Gameweek 11 Preview: Casemiro's Shock Value, Salah's Exodus & Chelsea Assets You Need

Welcome back to Who Got The Points? newsletter! Thanks for subscribing to your essential FPL companion. Gameweek 10 threw up some shock haulers and confirmed several trends we need to act on immediately. With the GW11 deadline this Saturday at 11:00, let's break down the surprise performances, essential transfers, and crucial captain decisions you need to make.

Injury news is mercifully light this week. Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Mohammed Kudus are all being monitored but expected to be available for the weekend. Newcastle's Eddie Howe has given Isak the green light after a minor knock.

No suspensions to worry about this week — a rare and welcome relief for FPL managers. The big fixture news is that Crystal Palace's EFL Cup quarter-final has been moved to Tuesday 23rd December, but importantly, this means no Blank Gameweek 17, so you can plan your transfers without worrying about missing fixtures.

Keep an eye on Friday's press conferences for late team news, but for now, it's looking like a clean bill of health across most squads. Chelsea face struggling Everton at home, while Arsenal host Nottingham Forest in what could be a high-scoring affair.

Ownership: 0.7% | GW10 Points: 12 | Season Total: 42 points

The shock of Gameweek 10. The Brazilian veteran started and played the full 90 minutes, scoring a goal, grabbing three bonus points, and delivering a 12-point haul. With 3 goals and 2 assists this season, he's now a genuine FPL asset rather than a meme pick.

What's changed? Under Ruben Amorim, Casemiro is operating in a more advanced role, getting into dangerous positions regularly. United's fixtures are improving, and at just £5.5m with microscopic ownership, he's a budget midfield gem that frees up funds for premium defenders like Reece James.

Verdict: Excellent option for those needing funds elsewhere. A differential who could explode in ownership if he backs up this performance.

Ownership: 7.9% (rising fast) | GW10 Points: 7 | Season Stats: 1 goal, 3 assists, 3 clean sheets

This is the big one. James started and played 90 minutes in GW10, kept a clean sheet, and earned a bonus point for 7 points. More importantly, Chelsea have kept clean sheets in 4 of their last 6 matches, and James is central to everything they do going forward.

With Enzo Maresca's side in excellent form and facing Everton at home in GW11, James offers both attacking returns and defensive stability. He's on set pieces, gets forward constantly, and is nailed when fit. At £5.5m, he's exceptional value for a premium defender who plays like a wingback.

Verdict: Essential. If you're looking to upgrade your defence, James should be your first target. Don't wait for his price to rise.

Ownership: 0.4% | GW10 Points: 14 | Season Total: 43 points (2 goals, 2 assists)

The genuine differential of the week. Sessegnon exploded in GW10 with a goal, an assist, a clean sheet, and three bonus points for a massive 14-point haul. At 0.4% ownership, he's completely under the radar.

Fulham under Marco Silva have been solid defensively, and Sessegnon is playing high up the pitch as a winger. He's getting into dangerous areas, creating chances, and now converting them. At £5.4m, he's a steal if he maintains this form and could be your secret weapon in mini-leagues.

Verdict: High-risk, high-reward punt. Perfect for those chasing rank or needing a budget enabler with genuine upside. One to watch closely.

Ownership: 24.9% (hemorrhaging managers) | GW10 Points: 10 | Season: 4 goals, 2 assists, 52 points total

Yes, you read that right — it's time to consider moving on from Salah. Despite scoring and grabbing two bonus points for 10 points in GW10, at £14.2m you're paying premium money for inconsistent returns. 46,000 managers transferred him out in GW10, and his price has dropped three times recently.

Liverpool face Aston Villa away in GW11 — a tough fixture — and with his value evaporating, you can reinvest that £14.2m into two superior options. Think Reece James (£5.5m) plus a premium midfielder, or double up on Chelsea/Arsenal assets with better fixtures.

Verdict: Sell if you need funds for James and other premiums. However, if you can afford to hold one more week, Liverpool's fixtures improve after Villa. Don't panic sell, but if funds are tight, pull the trigger without hesitation.

With several budget midfielders underperforming at their price points, now is the time to consolidate. Players priced between £7-8m who are delivering inconsistent returns should be downgraded to enable premium defenders or upgraded to proven premiums.

The key strategy: Downgrade underperforming mids to Casemiro (£5.5m) or Sessegnon (£5.4m), then upgrade your defence to James or double up on premium attackers.

Several players have experienced multiple price rises without backing it up with consistent returns. If you own players who've risen significantly but are delivering points-per-game averages below 5.0, consider selling at their peak value and reinvesting in more consistent performers.

Verdict: Hold for now if you own them, but don't buy in at inflated prices. Better value exists elsewhere.

The Brazilian maestro assisted in GW10, playing the full 90 minutes. With 3 goals and 2 assists this season, he's averaging solid returns. Newcastle face Nottingham Forest at home in GW11, and Bruno is their creative heartbeat. At £6.6m with microscopic ownership, he's a captain differential who could haul big.

Bournemouth's defensive improvement under Andoni Iraola has been remarkable. With 2 goals and 1 assist this season, Tavernier offers midfield value with defensive security. Bournemouth have favourable upcoming fixtures, making him a sneaky differential for those looking to gain ground.

The defensive midfielder has been pushing forward more than expected, recording 2 goals, 1 assist, and 3 clean sheets this season. At £5.5m with decent Spurs fixtures ahead, he's worth a punt for those seeking budget enablers with upside potential.

Our differential pick: Reece James vs Everton (H)

Chelsea are flying, Everton are struggling, and James has goal threat, assist potential, and clean sheet odds all in his favour. He's a differential captain who could separate you from the pack in mini-leagues where everyone will captain Haaland or Salah.

Safe pick: Erling Haaland. If you want to play it safe, Haaland continues to deliver consistent returns and is always a threat.

Gameweek 11 is all about capitalizing on Chelsea's form, finding budget gems like Casemiro and Sessegnon, and making tough calls on premium assets like Salah. The template is shifting — those who adapt quickly will gain significant ground in their mini-leagues.

Remember: fortune favors the bold in FPL. Trust your analysis, back your differentials, and don't be afraid to go against the template when the data supports it.

Good luck in Gameweek 11, and may your captains haul big! 🚀