FPL GW25: Transfer Trends, Fixture Runs and DGW26 Strategy

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As we move into GW25, FPL managers are entering one of the most important planning windows of the season. Transfer activity is accelerating, fixture difficulty begins to diverge sharply between clubs, and a Double Gameweek in GW26 for Arsenal and Wolves adds another layer of strategic complexity.

Looking beyond single Gameweek punts, the smarter approach is to align transfer targets with favourable fixture runs over the next four to six Gameweeks. By comparing the most transferred-in players for GW25 with the Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) from GW25 to GW30, we can identify the players who combine form, momentum and opportunity.

This article highlights ten popular transfer targets who also benefit from a strong run of fixtures, with a particular focus on teams who enjoy clusters of green fixtures and those with double gameweek upside.

Our algorithm-based score predictions for GW25 are here. Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 25 is set at 18:30pm (UK time) tonight on Friday, 6th February 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 – DGW26 Upside with a Stable Fixture Run

Arsenal remain one of the most reliable teams in FPL, and their schedule from GW25 to GW30 is well balanced. They avoid prolonged runs of red fixtures and crucially have a Double Gameweek in GW26 (both away against Brentford and Wolves), which significantly boosts the appeal of their core assets.

Upcoming easy (green) fixtures for Arsenal:

  • GW25: Sunderland (H)
  • GW26: Wolves (A)
  • GW30: Everton (H)

Gabriel – £7.1m, 40.6% ownership
Gabriel continues to justify his heavy ownership with consistent defensive returns and strong bonus point potential. The upcoming home match in GW25 provides a strong clean sheet opportunity, while the Double Gameweek in GW26 gives him two chances to deliver points in one round. For managers prioritising defensive stability, Gabriel remains one of the safest long-term picks.

Jurrien Timber – £6.4m, 29.0% ownership
Timber offers a slightly more attacking route into the Arsenal defence at a marginally lower price point. With Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures offering clean sheet potential and the added DGW26 upside, Timber is a strong alternative for managers who want Arsenal coverage without doubling up on centre-backs.

Declan Rice – £7.5m, 32.9% ownership
Rice remains popular due to his reliability and steady stream of returns. While not explosive, he benefits from Arsenal’s structured dominance in matches against weaker opponents. The Double Gameweek in GW26 adds further value, making Rice a sensible medium-term midfield anchor for managers seeking consistency.

Chelsea – One of the Best Fixture Runs in the League

Chelsea’s upcoming run from GW25 to GW30 stands out as one of the most favourable in the league, with multiple green fixtures offering both attacking and defensive potential. This explains the strong transfer interest in Chelsea assets ahead of GW25.

Upcoming easy (green) fixtures for Chelsea:

  • GW25: Wolves (A)
  • GW26: Leeds (H)
  • GW27: Burnley (H)

João Pedro – £7.5m, 41.1% ownership
João Pedro has quickly become one of the most popular forward picks in the game. Chelsea’s run of favourable fixtures aligns perfectly with his form, making him a reliable source of goals and bonus points over the next few Gameweeks. While his ownership limits his differential appeal, he offers strong protection for managers looking to consolidate rank.

Enzo – £6.8m, 22.7% ownership
Enzo offers a slightly more understated route into Chelsea’s attacking output. With green fixtures ahead, he is well placed to accumulate steady returns through goals, assists and bonus involvement. His ownership keeps him in a useful middle ground between safety and upside.

Chalobah – £5.7m, 23.7% ownership
Chalobah provides budget-friendly access to Chelsea’s defence during a period where clean sheets are more likely. For managers looking to restructure their back line, he represents good value without sacrificing fixture quality.

Liverpool – Fixture Swings Create Short-Term Opportunities

Liverpool’s schedule is mixed overall, but they enjoy a favourable run in the middle of the GW25–GW30 window. This makes certain Liverpool attackers appealing medium-term holds rather than long-term locks.

