
As the season enters its decisive middle third, GW23 marks an important pivot point for FPL managers. This is no longer about short-term punts or single-week captaincy plays; it’s about identifying clubs with sustained fixture momentum and backing players who can deliver returns not just in GW23, but across the next eight to ten Gameweeks. Our algorithm-based score predictions for GW23 are here and factor in the impact of Champions League matches next week.
Using the GW23–GW32 Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) alongside the current FPL form table, several clubs clearly emerge as priority targets. Others, despite big names and historical appeal, are approaching a stretch where even in-form players may struggle to justify their price. Below, we break down the clubs with the strongest fixture runs starting in GW23, followed by the key players from each who merit serious consideration (N.B. prices and ownership per GW21 so could now be a little out of date). Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 23 is set at noon (UK time) on Saturday, 24th January 2026. The free to play FPL or pay to play season/weekend/daily games like FanTeam are ideal ways of following the Premier League action.

Arsenal – Strong Control, Gradual Upside (GW23–GW32)
Arsenal’s GW23 fixture at home to Manchester United is not an easy one on paper, but it is quickly followed by a very appealing run: Leeds (A), Sunderland (H), Brentford (A), then a mixed but manageable sequence through to GW32 including Everton (H), Wolves (A) and Bournemouth (H).
Gabriel (£6.9m, 35.6%) remains one of the safest defensive picks in the game. His combination of clean-sheet potential, set-piece threat and elite baseline bonus profile makes him an excellent “set-and-forget” defender during this run. He was rested for most of the Champions League mid-week game.
In midfield, Martin Ødegaard (£7.8m, 2.4%) stands out as a high-quality differential. While his recent points total lags behind some premium mids, his underlying influence remains strong and the upcoming fixtures suit his chance-creation profile perfectly. Managers chasing rank should take note of that ownership.
Brentford – Quietly One of the Best Runs (GW23–GW32)
Brentford arguably have one of the most under-appreciated fixture runs starting in GW23. Nottingham Forest (H), Villa (A), then a tricky Arsenal fixture is followed by Brighton (H), Burnley (A), Wolves (H), Leeds (A) and Everton (H).
This is exactly the kind of schedule that rewards early investment.
Up front, Thiago (£7.2m, 36.7%) continues to justify his popularity. His form (7.6) and total points (122) underline his consistency, and Brentford’s fixture run suggests that steady returns should continue.
At the back, Collins (£5.0m, 3.9%) is a standout differential defender. With clean-sheet opportunities sprinkled throughout the run and strong baseline defensive metrics, he offers value for managers looking beyond the template.
In midfield, Schade (£7.1m, 2.9%) remains a classic low-owned upside pick. He won’t haul every week, but the fixture run gives him multiple chances to deliver attacking returns.
Everton – Volume of Green Fixtures, Clear FPL Structure
Everton’s run from GW23 is quietly excellent: Leeds (H), Brighton (A), Fulham (A), Bournemouth (H), then a tougher Manchester United fixture before Newcastle (A), Burnley (H), Arsenal (A), Chelsea (H) and Brentford (H).
This is a team best approached defensively first, then selectively in midfield.
James Tarkowski (£5.7m, 13.2%) remains the standout pick. His form (6.2), total points (108) and set-piece threat make him ideal for a run featuring several bottom-half opponents.
For goalkeepers, Jordan Pickford (£5.6m, 13.2%) offers steady save volume combined with clean-sheet potential. He’s not explosive, but this fixture stretch is tailor-made for accumulating consistent returns.
In midfield, Garner (£5.2m, 4.0%) is worth monitoring as a budget enabler with attacking involvement, especially for managers restructuring funds elsewhere.
Liverpool – Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Reward
Liverpool’s immediate fixtures are mixed, but from GW26 onwards their schedule improves significantly. After City (H) and Sunderland (A), they face Nottingham Forest (A), West Ham (H), Wolves (A), Tottenham (H), Brighton (A) and Fulham (H).
Florian Wirtz (£8.3m, 12.5%) is the most interesting FPL asset in this context. His form (7.2) and relatively modest ownership give him genuine differential appeal once Liverpool clear their toughest fixtures.
Liverpool defenders may be more volatile in the short term, but managers planning transfers over multiple Gameweeks should already be eyeing this run.
Chelsea – Excellent Mid-Run Stability (GW24–GW30)
Chelsea’s fixtures don’t explode immediately in GW23, but from GW24 onward they embark on a very playable sequence including West Ham (H), Wolves (A), Leeds (H), Burnley (H), and Everton (A).
From a value perspective, Enzo (£6.5m, 12.2%) is one of the most appealing midfielders in this bracket. His form (5.6) and points total (98) reflect consistent involvement, and the fixture run supports steady accumulation rather than boom-bust returns.
Defensively, Chelsea offer multiple routes depending on rotation tolerance, but their structure suits managers seeking reliable 5–6 point weeks.
Aston Villa – Fixture-Driven Attacking Value
Villa’s run is not flawless, but it is clearly attack-friendly from GW24 onwards, with Brentford (H), Bournemouth (A), Brighton (H), Leeds (H), Wolves (A) and West Ham (H) all presenting opportunities.
Ollie Watkins (£8.8m, 13.4%) remains the focal point. His ownership is surprisingly modest given Villa’s attacking output, and the upcoming home fixtures particularly suit his strengths.
Villa defenders are more matchup-dependent, but as part of a rotation strategy they remain viable.
Newcastle – Mixed Difficulty, Target Home Fixtures
Newcastle’s run includes some red fixtures, but their home matches remain highly targetable, particularly Burnley (H), Everton (H), Sunderland (H) and Crystal Palace (H).
