FPL: Top 5 Players To Watch For Gameweek 23

Another double gameweek is afoot and the need for transfers after the announcement of more double gameweeks in 25 and 27 means FPL managers are jumping at the bits to push the button.

While Arsenal players are in demand due to their doubles, form and fixtures, we take an overall look at the top 5 players to watch out for in gameweek 23, keeping the future in mind.

5. James Tarkowski (£4.2m)

‘Ginger Mourinho’ Sean Dyche has already stamped his authority over Goodison Park with a shock 1-0 win over league leaders Arsenal. And surprise surprise, it was his old Burnley boys who marked their names all over the goal with McNeil providing the assist for Tarkowski to head home to give Everton a trademark Sean Dyche victory.

It is clear that there is now going to be a renewed emphasis on keeping cleansheets again. With the famous Dyche formula of direct football with long balls and set pieces once again getting prominence, Tarkowski and co will have plenty of opportunities aerially to get on the scoresheet.

While they face a stern but conquerable test against a lackluster Liverpool in gameweek 23, it is gameweek 25 where the £4.2m defender will prove to be a blessing to FPL managers with his double gameweek. It is also a good exit route for Cancelo owners.

4. Martin Odegaard (£7.0m)

Odegaard is the 2nd highest scoring midfielder in the FPL. Having averaged 7 points per game since the restart, the Norwegian is in the form of his life. With the announcement of another double gameweek in 25 to add to the already existing one this week, an Arsenal double up in attack is the way to go.

Martinelli has been on the wane recently, seeing his minutes being reduced with the introduction of Trossard into the mix. This could see owners jump ship to Odegaard who is just £0.4m more than Martinelli, making it an easier switch than it would be to Saka in terms of funds.

The Arsenal playmaker has also created 4 big chances with an xGi of 3.0 since the restart. Even over the course of the season, he has a whopping 10 big chances with an xGi of 10.8.

3. Kevin De Bruyne (£12.4m)

Yes, this might seem like an odd transfer suggestion at this specific moment in the season where both City and KdB are struggling to muster up consistent performances or even start games in the latter’s case. But hear me out.

City are a wounded animal. After the loss to Spurs, which saw them fail to capitalize on Arsenal’s loss, and with all the allegations of financial doping as well being thrown at them, Pep’s men are hurting.

On paper, City has a double gameweek against Villa and fellow title contenders Arsenal. In addition to all this, De Bruyne has massively underperformed his stats, and the midfielder looks like he is just 1 haul away from finding his imperious form again. With 1.20 big chance involvements and 0.8 xGi per 90, he is bound to explode soon.

Being benched in their loss to Spurs will have only made Pep more certain of not making the same mistake again. Finally, this also makes it easier to shift to Salah in gameweek 25 for Liverpool’s double.

2. Eddie Nketiah (£6.8m)

The Arsenal asset with the most favourable stats, Nketiah is a wonderful option. With Jesus still not fit, the 23-year-old will retain his place until the double in gameweek 25 at least.

As mentioned in last week’s FPL piece, Nketiah leads the charts among his fellow Arsenal compatriots in terms of big chances (7), shots in the box (20) and xGi (4.9) by a country mile.

The value he offers at his incredibly low price will enable FPL managers to splash the cash on the likes of De Bruyne and Salah for their double gameweeks as well. The further dearth of in-form forwards in the game currently apart from Kane and Haaland makes him a go-to choice.

1. Bukayo Saka (£8.3m)

Wonderkid Saka is this week’s top player to watch out for FPL managers. The Englishman has 2 double gameweeks in the space of 3 weeks, is on penalty duties, and is the standout option for Arteta in his position and in this high-flying Arsenal team. With the games coming thick and fast, this is a recipe for sure shot points.

🔍 | Arsenal Midfielders

Ødegaard has the best underlying stats since the restart, but the Algorithm favour Saka for the upcoming Gameweeks.

Which Arsenal midfielder(s) will you own? pic.twitter.com/cVuw94xSt6

— Fantasy Football Fix (@FantasyFootyFix) February 9, 2023

With the title race getting intense, Arsenal will have to grind out results as their opposite numbers will look to nullify their threat. This means penalties will have an even bigger impact on points.

This puts Saka, who has an xGi of 9.2 over the season and 3.0 since the restart, in pole position to take the captain’s armband in the double gameweek in 25, which will also be a blank gameweek for many others.

Also read: FPL: Top 5 Players To Watch For Gameweek 22