FPL Gameweek 22 Gold: Top Player Picks to Dominate Your Mini-League
Cup competitions have provided Fantasy Premier League enthusiasts with a welcome break from the intense holiday schedule, but focus now shifts back to Gameweek 22 preparations.
The resumption of regular fixtures brings relief after numerous weeks of rapid-fire deadlines, giving managers time to carefully consider their transfer strategies.
Several exciting matchups await targeting in the coming round, beginning with a crucial Manchester derby at Old Trafford and ending with a coastal clash on Monday evening.
Here are Sports Illustrated's premier FPL selections for GW22.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers
Robin Roefs (£4.9m) has been a crucial acquisition for Sunderland and the Dutch keeper should be optimistic about a clean sheet versus Crystal Palace (H), who haven't won in nine outings and lack confidence following their shocking FA Cup elimination to Macclesfield Town.
Arsenal's ability to secure clean sheets makes David Raya (£5.9m) consistently reliable, with the encounter against Nottingham Forest (A) this weekend potentially bringing the Spanish goalkeeper additional points.
Though not the simplest fixture available, Brighton & Hove Albion's Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) offers an economical choice between the sticks. The Seagulls have recorded shutouts in their previous two home fixtures and meet faltering Bournemouth (H) on Monday.
Defenders
Defenders
Gabriel (6.7m) represents a must-have defensive selection considering Arsenal's clean sheet prospects and his consistent offensive contributions. He's accumulated 30 points across the previous three matches with two goals and one shutout. Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) serves as an excellent pairing option for those seeking additional Arsenal defensive coverage.
Aston Villa host Everton (H) this weekend, who struggle offensively, making Matty Cash (£4.8m) an appealing choice. He also provides attacking potential, having netted three goals and recorded two assists this campaign.
Liverpool's backline remains questionable but a meeting with Burnley (H) represents their strongest opportunity for a clean sheet. As a temporary selection, Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) might benefit managers.
Those seeking budget alternatives can consider Tottenham's Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) against West Ham (H) or Sunderland's pairing of Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m) and Omar Alderete (£4.1m).
Midfielders
Midfielders
The Manchester derby will capture significant attention this weekend and Bruno Fernandes' (£9.1m) comeback creates FPL intrigue. The Manchester United captain is fixture-resistant and might excel operating in advanced positions under Michael Carrick.
Rayan Cherki (£6.8m), who has contributed seven goals/assists in his recent 10 appearances across competitions, stands as Manchester City's premier midfield choice, though Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) could merit consideration after an impressive Etihad debut.
Arsenal's visit to the City Ground might prove rewarding for Bukayo Saka (£10.2m) and Declan Rice (£7.3m) owners. Both represent excellent midfield investments, though Rice arguably offers superior value despite being less explosive than his teammate.
Florian Wirtz (£8.2m) stands as the sole Liverpool midfielder worth considering for the Burnley clash after collecting 34 points from his recent five appearances, while Enzo Fernández (£6.4m) merits consideration as Chelsea prepare for a west London derby versus Brentford (H).
Bruno Guimarães (£7.2m) has found the net in three consecutive Newcastle league matches and faces bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) on Sunday. Fulham's Harry Wilson (£5.9m) maintains consistent production facing Leeds (A) and Villa's Morgan Rogers (£7.7m) presents an excellent option for the home encounter with Everton.
Forwards
Forwards
Erling Haaland (£15.1m) has disappointed lately but remains a crucial selection. He possesses an excellent Manchester derby record with eight goals and three assists across nine previous encounters with Man Utd.
After recovering from injury last weekend, contributing a goal and assist in the FA Cup, Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) represents an excellent pick against 19th-placed Burnley. Eight goals and two assists this Premier League season demonstrates impressive output.
Igor Thiago (£7.1m) demands attention for Brentford despite a challenging away fixture against Chelsea. The Brazilian has netted five times in his last two outings and has reached an remarkable 16 Premier League goals this season.
In what promises to be a goal-filled encounter at Elland Road, Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and Fulham's Raúl Jiménez (£6.2m) both represent solid selections.
When Is the FPL Gameweek 22 Deadline?
When Is the FPL Gameweek 22 Deadline?
Without Friday evening fixtures, the GW22 FPL deadline occurs at 11 a.m. GMT on Saturday, Jan. 17.
All modifications must be completed before the deadline to take effect for GW22.