Gameweek 23: Rice Essential, Rogers Frustration, and Arsenal Coverage Secrets

Welcome back to your daily FPL briefing! Thanks for subscribing to Who Got The Points? Today we're breaking down everything you need to dominate Gameweek 23, including why Declan Rice is becoming essential, the Arsenal defensive coverage you need, and whether it's time to finally sell Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins.

Ownership: 26.0%+ | GW22 Points: 8 | Season Total: 92 points (7 goals, 3 assists)

João Pedro scored against Brentford, playing 73 minutes before being subbed. He's now involved in 10 goals this season and is on penalties for Chelsea. The Blues face Crystal Palace away on Sunday, and under Enzo Maresca, they've been consistently creating chances.

✅ Verdict: Good option if you don't have him, but maybe not essential with ownership already high. He's central to everything Chelsea create and offers solid points potential at £7.1m.

Ownership: ~30% | Transfers In: ~70,000 | Season Total: 125 points (4 goals, 7 assists)

Rice is averaging 6.0 points per game and surging in popularity. Despite Arsenal's draw with Forest, he offers attacking threat from midfield with set-piece involvement plus clean sheet potential. The Gunners face Manchester United at home in GW23, and their favorable fixture swing is coming.

✅ Verdict: Essential for the next run. Get him in if funds allow. His combination of attacking returns (11 goal contributions) and defensive stability makes him a must-have midfielder.

Ownership: 28% | Season Total: 109 points (2 goals, 4 assists, 10 clean sheets)

Timber is playing as an inverted full-back, constantly getting forward and involved in Arsenal's attacks. He's logged 60+ minutes in almost every match and plays for the best defense in the league. At £6.3m with attacking potential, he offers exceptional value.

✅ Verdict: Essential Arsenal defensive coverage. He's the pick of their backline for value, offering both clean sheet potential and attacking returns. This is gold at this price point.

Ownership: 32% | Transfers Out: 60,000+ | Season Total: 103 points (7 goals, 4 assists)

Rogers blanked again against Everton despite playing 90 minutes, and managers are losing patience. Recent form shows just 4.5 points per game, and while he's getting into good positions, he's not converting chances. Villa face Newcastle away then Bournemouth next.

⚠️ Verdict: Hold if you have other fires to put out. The underlying numbers remain strong, suggesting returns are coming. Sell if you need funds elsewhere, but don't panic sell after one blank. His data is better than his recent returns suggest.

Ownership: 13.6% | Season Total: 83 points (7 goals, 2 assists) | Average: 3.8 points per game

Blanked against Everton playing 90 minutes but offering little. At nearly £9m, he's not delivering premium striker output. Villa's attack now runs through Rogers and other channels more than Watkins.

❌ Verdict: Sell. Too expensive for the returns. Downgrade to a budget striker and upgrade elsewhere in your team. The price point doesn't match the output.

Ownership: ~24% | Season Total: 120 points (8 goals, 5 assists) | Average: 5.7 points per game

Bruno kept a clean sheet against Wolves for 3 points in GW22. Despite appearing on some transfer out lists, his numbers are excellent - 120 points at 5.7 per game with 13 goal contributions. Newcastle face Aston Villa at home in GW23 where he'll be their talisman.

✅ Verdict: Keep. Strong underlying numbers and Newcastle's main creative force. Net transfers are actually positive, showing smart managers are holding or buying.

GW22: 9 points (1 goal, 3 bonus) | Season: 49 points (4 goals, 1 assist)

Scored against Crystal Palace with three bonus points. Sunderland's home form is electric, and they face West Ham at the Stadium of Light in GW23. At £5.5m, he's a budget striker who could deliver returns in a favorable matchup.

GW22: 8 points (1 goal, 2 bonus) | Season: 50 points (4 goals)

Scored against Villa earning 8 points. Completely under the radar at 0.6% ownership. Everton face Leeds on Monday night, and he could sneak a return against Daniel Farke's side.

Primary Choice: Declan Rice vs Manchester United (H)

Expected Points: 7.5 | Arsenal at home are formidable, and Rice is involved in everything. Set-piece duties, attacking threat, and clean sheet potential make him the standout captain choice.

Differential Choice: João Pedro vs Crystal Palace (A)

If you're feeling brave and want a lower-owned option, João Pedro against Palace could deliver. On penalties and central to Chelsea's attack under Maresca.

Don't panic sell players after one blank. Look at fixtures and underlying numbers, not just last week's score. Rogers might frustrate, but his data suggests returns are coming. Watkins is different - the issue there is price versus output over an extended period, not just one gameweek.

⏰ GW23 Deadline: Saturday at 11:00 AM

Plan your transfers wisely and back yourself. Thanks for reading, and we'll see you tomorrow for more FPL insights!