We have passed the halfway point of the season with the January transfer window soon coming to a close. Premier League clubs have had the opportunity to shake up their squads and plug any gaps before the final half of the campaign. As we move deeper into the season, the importance of fixture analysis becomes even more crucial for Fantasy Premier League managers. With gameweeks 22-26 on the horizon, there are a number of key fixtures to keep an eye on, including some Double gameweeks as well. We’re here to make life a bit easier with the FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 22-26 (till the end of the season) 2022/23
In this FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 22-26, 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.
FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 22-26 2022/23: Analysing the upcoming fixtures
There are quite a few DGWs coming up within the next five gameweeks. In GW22, Manchester United and Leeds both play twice, although keep in mind this could change depending on the FA Cup 4th round results, though this is unlikely. Additionally in GW23, Arsenal and Manchester City, both play a double.
The EFL Cup Final will be played on the weekend of gameweek 25. There are four Premier League teams in the semi-finals, and all those 4 teams play against a different 4 in GW25, which means the two teams that pass the semi-finals round will have their fixtures in GW25 postponed.
What this means for FPL is that there could be 4 teams with a blank gameweek in GW25, denoted by a red-coloured cell in the image above. However, there is a midweek slot reserved for the 5th round of the FA Cup, and depending on the 4th round results, some teams could play here, meaning a double gameweek for GW25. Finally, GW26 could be another small double but this is not confirmed.
FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 22-26 2022/23: Teams to Target
1. Manchester United
Ahead of the Gameweek 22 deadline, there is one team which immediately stands out. Manchester United are one of the two teams to play a double gameweek in GW22. They will play Crystal Palace and Leeds United both at home – this is a fantastic DGW opportunity.
Ten Hag’s men will then play Leeds (A), Leicester (H), and Brentford (H) in the 3 GWs either. They could potentially blank in GW25 but it is still a good idea to target Manchester United assets. They will play up to 4 home games in the next 5 gameweeks, and Manchester United haven’t lost a game at home in the Premier League since GW1. The team have made good progress in recent weeks, ranking 2nd for expected goals over the last 6 gameweeks.
Marcus Rashford (7.2 million) is a must-have at this point, and a potential captain for GW22 as well. Rashford has hit incredible form recently, blanking just once in his last 6 Premier League matches, averaging 7.7 points per game in that period.
A United defender is worth having too, considering the defence has managed the 3rd most clean sheets this season (8) – Luke Shaw (5.2 million) and David De Gea (4.9 million) are both good picks here. For more of a differential choice, Bruno Fernandes (9.9 million) is worth considering – he has contributed to 5 goals in his last 5 games, without blanking at all in that period.
2. Arsenal
Arsenal‘s progression over the last couple of years has been incredible and they are currently 5 points clear at the top of the table as unlikely title challengers. With some January transfer business done too, it’s clear Arsenal is going all in for this title race.
The Gunners face Everton (A) followed by a DGW in GW23 against Brentford (H) and Manchester City (H), and then more good fixtures against Aston Villa (A), Leicester (A) and Bournemouth (H). Based on their performances this season, it looks like Arsenal could be considered fixture-proof. They are unbeaten at home this season and have accumulated the most points away than any other team.
It could be worth filling up on Arsenal players for the next 5 gameweeks. Martin Odegaard (6.9 million) is on fantastic form at the moment and is in fact the highest FPL-point-scoring midfielder in the game (117). His affordable price and output make him a great pick. Additionally, Bukayo Saka (8.2 million) provides consistency, with 7 goals and 7 assists this season.
Arsenal’s defence has amassed 9 clean sheets this season, bettered by only Newcastle, so it is certainly worth investing there. Saliba (5.3 million) and Gabriel (5.2 million) are both pretty much nailed in the starting eleven. Eddie Nketiah (6.7 million) is a good differential forward to consider, with 4 goals in his last 5 starts, where he has been filling in for the injured Gabriel Jesus.
3. Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has encountered surprise competition for the title in Arsenal, who are currently 5 points ahead with a game-in-hand. However, historically, they are inevitable when it comes to closing leads like this. Now is the time for them to start the winning streak and they have some important fixtures coming up too.
In the next 5 gameweeks, City plays Tottenham (A), a double against Aston Villa (H) and Arsenal (A), Nottingham Forrest (A), Bournemouth (A) and Newcastle (H). Despite the odd slip-up, Manchester City has generally looked really dangerous this season and has accumulated the most xG out of any other team in the league.
Erling Haaland (does the price matter?) is practically locked in at this point. The 22-year-old is on course to break the Premier League goals record and 85.3% of FPL managers own him already. Kevin De Bruyne (12.5 million) has been a little inconsistent recently in FPL but his underlying stats have always been good.
