The World Cup break is behind us and the Premier League is back in full swing as the season resumes. After a month-long hiatus, the fixtures for GW18 are now in the rearview mirror and FPL managers are looking ahead to the next 5 gameweeks in Fantasy Premier League. However, it’s not just the return of FPL that’s worth keeping an eye on – there are several postponed fixtures that have been rescheduled for the coming gameweeks, which means there are a number of Double gameweeks to consider. We’re here to make life a bit easier with the FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 18-22 (till the end of the season) 2022/23.
In this FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 18-22, we’ll take a closer look at the schedule over the next 5 gameweeks and highlight some of the best teams to target, as well as the ones to avoid. We’ll also provide recommendations on which players to consider adding to your squad and which ones to sell. Stay tuned for all the latest FPL analysis and tips as we approach the latter stages of the season.
FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 18-22 2022/23: Analysing the upcoming fixtures
Following the postponements earlier this season, there are a number of double game-weeks approaching which are worth planning towards. In GW19, Chelsea and Fulham both play a double gameweek, and Manchester City and Tottenham Spurs both play twice in GW20. Then in GW21, there is a second potential double gameweek and the fixtures are yet to be confirmed. Fortunately, fixture analysis expert, Ben Crellin, has picked out the teams that will potentially play a DGW in GW21, as shown in the image below.
It’s a little complicated but essentially, the idea is GW21 will span over almost a two-week period at the end of January. The main GW21 fixtures will be played on the weekend (21st and 22nd). Then there will be the EFL Cup Semi-Final round during the midweek slot (24th). Teams that don’t play in the EFL Cup during that midweek slot have the opportunity to play a Premier League fixture, making for a double game-week.
On the following weekend (28th), the FA Cup 4th Round will take place. Then in the 2nd-midweek slot (31st), the second group of EFL Cup semi-finals will take place, meaning there is another potential slot here for Premier League fixtures. As it stands, Arsenal, Everton, Crystal Palace and Brighton are the teams that will likely play a DGW (denoted by a single question mark). Liverpool, Bournemouth and Chelsea may possibly play a DGW (denoted by 2 question marks). Brighton may potentially play a triple gameweek too, as there is the 2nd-midweek slot available.
Following that, there may potentially be another double game-week in GW22. This could depend on the results of the FA Cup 4th round results, given that the midweek slot following GW22 weekend is for the FA Cup 4th Round Replays.
FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 18-22 2022/23: Teams to Target
1. Chelsea
Chelsea has have not been at their best this season, currently 8th in the table. However, if they are to turn this around, now would be a good time to do so. Chelsea faces Nottingham Forrest (A) and a DGW19 against Manchester City (H) and Fulham (A), which is the main highlight of their schedule. The Blues will then take on Crystal Palace (H), Liverpool (A) and finally Fulham (H) in GW22. It’s also worth noting that Chelsea could play another DGW in GW21, as they still have a fixture against Liverpool (H) to play.
Reece James (5.8 million) is back from injury which is a huge positive for Graham Potter‘s side. James is yet to make an impact after a season riddled with setbacks so far. However, he is one of Chelsea’s brightest players, without a doubt. Alternatively, Kepa (4.5 million) is another way to get a hand in on Chelsea’s defence. The Spaniard was performing really well prior to his injury in GW14 and he is reportedly back in training now.
2. Manchester City
Certain Manchester City players are almost essential anyway, regardless of their fixtures. However, City’s upcoming fixture schedule is another reason why FPL managers should aim to double up, or even triple up, on City assets. Guardiola‘s side faces Everton (H) and Chelsea (A) followed by a double game-week in GW20 against Manchester United (A) and Tottenham (H).
Erling Haaland (12.2 million) is practically glued in any way, after what he has shown he can do so far this season. Joao Cancelo (7.4 million) is a good option to cover the defence. He has played the most minutes out of any other City defender this season (1116) and is currently the game’s 4th highest point-scoring defender. Many managers will be looking to accommodate Kevin De Bruyne (12.6 million) as well, if not already.
3. Manchester United
Erik Ten Hag seems to have breathed new life into Manchester United. Only three other teams have conceded a lower xG than United, keeping 5 clean sheets in the process. United take on Wolves (A) and Bournemouth (H) in the next 2 GWs. It gets a bit difficult after that, with United facing the two league leaders, Manchester City (H) and Arsenal (A) in GW20/21. Therefore, the best time to get United assets is ahead of the GW18 deadline.
