The anticipation around Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 22 is palpable, with players, fixtures, and injury news playing pivotal roles as managers finalize their squads. With the FPL deadline set for 11:00 GMT on Saturday, January 18, players must make strategic choices to maximize their points.
This week, several low-ownership differentials are catching the eye. One standout is Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest, who has only 4.2% ownership. Priced at £6.4m, he might just be worth the gamble as he faces Southampton, who have shipped the joint-highest number of goals (11) over the last four rounds. Gibbs-White has been flourishing, contributing three goals and three assists during Nottingham's impressive run of acquiring 19 points from their last seven matches. With favorable fixtures against Bournemouth, Brighton, and Fulham looming, he's one to watch closely.
Another differential is Harry Wilson of Fulham, boasting only 0.9% ownership and available for £5.2m. Wilson has had his moments, notching two goals and one assist recently, and he faces Leicester City, who have been generous defensively, conceding 19 goals under new management. Wilson's capability to create chances makes him intriguing, especially with Leicester showing vulnerability on their left side.
It's also worth mentioning James Tarkowski from Everton, priced at £4.8m with 1.5% ownership. Despite tough fixtures coming up, Tarkowski's impressive defensive stats could pay off as he faces Tottenham, who have been struggling to score recently. With Everton having registered seven clean sheets since October, Tarkowski, known for his set-piece threat, presents potential value for managers seeking to bolster their defenses.
The captaincy choices this week also create intrigue. Mohamed Salah leads the pack as Liverpool prepares to face Brentford. Despite having his scoring streak interrupted, his overall attacking involvement makes him a compelling option. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak of Newcastle is grabbing attention with his remarkable run, scoring 11 goals over his last eight league starts. Sitting atop the captain poll, he's backed by over 30% of users, reflecting his consistency and threat against Bournemouth.
Not all news is positive, as injury doubts have surfaced for key players this week. Chelsea's Cole Palmer, alongside teammates Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill, are uncertain for the upcoming match due to fitness concerns. Palmer was set to be one of the top captaincy picks before the injury rumors clouded his status. Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr is also dealing with hamstring tightness, which could cause ripples across many teams who included him.
On the horizon, new player signings also stir the pot. Donyell Malen, recently acquired by Aston Villa, is now marked as £5.5m. Despite his mixed form during his previous stint with Borussia Dortmund, Malen's versatility and pace could add depth to Villa's attack. Analysts will monitor his performances closely to see if he can secure consistent starting time among the existing talent pool at Villa Park.
Managers also need to navigate the 'Assistant Manager' chip, becoming active from Gameweek 24. This new feature brings additional statistics and points based on teams' outcomes, which can significantly impact player selections and captain choices going forward.
For those rushing against the clock, the consensus on Gameweek 22 is clear: assess recent performances, manage injury reports wisely, and exploit favorable fixtures. With the array of talented differential players available, now is the time to take calculated risks. Whether it's maximizing your captaincy choices with reliable options like Salah and Isak or digging deep for hidden gems like Gibbs-White or Wilson, every choice can influence your standing in FPL.
This week promises to be another thrilling chapter in the FPL saga. Good luck managing your teams!