Gameweek 23
Gameweek 23: Premier League predictions and context
Full predictions and concise context for Premier League Gameweek 23 fixtures and form notes. preview
European nights produced a strong week for English clubs, with six of eight sides in continental action recording wins. That heavier midweek schedule sets up a full domestic slate and a key Sunday showing that carries the round’s biggest intrigue.
West Ham arrive off Callum Wilson’s late scramble in a 2–1 win at Tottenham, a result that ends a poor run but leaves them five points from safety after Nottingham Forest’s draw with Arsenal. Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off at the London Stadium brings Sunderland, who have depended on home form but travel with players returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Prediction: West Ham 1–1 Sunderland.
Spurs took a lift from a 2–0 victory over Borussia Dortmund, a result that helps their European position, yet pressure remains on Thomas Frank. Burnley, who earned a point at Anfield recently but have not won in the league since October, welcome Tottenham to Turf Moor. “The doctor will see you now, Mr. Parker… or will he?” Prediction: Burnley 0–1 Tottenham.
Fulham’s rise stalled against Leeds last weekend. The Cottagers should have Alex Iwobi back at Craven Cottage for the visit of Brighton. The Seagulls are four unbeaten in the Premier League despite just two wins in their previous ten across all competitions. Prediction: Fulham 1–2 Brighton.
Manchester City remain flat after a Champions League defeat to Bodø/Glimt and continued defensive injury problems. Wolves, improving under Rob Edwards and enjoying a rare unbeaten run for a bottom-side, travel to the Etihad. Prediction: Man City 2–0 Wolves.
Liverpool extended an unbeaten run in all competitions to 13 with a win at Marseille and head to Bournemouth, who lack Antoine Semenyo from the season opener. Prediction: Bournemouth 2–2 Liverpool.
Brentford have outperformed expectations and boast strong home form; Nottingham Forest were beaten away in the Europa League in Braga on Thursday. Prediction: Brentford 3–1 Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea ended a league drought with a 2–0 win over Brentford but were fortunate; Crystal Palace aim for a first league victory since December 7 under Oliver Glasner. Prediction: Crystal Palace 1–1 Chelsea.
Newcastle, inconsistent away but formidable at St James’ Park, host Aston Villa after Villa’s home defeat to Everton and midweek win in Turkey. Prediction: Newcastle 3–2 Aston Villa.
Arsenal lead the table but stumbled at Forest last weekend; Manchester United were excellent in a 2–0 derby win with Bruno Fernandes outstanding. Prediction: Arsenal 3–1 Man Utd.
Monday’s finish sees Everton, with Iliman Ndiaye back from AFCON, host Leeds, who have lost just once in their last ten across competitions. Prediction: Everton 2–1 Leeds.
Schedule and predicted results match the fixtures listed for Saturday, Sunday and Monday kick-offs.
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.
