FPL points accumulated over the last three gameweeks, Hill is brilliantly mirroring his excellent form from last season. Up next, the Cherries travel to face Ipswich Town. Despite showing decent scoring form lately, Ipswich are heavily expected to fall flat against the resolute, in-form Cherries backline, making Hill a golden defensive option.

Ezri Konsa

Following his high-profile £51 million summer switch, the England international has adapted seamlessly to life under Mikel Arteta. Ezri Konsa is part of a famously solid backline that completely stifled their opponents recently, notably conceding a flawless 0.00 xGOT against Liverpool in Gameweek 9.

Sitting comfortably as the fourth-highest scoring player for Arsenal this season, Konsa brings immense value. He carries a genuine goal threat, having recently found the net against Everton, all while keeping a highly cost-effective price tag of just £4.7m. Facing Hull City in Gameweek 10 presents the perfect opportunity for the Englishman to extend Arsenal’s impressive three-game clean-sheet run in the Premier League.

Cole Palmer

Chelsea’s talisman continues to prove why he is worth every bit of his premium billing. Cole Palmer bounced back emphatically after his frustrating red card in Gameweek 8 by dispatching a clinical penalty against Manchester United in Gameweek 9. That strike keeps his blistering season momentum alive, taking him up to 3 goals and 4 assists in the league, alongside a massive 45 FPL points for the season.

The Blues’ focal point looks practically unstoppable when driving the attack under Xabi Alonso. Palmer will square off against an ailing Sunderland side next, a fixture where his elite creativity and penalty duties make him a prime captaincy candidate.

Yasin Ayari

For managers looking for a differential among Brighton & Hove Albion assets, Yasin Ayari is the standout choice. The young Swedish international continued his excellent start to the campaign by ghosting into the box to score the historic match-winning goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in Gameweek 9.

Now sitting on 43 FPL points with 3 goals and 1 assist this term, his underlying attacking threat is clear. Facing a Brentford side up next that has conceded a goal in four of their last five games, Ayari is well-placed to return points. The Swede offers a handy alternative route into the Seagulls’ attack, bypassing highly-owned teammates Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper.

Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson continued his recent impressive run of form with another goal in Gameweek 9, showcasing his improved maturity and sharp finishing under pressure. The Senegalese striker has now reliably produced an FPL return in four of his last five gameweeks, taking his tally to 5 goals and 43 points for the season.

Up next, Aston Villa take on a struggling Manchester United side that has failed to keep a clean sheet in nine successive games across all competitions. Jackson’s exceptional movement inside the box should exploit a fragile United defence that has recently been torn apart by Como, Bournemouth, and Chelsea.

Honorable Mentions

If you are looking to look past the main five targets to round out your squad transfers, there are plenty of alternative in-form options to consider. In defense, Luka Vuskovic, Pep Chavarria, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Gabriel Magalhaes remain solid, highly reliable structural picks.

For midfield flexibility, Julio Enciso, Jack Rudoni, Marcus Tavernier, Johan Manzambi, and Declan Rice offer great baseline metrics. Meanwhile, if you are looking to shake up your forward line, Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Evanilson stand out as excellent focal points who are capable of exploding in Gameweek 10.