Gameweek 16 in FPL offers a fascinating blend of heavy hitters facing bottom-table defenses and high-stakes derby matches. With Arsenal hosting the league’s most porous defense and the Tyne-Wear derby igniting the northeast, this week is about backing form players in high-ceiling scenarios.
1. Igor Thiago (Brentford) vs. Leeds United (H)
Thiago receives a High confidence rating. The Brentford talisman has been a revelation this season, netting 11 league goals and serving as the focal point of the Bees’ attack. He faces a Leeds United side that has struggled significantly on their travels, conceding 18 goals in away matches (the third-worst record in the league). With Brentford’s strong home form and Thiago’s penalty duties, this is a prime fixture for returns.
2. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United) vs. Sunderland (A)
Gordon is a Medium-High pick, largely due to the emotional and tactical context of the Tyne-Wear derby. He enters the match in explosive form, securing a goal and an assist against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek and scoring in his last Premier League outing. Sunderland’s defense, while spirited, will be tested by Gordon’s pace and direct running. His ability to turn up in big games makes him the standout option for Newcastle in this fierce rivalry clash.
3. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) vs. West Ham United (A)
Rogers is a solid Medium confidence differential. He has established himself as a key figure in Villa’s attack, leading the team in shots on target (8) and big chances created (3) in recent weeks. He faces a West Ham side that is currently 18th in the table with a goal difference of -12, having struggled for clean sheets all season. Rogers offers a cheap route into a high-functioning attack against a relegation-threatened defense.
4. Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) vs. Crystal Palace (A)
Cherki is a Medium confidence pick. While Crystal Palace boasts the second-best defense in the league (only 12 goals conceded), City’s attack often finds a way. Cherki’s appeal lies in his underlying numbers; he is averaging a healthy 0.50 xGI per 90 and has looked electric in recent starts. He is a high-risk, high-reward differential who could unlock a stubborn low block where others fail.
5. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
Ekitike is a Medium-High confidence option. He has been in fine form, with 6 goals in 9 starts, making him a potent weapon in Liverpool’s frontline. Liverpool faces a Brighton side that plays an open, expansive game, often leaving spaces for quick transitions, perfect for Ekitike’s profile. With Liverpool looking to bounce back at Anfield, Ekitike could be the primary beneficiary of high-quality chances.
6. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) vs. Everton (H)
Palmer is rated as a Medium-High confidence pick. He is expected to be fit to start this weekend and has a historically phenomenal record vs. Everton, including once becoming the first player to score four goals before half-time against them in a Premier League match. His involvement in set-pieces and penalty duty elevates his ceiling for this favorable home fixture.
7. Eberechi Eze (Arsenal) vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
Eze is the Standout Pick of the week with a High confidence rating. Playing for league leaders Arsenal, he faces Wolves, who have conceded a league-high 33 goals and are yet to keep a clean sheet. Eze, who blanked in his last league match against Villa, will be looking to make amends this week and there’s hardly a more encouraging opportunity than Wolves at the moment. He is an explosive asset who has demonstrated his ceiling with a hat-trick in a recent high-profile outing. In a fixture that pits 1st vs. 20th, Eze is a prime captaincy candidate capable of a massive haul.
8. Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) vs. AFC Bournemouth (H)
Mbeumo is a High confidence asset. Since moving to Manchester United, he has maintained excellent consistency, finding the net four times in the last six Gameweeks. He faces a Bournemouth side at Old Trafford in a fixture United will be heavy favorites to win. With his high volume of shots and involvement in United’s attacking play, he offers a safe and high-ceiling route to points to close out the Gameweek on Monday night.
Gameweek 16 heavily favors Arsenal assets, with Eberechi Eze poised to exploit a historically leaky Wolves defense. Managers should prioritize Arsenal coverage while looking to Thiago and Mbeumo for reliable returns in favorable home fixtures. The Tyne-Wear derby adds spice, making Gordon a tempting option for those backing form over fixture difficulty.
