FPL
FPL: GW1 Stars, Transfer Trends and GW2 Targets
The 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League season kicked off with a bang. We had explosive hauls, gut-wrenching heartbreaks, and the usual dose of VAR controversy to keep us on our toes. Managers are already moving fast in the transfer market. Let’s break it all down, from standout performers to early transfer trends, and look ahead to Gameweek 2.
The Stars of Gameweek 1
It was Sunderland who stole the show on their Premier League return, beating West Ham 3-0 in front of a rocking home crowd. Centre-back Dan Ballard topped the FPL charts with 17 points, thanks to a goal, clean sheet, bonus points, and hitting the new defensive contributions threshold. At just £4.5m, he’s already looking like a gift from the FPL gods.
Elsewhere, it was the weekend of the braces. Antoine Semenyo scored twice against Liverpool, becoming one of the first price risers of the season. He was joined by Erling Haaland, Richarlison, and Chris Wood in the two-goal club.
- Haaland: Topped the table for xG (2.01) with three big chances – no surprise, business as usual.
- Wood: Two shots, two goals. Classic Chris Wood efficiency.
- Richarlison: Bagged a brace against Burnley, including an overhead kick. His gametime could come under threat once Solanke regains fitness, but he’s made his case.
Other haulers included Tijjani Reijnders (10 points), Hugo Ekitike (11), and Mohammed Kudus (10) , all popular picks who delivered right away.
When FPL Dreams Turn Sour
Not everyone started with fireworks. Aston Villa’s attack was flat, posting the lowest xG (0.2) of any team this weekend. Ollie Watkins, highly backed after a strong pre-season, was starved of chances as Villa failed to impress against Newcastle.
Defensively, Villa owners were hit even harder. Ezri Konsa (20% ownership) saw red after hauling down Anthony Gordon, ending on just 3 points and now suspended for Gameweek 2.
Meanwhile, Matt Doherty of Wolves recorded the first negative score of the season. A yellow card and four goals conceded left him on -1. Ouch.
Heartbreakers & Late Wipeouts
Gameweek 1 also brought familiar pain for FPL managers.
- Eberechi Eze thought he had scored a free-kick at Stamford Bridge, only for VAR to rule it out due to Guehi’s positioning in the wall. Classic early-season heartbreak.
- Forest defenders were cruising to a clean sheet until a 78th-minute Brentford penalty wiped it away.
- Brighton defenders suffered even worse, conceding in the 96th minute against Fulham.
- And to twist the knife, Bruno Fernandes fell just one defensive contribution short of extra points.
These moments remind us why FPL can be as brutal as it is beautiful.
Things You Might Have Missed
Gameweek 1 had a few sneaky details that slipped under the radar:
- Anthony Gordon led the league with 7 shots, playing up front in Isak’s absence.
- Virgil van Dijk hit a ridiculous 21 defensive contributions – more than double the threshold.
- Rayan Aït-Nouri played a hybrid CB role vs City and snuck extra defensive points.
- Spurs creativity was on display: Kudus and Pedro Porro ranked among the top four for crosses.
- Promoted Sunderland only managed 0.7 xG despite scoring three – their finishing clinical, but sustainability a concern.
Transfer Trends
The biggest story of the week is Tijjani Reijnders. Over 700k managers have brought him in already, sending his price up to £5.6m with ownership reaching 27% so far.
The Dutchman’s popularity has triggered a reshuffle across squads. Here’s who’s making way:
- Florian Wirtz → The biggest casualty, sold by over 330k managers after blanking.
- Elliot Anderson → Despite better xGI than Reijnders, he’s being binned by Reijnders buyers. Could be a move managers regret.
- Omar Marmoush → Victim of Pep roulette, but owners are rolling the dice on another City mid instead.
- Even Cole Palmer is being sold by some! Despite his ownership above 60% and a home fixture next, panic has crept in.
Reijnders looks like a strong enabler, but there are shades of a knee-jerk here.
Form Forwards
Both Richarlison and Wood are hot transfer targets.