Upcoming easy (green) fixtures for Liverpool:

  • GW28: West Ham (H)
  • GW29: Wolves (A)

Ekitike – £8.9m, 25.8% ownership
Ekitike remains one of the most appealing Liverpool attackers, combining strong involvement with an upcoming period of softer fixtures. Managers backing Ekitike are likely targeting those specific green fixtures where Liverpool’s attacking ceiling is highest.

Wirtz – £8.3m, 13.9% ownership
Wirtz stands out as a genuine differential option. With relatively low ownership, he offers upside for managers willing to take a calculated risk. The green fixtures provide a platform for Wirtz to deliver returns that could significantly impact rank if Liverpool find rhythm in attack.

Manchester United – Popular Picks Despite Mixed Fixtures

Manchester United’s fixtures are more mixed than some of the other clubs highlighted, but their key players remain popular due to form and role security rather than fixture quality alone.

Upcoming easy (green) fixtures for Manchester United:

  • GW26: West Ham (A)
  • GW28: Palace (H)

Bruno Fernandes – £9.7m, 32.7% ownership
Bruno remains one of the most reliable premium midfielders in the game. While United’s fixtures are not uniformly green, Bruno’s involvement in goals and assists makes him relatively fixture-proof. He remains a strong long-term hold for managers who value reliability.

Cunha – £8.0m, 8.9% ownership
Cunha offers differential appeal for managers seeking upside beyond the obvious picks. His ownership remains low, and with a couple of green fixtures on the horizon, he has the potential to quietly outperform more popular options.

Bournemouth – Budget Enablers with Green Patches

Bournemouth enjoy a run of manageable fixtures that make their budget assets more appealing than usual, particularly for managers seeking squad depth.

Upcoming easy (green) fixtures for Bournemouth:

  • GW27: West Ham (A)
  • GW28: Sunderland (H)
  • GW30: Burnley (A)

Senesi – £4.8m, 15.3% ownership
Senesi provides a low-cost defensive option with a reasonable chance of returns during Bournemouth’s green fixtures. While Bournemouth are not an elite defensive side, the fixture run offers opportunities for clean sheets and bonus points, making Senesi a useful budget rotation option.

Strategic Takeaways

This planning window is defined by three core themes. Arsenal and Wolves benefit from a Double Gameweek in GW26, which elevates even steady performers into high-value picks. Chelsea’s run of green fixtures makes them one of the most important teams to invest in over the next month. Liverpool and Manchester United offer selective opportunities where timing transfers around fixture swings can unlock upside.

Managers who align transfers with fixture runs rather than chasing recent points are far more likely to gain ground over this period. Balancing high-ownership safety picks with one or two well-timed differentials remains the optimal strategy.

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.

Erling Haaland – Minutes Played Graphs for anticipating Pep rotation in FPL

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This write-up pulls together all of Erling Haaland’s playing minutes for Manchester City (across all competitions) and for Norway for the 2025/26 season up to Friday 30 January 2026. The two visuals generated are:

  • Graph A: rolling 7-day total minutes across the season
  • Graph B: match-by-match minutes with key anomalies labelled

The goal is practical: identify when Erling Haaland is “fresh”, when he’s being load-managed, and how to spot the next likely rest before the FPL deadline.

What we measured and why it works

We looked at workload two ways.

  1. Rolling 7-day minutes (Graph A)
    For each match date, we summed Haaland’s minutes across the previous seven days. This is the cleanest single number for congestion because it captures what managers actually worry about: how much football he’s had recently, regardless of competition.
  2. Match-by-match minutes (Graph B)
    This shows how Pep actually manages him in real life: full 90s, planned subs, cup hooks, and rare bench appearances.

Used together, these two views answer both questions FPL Managers care about:

  • “How overloaded was he leading into a rest?” (Graph A)
  • “What does a rest look like in Pep’s selection pattern?” (Graph B)

Key finding 1: January produced the biggest congestion spike of the season

The standout feature in Graph A is the highest rolling 7-day total occurring in early January 2026.

