FPL returns for GW16 this weekend, and managers will have the nice surprise of 5 transfers to help manage their squad through AFCON.
Its wise for FPL managers to be proactive with their transfers, but not to splurge them all immediately. I’d aim to save at least 2 so you can react to new information and emergencies over the congested Christmas schedule.
This also looks set to be a popular week for using the Free Hit chip, with some nice fixtures to take advantage of.
Here’s all you need to know ahead of GW16.
GW16 Best Transfers
Phil Foden
Palace away isn’t the ideal entry point for bringing in a player right now, but with the form Foden is in, with 3 double-digit hauls in a row, I’d recommend just buying him.
With everyone getting topped up to 5 transfers, his price will skyrocket this week, and you’ll ideally want him for GW17 at home to West Ham anyway.
Declan Rice
Rice is currently the second top-scoring midfielder in FPL, primarily due to the sheer volume of routes to points he has, taking most set pieces, and being a reliable source of bonus and defensive contributions points.
Arsenal’s next few games look great on paper, so Rice looks a very safe pick to bring in.
Igor Thiago
Now looks like the ideal time to jump on the league’s second top scorer, with 3 excellent games coming up for Brentford.
He’s putting up good underlying data of 0.68xGI per 90 and should be secure for starts after getting a bit of a rest in GW14.
Jurrien Timber
While the returns haven’t been there in recent weeks for Timber, he’s a good pick moving forward. He’s nailed and has some nice fixtures to take advantage of.
Arsenal are still the best defence in the league, and Timber offers great goal threat for a defender.
As a short-term pick, £5.4m Hincapie should be nailed while Gabriel is out over the next few weeks at least.
Josko Gvardiol
Gvardiol picked up his second double-digit haul of the season last gameweek with 12 points against Sunderland. He’s scored in 2 of the last 3 gameweeks.
Man City defenders looks fairly strong over the coming weeks, and Gvardiol is likely the most nailed option in the backline.
Harry Wilson
For managers seeking a differential pick in an effort to boost their rank, Wilson has been in excellent form for Fulham.
The Cottagers have arguably the best next 3 fixtures of any team and Wilson’s minutes should be secure while Chukwueze is at AFCON.
Fixtures GW16 to GW19
Looking at our FPL FDR, Arsenal and Man City’s fixture runs are promising over the coming gameweeks. Loading up on their assets seems a smart move.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea are among the top teams who play 3 of their next 4 games at home, which will be advantageous for their assets.
Fulham and Brentford have some great short-term fixtures to target, for those looking for a more affordable punt or enabler.
GW16 Predicted Points
- Haaland: 6.7
- Saka: 6.6
- Eze: 6.0
- Timber: 5.8
- Mbeumo: 5.8
With an excellent fixture at home to Wolves, its no surprise that Arsenal players largely top our FPL predicted points this week. For managers on Free Hit, or looking to spend their transfers, a triple up looks good.
Mbeumo is also expected to do well this week, and should play at home to Bournemouth, before departing for AFCON. I’d recommend holding him this week and selling next week.
GW16 Clean Sheet Odds
- Arsenal: 65%
- Chelsea: 42%
- Fulham: 38%
- Brentford: 36%
- Villa: 33%
Arsenal top our clean sheet odds this week by some distance. FPL managers should have at least 1 defender from the Gunners this week.
Fulham and Brentford have some nice affordable defenders that should do well this week. Brentford defenders look especially good as they’re 5th for average chance of a clean sheet over the next 4 gameweeks.
GW16 – Who’s Starting and Who Isn’t?
Plenty of players will start heading off to AFCON for the next few gameweeks and are easy sells from your FPL side. Among the most popular assets are Mbeumo, Ndiaye, Sarr, Salah and Kudus. While some should play in GW16, you should have a plan to replace those in your squad.
In defence, Munoz is set to miss the next month with injury and should be sold. Arsenal’s Calafiori is suspended for GW16, which should make Lewis-Skelly nailed for any managers eyeing a differential Arsenal defender on Free Hit.
Chelsea’s Delap picked up an injury last week and is expected to be out for a few months. This should see either Pedro play up front, or Guiu get increased minutes.
Best Captain Pick GW16
Haaland and Foden are solid picks to captain this week, being the 2 main men for the league’s most-in form attack. However, playing Palace away, who have been the 4th strongest defence based on xG conceded, I’d be tempted to look elsewhere with the armband.
Saka looks a nice pick. He plays Wolves at home and is registering very strong data of 0.66 xGI per 90.
I also like Bruno Fernandes as a captaincy option, against Bournemouth at home. He’s in excellent form and the Cherries haven’t won a match since GW9.