Statistically, Richarlison edges it with more shots, more shots in the box, and higher xG. His ceiling looks higher, but Solanke’s return may complicate his minutes. Wood, meanwhile, is nailed and clinical. With both Spurs and Forest sitting top for attack difficulty ratings over the next six fixtures, managers can’t go too wrong with either.
Looking Ahead to Gameweek 2
- Sunderland assets like Ballard are already proving value, though sustainability is a question.
- Villa attackers have excellent fixtures despite a poor opening. Patience with Watkins could pay off.
- Anthony Gordon is a genuine out-of-position gem if Isak remains sidelined.
- Richarlison vs Wood is shaping up to be the big budget forward debate of the week.
Transfers are flying, but remember: one week doesn’t define a season. Sometimes the best move is no move at all.
Final Thoughts
Gameweek 1 reminded us of everything we love (and hate) about FPL. Haulers came through, heartbreakers crushed us, and the transfer market is already buzzing with knee-jerks. But if there’s one truth in FPL, it’s this: staying patient often pays.
Now it’s time to get ahead of the pack. Download the We Play FPL app today, track transfers, plan your moves, compare players, and get AI-powered predictions to keep your team one step ahead.
May your arrows be green. Happy managing!
FPL
GW23 FPL: Defensive Anchors, Value Midfielders and Budget Forward Targets
GW23 FPL: defensive must-haves, cheap forwards and mid-priced midfielders with promising fixtures 23
With Gameweek 23 on the horizon managers should balance safe, high-floor options with a handful of budget differentials. For those using a two-keeper rotation, Robin Roefs (£5.0m) of Sunderland is the standout short-term pick; he is the game’s second highest-scoring stopper and faces West Ham United (A). Brentford’s Caomhín Kelleher (£4.6m) looks appealing against Nottingham Forest (H), who arrive tired after a midweek defeat to Braga. Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) offers slightly better value than Bernd Leno (£4.9m) for the Fulham v Brighton meeting, while David Raya (£5.9m) remains a set-and-forget despite an awkward clash with Manchester United (H). Arsenal’s defence continue to be the strongest in the division by some distance.
At the back, Gabriel (£6.9m) is essential after 38 points in the last four gameweeks, and pairs well with Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) or William Saliba (£6.0m) for those wanting an Arsenal double-up. Chelsea begin a favourable run with Crystal Palace (A), making Trevoh Chalobah (£5.6m) a compelling pick. James Tarkowski (£5.7m) has three clean sheets in his last five and could reward managers against Leeds United (H). Budget defenders Omar Alderete (£4.1m) and Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m) have clean sheet potential away at London Stadium, and Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) gains appeal versus Burnley (A) after a positive Champions League result for Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester City face Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) on paper but recent defeats to Man Utd and Bodø/Glimt are a concern; Rayan Cherki (£6.7m) is a cost-effective route into their attack, having scored two in his last three matches in all competitions, while Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) remains a riskier pick. Declan Rice (£7.4m) combines defensive returns with goals and is the highest-scoring midfielder. Cole Palmer (£10.4m) should be fit for Chelsea’s trip to Selhurst Park but Enzo Fernández (£6.6m) is the smarter, cheaper alternative. Harry Wilson (£5.9m) is exceptional value against Brighton.
Up front, Erling Haaland (£15.1m) stays essential for most squads. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) could threaten at the Vitality Stadium after a lively display against Marseille despite failing to score (well, an onside goal at least). Brentford’s Igor Thiago (£7.2m), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and budget option Eli Junior Kroupi (£4.6m) are all listed as weekend differentials with immediate upside.
FPL
FPL Gameweek 22: goalkeepers to target, defensive doubles and midfield differentials
Budget goalkeepers, Arsenal defensive doubles and differential midfielders to target for Gameweek 22
Domestic cup action provided a brief mental break for Fantasy Premier League managers, but focus returns for Gameweek 22. The round opens with the Manchester derby at Old Trafford and finishes with a south coast battle on Monday night.
