FPL Gameweek 23-captain-analysis: pick the best now

The fixtures table

Fixture	Venue	Home	Away
Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town	Villa Park	Aston Villa	Ipswich Town
Bournemouth vs Fulham	Vitality Stadium	Bournemouth	Fulham
Brentford vs Man Utd	Brentford Community Stadium	Brentford	Man Utd
Chelsea vs Nott'm Forest	Stamford Bridge	Chelsea	Nott'm Forest
Hull City vs Crystal Palace	MKM Stadium	Hull City	Crystal Palace
Liverpool vs Everton	Anfield	Liverpool	Everton
Man City vs Arsenal	Etihad Stadium	Man City	Arsenal
Newcastle vs Brighton		Newcastle	Brighton
Coventry City vs Leeds	Coventry Building Society Arena	Coventry City	Leeds
Spurs vs Sunderland	Tottenham Hotspur Stadium	Spurs	Sunderland
...	...	...	...

Captain picks (ranked)

Player	Goals	Assists	Points per game	Cost
Erling Haaland	27	8	6.8	155m
Bruno Borges Fernandes	9	24	6.7	120m
Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães	3	5	6.5	80m

Players to bring in (4-5)

Bringing in a high-scoring forward is a priority for this gameweek. Viktor Gyökeres offers 14 goals, a single assist, and 5.3 points per game for a 75m cost, a bargain for a top-tier striker. Replacing a low-scoring defender such as Bernd Leno with Gabriel increases clean-sheet potential while maintaining a solid defensive line. Adding João Pedro provides 15 goals, 9 assists, and 5.1 points per game at 75m, strengthening the attack without breaking the budget. Including Morgan Gibbs-White further boosts the goal tally with 15 goals, 4 assists, and 5.1 points per game for 80m, keeping the squad balanced. If the budget allows, Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha can be added for 5 goals, 2 assists, 5.3 points per game, and 65m, offering a cheap midfield option that could surprise. The combination of these players gives depth across positions, ensuring coverage in case of injuries or suspensions. Their cost spread aligns well with the budget, leaving room for potential late-week signings. The synergy between Haaland and these forwards increases the team's overall goal output.

Players to move on (2-3)

Players with low points per game or challenging fixtures should be considered for release. Sarr has 9 goals, 2 assists, and 4.2 points per game at 65m, and his upcoming match against Tottenham presents a defensive challenge that may limit his output. Nico O'Reilly has 5 goals, 4 assists, and 4.7 points per game at 65m, yet his form remains inconsistent and the next fixture is a defensive battle. Removing Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha - 5 goals, 2 assists, 5.3 points per game, 65m - is also sensible as his recent points have dipped despite a decent cost. Releasing these players frees budget for higher-return options. The decision also clears space for the differential picks that could yield a high payoff. It is important to consider the upcoming fixtures when evaluating player value. The removal of underperforming players keeps the squad competitive for the points threshold. The budget freed can be redirected to secure a top-tier defender with a clean-sheet advantage. This strategy ensures the squad remains balanced across all positions while maximizing potential points.

The differential

Viktor Gyökeres stands out as the best differential. His 14-goal tally is the highest among midfielders outside the top‑six teams, and he contributes 5.3 points per game at a 75m cost. A strong performance against Aston Villa could double the captaincy output, especially if Haaland’s form falters. Gyökeres’ goal-scoring consistency offers a low-priced, high-potential option that can swing the points balance in tight points. Because he is not a regular pick, his inclusion carries a high upside without a large financial commitment. The fixture against Villa Park is a high-scoring environment, making him a favourable target. His ability to finish chances from open play and set pieces adds versatility. The risk of him missing key moments is mitigated by his high conversion rate. His presence also alleviates pressure on the midfield, allowing other players to focus on creative duties. Choosing him as a differential can provide a strategic edge over other managers.

Key takeaways

• Erling Haaland remains the top captain pick for Gameweek 23, with 6.8 points per game.
• Bruno Borges Fernandes offers a balanced return with 6.7 points per game and a solid assist tally.
• Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães provides a budget-friendly defender with 6.5 points per game.
• Viktor Gyökeres can serve as a differential with 14 goals and a low cost.

FAQ

Q: Why is Haaland the top captain pick? A: Haaland’s 27 goals and 8 assists give him the highest points per game, and the Liverpool fixture offers plenty of scoring chances.

Q: What makes Bruno Borges Fernandes a good option? A: With 24 assists in 29 games, he offers a high assist return and 6.7 points per game, balancing risk and reward.

Q: Which defender should I bring in for value? A: Gabriel has 6.5 points per game for 80m, a solid return for a defender in a top-tier team.

Q: Is Viktor Gyökeres a safe differential? A: His 14 goals and 5.3 points per game make him a low-priced, high-scoring option that can swing the points balance.