If the objective of FPL in Gameweek 11 were to earn as few points as possible, many would have excelled in that regard. Most FPL teams were filled with players who had disappointing scores of one, two, or even zero points next to their names. The fact that four out of the top five most popular players in the game could only manage a combined total of seven points speaks volumes. It felt like a delayed Halloween horror show in the world of FPL, truly a nightmarish experience for many managers.
But as we say the Premier League is the most unpredictable and so it is. We can just look at the upcoming fixtures and stats which can only help us in making the prediction close to accurate unless a Glenn Maxwell inning hits your prediction dashboard.
Surely, things are bound to improve in Gameweek 12, and one fixture that immediately catches the attention is Arsenal facing Burnley on Saturday. Vincent Kompany’s struggling Clarets already had a daunting task to turn things around at the Emirates. Now, it’s even more challenging as the Gunners have adopted a strong defensive approach in response to what they perceive as refereeing injustices. This suggests that a convincing home victory could be in the cards for Arsenal.
Another fixture to consider is Manchester United versus Luton, which might tempt Fantasy Premier League managers to make some transfers. However, given Manchester United’s inconsistent performance this season under Erik ten Hag, it’s a decision that might require more thought.
The most highly anticipated match of the weekend is the clash between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. This encounter also serves as the final game before the last international break of 2023, making it a significant showdown in the Premier League.
Let’s have a look at the Top 11 players to pick in the Gameweek 12 of the FPL 2023/24.
Ben White (Arsenal)
Ben White, a key player for Arsenal, has been a standout in the defense. While Burnley has been making headlines for their defensive troubles, their struggles in front of goal are equally concerning. They hold the unfortunate title of being the lowest scorers in the Premier League, managing just eight goals in their first 11 games.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Captains for FPL Gameweek 12
Mikel Arteta often shuffles his defensive lineup when facing teams threatened by relegation, which has sometimes frustrated owners of players like Gabriel Magalhaes. However, Ben White has been a constant presence, starting in every Premier League match this season. He has developed a strong partnership with Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
What makes White even more appealing is his ability to contribute offensively. He has already notched a goal and an assist, leading Arsenal’s defenders in both shots on target (with four) and chances created (with 10). These qualities make him a valuable asset in FPL, especially considering his consistent starts and his ability to be involved in both attack and defense.
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)
Brighton, who are newcomers to European competitions, are still trying to figure out the balance between Thursday and Sunday matches. Their recent Premier League form has been lackluster, with a five-match winless streak. On a positive note, their upcoming Europa League game against Ajax involves minimal travel and kicks off at an earlier time, which should help with recovery.
Despite their recent struggles, Brighton is expected to score at least a couple of goals against Sheffield United. However, it’s a challenge to predict who will be the goal-scorers. Players like Ansu Fati, Simon Adingra, Evan Ferguson, and Joao Pedro could all start and perform well. Among them, Kaoru Mitoma appears to be the safest choice from Roberto De Zerbi’s forward line.
Mitoma showcased his skills in Brighton’s recent match against Everton and stands out as their top player in terms of shots, having taken 20 attempts. He also ranks second in chances created, just behind Pascal Gross with 17 opportunities. This makes Mitoma a promising and reliable pick for FPL managers, given his strong performance and consistent involvement in Brighton’s attack.
Mohammed Kudus (West Ham)
Jarrod Bowen has been grabbing the attention of Fantasy Premier League managers with his impressive performances, particularly when playing away from the London Stadium. He’s currently ranked as the seventh-highest-scoring player in the game, making a strong case for his value as an asset.
However, for those looking to add a more affordable and less-owned alternative from the West Ham attack, Mohammed Kudus is worth considering. David Moyes initially introduced Kudus gradually after his high-profile transfer from Ajax. Still, in West Ham’s last two league matches, he completed the full 90 minutes, indicating growing confidence in his abilities.
The Ghanaian midfielder is starting to hit his stride, as evident from his well-taken goal against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup last Wednesday. He followed that up with a spectacular goal in the league, even though West Ham suffered a defeat against Brentford. This suggests that Kudus is beginning to make a positive impact, making him a potentially valuable and budget-friendly option for FPL managers.
Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United)
When it comes to Rasmus Hojlund, he seems to be more of a fixture-based selection rather than one driven by recent form. The young Dane has endured a dry spell, going eight matches and 572 minutes without finding the back of the net.
Additionally, it’s been 161 minutes since he last had a shot on goal, which is quite a concerning statistic. Hojlund’s frustration was evident as he was substituted and took his place on the bench during the match at Craven Cottage.
Selecting Hojlund is a bit of a gamble. There’s a more budget-friendly and straightforward choice in Eddie Nketiah, who is priced at £5.6 million and has a compelling case, especially after scoring a hat-trick the last time he faced a team struggling near the bottom of the league at the Emirates.
Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the odds are in favor of Manchester United finding the net at least once against Luton. Luton has struggled to keep a clean sheet in 13 matches across all competitions this season. Their defensive frailty is more pronounced when playing away from home, where they’ve conceded 14 goals in six league games, which is twice the number they’ve let in when playing at their home ground. This suggests that Hojlund, despite his recent dry spell, could have an opportunity to get on the scoresheet.
