Gameweek 23: Dorgu's Dream Debut, Saka Rotation Headache & Bruno's Essential Status

Welcome back to Who Got The Points? We're diving deep into Gameweek 23 with everything you need to know about the transfer market's biggest movers, Arsenal's rotation concerns, and the budget defender who's taking FPL by storm.

⏰ Deadline Alert: Saturday, January 24th at 11:00 AM

Bukayo Saka Benched Again - Arsenal's star winger didn't even make it off the bench against Nottingham Forest in their goalless draw. Mikel Arteta continues to carefully manage his workload with rotation in recent matches. With Manchester United away on Sunday, there's genuine uncertainty about whether he starts. This makes his £12.1m price tag increasingly difficult to justify right now.

Patrick Dorgu's Instant Impact - The new Manchester United signing couldn't have asked for a better debut. Dorgu scored in the Manchester derby as United secured a 2-0 victory over City. At just £4.2m, he's caught the attention of the entire FPL community with his 15-point haul (1 goal, clean sheet, and bonus points).

Gabriel's Incredible Form - The Arsenal centre-back picked up another 8 points against Forest with a clean sheet and bonus. Here's the remarkable stat: Gabriel is now outscoring Erling Haaland this season with 119 total points. He's become essential for FPL managers.

Cole Palmer Fitness Update - Despite pre-match fitness concerns, Palmer started and played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Brentford, scoring a goal for 9 points. He remains crucial to Chelsea's attack and should be considered fit for the upcoming fixtures.

Transfer Volume: 54,000+ managers brought him in

Recent Performance: 15 points in GW22 (1 goal vs Man City)

Season Stats: 2 goals, 3 assists, 66 total points

Playing as a wing-back in Manchester United's system, Dorgu offers genuine attacking potential at an absolute budget price. His debut goal and clean sheet against Manchester City showcased exactly why United invested in him.

Upcoming Fixtures: Arsenal (H) in GW23 isn't ideal, but then Fulham (A) in GW24 looks promising.

Verdict: Excellent option if you need to free up funds elsewhere in your squad. However, if you can afford to wait one more week, the Fulham fixture might be the better entry point. He's already a strong bench enabler at minimum.

Transfer Volume: 150,000+ managers acquired him

Recent Performance: 10 points in GW22 (1 assist vs Man City)

Season Stats: 5 goals, 9 assists, 116 total points

Bruno delivered a masterclass operating in the number ten role against Manchester City, grabbing an assist, clean sheet, and two bonus points. With 9 assists already this season, he's the creative hub of Ruben Amorim's Manchester United side.

His underlying numbers are exceptional, and while the Arsenal away fixture in GW23 is challenging, the following fixtures against Fulham and Spurs look very promising for returns.

Verdict: Essential for the run-in. Bruno is back to his creative best under Amorim and should be in serious consideration for your midfield. At £9.2m, he offers premium output without the premium price tag.

Transfer Volume: 71,000+ transfers in

Recent Performance: 9 points in GW22 (1 goal at Old Trafford)

Season Stats: 7 goals, 1 assist, 83 total points

Mbeumo has moved to Manchester United and made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut at Old Trafford. His 7 goals this season demonstrate his quality finishing ability, and he looks perfectly at home in United's attacking system.

Arsenal away next is difficult, but his price point at £8.1m and current form make him a compelling option for managers looking to back United's improved performances under Amorim.

Verdict: Good transfer, especially if you're backing Manchester United's recent form. He provides a mid-priced attacking option with proven goal-scoring pedigree.

Transfer Volume: Nearly 4,000 managers selling

Recent Performance: 1 point vs Forest (56 minutes played)

Ødegaard's disappointing form continues with another blank, playing just 56 minutes against Nottingham Forest. The concerning stat: only 1 goal from 16 appearances this season for a player at £7.8m.

While his expected points suggest he should be doing better, the actual output simply isn't matching the underlying numbers right now.

Verdict: Hold if you currently own him - Arsenal's fixtures are improving and he remains their creative focal point. However, don't buy him right now. Wait for consistent returns before investing.

Transfer Volume: Over 2,000 transfers out

Recent Performance: 1 point vs Chelsea (conceded 2)

Despite being Brentford's number one, Kelleher's numbers aren't impressive. Five clean sheets from 22 games this season shows Brentford's defensive struggles. They face Nottingham Forest next, then Aston Villa - not the easiest run.

Verdict: Sell if you need funds. Better goalkeeper options exist at that £4.6m price point with superior defensive records and easier fixtures.

Recent Performance: 0 points vs Forest (didn't come off the bench)

This is the tricky one. Saka didn't even make it off the bench against Forest as Arteta's rotation policy continues. The problem: predicting when he'll start is becoming impossible, despite his undeniable quality when he does play.

Manchester United away next adds further uncertainty to his minutes, and at £12.1m, he's too expensive to have sitting on your bench.

Verdict: Keep if you already have him - his ceiling is too high to sell, and he'll eventually return to regular starts. However, don't buy him until the rotation settles down. There are more reliable premium options right now.

Looking to gain ground in your mini-leagues? These low-owned options could be game-changers:

Recent Form: 6 points vs Fulham (clean sheet)

The Leeds defender kept a clean sheet against Fulham and has 4 clean sheets this season. Leeds face Everton away next - a very winnable fixture. At £4.3m, he's the perfect bench enabler with genuine potential for returns.

Recent Form: 7 points vs Fulham (1 assist, clean sheet, 2 bonus)

Playing deep in midfield, Ampadu grabbed an assist and clean sheet against Fulham, picking up two bonus points in the process. He's involved in Leeds' build-up play and faces Everton away where another return is possible.

Form Rating: 7.5 (red-hot form)

Collins is in excellent form despite blanking against Chelsea. Nearly 15,000 managers brought him in this week. Brentford face Forest next where defensive returns are definitely possible. His form rating makes him an intriguing differential.

The Safe Pick: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool vs Bournemouth away)

Liverpool are in the thick of the title race, Bournemouth's defence is leaky, and Salah remains the most consistent captaincy option in the game. This is as straightforward as captaincy picks get.

The Differential Armband: Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd vs Arsenal at home)

If you're feeling brave and need to make up ground, Bruno against Arsenal could be a differential captain choice. However, Salah is the safer, more sensible play for most managers.

Don't Panic Over Arsenal's Blank

Arsenal's goalless draw against Forest might have disappointed managers, but don't make knee-jerk decisions. Their defensive assets remain excellent long-term holds:

Focus on the bigger picture, not one gameweek. Arsenal's defensive assets continue to deliver consistent returns, and their fixtures are improving.

Want to dominate your mini-leagues?

That's everything you need to know for Gameweek 23. Get those transfers planned, monitor the team news closely (especially Saka's situation), and make sure you hit that Saturday 11 AM deadline.

Good luck, and we'll see you after the gameweek!