Gameweek 22: Defensive Monsters, Bruno's Injury Doubt & Differential Captains

Welcome back to Who Got The Points? Thanks for subscribing to our FPL newsletter. Gameweek 22 brings us crucial transfer decisions, injury concerns, and some seriously tempting differential picks that could separate you from your mini-league rivals. Let's break down everything you need to know ahead of Saturday's deadline.

Only the West Ham vs Forest match has been completed in Gameweek 21 so far, but looking at recent form, several defenders are absolutely flying with defensive contribution points. Here are the standout options:

The four point nine million pound defender has picked up 58 total defensive contribution points in his recent matches. With five clean sheets this season and incredible underlying defensive stats, he's showing why Keith Andrews' Brentford side are so solid at the back. Their fixture against Sunderland should provide another opportunity for defensive returns.

Verdict: Essential at his price point.

The five point five million pound defender has racked up 92 total points despite City's defensive struggles. Seven clean sheets this season, four assists, and he's attacking from the left-back position. With 6.3 expected points for Gameweek 22 against Manchester United, he's a differential route into the City defense.

Verdict: Good option if you're backing City to bounce back.

The midfielder is stealing points through defensive work. Five point one million pounds, 8 clean sheets this season, and he's contributing tackles, interceptions, and clearances every week. David Moyes has made Everton much harder to beat, and Garner sits deep, mopping up bonus points through defensive stats while chipping in with 2 goals and 3 assists.

Verdict: Essential budget midfielder for defensive coverage.

Now in nearly 25% of teams, Rice has delivered 119 total points with 8 clean sheets, 4 goals, and 7 assists. He's Arsenal's engine, contributing at both ends. Against Liverpool, he'll rack up defensive stats even if Arsenal don't keep a clean sheet, then faces Forest at the weekend.

Verdict: Essential. Get him in if you haven't already.

The Arsenal centre-back is in 29% of teams and has delivered 106 points. Eight clean sheets, three goals, two assists. He's a set-piece threat under Mikel Arteta and Arsenal's fixtures turn favourable after Liverpool. Gabriel is the defensive backbone every FPL team needs.

Verdict: Essential for the next eight weeks.

31% ownership now. One hundred and eight points, 14 goals, and Brentford's main attacking outlet. He faces Sunderland then Chelsea on Saturday. While Chelsea have tightened up recently, Thiago's form is too good to ignore. 4.7 expected points suggests another attacking return.

Verdict: Good option if you don't own him, but premium forwards are crowded right now.

The hamstring issue is concerning, plus Manchester United's form under Ruben Amorim has been inconsistent. He's got 99 points with 5 goals and 7 assists, but that's underwhelming at his price. The derby on Saturday is huge, but the injury doubt makes him a risk.

Verdict: Sell if you need the funds, but he could explode in the derby if fit.

44% ownership but seeing transfers out after Bournemouth's blank. One hundred and fourteen points with 9 goals and 5 assists is excellent, but his 5.2 expected points for the Spurs fixture isn't inspiring. Andoni Iraola's side have been inconsistent, and at his price, there are better options in midfield.

Verdict: Hold for one more week. Brighton fixture could be great.

He's injured until February, so get him out immediately if you own him. His 95 points and 10 clean sheets were impressive, but with the hamstring issue ruling him out for five weeks, move to Matheus Nunes or another City defender.

Verdict: Sell now. Don't waste a transfer later.

Forty-five points is modest, but he's finding form with 1 goal and 3 assists recently. Arsenal's fixtures improve dramatically, and at his price, he offers a unique route into their attack. 5.3 expected points against Forest in Gameweek 22. Worth a punt if you're chasing in mini-leagues.

The defender has 76 points with 3 goals this season. Eddie Howe's side are keeping clean sheets again, and Thiaw is a goal threat from set pieces. Newcastle face Wolves on Sunday, a fixture they should dominate. 4.5 expected points makes him a solid differential defender.

Fifty-nine points, 5 clean sheets, 2 goals and 1 assist playing as a wing-back. Brentford's system means he gets forward constantly, and at his price, he's enabler gold with genuine attacking threat.

Verdict: Perfect budget enabler with differential appeal.

Mohamed Salah against Burnley is the obvious choice if Liverpool navigate Arsenal. But if you're feeling bold, Gabriel against Forest offers a differential captaincy. Arsenal will dominate possession, and he's a set-piece monster.

Don't overthink goalkeeper picks. With so many fixtures, just pick someone playing at home against a struggling attack. Cheap reliability wins over expensive rotation.

That's everything you need for Gameweek 22. Get those transfers sorted, monitor Bruno's injury news, and make sure you're captaining Salah unless you're feeling brave. Good luck this weekend!