That peak is explained by a classic congestion cluster:

  • 2026-01-01 (Premier League vs Sunderland): 90
  • 2026-01-04 (Premier League vs Chelsea): 90
  • 2026-01-07 (Premier League vs Brighton): 90

That’s 270 minutes in six days, which is basically three full matches without meaningful recovery time. When you see the rolling 7-day line climb to that level, you’re not just looking at “a lot of minutes” — you’re looking at a risk point where elite forwards become more likely to be protected.

This is why the rolling view is so useful: it identifies stress windows that aren’t obvious when you just scan fixtures.

Key finding 2: The Wolves benching wasn’t random — it’s load management

On 24 January 2026 Haaland was benched and only played 18 minutes against Wolves in the EPL. Graph B flags this as the most extreme minutes drop of the season.

Graph A explains why it happened.

In the week leading into that match, Haaland’s minutes stack up as:

  • 2026-01-13 (EFL Cup semi-final vs Newcastle): 90
  • 2026-01-17 (Premier League vs Man United): 79
  • 2026-01-20 (Champions League vs Bodø/Glimt): 90

That’s 259 minutes inside seven days. Even before you factor travel and match intensity, this is a heavy load. And it comes after an already congested start to the month.

So Wolves (18 minutes) wasn’t a tactical surprise or a performance-based decision. The pattern fits deliberate workload protection.

From an FPL perspective, this is the exact type of benching you can sometimes anticipate:

  • not because “Pep roulette”
  • but because the workload number is shouting that a managed game is likely

Key finding 3: Haaland is normally a 90-minute player — so low minutes are meaningful

Graph B shows an important baseline: across league and Champions League matches, Haaland’s typical appearance is very close to 90 minutes. That matters because:

  • if a player is routinely hooked at 65–75, occasional benching is less predictable
  • but if a player is usually a full-match starter, sudden drops (45, 26, 18) are strong signals

In this dataset, the “low-minute” events are not noise. They are identifiable interventions.

Two particularly instructive examples:

  • 45 minutes vs Exeter in the FA Cup (10 Jan): classic planned cup load management
  • 18 minutes vs Wolves (24 Jan): classic league load management after a heavy week

So the story isn’t “Haaland is rotated constantly.” The story is: he’s trusted for 90 most of the time, then managed sharply when the schedule or workload forces it.

A practical workload rule of thumb from the season pattern

This is the part you can actually use week-to-week.

Looking at the season’s rolling 7-day pattern and the resulting “management events”, a sensible risk scale is:

  • Under ~180 rolling minutes (7 days): low rotation risk
  • Around 200–240: rising substitution/managed-minutes risk
  • Around 250+: high probability of either a bench, an early hook, or reduced involvement in one match

This isn’t a medical diagnosis and it isn’t perfect. But it matches what we saw around the Wolves rest: the rolling minutes were very high, and the response was a bench.

The key is not treating the number as a binary yes/no. Use it as a warning light:

  • If you’re captaining Haaland, you want to be confident he’s on the pitch for 80–90.
  • If you’re deciding between him and another premium, you want to know when his minutes ceiling might be capped.

How to use this to predict the next rest

To anticipate another Wolves-style situation, watch for the same ingredients:

  1. Three matches within seven days, especially if two are 90s
  2. One of those matches is Champions League (often higher intensity)
  3. The next league opponent is “manageable” (a fixture City believe they can win without 90 minutes from Haaland)
  4. City have another important match within the following 3–5 days

In other words: the rest is more likely when the fixture is still winnable and the schedule demands protection.

This is why workload tracking matters more than opponent strength alone. Managers often assume the toughest opponent means the player starts. In reality, fixture sequencing often matters more than fixture difficulty.

What this suggests about Haaland specifically

The dataset supports three clear conclusions:

  1. His default is maximum minutes
    He is not routinely rotated. When he starts league and Champions League matches, he frequently plays close to 90.
  2. Pep manages him sharply when needed
    When the schedule compresses, the management is decisive: a bench, a short cameo, or a cup hook.
  3. The “rest events” have context
    Wolves wasn’t random. It followed a heavy seven-day period that was visible in the rolling minutes.

