The 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season is underway, and managers are hunting for players who can deliver consistent points. Based on their performances in the first three matches, David Raya, Marcos Senesi, Jack Grealish, and João Pedro are must-pick players for the FPL season 2025/26. Drawing on stats from the official Fantasy Premier League website and recent match data, this blog highlights why these players are essential for your squad.
David Raya: Arsenal’s Defensive Wall
Position: Goalkeeper
Team: Arsenal
Price: £5.5m
2025/26 Stats (First 3 Matches):
- Starts: 3, Minutes: 270
- Clean Sheets: 2, Saves: 10, Goals Conceded: 1
- Yellow Cards: 1
- Match Results: W 1-0 (@ Man Utd, 7 saves, 1 clean sheet), W 5-0 (vs Leeds, 1 save, 1 clean sheet), L 1-0 (@ Liverpool, 2 saves)
Why He’s a Must-Pick:
David Raya has started the 2025/26 season in fine form, anchoring Arsenal’s robust defense. With two clean sheets and 10 saves across three matches, he’s already proving his worth at £5.5m. Arsenal’s title-contending status ensures Raya’s clean sheet potential remains high, while his save-heavy performances (e.g., 7 saves vs. Man Utd) add bonus points. His reliability makes him a set-and-forget goalkeeper, especially with Arsenal’s favorable fixtures. Raya’s ability to deliver points in both clean sheet and non-clean sheet games makes him a top-tier choice.
Key Stat: Raya’s 10 saves in three matches highlight his ability to rack up points even when Arsenal don’t keep a clean sheet.
Marcos Senesi: Bournemouth’s Budget Gem
Position: Defender
Team: Bournemouth
Price: £4.6m
2025/26 Stats (First 3 Matches):
- Starts: 3, Minutes: 270
- Clean Sheets: 2, Goals/Assists:0/ 1, Tackles: 6, Fouls: 1
- Goals Conceded: 4
- Match Results: W 2-1 (vs Leicester, 2 tackles), W 3-2 (@ Everton, 3 tackles), L 2-1 (vs Newcastle, 1 tackle)
Why He’s a Must-Pick:
Marcos Senesi is a budget defender delivering exceptional value at £4.5m. Starting all three matches for Bournemouth, he’s contributed to two clean sheets and averaged two tackles per game, capitalizing on FPL’s new scoring for defensive actions. Bournemouth’s attacking style under Andoni Iraola creates opportunities for Senesi to add attacking returns from set pieces, as seen in previous seasons. His consistent minutes and clean sheet potential make him an ideal enabler, freeing up funds for premium attackers. Bournemouth’s mid-table stability keeps Senesi as a reliable pick.
Key Stat: Senesi’s 6 tackles in three matches boost his points under FPL’s updated scoring, making him a standout budget defender.
Jack Grealish: Everton’s Creative Force
Position: Midfielder
Team: Everton
Price: £6.7m
2025/26 Stats (First 3 Matches):
- Starts: 2, Sub: 1, Minutes: 196
- Goals/Assists: 0/4
- Match Results: L 3-2 (@ Bournemouth, 2 tackles), W 2-0 (vs Tottenham, 1 tackle), W 3-1 (@ West Ham, 1 tackle)
Why He’s a Must-Pick:
Now at Everton, Jack Grealish brings creativity to a revitalized Toffees side at £6.5m. Despite no goals or assists in the first three matches, his 4 tackles and involvement in Everton’s attacking play signal potential. His move to Everton offers more consistent minutes compared to his time at Manchester City, where rotation was a concern. Grealish’s flair and chance creation make him a differential pick, especially in Everton’s favorable fixtures. As he settles into his new role, expect goals and assists to follow, making him a mid-priced gem.
Key Stat: Grealish’s 196 minutes across three matches show improved game time, increasing his chances for attacking returns.https://theinfohatch.com/fpl-price-changes-for-gameweek4-players-stat/
João Pedro: Chelsea’s Clinical Striker
Position: Forward
Team: Chelsea
Price: £7.7m
2025/26 Stats (First 3 Matches):
- Starts: 3, Minutes: 252
- Goals: 2, Assists: 2
- Match Results: W 2-0 (vs Chelsea, 1 goal), W 3-1 (@ West Ham, 1 goal, 1 assist), D 1-1 (vs Bournemouth, 1 assist)
Why He’s a Must-Pick:
João Pedro has hit the ground running at Chelsea, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists in three matches. Priced at £7.5m, he’s a mid-priced forward with penalty-taking duties, making him a reliable point-scorer. Chelsea’s attacking system suits his clinical finishing and versatility, as seen in his goal and assist against West Ham. His consistent starts and involvement in Chelsea’s attack position him as a rival to premium forwards like Ollie Watkins (£9.0m). João Pedro’s early form makes him a must-have for a balanced FPL squad.
Key Stat: João Pedro’s 4 goal involvements (2 goals, 2 assists) in three matches underline his explosive potential.
Why These Four Are Essential for Your FPL Squad
David Raya, Marcos Senesi, Jack Grealish, and João Pedro are must-pick players for the FPL season 2025/26 because they offer a perfect blend of value, consistency, and upside. Raya’s clean sheets and saves anchor your defense, Senesi’s budget price delivers defensive and potential attacking returns, Grealish’s growing role at Everton offers differential value, and João Pedro’s early goal involvements make him a forward to trust. Together, they allow managers to build a strong squad while accommodating stars like Mohamed Salah (£14.5m) or Cole Palmer (£10.5m).
Tips for FPL Success:
- Pair Raya with a budget goalkeeper like Martin Dúbravka (£4.0m, Burnley) for rotation flexibility.
- Use Senesi as a set-and-forget defender to maximize budget efficiency.
- Monitor Grealish’s minutes and attacking output, as his points will increase with goals/assists.
- Lock in João Pedro as your third forward to complement a premium striker like Erling Haaland.
With the 2025/26 season in full swing, these four players are proving their worth and can propel your FPL team up the rankings. Don’t miss out on this winning combination!http://www.sportskeeda.com