He has 3 goals and an impressive 11 assists this season as well. Riyad Mahrez (7.6 million) has emerged as a great differential in the last few weeks, averaging 7.5 points per game over his last 6 appearances, and he could be worth considering.
4. Newcastle United
Newcastle‘s defence this season has been incredible this season, one which even the best teams in the league have struggled to crack. They have the most clean sheets this season (12), the least goals conceded per match (0.6) and the 3rd least xG conceded, and this solid defence has put them 3rd in the Premier League table.
In fact, Newcastle hasn’t conceded a single goal in the Premier League since all the way back in GW15, which means they are currently on a run of 6 clean sheets in a row. Furthermore, Newcastle’s upcoming fixtures against West Ham (H), Bournemouth (A), the out-of-form Liverpool (H) and Brighton (H) are all more opportunities for Eddie Howe‘s men to add to their tally.
With so many clean sheet points being dished out every week amongst Newcastle defenders, having at least 1 is essential, but 2 would be even better. Kieran Trippier (6.1 million) is a must-have – he is the highest-scoring defender and 2nd highest-scoring player in terms of FPL points. Dan Burn (4.6 million), Sven Botman (4.5 million), Fabian Schar (5.1 million) and Nick Pope (5.5 million) are all brilliant options to double up on the Newcastle defence.
Out of the attack, Miguel Almiron (5.8 million) is the club’s top-scorer, however, he has dropped a little recently and is without a return since GW17, but he could still get back to his best in the next few weeks. Finally, Aleksander Isak (6.6 million) could be a good differential, providing he gets consistent minutes. He has been injured for the major part of this season, but he has a decent record of 3 goals in 5 appearances.
5. Brighton
Robert De Zerbi has improved Brighton since he joined earlier this season. They currently sit 6th in the PL table, 5 points behind Tottenham but with 2 games in hand. Their attack in particular has been very efficient and ranks 4th in the league for the most goals per game (1.9).
In fact, in the last 6 gameweeks, no other side has scored more goals than Brighton’s 15. In the next 5 GWs, Brighton will face Bournemouth (H), Crystal Palace (A) and Fulham (H), and all three rank in the bottom half for the worst xG conceded (18th, 13th and 20th respectively).
Brighton winger, Karou Mitoma (5.1 million) is on great form right now and has had an attacking return in all 4 of his last 4 games. With a low price and just 5.2% ownership, he could be a differential worth considering. Evan Ferguson (4.6 million) is another player that has hit good form recently and his fantastic budget price and low ownership could make him a great differential if he can keep this form going.
The 18-year-old has 3 goals and 2 assists in just his last 4 matches. Pascal Gross (5.5 million) has 6 goals and 3 assists this season, and he ranks top amongst his teammates for chances created and big chances created. No other Brighton player has scored more FPL points than Gross’ 90, which means he could be a source of consistency at a good price.
FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 22-26 2022/23: Teams to Avoid
1. Leeds United
Leeds United‘ double gameweek in GW22 makes them look like an appealing option but when considering the bigger picture, it is best to avoid falling into that trap. Leeds hasn’t won a game since GW15, meaning they have failed to win in the last 6 games.
Furthermore, their fixtures following the double gameweek don’t look great – they play Manchester United (H) in GW23, followed by Everton (A), Southampton (H), and Chelsea (A). If Southampton makes the finals of the EFL Cup, that would mean Leeds have a blank gameweek in GW25 as well.
There aren’t any standout Leeds assets that are scoring points consistently which is another reason why it isn’t worth buying into their double game-week in GW22.
2. West Ham United
West Ham has struggled this season, and currently sits 16th on the table, just 1 point off the relegation zone. They rank 16th for goals per match, 19th for big chances created and 17th for the worst xG conceded out of all teams in the league.
Their upcoming fixtures don’t look great either. They play Newcastle (A), Chelsea (H), Tottenham (A), Nottingham Forrest (H) and Brighton (A). Aside from the GW25 fixture, these are some tricky games for West Ham.
Furthermore, there aren’t many West Ham players worth investing in, aside from Bowen who scored 16 points in GW21. However, Bowen hasn’t been consistent enough for his price tag either. All in all, West Ham isn’t in their best place right now and is best to avoid for now.
3. Everton
Everton has been far from where they would like to be this season, as they currently sit 19th in the table, and are without a win since GW13. As a result of their poor form, the manager Frank Lampard was recently sacked and Sean Dyche has taken over.
It is yet to be seen what Dyche can do with this Everton side. Whilst it is best to avoid Everton assets, it is a good idea to keep an eye on them though, to see what Dyche can do as the new manager. Everton has some good budget players like Demarai Gray (5.3 million) who could be worthwhile if Everton can start getting results as a team.
What are your thoughts on the FPL Fixture Watch Gameweek 22-26, 2022/23? Drop your comments in the comments section below!
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