That last point is the real value: you can’t predict every Pep decision, but you can identify when a rest becomes rational — and therefore more likely.

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. The free to play FPL or pay to play season/weekend/daily games like FanTeam are ideal ways of following the Premier League action.

FPL GW24 Preview – Fixture Windows, Form Players and the New Defensive Contribution Edge

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Using the FPL Fixture Difficulty Rating summed objectively across GW24–GW27, and applying the colour key (green = 1 through dark red = 5), six clubs clearly emerge as the best targets for this period:

  1. Chelsea (total FDR = 8)
  2. Crystal Palace (9)
  3. Manchester United (10)
  4. Bournemouth (10)
  5. Arsenal (11)
  6. Everton (11)

These teams combine fixture consistency, manageable opponents, and strong potential for both attacking and defensive returns. Below, we break down each club’s appeal, then highlight players from the Player Form and Defensive Contributions (CBIT) tables who best fit this window. Our algorithm-based score predictions for GW24 are here. (N.B. prices and ownership per GW22 so could now be a little out of date). With the introduction of Defensive Contribution (CBIT) points this season, squad construction now rewards not just clean sheets and goals, but also sustained defensive workload — particularly from centre-backs in teams expected to defend leads or face consistent pressure.

Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 24 is set at 13:30pm (UK time) on Saturday, 31st 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.

The Six Clubs With the Best GW24–GW27 Fixture Runs

Chelsea – The Clear Standout

Chelsea are the only club with four straight FDR-2 fixtures, giving them the lowest total difficulty by a clear margin. This is exactly the kind of run that rewards early investment, particularly in assets with secure minutes.

In midfield, Enzo Fernández (£6.5m, 12.2%) stands out as a reliable accumulator. His form score may not scream explosive hauls, but Chelsea’s ability to dominate possession in these fixtures suits his profile perfectly, delivering steady points through involvement, passing volume and occasional returns.

Up front, João Pedro (£7.2m, 29.0%) remains the most attractive attacking option. His ownership reflects growing confidence among managers, and this run provides multiple opportunities for returns without needing him to overperform.

Defensively, Chelsea are well suited to the new CBIT scoring. Reece James (£5.7m, 11%) offers the ideal blend of clean-sheet potential and attacking upside, while Chalobah (£5.6m, 21.3%) provides another route with strong defensive contribution potential in matches where Chelsea are expected to control territory.

Crystal Palace – Defensive Value in Plain Sight

Palace’s FDR total of 10 over the next 4 GWs places them in the top tier, largely because they avoid elite attacking sides across this four-week span. This makes them particularly attractive under the Defensive Contributions scoring system although they are now bottom of the 6 game form table, having lost Marc Guehi to Man City, so are only for those FPL managers looking to gamble against the grain.

While Palace attackers such as Mateta remain more situational, their defenders are quietly among the best value picks in the game. Maxence Lacroix (£5.1m, 6%) features prominently in the CBIT table, regularly reaching the 10-action threshold even when clean sheets are missed. Munoz £5.8m (6%) has the most bonus points of the remaining Palace defenders.

Manchester United – Balanced Fixtures, Targeted Investment

Manchester United’s summed FDR of 10 reflects a run that is neither spectacular nor threatening, but critically free of red fixtures.

From the Player Form table, Matheus Cunha (£8.0m, 6.4%) remains United’s most interesting attacking option. His ownership keeps him firmly in differential territory, and the fixture run suggests opportunities for returns without needing United to dominate games.

Defensively, United assets benefit from both clean-sheet potential and CBIT accumulation. Diogo Dalot (£4.5m, 5.0%) combines attacking involvement with defensive workload, while centre-backs continue to score well under the contribution system in tighter matches. The player at the top of the FPL form table though is Patrick Dorgu (£4.4m 9.4%) but he’s not likely to play GW24 due to a hamstring injury.

United are best approached selectively, but their place in the top six fixture runs is fully justified.

