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 deadline-day transfers that could flip a mid-table mini-league on its head. It’s 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. This piece zeros in on five absolute gems – Marc Cucurella, Marc Guehi, Florian Wirtz, Cole Palmer, and Igor Thiago – 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 Palace side, and others that scream points potential. These picks aren’t just hot tips; they’re backed by recent stats, injury comebacks, and teams facing tough runs.
Picking the right transfers now could catapult your rank, whether you’re chasing the top 10k or just avoiding the drop. Cucurella leads the pack as a budget defender who’s nailed down his spot, but the midfield and forward options here offer explosive upside too. Let’s dive into why these five stand out before the deadline hits.
Marc Cucurella: Chelsea’s Wall Returns Strong
Marc Cucurella looks like the steal of Gameweek 23 for any FPL team needing defensive solidity without breaking the bank. Since shaking off that nagging injury a few weeks back, he’s 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 year’s 133 points from 5.0m price tag that saw him rise to 5.4m. His history shows consistency: high clearances, blocks, and those sneaky goal contributions from set pieces or overlaps. Palace’s woes – poor form away from home and defensive lapses – mean he’s set for a double-digit return, especially with Chelsea pushing for Europe. No wonder managers are captaincy circling him already.
Marc Guehi: 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 – shipping goals left and right – open the door for him to feast on bonus points and maybe a clean sheet.
Guehi’s recent form is a points machine, averaging high CBIT stats like 4.59 clearances per 90 that translate to steady hauls week in, week out. His history this term shows clean sheets against weaker sides and big defensive scores, making him low-risk for Gameweek 23. With 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 star, 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’s wobbly at the back, boosts his chances for a goal or two plus bonuses.
Wirtz’s points haul lately has been electric – think hauls from his Bundesliga days spilling into Premier League action with 21 goals and 23 assists over two years prior. Liverpool’s attack thrives on his vision, and Bournemouth’s vulnerabilities mean he could haul 15+ easily. His advanced position dodges the midfield minutes worry, making him a Salah alternative with upside.
Cole Palmer: Chelsea’s Injury Comeback Star
Cole Palmer is firing on all cylinders post-injury, making him a no-brainer transfer for Gameweek 23 against Crystal Palace’s shaky defense. The midfielder’s creativity – penalties, free-kicks, those cheeky chips – has returned with vengeance, tearing apart mid-table sides. Palace’s up-and-down season, full of leaks and lost points, hands him the keys to a big score.
Palmer’s recent history dazzles: 214 FPL points last season with 15 goals from 126 shots, and he’s picking up right where he left off. Expect goals, assists, and bonuses as Chelsea dominate a Palace team that’s 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 versus Nottingham Forest’s porous defense. The Brazilian has been on fire lately – multiple goals in key games, 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 matches. 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’ 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.