Gameweek 12: Thiago's Eight Goals Make Him Essential, Arsenal Defence Struggles

Welcome back to Who Got The Points! Thanks for subscribing to our daily FPL newsletter. With the Gameweek 12 deadline approaching on Saturday, November 22nd, there's plenty to unpack from another eventful round of fixtures. Let's dive into the key news, essential transfers, and tactical moves you need to make right now.

Marc Guehi Injury Concern: The Crystal Palace defender picked up an injury during their clean sheet victory over Bournemouth on Sunday. Despite not featuring in the starting lineup, Palace kept another clean sheet, maintaining their impressive defensive record under Oliver Glasner. His 17 million managers will be anxiously awaiting the manager's injury update this week.

Arsenal's Clean Sheet Streak Ends: The Gunners' defensive fortress crumbled at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland in a surprise result. Multiple Arsenal defenders returned just one point, raising serious questions about their premium pricing. With options like Timber (£6.1m) and Calafiori (£5.8m) hemorrhaging value, many managers are reconsidering their Arsenal defensive investments.

Chelsea Injury Crisis Brewing: Despite a comfortable 3-0 win over Wolves, Chelsea picked up injury concerns for Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Pedro Neto. Enzo Maresca will address these knocks in his press conference, but Chelsea managers need to monitor Friday's team news closely as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Transfers In: 114,000 managers

The Brazilian forward delivered an absolute masterclass in Gameweek 11, and the FPL community has taken notice. Starting and playing the full 90 minutes, Thiago bagged 2 goals and 3 bonus points for a massive 13-point haul. His season stats are exceptional:

Why He's Essential: With Keith Andrews' Brentford looking increasingly dangerous going forward, Thiago offers premium output at a mid-price point. His goals-per-game rate is exceptional value at £6.3m. What was once a differential pick won't stay differential for long – get ahead of the curve.

Verdict: ESSENTIAL. At 9.7% ownership and rising fast, he's becoming a must-have differential that won't be differential for long.

Transfers In: 32,000 managers

The Colombian defender picked up another clean sheet on Sunday, playing the full 90 minutes and grabbing 6 points. Palace's defensive improvement under Glasner is real, and Munoz is reaping the fantasy rewards:

Why He's Good: Munoz offers both clean sheet potential and attacking returns from his wing-back position. At £5.7m, he's one of the most attacking defenders at his price point. If you need funds elsewhere or want Palace defensive coverage, he's your man.

Verdict: GOOD. A brilliant enabler who can free up funds while delivering consistent returns.

Transfers In: 65,000 managers

The Brazilian forward scored again in the 3-0 win over Wolves, starting and playing 82 minutes. He scored once and kept a clean sheet for 7 points and 1 bonus. His season statistics show consistent involvement:

Why He's Good: Chelsea's fixtures are improving and Pedro is the safe premium forward option. He's nailed in Maresca's system and delivers consistent returns. The main consideration is that nearly half the game already owns him.

Verdict: GOOD. If you don't own him, consider the move, but be aware of the high ownership.

Transfers Out: 25,000 managers

The Arsenal defender is hemorrhaging transfers after a disappointing 1-point return at Sunderland. Despite playing the full 90 minutes, Arsenal conceded and Timber blanked, ending a run of strong returns.

Verdict: HOLD. Don't panic sell, but if you're wildcarding or using your free transfer, there are better options in that price bracket offering more value.

Transfers Out: 19,000 managers

Another Arsenal defender seeing significant exits following that 1-point return. He played 90 minutes but the clean sheet is gone, and managers are questioning the Arsenal defensive triple-up strategy.

Verdict: SELL. If you need to free up Arsenal defensive slots or want better value, now's the time to move. The underlying numbers are decent, but at £5.8m with rotation risk, better options exist.

Transfers Out: 18,000 managers

The Arsenal goalkeeper is seeing transfers out after conceding at Sunderland ended his clean sheet streak. He managed just 1 point despite playing 90 minutes.

Verdict: KEEP. He's still Arsenal's number one with good fixtures ahead. Unless you desperately need the funds, hold. Cheaper goalkeepers offer similar returns, but Raya remains a solid option for clean sheet potential.

Looking for those differential picks that could set you apart in your mini-leagues? Here are three options flying under the radar:

Ownership: 9.0%

The veteran forward may have only grabbed 2 points in Gameweek 11, but his underlying numbers and fixture run make him an interesting differential option at just 9% ownership.

Ownership: 3.5%

At £5.6m and just 3.5% ownership, Isidor offers a budget-friendly way into Sunderland's attack. The Black Cats' impressive form makes him worth considering as an enabler.

Ownership: Under 1%

He's risky, but at under 1% ownership, Jimenez could be a sneaky punt if you're looking for that differential edge in your mini-leagues.

Erling Haaland (Man City) - £14.8m

Stick with the Norwegian goal machine. He scored again in the Liverpool game, playing 90 minutes for 4 points. His season statistics are absolutely elite:

Back the premium asset. Haaland is the safest captaincy option week in, week out. At 70.6% ownership, not captaining him when he hauls could be devastating for your rank.

Monitor Chelsea's injury situation closely this week. With Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Pedro Neto all picking up knocks in the Wolves game, Friday's team news will be crucial for your final transfer decisions. Don't make any Chelsea-related moves until Enzo Maresca's press conference provides clarity on their availability.

Other notable performances from Gameweek 11:

Want to win your Fantasy Premier League mini leagues?

That's your comprehensive guide to Gameweek 12. Get those transfers locked in, monitor Friday's team news closely, and remember – the deadline is Saturday, November 22nd.

Good luck in Gameweek 12, and may your differentials haul big! 🚀