Bournemouth – Attack-Friendly Fixtures, Underrated Defence

Bournemouth also sit on a total FDR of 10, and their fixture run is particularly attractive for managers chasing attacking upside without paying premium prices.

From the Player Form table, Bournemouth attackers remain viable rotation options, especially against mid-table and bottom-half opposition. However, the real value lies at the back.

Marcos Senesi (£4.8m, 14%) is one of the standout defenders under CBIT scoring, ranking near the top of the Defensive Contributions table. In fixtures where Bournemouth are expected to defend deeper, Senesi’s ability to rack up clearances and blocks makes him a genuine set-and-forget option for this period.

Arsenal – Fixture Consistency Over Colour

Arsenal’s total FDR of 11 might not look exceptional at first glance but they are the League leaders. This makes their assets extremely predictable.

In midfield, Martin Ødegaard (£7.8m, 2.3%) is one of the best differentials in the game. Recent returns underline his form, and Arsenal’s ability to control matches ensures he remains heavily involved across all four fixtures.

Defensively, Gabriel (£6.9m, 38%) continues to justify his popularity. He combines clean-sheet probability with strong CBIT output and set-piece threat, making him one of the safest defensive picks available through GW27.

Arsenal may not offer explosive upside every week, but they are ideal for managers prioritising stability and consistency.

Everton – A Defensive Run Worth Trusting

Everton’s fixture total also comes in at 11, but their value lies in the type of matches they face rather than the headline difficulty.

Everton are particularly strong under the Defensive Contributions system. James Tarkowski (£5.8m, 14%) is arguably the single best CBIT defender in the league, frequently earning contribution points regardless of clean sheets. Over a four-week window like this, that reliability compounds quickly.

In midfield, James Garner (£5.2m, 4.6%) offers budget value with genuine involvement. His form score and minutes security make him an excellent enabler for managers restructuring squads around premium attackers.

Everton assets won’t haul often, but they offer one of the strongest cumulative points floors across GW24–GW27.

Why CBIT Scoring Changes the Equation

This season’s CBIT rule — awarding two FPL points to any defender reaching 10 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles — fundamentally shifts how defenders should be evaluated.

Across this fixture window:

  • Palace, Everton and Bournemouth defenders benefit even when conceding once
  • Centre-backs in mid-table sides become more valuable than full-backs reliant on attacking returns
  • Fixture difficulty must be viewed alongside expected defensive workload, not just clean-sheet odds

Managers who ignore CBIT data risk leaving steady points on the table every week.

Final Thoughts – GW24 Is About Structure

GW24 isn’t about chasing last week’s haul. It’s about positioning your squad to accumulate points steadily across four favourable fixtures.

Based on objective FDR totals:

  • Chelsea are the standout priority
  • Man United and Bournemouth offer value through defence and selective attack
  • Arsenal and Everton provide consistency and reliability
  • Crystal Palace if you need to gamble.

Trust the numbers, respect the fixture run, and let others chase noise

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.

FPL GW23 Preview & Wildcard – Target the Fixture Runs That Carry Through to GW32

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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.

Fixtures & Form Preview – GW22

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

EPL GW21 Predicted Line-ups & Score Predictions

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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.

🔴 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.

🟣 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

🔵 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

🔴 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.

🔵 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!

🔮 GW21 Score Predictions

FixturePrediction
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa1–2 Aston Villa
Fulham vs Chelsea1–1 Draw
Manchester City vs Brighton3–1 Man City
Arsenal vs Liverpool2–2 Draw

🧠 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.

FPL GW20 Preview – Trust the Fixtures as Goals Return After GW19

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FPL GW19 Preview: Targeting Goals and Clean Sheets from the Strongest Fixtures

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FPL GW18 Preview – In-Form Midfielders to Target

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With GW18 kicking off a busy festive run, FPL managers face a familiar dilemma: stick with high-ownership safety picks or exploit fixture swings to gain ground through differentials. By combining recent form, fixture difficulty, price and ownership, we can identify eight midfielders who stand out as strong GW18 picks — whether you’re protecting rank or chasing upside. Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 18 is set at 18:30 (UK time) on Friday, 26th December 2025 and you can see our algorithm-based score predictions for GW18 here. The free to play FPL or pay to play season/weekend/daily games like FanTeam are ideal ways of following the Premier League action.