It’s a good idea to get a hand in the United defence, and David De Gea (4.9 million) is a safe choice. He is certain to start and has accumulated a respectable 50 points so far this season. A lot of the United defenders are tagged as injury doubts which means choices are limited. Diogo Dalot (4.8 million) would be the best bet, but instead, Luke Shaw (4.8 million) is a good pick, with a hand in defensive solidity and attacking potential.
Out of the attack, Marcus Rashford (6.7 million) is a popular option. The 25-year-old has been on good form so far this season and is currently United’s highest-scoring FPL player. Bruno Fernandes (9.8 million) and Anthony Martial (6.7 million) are both differentials who could make an impact.
4. Fulham
Fulham has started the season well, currently sitting midtable, which is good for a newly promoted side. The Cottagers restarted the season with an emphatic win against Crystal palace (A), which will be followed by Southampton (H) and a double gameweek in GW19 against Leicester(A) and Chelsea (H).
Fulham has a few budget picks which are worth having despite the fixtures, as they are good value for money. Aleksandr Mitrovic (6.8 million) is the talisman of the team and has scored an impressive 10 goals this season. Andreas Pereira (4.6 million) is a fantastic option who has returned 64 points which is great for the immensely low price.
5. Brighton
If Brighton‘s triple game-week goes through, they will ultimately be the team to target. Expect further information to be released on this in a couple more weeks. The Seagulls face Arsenal (H), Everton (A) and Liverpool (H) in the run-in before GW21. They could potentially play up to three times in GW21 with a certain fixture against Leicester (A), possibly in addition to Crystal Palace (H) and Bournemouth (A).
Brighton assets are not a high priority at the moment, considering they play league leaders, Arsenal, in GW18. However, Brighton’s GW19 fixture against 17th-placed Everton is a good time to target assets.
Leandro Trossard (7.1 million) is the ideal attacking pick from De Zerbi’s side. He is the clubs’ top scorer and joint-top assist with 7 goals and 2 assists this season. Lewis Dunk (4.7 million) could also be a good budget pick to cover the Brighton defence. The Englishman is sure to start and with his 5% ownership, he could serve as a differential.
FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 18-22 2022/23: Teams to Avoid
1. Wolves
Wolves have been very far from their best this season, but the introduction of Julen Lopetegui could breath new life into the club. In the next 5 weeks, Wolves play against Manchester United (H), Aston Villa (A), West Ham (H), Manchester City (A) and Liverpool (H). The three fixtures against the top 6 teams will certainly be a struggle, which is why it is not a good idea to target Wolves players just yet. Additionally, it’s unclear what strategy Lopetegui takes as well, so it’s best to just keep watch on Wolves for now, until the fixtures clear up.
2. Everton
Lampard‘s side has struggled this season, and so far, they have managed just 3 wins in their last 10 games. They narrowly missed out on a point, after Wolves managed to score a last-minute winner to take home all 3 points in Gameweek 17. Furthermore, Everton take on Manchester City (A) in GW18, followed by Brighton (H), Southampton (H), West Ham (A) and Arsenal (H).
3. Tottenham Hotspur
This may be a rather debatable suggestion, considering Tottenham play twice in GW20. However, Tottenham’s performances have been far from convincing. Conte’s side only just mustered a draw against Brentford in GW17, and they next play Aston Villa (H) and Crystal Palace (A). In GW20 they face Arsenal (H) and Manchester City (A), which is followed by Fulham (A) and another fixture against Manchester City, but this time at home.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that after GW20, Spurs have no other postponed fixtures to be rescheduled, whilst Liverpool has an additional two for example.
The point is though, many of Spurs’ best assets are premium-priced. Harry Kane (11.6 million) has done very well this season and scored in his last match too. However, is it worth trying to accommodate Kane over a premium player such as Kevin De Bruyne or Salah, both of who have better-looking double game-weeks? Going with multiple premiums is a risky strategy as there are quite a few double game-weeks approaching, and teams need that wiggle room in the budget to adapt quickly. Perhaps Harry Kane is a good differential pick for those trying to chase rank, but generally, it’s best to leave Spurs players out for the time being and instead target the other teams instead.
What are your thoughts on the FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 18-22, 2022/23? Drop your comments in the comments section below!
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