fpl gameweek 22-team-news tips: Captain Picks & Differential
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 6 min read
If you’re chasing fpl gameweek 22-team-news tips, the opening slate offers a mix of high‑profile clashes and solid fixtures that can swing the scoring wheel. Arsenal face Newcastle in the Emirates, while Brighton square off against Man City at the Amex. Crystal Palace host Spurs at Selhurst, providing a platform for mid‑table teams to pick up points. The fixtures also include low‑tier clashes that can surprise, such as Fulham vs Aston Villa and Sunderland vs Coventry City, where points can be extracted from the bench.
The fixtures table: fpl gameweek 22-team-news tips
| Home | Away | Venue | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | Newcastle | Emirates Stadium | 15:00 |
| Brighton | Man City | Amex Stadium | 15:00 |
| Crystal Palace | Spurs | Selhurst Park | 15:00 |
| Fulham | Aston Villa | Craven Cottage | 15:00 |
| Ipswich Town | Hull City | Portman Road | 15:00 |
| Leeds | Chelsea | Elland Road | 15:00 |
| Manchester United | Liverpool | Old Trafford | 15:00 |
| Nottingham Forest | Bournemouth | City Ground | 15:00 |
| Sunderland | Coventry City | Stadium of Light | 15:00 |
Arsenal’s 71 goals for and 27 goals against demonstrate a potent attack and a solid defence, making them a safe bet for points. Man City’s 77 goals for and 35 against show a high‑scoring side that can dominate midfield. Brighton’s 52 goals for, 46 against, and a goal difference of 6 suggest a balanced side that can contribute from both ends. Crystal Palace’s 41 for, 51 against, and a -10 goal difference highlight defensive frailties that can be exploited. These figures help identify where to deploy your captain and where to rely on bench players.
Captain picks
Erling Haaland, with 239 points and a points‑per‑game rate of 6.8, remains the most reliable captain option. His 155‑million cost is justified by his 74.80% selection rate and 27 goals to date. Adding Erling Haaland to the starting XI guarantees a high ceiling, especially in a match where Arsenal are looking to continue their perfect run.
B.Fernandes, with 235 points, 120 cost, 48.70% selection rate, and 6.7 points per game, is a solid captain pick, offering a high chance of a double‑point haul due to his 9 assists and 24 points.
Antoine Semenyo, with 202 points, 85 cost, 22.60% selection rate, and 5.5 points per game, offers a budget‑friendly alternative, delivering 17 goals and 6 assists that can turn the tide in tight matches.
These three captains cover the spectrum of risk and reward, ensuring that whether you prefer a high‑budget superstar or a cost‑effective performer, there is a clear choice for the gameweek.
Players to bring in
| Player | Points | Cost | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan Gibbs‑White | 188 | 80 | 3101 | 15 | 4 |
| Kevin Schade | 148 | 60 | 2744 | 8 | 5 |
| Enzo Fernández | 157 | 70 | 3114 | 10 | 5 |
| Jérémy Doku | 120 | 75 | 1773 | 5 | 8 |
| Declan Rice | 184 | 75 | 3093 | 4 | 9 |
Morgan Gibbs‑White’s 188 points, 80 cost, 3101 minutes, 15 goals and 4 assists, make him a high‑value midfielder who consistently contributes to both attack and defence, especially in matches where the midfield can dominate possession. Kevin Schade’s 148 points for 60 cost, with 2744 minutes, 8 goals, 5 assists, is a dependable option in teams that need a creative spark, and his record of 11 clean sheets in the season adds defensive stability. Enzo Fernández’s 157 points for 70 cost, 3114 minutes, 10 goals, 5 assists, provide a midfield anchor for teams that rely on ball retention and transitional play, while his 8 clean sheets offer a safety net. Jérémy Doku’s 120 points for 75 cost, 1773 minutes, 5 goals, 8 assists, shows a high assist output that can convert chances into points, and his 11 clean sheets demonstrate defensive contributions in midfield. Declan Rice, with 184 points for 75 cost, 3093 minutes, 4 goals, 9 assists, is a solid defensive midfielder who can secure a clean sheet and offer attacking support, making him a valuable addition to any squad. These five players provide a balance of experience, consistency, and upside, ensuring that the starting lineup is well‑rounded and capable of capitalising on the fixtures.
Players to move on
| Player | Points | Cost | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rayan Xhaka | 124 | 55 | 2901 | 1 | 6 |
| Cody Gakpo | 131 | 70 | 2736 | 7 | 5 |
| Richarlison | 119 | 60 | 1954 | 11 | 4 |
Rayan Xhaka, with 124 points for 55 cost, 2901 minutes, 1 goal, 6 assists, is an expensive out‑of‑form player. Cody Gakpo, 131 points, 70 cost, 2736 minutes, 7 goals, 5 assists, is a high‑cost option with modest returns. Richarlison, 119 points for 60 cost, 1954 minutes, 11 goals, 4 assists, does not justify the price. Removing these players frees up budget for more productive options and reduces the risk of points stagnation.
The differential
Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha, 15 points, 55 cost, 1119 minutes, 5 goals, 2 assists, offers a low‑budget option with decent return potential. His 5 goals in just 1119 minutes and 2 assists suggest a player who can outperform his cost, especially in a fixture where the opposition’s defence is vulnerable. He can be a hidden gem that provides depth and a safety net for the bench, especially when higher‑priced midfielders are suspended or injured. Given his low cost, a single point from him can swing the outcome of a tight transfer budget.
Key takeaways
- Arsenal leads the standings with 85 points.
- Erling Haaland’s 239 points make him the top scorer and a safe captain.
- Moving on Richarlison’s 119 points for 60 cost is a cost‑inefficiency.
- Morgan Gibbs‑White’s 188 points at 80 cost offer a high‑value midfield option.
- Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha’s 15 points for 55 cost provide a differential with upside.
- Man City sits second with 78 points, making them a high‑value opponent for points.
FAQ
Q: Which team is at the top of the table? A: Arsenal tops the table with 85 points, followed by Man City with 78 and Manchester United with 71.
Q: What is the cost of Erling Haaland? A: Haaland costs 155 million, has 239 points, and is selected by 74.80% of managers.
Q: Which captain has the highest points per game? A: Haaland’s 6.8 points per game is the highest, closely followed by B.Fernandes at 6.7.
Q: Which midfielder offers the best value? A: Declan Rice’s 184 points for 75 cost, with 9 assists, provides the best value among midfielders.
Armed with these fpl gameweek 22-team-news tips, you can set a squad that balances proven performers with upside, ensuring you stay competitive across the season.