The Best Teams and Players to Target – FPL Gameweek 12

FPL Gameweek 12 is finally upon us and with that comes one of the largest fixture swings of the season. The thing that makes Gameweek 12 so interesting is that some of the teams coming into great fixtures are not in amazing form, which we can imagine will naturally lead to slightly lower than expected ownership levels.

This adds a fun element of risk to the Gameweek 12 fixture swing, meaning it could be a point where seasons are won and lost. Making it all the more important to check in with our Predicted Line-Ups Hub, to ensure your transfers will all be locked into starting spots.

Also, if you haven’t already and are wildcarding this week, then make sure you check out our Best GW12 Wildcard draft, to see how best to assemble these great options into a team.

Anyway, without further ado, we have selected our best teams and players to target for the upcoming set of fixtures.

 

Liverpool

 

There is perhaps no team with better fixtures than Liverpool in the entire league over their next 5 games. Even the Sunderland and Leeds fixtures profile as fairly good for defenders at least, as both Sunderland and Leeds both sit in the bottom half for goals and xG.

With Leeds scoring the 2^nd least in the league and Sunderland sitting 6^th lowest for xG. This does not make picking Liverpool assets easier however, as recent chopping and changing has also left managers with selection headaches.

 

1. Virgil Van Dijk

Simply put, the Liverpool captain just has so many routes to points. We mentioned already how good the fixtures are, particularly for defenders. He has the 2^nd most Defensive Contributions amongst defenders, is a great threat in the air and now has excellent clean sheet potential. He is also absolutely nailed, which right now counts for something in this Liverpool team.

2. Dominik Szoboszlai

Interestingly, there is actually a Liverpool player with more Defensive contributions than Van Dijk. His name is Dominik Szoboszlai. Averaging just under 12 DefCons a game, Szoboszlai should provide managers with a very nice floor.

Although his 0.22 XGI per 90 doesn’t jump off the page, with the upcoming fixtures and his set piece presence, we can certainly expect some attacking returns in amongst that. This combo should also land him in great stead for bonus points as well.

3. Mohamed Salah

Were Mo Salah not £14.2m he would be an absolute lock for every GW12 team. Unfortunately his price tage is making his inclusion slightly trickier. He already has 6 returns and a healthy-ish xGI of 0.5 and a presence on pens so we know the returns are there. Also, unlike a lot of other Liverpool attackers, he is actually nailed, which as mentioned before, counts for something.

 

HM: Ekitike, Gakpo, Konate

 

 

Man United

 

Now even though Man United are playing electric football, it is important not to get carried away and start buying United defenders. It is their attack that is purring not their defence, as their defence still sits in the bottom 6 for GA and xGA. Their attack however is a revelation right now, and doubling up on their attack is more than acceptable as a result.

 

1. Bruno Fernandes

Now this one was close between him and Mbeumo, not least because of Mbeumo’s sparkling form. But the reason we prefer Bruno is simply because of how many boxes he ticks. He currently holds an xGI of 0.59, DefCons per 90 of 10.5, great bonus point potential, presence on pens and fantastic fixtures. There is simply so much to love.

2. Bryan Mbeumo

With 5 returns in 5 games, its safe to say the Cameroonian has catapulted himself to the top of FPL wish lists. With a fantastic set of fixtures round the corner, its safe to say he’s hit his stride at exactly the right time.

3. Amad Diallo

Amad profiles as a very sneaky differential if you are looking to target the Man Utd attack on a budget. Although he has played a large amount of minutes at wingback, of late he has found himself starting in one of the 10 roles.

His xGI per 90 is a very healthy 0.42. A figure which is great for a £6.3m midfielder. He also offers a decent DefCon potential with over 9.3 a game on average. But most importantly, at only 1.6% ownership, he could hold great upside if you’re looking to chase rank.

 

HM: Casemiro, Cunha

 

 

Crystal Palace

 

You will have heard me banging on and on about Crystal Palace but with good reason. The first one being their underlying attacking numbers. They currently sit 4^th in the league for xG and show no signs of slowing down. Their fixtures in particular are very friendly for attackers.

1. Daniel Munoz

It wouldn’t be an IFF article without some Daniel Munoz propaganda. The Colombian hits 2 of the 3 Holy trinity data points for defenders. Attacking Output and Clean Sheet Potential/Fixtures. Given his propensity to get involved going forward, fixtures against the likes of Wolves, Man United, Burnley and Fulham could easily yield a few attacking returns as well as a few clean sheets.

2. Jean-Philippe Mateta

Now this one was close given how much we love the pair of them. The Premier League’s current joint top 3^rd goalscorer is a fantastic option for these upcoming fixtures. Playing 4 bottom 7 defences could mean multiple hauls for the big Frenchman, who is currently operating at a whopping 0.83 xGI per 90.

3. Chris Richards

It is beyond me how this man remains only 3.4% owned. He has the 3^rd highest Defensive Contributions total of any defender and 10.64 per 90, an xGI the same as Gabriel at 0.13 xGI and is coming into a fantastic fixture stretch. He has double the xGI of Lacroix, a higher DefCon average and plays for the same defence. All while being less owned and £0.5m cheaper. You do the math.

 

 

Bournemouth

 

Despite rough outings in their last 2, Bournemouth now enter a great stretch of 3 fixtures, particularly for defenders. West Ham, Sunderland and Everton are all in the lower half of attacks so far this season which should definitely mean some solid clean sheet potential. What sets Bournemouth assets apart however is the FPL star power.

 

1. Antoine Semenyo

Despite struggling to find the net of late it is hard to lose faith in the Bournemouth talisman with fixtures like that round the corner. The Ghanaian already has 10 returns in 11 games and has been making a mockery of his price tag. He now faces West Ham, Everton, Man United and Burnley’s defences in his next 6 and is primed to rediscover his goalscoring touch. Do not lose faith.

 

2. Marcos Senesi

The #1 ranked defender for DefCons – and by quite some margin – is non other than Marcos Senesi. When you can basically guarantee 4 points a game your floor is always going to be fantastic. Combine this with 3 bottom half attacks in their next 3 and you have a superb FPL asset for the upcoming gameweeks. With 0.15 xGI he is also a presence on the attacking end. A great all round asset for these upcoming fixtures.

 

3. Dorde Petrovic

Even though Petrovic does not offer the same star power right now as Senesi or Semenyo, he is still a more than serviceable FPL option for those looking to go cheap at goalkeeper. There is not a single £4.5m and below keeper who has scored more points than him so far this season. The only sub £5m keeper above him is Roefs, and his upcoming fixtures are gnarly to say the least. With West Ham, Sunderland and Everton in their next 3, Petrovic could be a solid option in net for those of a more budget persuasion.

 

Remember, make sure you stay up to date with our Predicted Line-Ups hub before bringing any of them in, and stay up to date with our Game Week Tips section, for more great tips on how to approach Gameweek 12.