GW23 Kneejerk Check
Gameweek 23 was a masterclass in FPL frustration and differential delight. While the "template" assets like Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka continued to test the patience of millions, those who pivoted to Bruno Fernandes or held onto the "Defcon Monster" Jarrod Bowen were handsomely rewarded.
TL;DR: The GW23 Takeaways
1. The Foden/Saka Exodus: A combined 880k managers sold Foden and Saka. They were vindicated as both blanked again, with Foden's rotation risk becoming a full-blown crisis.
2. Bowen the Defcon Monster: Despite 14 blanks in 23 weeks, Jarrod Bowen remains the 3rd highest scoring player. His 12-point haul in GW23 punished the 18k who sold him.
3. Differential Hauls: Low-ownership punts like Dominik Szoboszlai (13 pts) and Estêvão (13 pts) rewarded the brave, though rotation fears remain high for the latter.
4. The Harry Wilson Hype: "Harry Wilson is him" became the rallying cry of the week as he delivered another 10-point return, cementing his status as a must-have mid-priced asset.
5. Dorgu Injury Scare: After a massive 8-point return, Patrick Dorgu owners are sweating on injury news, though early reports suggest it might just be cramp.
Overall Picture
The transfer market was dominated by a mass migration away from underperforming heavyweights toward reliable mid-priced options. The "template" is shifting rapidly as managers lose faith in the rotation-heavy City and Arsenal assets.
Forwards
- João Pedro (+126k) rewarded those who "fell for the trap" with a clinical 12-point performance.
- Igor Thiago (+279k) disappointed his massive influx of new owners with a 2-point blank, testing the patience of the template.
- Matheus Cunha (-187k) punished his sellers with 9 points in just 21 minutes. His efficiency is undeniable, even if his minutes are a concern.
- Ollie Watkins (-94k) also punished sellers with a steady 8-point return, reminding managers of his long-term value.
Midfielders
- Bruno Fernandes (+617k) was the most-bought player, and while his 5-point return wasn't explosive, it far outperformed the players he replaced.
- Jarrod Bowen (-18k) reminded everyone why he's a "Defcon Monster" with a massive 12-point haul, punishing those who looked at his recent blanks.
- Phil Foden (-666k) and Bukayo Saka (-214k) were the villains of the week, combining for just 3 points as their ownership continues to plummet.
- Harry Wilson (+116k) continues his incredible run with 10 points. He's quickly becoming a core part of the new template.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (+11k) was the differential of the week, raking in 13 points for his 5% ownership.
Defenders
- Patrick Dorgu (+228k) continued his hot streak with 8 points, though an injury concern has dampened the celebrations.
- Virgil van Dijk (-62k) punished sellers with 9 points. Despite a shaky defensive performance, FPL's recalculation worked in his favor.
- Gabriel (+230k) was a popular buy but disappointed with just 1 point as Arsenal's defense failed to keep a clean sheet.
Goalkeepers
- Emiliano Martínez and Gianluigi Donnarumma punished their sellers with 10 and 8 point hauls respectively, proving that premium keepers can still deliver when the template looks elsewhere.
- Jordan Pickford, Robert Sánchez, and Caoimhín Kelleher were the top three most transferred-in goalkeepers this week, but they collectively under-delivered, leaving new owners frustrated after chasing recent hauls.
- Matz Sels continues to be a consistent value provider for his owners, maintaining his status as the community's favorite budget pick.
Analysis based on GW22 net transfers and GW23 FPL points, with engagement metrics and sentiment analysis from the r/FantasyPL community.