As the season moves into its middle third, GW22 marks the beginning of a period where medium-term planning becomes decisive. Fixture runs now outweigh one-week punts, and teams with sustained difficulty should be deprioritised even if individual players remain popular. The return of the Champions League midweek fixtures also throws another complication into the mix. Our algorithm-based score predictions for GW22 are here and factor in the impact of Champions League matches next week.

Reviewing EPL Fixture Difficulty Ratings (GW22–GW26) alongside FPL Player Form over the last 30 days, this preview highlights 18 players (6 defenders, 6 midfielders, 6 forwards) who are well placed to deliver FPL returns across the next five Gameweeks. Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 22 is set at noon (UK time) on Saturday, 17th 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.

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Defenders to Target (GW22–GW26)

Gabriel – Arsenal

Next five fixtures: NFO (A), MUN (H), LEE (A), SUN (H), BRE (A)
Arsenal’s run is among the best in the league. Gabriel remains the most reliable defensive route, offering both clean-sheet security and set-piece threat.

Jurrien Timber – Arsenal

Next five fixtures: NFO (A), MUN (H), LEE (A), SUN (H), BRE (A)
Excellent minutes security and a strong fixture block make Timber a safe long-term defensive option.

Micky van de Ven – Spurs

Next five fixtures: WHU (H), BUR (A), MCI (H), MUN (A), NEW (H)
The opening two fixtures are strong for defensive returns. Van de Ven’s reliability offsets a tougher mid-run.

Matheus Nunes – Man City

Next five fixtures: MUN (A), WOL (H), TOT (A), LIV (A), FUL (H)
Even with increased fixture difficulty, City defenders remain relevant due to control, possession and bonus accumulation.

Lewis Dunk – Brighton

Next five fixtures: BOU (H), FUL (A), EVE (H), CRY (H), AVL (A)
Three strong defensive fixtures in the next four make Dunk a quietly effective option.

James Tarkowski – Everton

Next five fixtures: AVL (A), LEE (H), BHA (A), FUL (A), BOU (H)
Set-piece threat and guaranteed minutes keep Tarkowski viable despite mixed fixtures.

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Midfielders to Target (GW22–GW26)

Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa

Next five fixtures: EVE (H), NEW (A), BRE (H), BOU (A), BHA (H)
Villa’s fixture run is excellent and Rogers continues to benefit from consistent involvement in advanced areas.

Florian Wirtz – Liverpool

Next five fixtures: BUR (H), BOU (A), NEW (H), MCI (H), SUN (A)
While fixtures fluctuate, Wirtz’s creativity and chance involvement keep him fixture-resistant.

Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

Next five fixtures: NFO (A), MUN (H), LEE (A), SUN (H), BRE (A)
A near-perfect run for sustained attacking returns. Arsenal midfield coverage is strongly advised.

Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal

Next five fixtures: NFO (A), MUN (H), LEE (A), SUN (H), BRE (A)
A high-quality alternative or partner to Saka, with creativity and late box arrivals suiting this fixture block.

Rayan Cherki – Man City

Next five fixtures: MUN (A), WOL (H), TOT (A), LIV (A), FUL (H)
City’s fixtures are tougher, but Cherki’s role and price point make him a strong differential midfield pick.

Antoine Semenyo – Man City

(recently transferred from Bournemouth)
Next five fixtures: MUN (A), WOL (H), TOT (A), LIV (A), FUL (H)
Now operating within a far stronger attacking structure. A higher-risk, higher-ceiling option despite fixture difficulty.

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Forwards to Target (GW22–GW26)

Erling Haaland – Man City

Next five fixtures: MUN (A), WOL (H), TOT (A), LIV (A), FUL (H)
Fixtures toughen, but Haaland remains the most reliable forward in the game and a consistent captaincy option.

Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa

Next five fixtures: EVE (H), NEW (A), BRE (H), BOU (A), BHA (H)
Villa’s run aligns perfectly with Watkins’ strengths. Expect steady, repeatable returns.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Leeds

Next five fixtures: FUL (H), EVE (A), ARS (H), NFO (H), CHE (A)
A value forward whose role and minutes keep him relevant even through mixed opposition.

João Pedro – Chelsea

Next five fixtures: BRE (H), CRY (A), WHU (H), WOL (A), LEE (H)
Chelsea’s fixtures improve markedly. João Pedro stands out as their best forward option in this run.

Hugo Ekitiké – Liverpool

Next five fixtures: BUR (H), BOU (A), NEW (H), MCI (H), SUN (A)
Now fit again, Ekitiké benefits from a much stronger fixture profile than say Newcastle attackers. A clear upgrade on risk and opportunity.