In defence, Thiaw (£5.1m, 6.4%) offers a good blend of price, form and clean-sheet potential.
In midfield, Bruno G’s flagged status means caution, but Joelinton (£5.9m, 0.4%) represents a deep differential for managers willing to take a calculated risk when Newcastle host weaker opposition.
Final Thoughts – GW23 Is About Structure, Not Chasing
GW23 is less about explosive single-week punts and more about setting your squad up for sustained returns. Clubs like Brentford, Everton and Arsenal offer structural value across multiple positions, while Liverpool and Chelsea reward patience and planning.
The key takeaways:
- Prioritise teams with repeatable green fixtures
- Use defenders and goalkeepers to lock in value
- Deploy low-owned midfield differentials from strong fixture runs
- Avoid reacting too heavily to one-week form spikes
Managers who plan transfers with GW23–GW32 in mind — rather than chasing last week’s points — are best placed to climb ranks as the season enters its most decisive phase.
FPL Wildcard Squad – Built for GW23 to GW32
Strategy in brief
- Defence-led stability from clubs with sustained green runs (Brentford, Everton, Arsenal).
- Attack from teams with volume of favourable fixtures, not just headline names.
- Two premium anchors, surrounded by mid-price consistency and differentials.
- Bench options that actually rotate well through the period.
Goalkeepers (2)
Jordan Pickford (EVE) – £5.6m | 13.2% | Form 6.0 | 100 pts
Everton’s GW23–GW32 schedule is quietly excellent, and Pickford offers a strong blend of save volume and clean-sheet potential. Ideal for set-and-forget through multiple home fixtures.
Caoimhín Kelleher (BRE) – £4.6m | 10.0% | Form 5.2 | 82 pts
Brentford’s run is one of the best in the league. Kelleher provides cheap cover and flexibility when rotating away matches.
Defenders (5)
Gabriel (ARS) – £6.9m | 35.6% | Form 7.8 | 120 pts
The safest defender pick in the game. Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures support clean sheets and set-piece threat. A cornerstone for this wildcard.
Nathan Collins (BRE) – £5.0m | 3.9% | Form 7.4 | 90 pts
A standout differential defender. Brentford’s fixture volume plus Collins’ baseline defensive returns make him a long-term hold.
James Tarkowski (EVE) – £5.7m | 13.2% | Form 6.2 | 108 pts
Everton’s green run screams defensive investment. Tarkowski combines reliability with genuine goal threat from set pieces.
Micky van de Ven (TOT) – £4.5m | 26.8%
Spurs’ fixtures fluctuate, but Van de Ven offers cheap clean-sheet cover and strong minutes security. Excellent price-to-role value.
Jarrad Branthwaite (EVE) – £4.9m | 0.7% | Form 5.0 | 76 pts
Ultra-low ownership makes him a perfect rotation defender alongside Tarkowski during Everton’s favourable stretch.
Midfielders (5)
Phil Foden (MCI) – £9.0m | 40.8% | Form 11.6 | 91 pts
The premium midfield anchor. Even through mixed fixtures, his form and involvement justify inclusion.
Florian Wirtz (LIV) – £8.3m | 12.5% | Form 7.2 | 81 pts
Liverpool’s schedule improves markedly from GW26 onwards. Wirtz is the ideal early-entry differential for that run.
Martin Ødegaard (ARS) – £7.8m | 2.4% | Form 5.2 | 49 pts
Low ownership, high ceiling. Arsenal’s run supports creativity and late box arrivals — perfect for managers chasing rank.
Enzo Fernández (CHE) – £6.5m | 12.2% | Form 5.6 | 98 pts
Chelsea’s mid-run stability makes Enzo an excellent steady accumulator. Rarely hauls, but ticks over reliably.
James Garner (EVE) – £5.2m | 4.0% | Form 7.0 | 99 pts
Budget enabler with genuine attacking involvement during Everton’s strong fixture run. Ideal fifth midfielder.
Forwards (3)
Erling Haaland (MCI) – £15.1m | 74.1% | Form 9.4 | 151 pts
Non-negotiable. Captaincy safety net across multiple Gameweeks, regardless of fixture colour.
Thiago (BRE) – £7.2m | 36.7% | Form 7.6 | 122 pts
Brentford’s best attacking asset for this run. Consistency, minutes and fixtures align perfectly.
Ollie Watkins (AVL) – £8.8m | 13.4% | Form 5.6 | 83 pts
Villa’s attacking fixtures from GW24 onwards make Watkins a strong long-term forward with moderate ownership.
How This Squad Plays (GW23–GW32)
Default XI
- Pickford
- Gabriel, Collins, Tarkowski
- Foden, Wirtz, Ødegaard, Enzo
- Haaland (C), Thiago, Watkins
Rotation Notes
- Use Branthwaite / Van de Ven to cover tougher defensive fixtures.
- Kelleher steps in selectively for Pickford away games.
- Doucouré rotates in when Everton face bottom-half opposition.
Why This Wildcard Works
- Brentford + Everton form the defensive spine — elite value, low ownership, strong fixture volume.
- Arsenal assets are chosen for control and sustainability rather than short-term punts.
- Liverpool exposure is timed for their post-GW25 upswing.
- Balanced ownership: enough template to protect rank, enough differentials to climb.
Final Word
This wildcard isn’t designed to chase last week’s points. It’s built to absorb variance, compound steady returns, and peak during a run where fixtures — not form spikes — should dictate decisions. Managers who deploy a structure like this and hold their nerve through GW23–GW32 will give themselves the best possible chance to rise as others burn transfers reacting week to week.
For further discussions have a look at FISO’s FPL forum where you can also see the FPL mini-leagues and FPL side-games available.