Goalkeepers on the radar include Robin Roefs (£4.9m) of Sunderland, who faces Crystal Palace (H); Palace are winless in nine matches and low on confidence after their FA Cup exit to Macclesfield Town. David Raya (£5.9m) remains a safe option given Arsenal’s knack for clean sheets as they travel to Nottingham Forest (A). Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) offers a budget route between the posts after the Seagulls kept clean sheets in their last two home matches and now host Bournemouth (H).
At the back, Arsenal defenders stand out. Gabriel (6.7m) is essential for his clean sheet potential and attacking returns, having produced 30 points in the last three matches following two goals and a shutout. Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) provides a sensible double-up for extra Arsenal coverage. Matty Cash (£4.8m) is attractive for Aston Villa at home to Everton (H), offering attacking potential with three goals and two assists in the league this term. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) is a short-term punt against Burnley (H). Cheaper defensive options include Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) versus West Ham (H) and Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m) and Omar Alderete (£4.1m).
Midfield looks lively. The Manchester derby is made more interesting by the return of Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m), who is described as fixture-proof and could thrive playing further forward under Michael Carrick. Rayan Cherki (£6.8m) is Manchester City’s standout midfield option, with seven goal contributions in his last 10 games across all competitions. Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) could be worth the gamble after an excellent start to life at the Etihad. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (£10.2m) and Declan Rice (£7.3m) are both options at the City Ground, with Rice offering arguably better value. Florian Wirtz (£8.2m) has 34 points from his last five games and is the Liverpool midfielder to consider for Burnley. Enzo Fernández (£6.4m), Bruno Guimarães (£7.2m), Harry Wilson (£5.9m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.7m) are other midfield names to note.
Among forwards, Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains essential despite recent form and has a strong Manchester derby record: eight goals and three assists in nine previous meetings with Man Utd. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) returned from injury with a goal and assist in the FA Cup and has eight goals and two assists this season, making him a strong pick against 19th-place Burnley. Igor Thiago (£7.1m) has scored five goals in his last two games and is on 16 Premier League strikes this term. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and Raúl Jiménez (£6.2m) are both recommended for the potentially high-scoring meeting at Elland Road.
Arsenal
FPL Gameweek 18: Goalkeepers, Bargains and Must-Haves for the Deadline
FPL GW18 picks and deadline details: goalkeeper sleeper plays, budget forwards and premium options..
The Boxing Day sequence leaves Fantasy Premier League managers choosing carefully ahead of Gameweek 18. Several goalkeeper and outfield options stand out given the fixtures and recent form.
Alisson Becker (£5.4m) remains a contender despite Liverpool not keeping many clean sheets this season; Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored only nine times in 19 games. Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.5m) is an alternative after Bournemouth were held by Everton and Chelsea earlier this month, and Burnley conceded just once in their most recent match. Bernd Leno (£4.9m) is an attractive differential for Fulham at home against West Ham United.
Joško Gvardiol (£6.0m) is recommended as Manchester City aim to extend a run of successive clean sheets against Nottingham Forest, and his attacking output offers additional upside. James Tarkowski (£5.5m) could provide value for Everton against Burnley, who are among the lowest scorers in the division. Piero Hincapié (£5.5m) has been collecting points in Gabriel’s absence and should feature this week.
On the attacking side, Morgan Rogers (£7.2m) is under-selected by FPL managers and could offer an edge given his role in a high-performing team. Mason Mount (£5.9m) is a budget midfield option to consider while Bruno Fernandes will miss out on Boxing Day through injury, placing creative responsibility elsewhere. Anthony Gordon (£7.3m) arrives off recent double-figure hauls for Newcastle United and poses a direct threat to Manchester United.
Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains the premium forward for many squads, having scored almost half of his team’s goals and ranking behind only Phil Foden for current form; 74.1% of FPL players own him. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) has been scoring regularly and benefits from Alexander Isak being out injured. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8m) is the budget forward option after 22 points across the last two gameweeks and a favourable match-up with Sunderland.
The GW18 deadline for FPL is at 6:30 p.m. GMT (1:30 p.m. ET, 1.:30 a.m. PT) on Friday, Dec. 26.
