The Hard Tackle lists the five best options to consider to bring into your team heading into FPL Gameweek 23 of the 2025/26 season.
As Gameweek 23 of the 2025/26 FPL season rolls around, managers everywhere are glued to their screens, plotting those transfers that could flip a mini-league on its head. It is that time when the grind of winter fixtures meets juicy match-ups, and smart picks can haul you out of a points rut or propel you up the ranks. We now zero in on five absolute gems who are screaming to be shipped into your squad right now, based on red-hot form, injury comebacks, and opponents on the ropes.
FPL managers are always hunting for that edge, especially as the season hits its stride in January 2026. Gameweek 23 brings some juicy matchups, like Chelsea hosting a leaky Crystal Palace side, and others that scream points potential. These picks are not just hot tips; they are backed by recent stats, injury comebacks, and teams facing tough runs.
Picking the right transfers now could catapult your rank, whether you are chasing the top 10k or placed much lower. Marc Guehi leads the pack as a budget defender who is nailed down his spot, but the midfield and forward options here offer explosive upside too. Let us dive into why these five stand out before the deadline hits.
Marc Cucurella: Chelsea star returns strong
Marc Cucurella looks like the steal of Gameweek 23 for any FPL team needing defensive solidity and offensive returns. Since shaking off that nagging injury a few weeks back, he has been everywhere for Chelsea, tackling, intercepting, and even chipping in with bonus points that make him a dream pick.
Crystal Palace, their opponents, have been all over the place lately, leaking goals and struggling to string wins together, which spells clean sheet potential and attacking returns for the Blues’ backline. This season alone, Cucurella has racked up solid hauls, building on last season’s 133 points.
The Spaniard’s history shows consistency: high clearances, blocks, and those sneaky goal contributions from set pieces or overlaps. Crystal Palace’s woes, poor form away from home, and defensive lapses, mean he is set for a double-digit return, especially with Chelsea pushing for Europe. No wonder managers are circling him already.
Marc Guehi: Manchester City-bound rock vs Wolves chaos
Marc Guehi is the defender you grab if you want reliability heading into a plum fixture against Wolves, whose backline has been a comedy of errors all season. Soon set to link up with Manchester City after his transfer buzz, Guehi’s leadership at his current club has shone through, with clearances and tackles galore keeping points ticking over.
Wolves’ inconsistencies open the door for him to feast on bonus points and maybe a clean sheet. Guehi’s exploits this season show he is a points machine, averaging high CBIT stats like 4.59 clearances per 90 that translate to steady hauls week in, week out before Crystal Palace’s recent struggles.
His history this term shows clean sheets against weaker sides and big defensive scores, making him low-risk for Gameweek 23 as he closes in on moving to the Etihad. With Manchester City’s interest signaling his class, expect him to boss this game and set your defense straight.
Florian Wirtz: Liverpool’s advanced threat
Florian Wirtz screams must-have midfielder for FPL squads eyeing Gameweek 23, thanks to his pushed-forward role under Liverpool’s setup. The German playmaker, fresh from Leverkusen stardom, roams high up, linking plays, shooting from range, and grabbing assists that rack up massive points.
Facing Bournemouth, a side that has been wobbly at the back, boosts his chances for a goal or two plus bonuses. Wirtz’s points haul lately has been electric, and he found the back of the net against Burnley this past weekend.
Liverpool’s attack thrives on his vision, and Bournemouth’s vulnerabilities mean he could haul in the double digits easily. His advanced position dodges the midfield minutes worry, making him a Salah alternative with upside.
Cole Palmer: Chelsea’s comeback star
Cole Palmer is firing on all cylinders post his return from recent fitness issues, making him a no-brainer transfer for Gameweek 23 against Crystal Palace’s shaky defence. The English midfielder’s creativity has returned with vengeance, tearing apart mid-table sides. Crystal Palace’s up-and-down season, full of leaks and lost points, hands him the keys to a big score, especially after his haul against Brentford last weekend.
Palmer’s recent history dazzles: 214 FPL points last season with 15 goals from 126 shots, and he is picking up right where he left off. Expect goals, assists, and bonuses as Chelsea dominate a Palace team that is inconsistent at best. His price reflects the form, but the fixture makes it worthwhile.
Igor Thiago: Brentford’s Hot Streak Sniper
Igor Thiago is the striker turning heads with his goal frenzy, perfect for Gameweek 23 against Nottingham Forest’s porous defence. The Brazilian has been on fire lately, scoring multiple goals in key games, with shots raining in. And Forest’s struggles at the back give him every chance to bag a hat-trick or double. Brentford’s setup suits his poaching runs, setting up long-term joy.
Look at his recent slate: goals in bunches like 2 vs one side, 3 in another, with shots on target galore across December and January matches. Nottingham Forest’s woes amplify this, promising a haul that jumps your forward line. Thiago’s form screams captain material here.
FPL Transfer Recommendations at a Glance
| Player | Club | Opponent | Main Appeal | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marc Cucurella | Chelsea | Crystal Palace (A) | Post-injury form, Palace struggles | Low |
| Marc Guehi | Manchester City (soon) | Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) | Defensive stats vs Wolves chaos | Low |
| Florian Wirtz | Liverpool | Bournemouth (A) | Advanced role, soft fixture | Medium |
| Cole Palmer | Chelsea | Crystal Palace (A) | Injury return magic | Low |
| Igor Thiago | Brentford | Nottingham Forest (H) | Goal streak vs leaky defense | Medium |
Honourable Mentions
Honourable mentions go to Patrick Dorgu for his wing wizardry, Milos Kerkez’s set-piece threat, Bruno Fernandes’s midfield mastery, Bryan Mbeumo’s consistency, Enzo Le Fee’s bargains, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s aerial power, and Jarrod Bowen’s all-action displays. Keep an eye on them for future weeks.
