Gameweek 22: Thiago Essential, Saka Out & Your Transfer Priorities

Welcome back to your essential FPL briefing! Gameweek 21 is wrapped up and Gameweek 22 kicks off tomorrow (Sunday, January 18, 2026) with some massive transfer decisions to make. We're breaking down the must-have assets, the players you need to ship out, and the differentials that could separate you from your rivals. Let's dive in.

Before we get to transfers, here's the injury and team news you need to know:

Verdict: ESSENTIAL

This man is on fire. Thiago bagged a brace against Sunderland in Gameweek 21, playing 81 minutes, picking up maximum bonus, and delivering 12 points. That takes him to a staggering 16 goals in 21 appearances this season, with 120 total points.

He's risen 11 times in price already, and the market clearly recognizes his value. This weekend, Brentford host Chelsea at home - a fixture that looks brilliant for the Bees who are flying under Keith Andrews. Thiago is the focal point of everything Brentford do in attack.

The bottom line: If you don't own Thiago, fix that today. He's essential.

Verdict: ESSENTIAL

The Brazilian defender is a defensive rock and an aerial threat. Gabriel kept another clean sheet against Liverpool in Gameweek 21 and boasts impressive season stats: 9 clean sheets, 3 goals, and 2 assists.

This weekend, Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Forest's defence has been leaky at home, and Gabriel offers both clean sheet potential and set-piece threat. He's risen 8 times in price and has 7.2 expected points for the Forest fixture.

Arsenal's fixtures are strong over the coming weeks, and Gabriel is a set-and-forget defender who delivers consistent returns.

Verdict: GOOD (not essential, but worth strong consideration)

Bruno was magnificent in the 4-3 thriller against Leeds in Gameweek 21. He scored, assisted, and picked up bonus for 11 points total. That's 8 goals and 5 assists this season (117 total points) from a midfielder priced under £8m.

Newcastle face Wolves away on Sunday, and Bruno has 7 expected points. He's risen 7 times already, so the market recognizes his value. If you need a Newcastle asset or a strong mid-price midfielder, Bruno absolutely delivers the goods.

Verdict: SELL

Saka managed just 3 points against Liverpool in Gameweek 21, playing 77 minutes with no attacking returns. While his season stats of 4 goals and 7 assists are solid, they're not elite for his £10.2m price tag.

167,000 managers sold him this week, and it's easy to see why. At over £10m, he's tying up serious funds that could be better deployed elsewhere. Arsenal have good fixtures, but Saka's underlying numbers aren't justifying his premium price right now.

The move: Downgrade to a mid-price midfielder and upgrade elsewhere - perhaps to strengthen your defence or bring in Thiago.

Verdict: SELL

The German forward picked up 5 points against Leeds with an assist, but he's not delivering consistently enough. While 7 goals and 3 assists in 18 games isn't bad, it's not enough for a £7.3m forward when you consider the alternatives.

192,000 managers shipped him out this week. With Thiago and other forwards offering better value, Woltemade feels like a luxury you can't afford right now.

The move: Transfer the funds into Thiago or bank them to strengthen your defence with Arsenal or Brentford assets.

Verdict: SELL

This one's for managers looking at budget enablers. Stach managed just 2 points in 79 minutes against Newcastle. While 3 goals and 5 assists this season isn't terrible for his price, Leeds have been inconsistent, and over 31,000 managers are moving him on.

If you need a cheap midfielder, there are better options with stronger fixtures. Upgrade if you can, or pivot to a midfielder with better short-term prospects.

Looking for players who could explode and separate you from your rivals? Here are three options worth considering:

Wilson bagged 9 points against Chelsea in Gameweek 21 with a goal and bonus. That takes him to 7 goals and 6 assists this season (102 total points) - incredible value at £5.9m.

Fulham face Leeds away on Saturday, and Wilson has 4.8 expected points. The fixture is decent, and his form is red-hot. While his ownership is creeping above 20%, he's still under-owned for his output.

The midfielder picked up 6 points against Wolves with 90 minutes and bonus. With 2 goals and 3 assists this season, plus 8 clean sheets showing his defensive involvement, Garner offers a unique route into Everton's midfield at just £5.2m.

Everton face Aston Villa away on Sunday - not the easiest fixture, but at his price and ownership, Garner could be gold if David Moyes gets them firing. A proper differential play.

While his ownership is well over 10%, Semenyo is worth mentioning for the Manchester derby tomorrow. He scored in the 1-1 draw against Brighton, playing 90 minutes. With 10 goals and 5 assists this season, he's Pep Guardiola's most consistent attacker.

Manchester United away is tough, but City need to respond after dropping points. Semenyo has 6.7 expected points and could be a captaincy differential if you're feeling brave.

The obvious choice: Thiago at home to Chelsea. With 16 goals this season, a home fixture, and red-hot form, he's the safest premium captaincy option.

The differential choice: Gabriel against Nottingham Forest. He offers clean sheet upside plus set-piece threat. Arsenal's defence is elite, and Forest have conceded regularly at home. Not a high ceiling play, but a solid floor with differential appeal.

Don't overthink your defence. Arsenal and Brentford have the best fixtures over the next four gameweeks. Double up on both defences if you can - clean sheets win gameweeks.

Gameweek 22 is shaping up to be crucial. The Thiago train is leaving the station - make sure you're on board. Saka's price tag doesn't match his output right now, and there's value to be found in players like Gabriel, Bruno Guimaraes, and Wilson.

Remember: Arsenal and Brentford defence is where you want to invest for the next month. Clean sheets compound over time, and both teams have elite fixtures ahead.

Good luck in Gameweek 22, and may your differentials deliver!

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