English duo among five players who should be left out of your squad before GW20

As a door opens with something new FPL 2025/26 targets, another approaches players whose form, matches or physical condition deteriorate in the new year, writes Blake Hurst, Fantasy Premier League expert. Gameweek 20 is not the time to hold on to dead weight – every transfer counts with the rankings tightening mid-season. Whether it’s turnover risks, tough matchups or injury clouds, these five names are best left out of your FPL thinking this week.

Igor Thiago (7.0m)

It’s time to move Thiago forward. THE Brentford the striker appears to be nursing a minor injury and faces a tough run of matches – Everton, Sunderland and Chelsea in the next three. This is a worrying list for a striker who thrives in open spaces and weaker defenses. While he is still capable of making a comeback, there is no indication that this sequence suits him or the Brentford attack. Statistically, this is a time when owning a Bees defender makes more sense than a striker. With many better short-term options available, selling Thiago now seems both logical and timely.

Nico O’Reilly (5.3m)

O’Reilly has done well to earn his starting spot, but FPL managers know better than to trust Pep Guardiola’s rotation roulette for too long. Although he retains his left-back spot, difficult matches against Chelsea, Brighton and Manchester United make defensive returns difficult. All three teams possess an attacking threat, and City haven’t been exactly watertight recently. Add to that the continued risk of tactical benching, and O’Reilly quickly moves into the “sell” category. When defenders in this price range can guarantee minutes elsewhere, there is little benefit in holding out during this delicate period.

Piero Hincapié (5.4m)

Anyone who took a punt on Hincapié as Arsenal’s budget defensive cover should be looking to sell now. With Gabriel fit again, William Saliba locked in and Jurrien Timber safe for a few minutes, there is simply too much uncertainty around Mikel Arteta’s back four. Hincapié’s minutes could disappear, and that’s too risky at this stage of the season. Arsenal defenders remain excellent FPL picks overall – but not this one. Cash out while you can and reinvest in someone with secure minutes and a guaranteed spot.

Danny Welbeck (6.3m)

Much like Nick Woltemade last week against Burnley, Welbeck lands firmly on the list to avoid for Gameweek 20. On paper, a home game against Burnley looks like gold for any striker, but therein lies the catch. His minutes remain far from certain for this week, and even if he starts, the Manchester City match that follows makes it a short-lived gamble. Brighton’s offense is unpredictable at the best of times, and Welbeck’s returns have been too inconsistent to warrant a punt. This is one of those weeks where the matchup screams potential, but the situation says to stay clear: there are simply stronger options elsewhere.

Marc Guéhi (5.3m)

Guéhi’s defensive reliability quickly faded. Four consecutive blanks and a string of poor team performances have dragged Palace’s defense down. Injuries to Daniel Munoz and Chris Richards only made matters worse, leaving the defense exposed and lacking cohesion. The fixture schedule doesn’t help either – Newcastle, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Chelsea in the next four all look capable of scoring. Even when Palace keeps things tight, Guéhi’s FPL ceiling has been low without an attacking threat of late. There’s no reason to hold out when stronger offensive defensemen offer much more potential in the coming weeks.