Phil Foden — Man City (£8.9m, 40.7%)

Foden tops the midfielder form table with an outstanding 11.6 form, and Manchester City’s fixture run is quietly excellent. GW18 sees City away to Nottingham Forest, who sit 16th and struggle defensively. From there, City face Sunderland (A), Chelsea (H), Brighton (H), Man United (A), Wolves (H) and Fulham (H) between GW19–GW26. While there are a couple of tougher fixtures, the overall balance strongly favours attacking returns. At over 40% ownership, Foden is not a differential, but his price, form and fixture security make him one of the safest midfield picks in the game heading into GW18.

Morgan Rogers — Aston Villa (£7.2m, 18.7%)

Rogers continues to impress, sitting near the top of the form rankings (8.2) while remaining under 20% owned. Aston Villa are flying high in 3rd, but GW18 away at Chelsea (4th) is not the standout fixture — the appeal lies beyond GW19. Villa face Arsenal (A) in GW19 (as tough as it gets) before a very attractive run: Forest (H), Palace (A), Everton (H), Brentford (H) and Bournemouth (A). Rogers’ advanced role and growing confidence make him a strong medium-term pick. His ownership places him firmly in the semi-differential category — ideal for managers looking to gain ground without excessive risk.

Rayan Cherki — Man City (£6.6m, 8.4%)

Cherki has a 5.2 form, sub-10% ownership and a £6.6m price point, and offers genuine differential upside within Manchester City’s attack. GW18 sees City away to Nottingham Forest (16th) — a fixture that strongly favours City’s creative midfielders. The wider run is excellent: Sunderland (A), Chelsea (H), Brighton (H), Man United (A), Wolves (H) and Fulham (H). Cherki’s advanced positioning and increasing minutes make him a high-reward pick, particularly for managers priced out of Foden or looking to double up on City midfield without overcommitting budget.

Bukayo Saka — Arsenal (£10.3m, 22.3%)

Saka’s form (5.5) is slightly down by his standards, but Arsenal’s fixtures compensate. GW18 brings Brighton (H), with Brighton sitting 10th and vulnerable away from home. Arsenal then face Aston Villa (H), Bournemouth (A), Liverpool (H) and Forest (A). While Liverpool adds difficulty, Arsenal’s attacking consistency at the Emirates remains elite. At over £10m, Saka is a premium investment, but his ownership just above 20% means he’s not overly template. He’s a strong option for managers seeking Arsenal coverage without going all-in on forwards.

Declan Rice — Arsenal (£7.1m, 24.1%)

Rice may not be the most glamorous pick, but his 5.3 form and near-100 total points underline his steady output. With Arsenal top of the league, Rice benefits from clean sheets, set-piece assists, bonus points and occasional attacking returns. GW18 vs Brighton (H) suits his all-action role, and the upcoming run mirrors Saka’s. At £7.1m and moderate ownership, Rice offers a safe way into Arsenal’s midfield for managers wanting stability during rotation-heavy weeks — particularly useful if premium midfield slots are already occupied.

Kamara — Aston Villa (£4.9m, 0.6%)

Kamara is one of the most interesting true differentials on the list. At just 0.6% ownership and a £4.9m price tag, he allows major squad flexibility. While his attacking ceiling is lower than Rogers’, Villa’s fixture run from GW20 onward is extremely attractive, and Kamara’s minutes appear secure. GW18 at Chelsea is not ideal, but managers thinking ahead may view him as a long-term enabler who can tick over with steady points. He’s particularly appealing for managers restructuring squads to accommodate premium forwards.

