EPL Game-Week 23 FPL Player Picks

Here comes the final set of matches before the first double gameweek of the season with the focus surrounding title-chasers Liverpool once again.

Eyes will also be on Manchester City to see if they can keep up their winning streak momentum. Meanwhile, Leicester City will hope to maintain their defense in hopes of catching up to the European champions, which is extremely difficult to imagine at this stage now.

Keep in mind that the third round of the FA Cup also took place this week which means players from Manchester United, Wolverhampton and Tottenham Hotspur may look to rotate their players.

Let’s ponder the options we have to maintain or increase our fantasy points:

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Goalkeepers

Jordan Pickford (£5.3, Everton at West Ham United)

Since Carlos Ancelotti’s arrival, Everton have conceded just three goals and gained two clean sheets. Plus, Pickford has received 16 points in that time and the next fixtures against West Ham, Newcastle, Watford FC and Crystal Palace will fancy his chances of getting his sixth clean sheet of the season.

Mathew Ryan (£4.9, Brighton & Hove Albion v. Aston Villa)

The Australian has an average of 3.82 saves per match, and the Aston Villa frontline has been struggling which gives the Brighton goalkeeper the perfect opportunity to hunt for a clean sheet.

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Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5, Liverpool v. Man United)

If you have this world-class full back, you’re good for this week and the next. Liverpool have kept six clean sheets on the bounce, with the English defender being involved in five of those games, scoring once and providing three assists with five bonus points too. He will give you points, clean sheet or no clean sheet.

Reece James (£5.0, Chelsea at Newcastle United)

His attacking approach is what makes him Frank Lampard’s preferred right-back despite a few flaws at the back. With a cheap price, James can be useful in terms of points but only against Newcastle as Chelsea faces a blockbuster of fixtures with the likes of Arsenal, Leicester, Man United and Tottenham coming up next.

Ricardo Pereira (£6.4, Leicester at Burnley)

There is a reason why this Portuguese player has a higher price on his shoulders, but lately Leicester have not been performing well defensively like they did before the winter season came along. However, Brendan Rodgers will be looking to fix his backline as soon as possible if he hopes to keep the race for the second position in the table alive.

Lewis Dunk (£4.8, Brighton v. Aston Villa)

Dunk has helped his side gain five clean sheets so far this season and has been the leader at the back to keep his defensive team-mates on check. With the next fixtures for Brighton not against any ‘big’ sides, Dunk can expect a clean sheet or two.

George Baldock (£5.1, Sheffield United at Arsenal)

This is a risky call but with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of this game who has scored 14 of the Gunners’ 29 Premier League goals this season, Baldock’s side might just look for the clean sheet at the Emirates.

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Midfielders

Riyad Mahrez (£8.5, Man City v. Crystal Palace)

With his current form, he looks to cement the right hand side more after every game and at times looks the only threat for his side. He will be important for Pep Guardiola the rest of this season for sure.

Abdoulaye Doucoure (£5.6, Watford v. Tottenham)

Watford has been on quite the resurgence and Doucoure is playing a pivotal role; one should expect more decent runs with a struggling Tottenham side. Plus, he will be in every fantasy manager’s budget too.

James Maddison (£7.7, Leicester at Burnley)

Having created the most chances for the Foxes so far, Maddison is the integral point for the ball to shift from defense up to the likes of Jamie Vardy. The English midfielder will give good fantasy returns for sure.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Pedro Neto (£5.0, Wolves at Southampton)

Sadly for Neto, both of his goals were disallowed by VAR at Antfield and Old Trafford but the teenager will be furious to get his first goal for his side which is why one should keep an eye for him. And, look at the price anybody can get him at.

Lucas Moura (£7.1, Tottenham at Watford)

A tough call, but Moura’s performance has not been all that bad on the pitch, despite not being clinical enough finishing lately. However, Moura and Son seem the only hope to put the ball in the net which is why he can be beneficial.

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Forwards

Danny Ings (£6.8, Southampton v. Wolves)

It’s fair to say Danny Ings is having the best time of his life, scoring 14 goals already and setting one up as well. He’s really not a bad option given Southampton form as well as his own.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.9, Everton at West Ham)

Calvert-Lewin has showcased his potential and talent with the help of Carlos Ancelloti, scoring three times in the previous five fixtures.

Roberto Firmino (£9.3, Liverpool v. Man United)

Bobby Firmino is the fifth-most transferred-in player this game week so far despite having Manchester United for this week’s opponent, as fantasy managers look ahead to the double game week. The Brazilian has been involved in 12 goals, and has been finding firm feet when it comes to scoring goals.

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What players are you planning to pick or drop? Or are you holding onto your free transfer to have two for next week? Is any player worth taking a chance in a game like Liverpool v. Man United? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below!