Jean-Philippe Mateta – Crystal Palace

Next five fixtures: SUN (A), CHE (H), NFO (A), BHA (A), BUR (H)
Palace enjoy one of the best forward fixture runs in the league. Mateta’s role and minutes make him a far better medium-term pick than say West Ham attackers.

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Four Clubs to Avoid (GW22–GW26)

Manchester United

A punishing run featuring Arsenal, City and Spurs limits both attacking and defensive appeal.

Wolves

Repeated clashes with elite sides severely cap upside at both ends of the pitch.

Burnley

Sustained defensive pressure and limited attacking output make their assets difficult to justify.

Newcastle

Multiple fixtures against top-tier opposition reduce reliability, particularly away from home.

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.

GW21 comes just two days after GW20 where, as predicted, goals returned (32 in total!) and 5 days after the end of GW19. This makes it one of the most rotation-sensitive rounds of the season. Rather than wholesale changes, managers are expected to manage minutes carefully — particularly for wide attackers, full-backs and players returning from injury. Arsenal and Liverpool likely to put full strength sides out in their match.

In this article we focus on the 5 clubs at the top of the table: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City. All predicted line-ups below are based strictly on GW19 and GW20 matchday squads, adjusted for injuries and short turnaround.

Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 21 is set at 18:30 (UK time) on Tuesday, 6th 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.

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🔴 Arsenal – Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Raya (95%)
Timber (85%) – Saliba (95%) – Gabriel (95%) – Hincapié (80%)
Zubimendi (85%)
Ødegaard (90%) – Rice (90%)
Saka (85%) – Gyökeres (80%) – Martinelli (80%)

FPL minutes

• ✅ Safe: Raya, Saliba, Gabriel, Rice, Ødegaard
• ⚠️ Rotation risk: Saka, Martinelli, Gyökeres but the Liverpool match is crucial.

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🟣 Aston Villa – Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Martínez (95%)
Cash (85%) – Konsa (95%) – Lindelöf (90%) – Maatsen (85%)
Kamara (90%) – Tielemans (85%)
Rogers (80%) – McGinn (90%) – Buendía (85%)
Watkins (95%)

FPL minutes

• ✅ Safe: Martínez, Konsa, McGinn, Watkins
• ⚠️ Rotation risk: Rogers, Tielemans, Maatsen

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🔵 Chelsea – Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Jørgensen (90%) (if Sanchez still injured)
Reece James (80%) – Chalobah (90%) – Badiashile (85%) – Gusto (85%) (if Cucurella still out)
Caicedo (90%) – Enzo Fernández (95%)
Palmer (95%) – João Pedro (85%) – Neto (80%)
Delap (80%)

FPL minutes

• ✅ Safe: Palmer, Enzo
• ⚠️ Rotation risk: James, João Pedro, Neto, Delap with Garnacho, Gittens & Estevao ready to come in

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🔴 Liverpool – Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Alisson (95%)
Frimpong (85%) – Konaté (90%) – Van Dijk (95%) – Robertson (85%)
Mac Allister (90%) – Gravenberch (85%)
Szoboszlai (90%) – Wirtz (85%) – Gakpo (90%)
Ekitike (75%)

FPL minutes

• ✅ Safe: Alisson, Van Dijk, Gakpo
• ⚠️ Rotation risk: Robertson, Gravenberch but the Arsenal match is crucial.

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🔵 Manchester City – Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Donnarumma (95%)
Nunes (85%) – Aké (90%) – Khusanov (80%) – O’Reilly (80%)
Rico Lewis (85%)
Reijnders (90%) – Foden (90%)
Bernardo Silva (95%) – Haaland (95%) – Doku (80%)

FPL minutes

• ✅ Safe: Haaland, Bernardo, Foden
• ⚠️ Rotation risk: Doku, Lewis (for Rodri who’s only just back from lang-term injury), O’Reilly
• City down to last CBs if Dias ruled out (50% chance) with Gvardiol out with a tibial fracture. City bench will have some youngsters on it!

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🔮 GW21 Score Predictions

Fixture	Prediction
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa	1–2 Aston Villa
Fulham vs Chelsea	1–1 Draw
Manchester City vs Brighton	3–1 Man City
Arsenal vs Liverpool	2–2 Draw

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🧠 GW21 FPL Summary

Safest captain options

• Haaland
• Watkins

High-upside but minutes risk

• Saka
• Doku
• João Pedro

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.

GW19 will be remembered as one of the unexpected rounds of the season. Seven draws, including three goalless matches, wiped out attacking returns across the league and punished managers who leaned heavily into form and fixtures. While frustrating, it was clearly an outlier rather than a trend.

