Gameweek 22
Premier League Gameweek 22: Previews and Predictions
GW22 returns with a packed Premier League schedule: previews and score predictions for every fixture
The domestic cup competitions dominated headlines this week, but the Premier League returns with a full slate of fixtures that could reshape both the title race and the relegation battle. Here are concise previews and score predictions for Gameweek 22.
Manchester derby opens the weekend. The reverse fixture in September ended 3–0 to Man City, and their squad will arrive having come through a 10–1 win over Exeter City and a Carabao Cup win at Newcastle United. After three successive league draws, City will be tipped to impose themselves, though a new-manager effect could influence the hosts with Michael Carrick taking charge as interim boss. Prediction: Man Utd 1–3 Man City.
Chelsea host Brentford in a London derby. Liam Rosenior’s spell has offered mixed emotions: a 5–1 debut win against Charlton Athletic followed by cup disappointment at home to Arsenal. Chelsea have not kept a clean sheet in eight matches, yet seven goals in two games under Rosenior indicate attacking threat. Brentford arrive in fifth and high on confidence under Keith Andrews, with Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade likely to test Chelsea’s defence. Prediction: Chelsea 3–2 Brentford.
Leeds host Fulham in a meeting of two in-form sides. Leeds have been tough to beat since switching to a 3-5-2 under Daniel Farke. Fulham are third by recent results and unbeaten in six. Prediction: Leeds 2–2 Fulham.
Liverpool seek to end three successive league draws at Anfield against Burnley. Arne Slot’s adjustments have left Liverpool lacking cutting edge while defensive problems persist. Burnley remain porous and low in the table. Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Burnley.
Sunderland face Crystal Palace after Palace’s FA Cup exit to Macclesfield Town and news that Oliver Glasner will leave this summer. Marc Guéhi will be absent ahead of his impending move to Manchester City. Prediction: Sunderland 1–0 Crystal Palace.
Other picks: Tottenham 2–1 West Ham; Nottingham Forest 0–2 Arsenal; Wolves 2–2 Newcastle; Aston Villa 2–0 Everton; Brighton 2–1 Bournemouth.
Full fixtures and predicted scores are listed for reference across the weekend.
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.
