Gameweek 23: Bruno's Arsenal Test & Essential Defensive Picks You're Missing

Welcome back to Who Got The Points! Thanks for subscribing to our FPL newsletter. In today's edition, we're breaking down the defensive heroes from Gameweek 22, analyzing the hottest transfers ahead of this weekend's fixtures, and revealing the differential picks that could give you the edge in your mini-leagues. Let's get straight to the action.

Every Wednesday, we focus on defenders and defensive midfielders who rack up clean sheets, tackles, blocks, and bonus points. Three players stood out in Gameweek 22:

Price: £4.9m | GW22 Points: 9 | Total Points: 76

O'Brien delivered 9 points against Aston Villa with a clean sheet and a bonus point. Playing the full 90 minutes, he's now accumulated impressive defensive stats this season. At just £4.9m, he's an absolute steal if you need funds elsewhere.

Next Fixture: Everton face Leeds at home on Monday - another prime clean sheet opportunity.

Verdict: Essential budget enabler if you need funds elsewhere.

Price: £9.2m | Ownership: 16.5% | GW22 Points: 10 | Total Points: 116

Bruno reminded everyone why he's box office with 10 points against Man City - grabbing an assist, keeping a clean sheet, and earning two bonus points. Playing all 90 minutes, he now has 5 goals and 9 assists this season. He's a premium midfielder who delivers both attacking and defensive returns.

Next Fixture: United face Arsenal away - a tough test, but Bruno's set pieces and involvement make him captain material in future gameweeks.

Verdict: Essential if you can afford him.

Price: £4.8m | Ownership: 0.6% | GW22 Points: 8 | Total Points: 30

Martinez quietly banked 8 points with a clean sheet for United, playing the full 90 minutes at just £4.8m. Having only played 10 games this season, he's flying completely under the radar at 0.6% ownership. He's a budget defender with potential for clean sheets as United's form improves under Ruben Amorim.

Verdict: With Arsenal next, hold off for now, but add him to your watchlist for better fixtures.

Transfers In: 353,000 | Price: £9.2m

Leading the transfer charts with 353,000 managers bringing him in. We've covered his 10-point haul in detail above. His expected points might drop against Arsenal, but his set piece duties and defensive contributions make him a season keeper.

Verdict: Essential.

Transfers In: 63,000 | Price: £7.3m | Ownership: 23.7%

The Newcastle midfielder has impressive stats this season and delivered a clean sheet against Wolves last week. His defensive contributions are elite for a midfielder - meaning he racks up points even when he doesn't return offensively. Averaging strong points per game, he provides excellent midfield stability.

Next Fixture: Newcastle face Aston Villa at home on Sunday.

Verdict: Good option for midfield stability.

Transfers In: 42,000 | Price: £5.0m | Ownership: 3.8%

Collins managed only 1 point in Gameweek 22 after Chelsea's 2-0 win, but he has strong expected points against Nottingham Forest next. Brentford's fixtures are improving, and at 3.8% ownership, he's a genuine differential defender with occasional attacking returns.

Verdict: Good buy for the next few weeks.

Transfers Out: 13,600 | Price: £5.8m

Only 2 points against Burnley in a disappointing 1-1 draw. Frimpong has struggled since joining Liverpool, with limited clean sheets. His price has dropped twice. With Liverpool facing Bournemouth away - a tough fixture - consider whether that money could upgrade elsewhere.

Verdict: Hold if benching, sell if you need funds.

Transfers Out: 13,400 | Price: £7.1m

Just 1 point against Chelsea despite playing 81 minutes. The issue with Schade at £7.1m? Inconsistency. For that price, you want more consistent attacking output. However, Brentford face Forest next - a decent fixture.

Verdict: Hold for one more week, don't panic sell.

Many managers are ditching Liverpool defenders after consecutive draws. The defence doesn't look as watertight, and with Bournemouth away next, it's a tricky fixture. However, Liverpool's long-term fixtures are excellent, and Arne Slot's side will tighten up.

Verdict: Don't knee-jerk sell your Liverpool defenders just yet. Keep for the season run-in.

Looking for players to separate you from the pack? Here are three differential options flying under the radar:

Price: £5.2m | Ownership: 3.9%

4 points against Villa with a clean sheet. Garner has exceptional defensive stats for a midfielder this season. Everton face Leeds at home, and Garner's defensive contribution points make him a sneaky differential. At his price, he's a genuine bargain.

Price: £4.3m | Ownership: 0.1%

6 points in Gameweek 22 with a clean sheet at Newcastle. Bueno started all 90 minutes, and at £4.3m, he's the ultimate budget enabler. Wolves face Man City next (not ideal), but if you need a cheap defender to free up funds, Bueno is playing regularly under Vitor Pereira.

Price: £5.2m | Ownership: 2.2%

3 points with a clean sheet against Forest. Zubimendi has impressive clean sheet stats for a midfielder this season. He plays regularly (around 78 minutes), sitting deep and mopping up defensive stats. Arsenal face Man United next - another potential clean sheet opportunity. As a budget midfielder who contributes defensively, he's a left-field pick for those chasing ranks.

Yes, Arsenal away is tough, but Bruno's on penalties, set pieces, and free kicks. He delivered against City, and big players show up in big games. If you want a safer pick, wait for the predicted lineups, but Bruno is the bold choice for those looking to gain ground.

Key Tip: Don't ignore defenders and defensive midfielders for clean sheet potential. They can outscore attackers in tight matches, and Gameweek 22 proved exactly that.

That's all for today! Subscribe at whogotthepoints.com for daily FPL insights. Remember, in Fantasy Premier League, it's not about who should get the points - it's about who got the points.