Callum Wilson (Newcastle)
Callum Wilson, with a price tag of £7.9 million, had an impressive season last year, where he scored 18 goals and provided six assists in just 21 starts. This season, he’s already found the back of the net seven times in only five starts, with an Expected Goals (xG) of 6.06.
Callum Wilson had a rather subdued performance in the recent game against Arsenal. Interestingly, shortly after he was substituted, his replacement, Anthony Gordon, managed to score the decisive goal.
This outcome might not come as a surprise, as Wilson tends to be more effective when he can focus on operating in and around the six-yard box rather than dropping deep to participate in a link-up play.
Wilson is a sure starter in the lineup, takes penalties, and possesses both goal-scoring and assist capabilities.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka, valued at £8.6 million, has had a solid season, contributing four goals and five assists. His Expected Goals (xG) stands at 4, and he also has an Expected Assists (xA) of 2.9. While Saka and Arsenal’s underlying statistics may not match their previous season’s performance, he remains a strong FPL option, especially given their upcoming fixtures.
On the attacking front, Arsenal have scored 23 goals, ranking fifth, with an xG of 19.84, which is seventh in the league. Looking at their attacking players, they have a good chance of finding the back of the net against Vincent Kompany’s team. Arsenal is favored to score 2.5 or more goals in Gameweek 12, with a 58% probability.
Saka stands out as the top attacking option for Arsenal, especially when considering expected minutes on the pitch. He also shares the responsibility for penalties and other set-pieces, making him a valuable asset. With both goal-scoring and assist potential, Saka has the highest Goal Involvement (43%) among his teammates in the games he has played.
Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal)
Eddie Nketiah, priced at £5.7 million in Fantasy Premier League, has become a prime target for managers thanks to Arsenal’s favorable upcoming schedule. He’s the second most-acquired player for the current Gameweek, with over 175,000 managers bringing him into their squads just in time for Arsenal’s home match against Burnley.
Nketiah’s previous performance against a similar opponent was a resounding success. In Gameweek 10, he scored a remarkable hat-trick, earning a total of 17 points when Arsenal faced Sheffield United at home. This impressive outing has undoubtedly boosted his appeal and led to a surge in FPL managers adding him to their teams.
Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa’s Brazilian midfielder, Douglas Luiz, priced at £5.6 million in Fantasy Premier League, has a great opportunity to continue his impressive streak of form at home as Fulham pays a visit.
In his five appearances at Villa Park, Douglas Luiz has consistently delivered, scoring five goals and providing an assist, resulting in a remarkable total of 47 points. This impressive record places him on par with Mohamed Salah, valued at £12.9 million, as the joint-top scorer in home matches this season.
While some of his points have come from taking penalties, Douglas Luiz’s underlying statistics reveal his significant impact on Villa’s attack. He’s managed to register six shots on target and has created nine goal-scoring opportunities, both of which rank him among the top three players for Aston Villa in home matches this season. This showcases his all-round contribution and makes him an appealing FPL option, especially when playing at Villa Park.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah, priced at £12.9 million, had a rare off-week in the previous gameweek but is set for another promising fixture in Gameweek 12. He comes into this week’s game with eight goals and four assists to his name.
Salah has proven to be one of the most reliable performers this season and currently leads the game in terms of points earned. He is on penalty duty, is virtually guaranteed to start, and poses a significant goal and assist threat. His Expected Goals (xG) of 7.8 is the second-highest in the league, and he also ranks fifth in Expected Assists (xA) with 3.05.
Heung-min Son (Tottenham)
Heung-min Son, priced at £9.6 million, has been on fire in the league since he took on the role of the number nine in Gameweek 4, bagging eight goals. His Expected Goals (xG) stands at 4.2, and he has also contributed with an Expected Assists (xA) of 2.1.
When Son is playing as the central striker, he becomes one of the top assets in Fantasy Premier League, and his performance is consistent regardless of the opposition.
Son has been involved in 56% of their goals, making him one of the top midfielders in terms of goal involvement since Gameweek 4.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Man United Captain, Bruno Fernandes, priced at £8.3 million, has contributed three goals and two assists in the current season, boasting an Expected Goals (xG) of 3.03 and an Expected Assists (xA) of 3.3, which ranks him second overall in the league.
Bruno Fernandes is a well-established FPL asset, with an impressive track record of 44 goals and 38 assists in his previous four Premier League seasons. He is the primary penalty taker, and his place in the starting lineup is virtually guaranteed, typically playing the full 90 minutes. This consistency provides him with an opportunity for attacking returns against any opposition.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Best Forwards to Pick Out for FPL Gameweek 12
Bruno Fernandes is a significant threat in terms of both scoring and creating goals, taking on the role of the primary playmaker for Manchester United. Luton faces a daunting challenge in trying to contain Manchester United’s attacking prowess. The odds indicate that Erik Ten Hag’s squad is the third most likely team to score 2.5 or more goals in Gameweek 12, with a 48% chance of achieving this feat.