GW20 presents a sharp contrast. The fixture list features clearer favourites, stronger home sides, and several match-ups where attacking quality should tell. Based on the GW20 predicted scores and confidence levels below, this looks like a Gameweek where goals and clean sheets are far more likely to return, rewarding managers who stay disciplined and trust the underlying structure. Do bear in mind that GW20 follows very quickly from GW19 so expect some players rested/benched.

What follows is a fixture-led GW20 preview, highlighting where FPL managers should target attacking returns, where clean sheets are realistic, and which players best fit each scenario — including differentials and ownership context. Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 20 is set at 11:00 (UK time) on Saturday, 3rd 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.

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Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest (2–1, Medium confidence)

Villa remain one of the most reliable home sides in the league, and while Forest are capable of scoring, they rarely control matches away from home. A narrow Villa win feels right.

From an FPL perspective, this is about steady returns rather than explosive hauls.
Ollie Watkins (£8.6m, 8.3%) continues to offer a dependable forward option, while Morgan Rogers (£7.5m, 26.3%) remains one of the most appealing semi-differentials in midfield, combining strong form with reasonable ownership. Villa defensive assets are playable (Cash returns from suspension) but carry some risk given Forest’s counter-attacking threat.

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Brighton vs Burnley (2–0, Medium–High confidence)

This is one of the clearest clean-sheet opportunities of the Gameweek. Burnley’s attacking output remains limited, while Brighton are far more controlled at home.

The standout FPL angle here is defence. Lewis Dunk (£4.5m, 1.0%) is a classic low-owned clean-sheet target who also carries set-piece threat, while De Cuyper (£4.3m, 2.4%) offers budget access to Brighton’s back line with strong underlying form given the advanced position he actually plays. This fixture suits managers looking to repair damage from GW19 by banking predictable defensive points.

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Wolves vs West Ham (1–1, Low confidence)

This is one of the least appealing fixtures of GW20. Both sides are inconsistent, and the low-confidence draw prediction reflects the lack of clear control or dominance.

That said, if managers want exposure, it should be selective. Lucas Paquetá (£5.9m, 2.1%) comes into the Gameweek off a 13-point haul in GW19 (penalty goal & assist) and offers genuine differential upside even in a tight match. Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m, 7.6%) remains West Ham’s most likely goal scorer. Defensive assets on either side look far riskier than the upside justifies.

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Bournemouth vs Arsenal (1–3, High confidence)

One of the standout attacking fixtures of GW20. Arsenal’s ability to sustain pressure and create high-quality chances should overwhelm Bournemouth (who currently have star player Semenyo talking terms with Man City although he is still expected to play), even away from home. Rice is still doubtful whilst Calafiori & Mosquera are still missing.

This is a clear green light for Arsenal attackers. Bukayo Saka (£10.3m, 21.5%) remains the premium option, while Martin Ødegaard (£7.8m, 2.1%) stands out as a superb differential — fresh off 10 points in GW18 and 5 points in GW19. Clean sheets are less likely, but Arsenal’s attacking ceiling comfortably compensates.

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Leeds vs Manchester United (1–2, Medium confidence)

Leeds fixtures tend to be chaotic, and this should be no different. United may not dominate, but Leeds’ openness creates opportunities although will be missing Ampadu’s long throws after he serves a 1 match suspension. MU still miss Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.

For FPL managers, attacking exposure makes more sense than defensive. Matheus Cunha (£8.2m, 13.4%) is United’s most likely attacking return in a narrow win, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.9m, 10.2%), after getting a rest for most of the GW19 match v Liverpool) continues to post strong form numbers and offers excellent value even if Leeds fall short.

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Everton vs Brentford (1–2, Medium confidence)

This projects as a tight game decided by moments rather than dominance. Brentford’s efficiency in transition gives them a slight edge. Grealish and Keane are back in contention for Everton.

From an FPL standpoint, caution is advised. James Tarkowski (£5.6m, 9.6%) remains Everton’s best defensive asset due to set-piece threat and baseline points, while Lewis-Potter (£4.9m, 2.1%) offers a very low-owned route into Brentford with solid recent form. This is not a fixture to overload, but selective picks can work.

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Fulham vs Liverpool (1–3, High confidence)

Liverpool away to Fulham is one of the most attractive attacking fixtures of the Gameweek. Fulham are competitive but struggle to contain elite pressing and pace.