Wirtz — Liverpool (£8.1m, 8.3%)

With Salah away at AFCON, Liverpool’s midfield creativity becomes even more important, and Wirtz looks increasingly central to their attack. His 5.2 form is solid rather than explosive, but the fixtures are enticing. GW18 brings Wolves (H), followed by Leeds (H), Fulham (A) and Burnley (H). The Arsenal and City fixtures later are tougher, but there’s plenty of upside before then. At just 8.3% ownership, Wirtz qualifies as a high-upside differential, especially for managers moving away from Salah structures.

Antoine Semenyo — Bournemouth (£7.7m, 46.4%)

Semenyo’s ownership is high, but his inclusion is justified by fixtures and form (4.8). Bournemouth travel to Brentford (A) in GW18, a mid-table clash with goal potential. The real appeal comes from the longer run: Chelsea (A), Arsenal (H) are tough, but then Wolves (A), Villa (H), Everton (A), West Ham (A) follow (assuming he’s still at Bournemouth once the January transfer window opens). Bournemouth’s willingness to play on the front foot suits Semenyo’s style, and while he’s no longer a differential, he remains a strong hold for managers already invested.

Final Thoughts & GW18 Strategy

Bruno Fernandes (25% owned) looks to be out for a while (awaiting confirmation of extent of leg injury) so when looking at a replacement, if you’re protecting rank, Foden, Rice and Semenyo remain the safest midfield trio. For managers chasing upside, Wirtz, Rogers and Kamara offer genuine differential appeal driven by fixtures rather than hype. Arsenal and Aston Villa midfielders stand out structurally thanks to league position and fixture difficulties, while Liverpool assets gain importance in the absence of Salah.

GW18 is less about explosive one-week punts and more about positioning your midfield correctly for the next six to eight Gameweeks — get that right now, and the festive period can be hugely profitable. 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.

FPL GW17 Preview & Impact of AFCON 2025

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Gameweek 17 arrives with two major factors shaping Fantasy Premier League decision-making: a clearer picture of team quality after 16 rounds, and the disruptive influence of AFCON 2025, which removes several high-value players from the Premier League for the coming weeks. With the extensive Christmas football period, we look at fixture difficulty across GW17–GW22, with FPL managers forced to think beyond one-week punts and instead balance immediate upside with medium-term squad structure.

Looking at the current EPL table, GW17–GW22 Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), the FPL 30-day form list for attackers, and the confirmed list of players absent due to AFCON, this preview identifies six forwards best placed to deliver returns in GW17 and beyond. The focus is on form, fixture quality, opponent strength, and team stability during the AFCON period. Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 17 is set at 11:00 (UK time) on Saturday, 20th 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.

Erling Haaland – Manchester City

Manchester City sit 2nd in the table and continue to score freely, making Erling Haaland the standout forward once again. In GW17, City host West Ham, who are currently 18th, presenting one of the best fixtures of the entire Gameweek. From GW18–GW22, City face Nottingham Forest (A), Sunderland (A), Chelsea (H), Brighton (H), and Manchester United (A). While the final two fixtures are tougher, the next three in particular offer prime opportunities for goals. Haaland remains top for total FPL points among forwards and, with City unaffected by AFCON in attack, he is the safest captaincy and transfer option heading into GW17.

Hugo Ekitiké – Liverpool

Liverpool are 7th in the table but remain dangerous in attack, even with Mohamed Salah away at AFCON given his lack of impact for the club recently. Ekitiké benefits directly from that absence and ranks highly on the FPL 30-day form list. In GW17, Liverpool travel to face Tottenham, who are 11th, a fixture that often produces goals. The next five matches include Wolves (H), Leeds (H), Fulham (A), Arsenal (A), and Burnley (H). While Arsenal away is very difficult, the surrounding fixtures are attractive. With increased responsibility during Salah’s absence, Ekitiké stands out as one of the biggest AFCON-driven FPL beneficiaries.

