FPL

FPL Gameweek 23 Stars: Rice and Gabriel Lead Must-Have Picks Alongside Rising Talents Cherki and Thiago

Following another busy midweek across Europe, focus shifts back to the Premier League for Gameweek 23.

Fantasy Premier League enthusiasts have welcomed the return to a more regular fixture list after the mayhem of the holiday season, providing adequate time for crucial transfer decisions.

Having crossed the season's halfway mark, it's crystal clear which players deliver genuine FPL value, though several intriguing differential options remain that could boost managers in their mini-leagues.

Here's an examination of the top FPL picks for GW23.

Top FPL Goalkeepers for Gameweek 23: Roefs, Kelleher Present Opportunities

For those employing a rotation strategy with two budget keepers, GW23 looks encouraging. Sunderland's Robin Roefs (£5.0m), the competition's second-highest scoring goalkeeper, meets inconsistent and goal-starved West Ham United (A), while Brentford's Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.6m) hosts Nottingham Forest (H), who should be tired following their midweek loss to Braga.

Clean sheet possibilities exist in Fulham vs. Brighton & Hove Albion, though selecting the keeper most likely to secure a shutout proves challenging. Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) provides marginally better value than Bernd Leno (£4.9m).

David Raya (£5.9m) remains an obvious set-and-forget choice despite a tricky encounter with Manchester United (H), as Arsenal's defense continues being the league's strongest by considerable margin.

FPL Goalkeepers With the Most Points 🔥

Top FPL Defenders for Gameweek 23: Saliba, Timber Reliable Choices

Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel

Building on Arsenal's defensive strength, Gabriel (£6.9m) stands as absolutely essential. The Brazilian has accumulated 38 points over the previous four gameweeks and represents a crucial backline selection, paired excellently with Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) and William Saliba (£6.0m) for those seeking Arsenal defensive doubles.

Chelsea enter a promising fixture sequence, starting with Crystal Palace (A). The Eagles struggle offensively, recently lost Marc Guéhi, and are faltering under volatile Oliver Glasner, making Trevoh Chalobah (£5.6m) an attractive short and long-term option.

James Tarkowski (£5.7m) has secured three clean sheets in his previous five league matches and consistently contributes defensively. He might produce solid returns against Leeds United (H) on Monday evening, though the Whites show good form.

For budget defensive options, consider Sunderland pair Omar Alderete (£4.1m) and Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m), both possessing strong clean sheet prospects away at London Stadium. A positive Champions League result should lift Tottenham Hotspur spirits and makes Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) more attractive against Burnley (A).

FPL Defenders With the Most Points 🔥

Top FPL Midfielders for Gameweek 23: Wilson Value, Wirtz Promise

Manchester City theoretically face the weekend's simplest fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers (H), but their recent form creates doubt following consecutive losses to Man Utd and Bodø/Glimt. Rayan Cherki (£6.7m) provides affordable access to their attack for this match and has netted twice in his last three appearances across all competitions. Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) represents a more speculative choice.

An unusual clean sheet in the Manchester derby hasn't resolved Man Utd's defensive problems and Arsenal might exploit their backline vulnerabilities on Sunday. Declan Rice (£7.4m) gives managers optimal value through both defensive and attacking contributions and currently leads all midfielders in scoring.

Cole Palmer (£10.4m) should be available for Chelsea's Selhurst Park visit and could shine against the Eagles, but Enzo Fernández (£6.6m) represents the wiser selection at a fraction of the cost. The Palace fixture precedes meetings with West Ham (H), Wolves (A), Leeds (H) and Burnley (H).

Harry Wilson (£5.9m) continues offering exceptional value before his home meeting with Brighton, while Liverpool's Florian Wirtz (£8.3m) could prove an intriguing selection against faltering Bournemouth (A) having recorded a goal or assist in four of his past six league outings.

Though not ideal timing away at Arsenal, Bruno Fernandes (£9.2m) might soon become indispensable and the Man Utd captain typically performs regardless of opposition.

FPL Midfielders With the Most Points 🔥

Top FPL Forwards for Gameweek 23: Explore Ekitike, Calvert-Lewin

Most managers already possess Erling Haaland (£15.1m) and should resist any urge to transfer the Norwegian despite a lackluster start to 2026—particularly with a home fixture against Wolves approaching.

Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) may not inspire as a long-term investment but could deliver this weekend at the Vitality Stadium. He showed another energetic performance against Marseille midweek despite not scoring (well, an onside goal anyway) and remains central to the Reds' attacking play.

Brentford's Igor Thiago (£7.2m) will relish Forest's visit to the Gtech Community Stadium, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) hopes his excellent form persists against former club Everton on Monday.

Eli Junior Kroupi (£4.6m) has become a guaranteed starter following Semenyo's Bournemouth departure and other injuries. He's an ideal budget selection and could trouble a Liverpool defense prone to occasional collapses.

FPL Forwards With the Most Points 🔥

When Is the FPL Gameweek 23 Deadline?

Without Friday evening fixtures to consider, the GW23 FPL deadline occurs at 11:00 on Saturday, Jan. 24.

All modifications must be completed before the deadline to take effect for GW23.

Top FPL Goalkeepers for Gameweek 23: Roefs, Kelleher Present Opportunities