Best FPL Challenge GW4 Team 2026/27: Derby Day Picks & Strategy

The short answer

Gameweek 4 of FPL Challenge is Derby Day.

Players from Manchester City and Manchester United score DOUBLE points, and the per-club limit for those teams increases to three.

That immediately changes the optimal squad-building logic.

Because the two Manchester clubs play each other, defensive picks are less automatically attractive than they would be in separate easy fixtures. The strongest early approach is to load the outfield positions with high-involvement Manchester attackers while using the goalkeeper slot strategically.

This is an early team structure. Final names should be updated after GW3 confirms starters and fitness.

GW4 Challenge rule

The official rule is:

• Manchester City players score double.
• Manchester United players score double.
• Up to three players can be selected from each of those clubs.
• The opening event uses a six-player team.
• Players lock when their club's match kicks off.

The Manchester derby is at Old Trafford in GW4.

Early team structure

This structure deliberately avoids forcing a Manchester goalkeeper simply to maximise the multiplier.

If the Challenge rules available in your team builder require a different formation choice, preserve the same principle: maximise high-involvement doubled attackers first.

Why Haaland is the first name

Haaland's normal scoring already makes him one of the highest-ceiling players in the game.

In a Gameweek where his points are doubled, goals, bonus and other returns become even more valuable.

The fixture is harder than Coventry in standard FPL GW3, but the Challenge multiplier changes the calculation.

Unless GW3 creates a fitness concern, Haaland should be the starting point.

Bruno Fernandes is the Man Utd priority

Bruno entered GW3 as one of the early-season FPL points leaders and remains the clearest high-involvement United route.

In FPL Challenge, the multiplier rewards players who can collect points through several routes.

That makes penalties, set pieces, creation and bonus potential especially valuable.

Cherki, Foden or another City attacker?

Do not lock this slot yet.

City's Deadline Day additions increase competition around Haaland.

GW3 is crucial because it can show:

• who starts,
• who plays closest to Haaland,
• who receives set pieces,
• who is substituted early,
• whether the rotation risk is acceptable.

Use Player Lab after the match and choose the secure role rather than the most exciting name.

Mbeumo or another Man Utd attacker?

The same logic applies.

Bryan Mbeumo offers an attacking route alongside Bruno, but the final decision should use GW3 minutes and role information.

If another United attacker becomes clearly more central or more secure, the Challenge format lets you pivot without worrying about normal FPL squad structure.

What about defenders?

A Manchester defender can still score double points.

But remember: the two multiplier teams play each other.

That means you are effectively betting on a clean sheet in a match where your doubled attackers are also trying to score.

A defender can still be worthwhile if:

• attacking threat is strong,
• defensive contributions are reliable,
• bonus potential is high,
• the player is secure for 90 minutes.

Do not select a defender only because the badge has a 2x next to it.

Goalkeeper strategy

This is the most interesting slot.

Because the Manchester clubs face each other, a non-Manchester goalkeeper with a much better clean-sheet fixture can outscore a doubled derby goalkeeper.

Chelsea host Hull and Liverpool host Fulham in GW4, for example.

That makes goalkeeper the position where ignoring the multiplier can be rational.

Check final team news and the available Challenge player pool before locking the pick.

Use the player locks

FPL Challenge differs from standard FPL because players lock as their club kicks off.

That means you can keep later slots flexible if earlier matches change your strategy.

Use OneFPL Fixtures to track kickoff order and Team News for availability.

Early OneFPL draft

GK: Best secure goalkeeper outside the derby after GW3 Outfield: Haaland Outfield: Bruno Fernandes Outfield: Best secure City attacker Outfield: Best secure United attacker Outfield: Final City/United multiplier slot based on GW3 minutes

This is a stronger early structure than pretending every position is already settled.

OneFPL verdict

Prioritise doubled Manchester attackers, not doubled badges.

Haaland and Bruno are the early anchors.

The remaining multiplier slots should be decided from GW3 minutes, and the goalkeeper can come from outside the derby if the clean-sheet case is materially stronger.

FAQ

What is the FPL Challenge rule for GW4?

Manchester City and Manchester United players score double points, and managers can select up to three players from each of those clubs.

Should I pick three Man City and three Man Utd players?

Not automatically. Because the clubs play each other, using the goalkeeper slot on a non-derby team can be stronger.

Is Haaland essential in FPL Challenge GW4?

He is the strongest early anchor because his already-high attacking ceiling receives the Derby Day multiplier.

When should I finalise the team?

After GW3 gives updated minutes and injury information. FPL Challenge player locks also allow later decisions before each club begins its match.

Sources

• Official Fantasy Premier League Challenge — first five challenges for 2026/27
• Official FPL Challenge game and rules
• OneFPL FPL Challenge 2026/27 Explained
• OneFPL Fixtures