This is a prime Liverpool attacking week. Hugo Ekitiké (£9.1m, 36%) continues to justify near-template ownership and was unlucky not to score in GW19 v Leeds, while Florian Wirtz (£8.2m, 11%) offers differential upside through creativity and secondary returns but could be due a rest in GW20 with perhaps Gapko (£7.3m, 5.3%) a better option as now fit again. Frimpong (£5.7m 5.5%) impressed in GW19 v Leeds but Clean sheets are less secure, and the goal potential is substantial.

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Newcastle vs Crystal Palace (2–1, Medium confidence)

Newcastle’s home form keeps them firmly in play, even if Palace remain well organised. Livramento, Trippier and Botman are back in contention to start.

The best FPL value lies in attack. Woltemade (£7.3m, 18.5%) was largely rested in GW19 and fits the profile of a forward who can return consistently without massive ownership, while Anthony Gordon (£7.3m, 5.5%) is a genuine low-owned differential capable of punishing Palace on the break.

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Tottenham vs Sunderland (2–0, Medium–High confidence)

This looks like a classic Spurs home fixture: control, territorial dominance, and a strong clean-sheet chance.

Defensive exposure makes most sense. Micky van de Ven (£4.5m, 26.8%) offers excellent value as a clean-sheet “shield” with just enough ownership to protect rank while still allowing flexibility elsewhere. With the wing backs at risk of a rest, consider GK Vicario (£4.8m, 7%) with Spurs next 4 fixtures on the easy side.

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Manchester City vs Chelsea (3–1, High confidence)

The headline fixture of GW20 still heavily favours City. Chelsea can score, but City’s attacking pressure at home is relentless. Chelsea are in search of a new manager but could welcome back Cucurella.

For FPL managers, this is straightforward. Erling Haaland (£15.1m, 74.1%) is once again the standout captaincy option — ownership alone makes him essential. Phil Foden (£9.0m, 39.8%), with elite recent form, remains the safest midfield partner and a strong vice-captain.

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GW20 Final Thoughts

After the chaos of GW19, GW20 offers something far more familiar:
clear favourites, strong home sides, and multiple high-confidence attacking fixtures.

Managers should:

• Lean into Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City for attacking returns
• Target Brighton and Spurs for clean sheets
• Use players like Ødegaard, Paquetá, Wirtz and Gordon as smart differentials rather than chasing low-confidence fixtures

GW19 punished variance. GW20 rewards structure. Trust the fixtures — and let the goals return. 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.

After a productive GW18 in which Cherki, Wirtz, Saka, Rice and Semenyo all returned at least five points, attention now turns immediately to GW19, which starts tomorrow. With turnaround time short, this is a Gameweek where trusting strong fixtures and reliable teams is key. Beware players being rested because of the short recovery time between fixtures at this time of year, particularly from the clubs that have more depth of quality in their squads.

Based on our algorithm-based GW19 predicted scores and confidence levels, four GW19 fixtures stand out for attacking potential and/or clean-sheet likelihood:

• Liverpool vs Leeds (3–1, High confidence)
• Sunderland vs Man City (1–3, High confidence)
• Chelsea vs Bournemouth (2–0, Medium–High confidence)
• Man Utd vs Wolves (2–0, Medium–High confidence)

Below, we break down four key FPL assets from each club, highlighting price, ownership (with >25% flagged), and how they fit into GW19 strategy — whether you’re protecting rank or chasing upside. Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 19 is set at 18:00 (UK time) on Tuesday, 30th December 2025. The free to play FPL or pay to play season/weekend/daily games like FanTeam are ideal ways of following the Premier League action.

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Liverpool vs Leeds (Predicted score: 3–1, High confidence)

Liverpool at Anfield remains one of the most reliable attacking fixtures in the league, and Leeds’ defensive record makes this a prime opportunity for FPL returns.

Hugo Ekitike (£9.1m, 35% owned)
Ekitike has quietly become one of the most reliable forwards in the game, and his ownership above 25% reflects that. With Liverpool heavily favoured to score multiple goals, Ekitike’s central role and penalty-box presence put him firmly in the conversation for captaincy outside the obvious Haaland pick. In a predicted 3-goal Liverpool performance, he looks well placed to be directly involved.

Florian Wirtz (£8.1m)
Still under the radar in ownership terms, Wirtz offers strong value as Liverpool’s creative hub, particularly with Leeds likely to defend deep. His ability to accumulate points through chances created and secondary assists makes him attractive even if he doesn’t score which he did for the 1st time in the league for Liverpool in GW18 so don’t be surprised if more goals follow. As a mid-priced differential, Wirtz suits managers looking to gain ground.

Ryan Gravenberch (£5.7m)
Gravenberch is not the first Liverpool asset most managers consider, but his price makes him an excellent squad enabler in a fixture Liverpool are expected to dominate. Late runs into the box and potential bonus points make him a viable punt for GW19.

Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m, 25% owned)
As a centre-back and captain Van Dijk won’t be rested (unlike full-backs who run a greater risk of needing a rest) and offers clean-sheet potential plus set-piece threat. A 3–1 prediction slightly dents clean-sheet confidence, but his goal threat from corners keeps him relevant — especially for managers doubling up on Liverpool.

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Sunderland vs Manchester City (Predicted score: 1–3, High confidence)

City away to Sunderland is one of the standout fixtures of the Gameweek, with heavy backing for goals.

Erling Haaland (£15.1m, 74% owned)
The most-owned player in the game remains unavoidable. With City predicted to score three, Haaland is once again the standout captaincy option. Not owning him in this fixture is a major risk as he appears to be one of the few players Pep is happy not to rest, and his ownership means damage control is as important as upside.

Phil Foden (£9.0m, 40% owned)
Foden’s form and role make him the ideal partner to Haaland. His ownership is high but justified, particularly against a Sunderland side likely to concede chances between the lines partly due to a high number of AFCON absences. For managers avoiding triple City, Foden is the safest midfield exposure but beware Pep’s rotation.

Rayan Cherki (£6.7m)
Cherki continues to impress as a budget-friendly route into City’s attack. With low ownership, he offers genuine differential appeal in a fixture where City are expected to dominate possession and chances. If you’re chasing rank, Cherki is exactly the type of player who can swing a Gameweek.

Reijnders (£5.2m)
At £5.2m, Reijnders is a classic enabler with upside who’s been back amongst the goals recently. While not guaranteed explosive returns, his involvement in City’s build-up and potential for bonus points make him a viable fifth midfielder — particularly if City control the game as expected.

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Man United vs Wolves (Predicted score: 2–0, Medium–High confidence)

United at home to Wolves offers both goal potential and clean-sheet appeal, making this a fixture worth targeting despite United’s occasional inconsistency.

Matheus Cunha (£8.1m)
Cunha is United’s most likely goal scorer in this fixture, offering skill and directness against a Wolves side (that he joined Man United from) that struggles away from home. His price places him in an awkward bracket, but in a 2–0 prediction he looks well positioned to return although unlikely to celebrate if he does get a goal or two.

Diogo Dalot (£4.5m)
Dalot is the standout defensive option here. At a budget-friendly price, he offers clean-sheet potential plus attacking threat from wide areas. For managers needing a defender for the festive run, Dalot fits both structure and upside.

Dorgu (£4.1m)
A great budget pick, Dorgu’s appeal also lies in enabling premium attackers elsewhere and perhaps scoring again as he did from an advanced wing-back role in GW18. While attacking returns are unlikely every week, a predicted clean sheet makes him a serviceable short-term option.

Heaven (£3.8m)
At basement price, Heaven a good 5th defender option and in a favourable home fixture he becomes playable for managers hit by injuries or rotation.

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Chelsea vs Bournemouth (Predicted score: 2–0, Medium–High confidence)

Chelsea’s home fixture against Bournemouth carries strong clean-sheet potential and reasonable attacking upside.

João Pedro (£7.2m, 29% owned)
Pedro’s ownership reflects growing trust among FPL managers. In a 2–0 prediction, he’s Chelsea’s most likely attacking return, combining goal threat with assist potential (with Delap probably playing the central striker role in GW19). He’s a strong hold or buy for GW19.

Pedro Neto (£7.3m)
Neto offers explosiveness from the wing and is capable of big returns even without high ownership. Against Bournemouth, his direct style could be decisive, making him a strong differential.

Reece James (£5.7m)
Fitness always carries risk, but when available James offers one of the highest ceilings among defenders. A clean sheet plus assist potential from set pieces puts him firmly in play this week. (Cucurella looks to be an injury doubt for GW19).

Trevoh Chalobah (£5.5m)
For managers prioritising security, Centre-Back Chalobah offers a safer route into Chelsea’s defence. Less explosive than James, but well suited to a predicted 2–0 result.

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Final GW19 Thoughts

GW19 shapes up as a Gameweek where fixture strength and confidence levels matter more than chasing form alone. Liverpool and Manchester City remain the standout attacking targets, while Chelsea and Manchester United offer strong defensive value with controlled attacking upside.

If you’re protecting rank, Haaland, Foden, Ekitike and João Pedro feel close to essential. If you’re chasing, Cherki, Wirtz, Neto and Gravenberch offer the kind of differential upside that can meaningfully move rank in a high-confidence Gameweek.

With the deadline looming, GW19 is one where trusting the numbers — and your predicted scores — looks the smart play. 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.