Jarrod Bowen – West Ham United

Despite West Ham’s struggles (18th), Jarrod Bowen continues to deliver strong individual output and sits near the top of the attackers’ form list. GW17 is tough — West Ham travel to Manchester City (2nd) — but Bowen’s value lies in what follows. From GW18–GW22, West Ham face Fulham (H), Brighton (H), Wolves (A), Nottingham Forest (H), and Tottenham (A). Four of those five fixtures rate favourably for attacking returns. Bowen’s central role, penalty involvement, and lack of AFCON disruption make him a classic “fixture-proof” pick whose value improves significantly after GW17.

Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa

Aston Villa continue to impress in 3rd place, and Ollie Watkins remains their attacking focal point. In GW17, Villa host Manchester United (6th) in a challenging but balanced fixture. Villa’s attacking consistency keeps Watkins relevant even against top-half opposition. The following run includes Chelsea (A), Arsenal (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Crystal Palace (A), and Everton (H). While Arsenal away is as difficult as it gets, the Forest and Everton fixtures in GW20 and GW22 are particularly appealing. Villa have no AFCON absentees, and Watkins’ reliability for minutes and chances makes him a strong medium-term hold rather than a one-week punt.

Richarlison – Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham sit 11th, but Richarlison remains their most reliable attacking outlet and features on the FPL 30-day form list. GW17 brings a home fixture against Liverpool (7th) — challenging, but historically open. Spurs’ fixtures from GW18–GW22 include Crystal Palace (A), Brentford (A), Sunderland (H), Bournemouth (A), and West Ham (H). This is one of the better attacking runs in the league, particularly from GW19 onward. With Tottenham missing midfield depth due to AFCON, Richarlison’s importance in the final third increases, making him a strong differential forward for managers planning ahead.

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Leeds United

Calvert-Lewin ranks second on the FPL 30-day form list and plays for a Leeds side currently 17th, but his individual appeal is driven by fixtures rather than league position. In GW17, Leeds host Crystal Palace, who sit 5th, which is not straightforward, but Leeds’ attacking approach gives Calvert-Lewin chances regardless of opposition. From GW18–GW22, Leeds face Sunderland (A), Liverpool (A), Manchester United (H), Newcastle (A), and Fulham (H). While mixed in difficulty, the Fulham fixture in GW22 stands out. Calvert-Lewin’s strong recent form and secure starting role make him a viable mid-price forward, particularly for managers unable to afford premium options.

AFCON 2025: Which Clubs Are Most Affected?

AFCON 2025 introduces a significant structural shift for several Premier League teams, particularly those losing high-value FPL assets. Liverpool are impacted by the absence of Mohamed Salah, one of the highest-scoring players in FPL 2025/26, but his loss this season will not be felt as much as previous years due to his dip in form and new arrivals at Liverpool. His departure redistributes attacking responsibility, increasing the appeal of alternatives such as Ekitiké and other Liverpool attackers.

Manchester United lose Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, both of whom have delivered strong returns this season. Mbeumo’s absence in particular removes a major source of goals and assists, reducing United’s attacking ceiling and increasing rotation risk for remaining options.

Everton are hit by the loss of Iliman Ndiaye, one of their most productive attackers, while Brentford lose Dango Ouattara, another player with strong FPL returns this season. These absences significantly weaken mid-table and lower-table attacks, making their fixtures less attractive for FPL investment.

Forest and West Ham both lose a couple of defensive players while Spurs lose a couple of midfielders so all three could be under more pressure defensively over the next few fixtures. Sunderland are numerically the most affected, losing six players, which could dramatically impact their competitiveness and make them a fixture to target over the coming weeks. In contrast, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle, Leeds, and Bournemouth emerge relatively unscathed, increasing the reliability of their key assets during this congested period.

Conclusion & GW17 Recommendations

GW17 is a pivotal Gameweek where planning around AFCON becomes just as important as chasing immediate points. Haaland remains the standout captaincy option, while Ekitiké and Bowen gain value as their teams adapt to key absences. Managers should prioritise attackers from clubs least affected by AFCON and with strong GW17–GW22 fixture runs. Building now with a medium-term lens could define success over the next month of FPL action. 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