As the league enters the final stretch of the January transfer window, the FPL landscape has been redefined by marquee moves and tactical shifts under new leadership. Navigating the current round of fixtures requires a focus on high-volume assets who have either maintained consistency or are being fast-tracked into world-class setups to bolster title and top-four charges. Here are the scout’s Top 8 for this weekend’s action
Antoine Semenyo (MANCHESTER CITY vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Antoine Semenyo is the headline pick this week following his high-profile £64m move to the Etihad on a five-and-a-half-year deal. Having already scored 10 goals in the first half of the season for Bournemouth, he joins a City attack currently missing the injured Savinho and Oscar Bobb. His underlying metrics are elite, and he is expected to make his home debut against a struggling Wolves side that sits at the bottom of the table, offering an immediate route into the league’s most prolific attack.
Bruno Fernandes (Arsenal vs. MANCHESTER UNITED)
Bruno Fernandes remains the undisputed talisman for United as they head into a massive top-five clash at the Emirates. Despite a 1-0 loss in their last meeting, Fernandes enters this match with 13 assists across all competitions this season, trailing only Michael Olise for the league lead in big chances created. His creative floor is bolstered by his role as the primary set-piece and penalty taker, ensuring he remains a high-upside threat even against an Arsenal defense that has kept 11 clean sheets.
Florian Wirtz (AFC Bournemouth vs. LIVERPOOL)
Florian Wirtz is beginning to exert his creative influence on the Liverpool midfield, currently ranking among the league’s best for chances created and successful passes into the final third. While his goal returns have been modest during his integration, he recently found the net in both the FA Cup against Barnsley and a high-scoring draw with Fulham. Facing a Bournemouth side that is coming off the record sale of their star attacker, Wirtz’s ability to drive into the opposition box (where he has taken 22 shots) makes him a potent threat.
Igor Thiago (BRENTFORD vs. Nottingham Forest)
Igor Thiago has seen his price rise to £7.0m after becoming the essential mid-priced forward, most notably following a massive 17-point haul earlier this month. His underlying stats remain frighteningly consistent; his 10.92 xG is the highest for any forward in his price bracket, proving he is a persistent “big chance” magnet in the box. With Brentford hosting Forest, Thiago is a prime captaincy differential for those looking to pivot away from the high-ownership premium assets.
Enzo Fernandez (Crystal Palace vs. CHELSEA)
Enzo Fernandez has enjoyed a significant resurgence in recent weeks, recording six goals and two assists across 21 appearances this season. He has been particularly productive under Chelsea’s current interim management, averaging a big-chance involvement every 59.3 minutes—the fastest rate of any Chelsea player. Given that he travels to face a Crystal Palace side that has conceded multiple goals in recent high-profile matchups, his improved positional freedom makes him a high-value midfield option.
Thierno Barry (EVERTON vs. Leeds United)
Thierno Barry continues to be the primary beneficiary of Everton’s direct attacking style, sitting in the 94th percentile for aerial duels won. His role as a traditional “fox in the box” is highlighted by the fact that 95% of his shots this season have come from within the penalty area. As Everton hosts a Leeds side that has been prone to high-scoring affairs, Barry’s reliable minutes (averaging 84 per game) and aerial presence make him a solid high-floor option for the home side.
Morgan Rogers (Newcastle United vs. ASTON VILLA)
Morgan Rogers has cemented his place in Unai Emery’s starting eleven, offering versatility across the attacking line for a Villa side pushing for Champions League qualification. While the last meeting between these sides was a cagey 0-0 draw, Rogers has been a focal point of Villa’s transitions, often leading the team in progressive carries and final third entries. With Newcastle’s defense looking vulnerable during a recent winless stretch, Rogers’ pace on the break is a key tactical advantage for this away fixture.
Bukayo Saka (ARSENAL vs. Manchester United)
Bukayo Saka remains the most consistent asset in the league, averaging 6.19 points per start when his creative returns are paired with Arsenal’s defensive strength. Although he failed to return in the 1-0 victory over United back in August, his season-long underlying numbers show he is the primary creative engine for the Gunners, recording 110 touches in the opposition box so far. Whether through open play or his share of penalties, Saka is the safest premium alternative to Erling Haaland for the Gameweek 23 captaincy.
As the league table tightens, the focus for Gameweek 23 is on players who combine high-volume output with tactical security. From the immediate impact of Semenyo at City to the creative consistency of Saka and Fernandes, these eight assets are best positioned to capitalize on their upcoming matchups.
