GW22: Bruno Mania Takes Over, Timber Essential, Cherki Owners Panic

Welcome back to Who Got The Points! Thanks for being part of our FPL community. With Gameweek 22 deadline approaching, we're cutting through the noise to bring you the transfers that matter, the differentials that could separate you from the pack, and the captain pick that's practically writing itself.

Gameweek 21 delivered the drama we've come to expect. The Arsenal-Liverpool goalless draw saw both defenses deliver clean sheets, with Jurgen Timber and Virgil van Dijk both banking 6-pointers for their owners. Meanwhile in Manchester, Rayan Cherki endured a nightmare cameo—hauled off after just 17 minutes off the bench, barely touching the ball, and picking up a single point. That's a disaster for his 16% ownership.

The standout performance? Bruno Guimaraes continued his sensational home form at St. James' Park, bagging 11 points with a goal and an assist in Newcastle's 4-3 thriller against Leeds. He's now attracting massive transfer interest, and for good reason.

Transfer Volume: Nearly 190,000 managers have brought him in since the deadline

GW21 Returns: 11 points (1 goal, 1 assist, 1 bonus)

Season Stats: 117 total points, 8 goals, 5 assists, averaging 6 points per game

Bruno's home form at St. James' Park has been absolutely electric. He's been a points machine, consistently delivering big hauls when Newcastle play at home. While Newcastle face Wolves away on Sunday (not his preferred venue), his current form is simply too good to ignore.

The Verdict: Not essential just yet, but if you need a dynamic midfielder with genuine goal threat, Bruno is your man right now. His attacking returns combined with bonus point magnet status make him a serious option for those chasing ground in their mini-leagues.

Transfer Volume: Over 43,000 managers brought him in

GW21 Returns: 6 points (clean sheet vs Liverpool)

Season Stats: 9 clean sheets, 2 goals, 4 assists

Timber is playing as an inverted full-back under Mikel Arteta, which gives him license to push forward and get involved in Arsenal's attack. This tactical role is crucial—he's not just defending, he's actively contributing to Arsenal's buildup play and creating chances.

Arsenal have shown defensive solidity, and Timber's attacking returns are the cherry on top. They travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening, and while Forest have been decent this season, Arsenal should have enough quality to secure a result.

The Verdict: ESSENTIAL. At £6.3m, he's the perfect balance of defensive security and attacking upside. If you don't own him, get him in immediately. This is one of the season's standout value picks.

Transfer Volume: Nearly 38,000 transfers in

GW21 Returns: 3 points (clean sheet vs Arsenal, played full 90 minutes)

Season Stats: 2 goals, 2 assists so far

Now, 3 points isn't a haul, but context matters. Liverpool face Burnley at home on Saturday, and Burnley have shipped goals all season and look extremely vulnerable. Wirtz's underlying numbers suggest more returns are coming—his expected points for the next game sit at 7.

The Verdict: If you can afford him and need Liverpool coverage, Wirtz offers a creative spark that could explode. Just be aware he hasn't quite hit top form yet, but the fixtures are turning in his favor. With Liverpool's attacking dominance, his involvement could pay dividends.

Transfer Volume: Nearly 75,000 managers have shipped him out

GW21 Disaster: 1 point (17 minutes off the bench, hauled off barely touching the ball)

Ownership: 16% (that's a LOT of disappointed managers)

This was a nightmare performance for Cherki owners. He's been rotated mercilessly under Pep Guardiola, and with City's packed schedule, he's become a massive rotation risk. Yes, he has 8 assists this season showing his quality when he plays, but if he's not starting, he's not scoring points. Simple as that.

City face Man United in the derby on Saturday lunchtime, but can you trust Cherki to start? The risk is simply too high.

The Verdict: SELL NOW. The rotation risk is far too high, and you need players who are nailed-on starters. Free up that £6.8m and move to someone more reliable who actually plays 90 minutes. Don't let Pep ruin your gameweek again.

Transfer Volume: Over 18,000 transfers out

GW21 Returns: 3 points (90 minutes played, clean sheet, no attacking returns)

Season Stats: 4 goals, 3 assists all season

Gravenberch is cheap at £5.7m, but he's simply not offering enough attacking threat to justify a midfield slot. The transfer stats tell the story—managers are losing patience. Liverpool have better options in midfield, and for an extra £2.5m, you get Wirtz who offers significantly more goal involvement.

The Verdict: Unless you're absolutely desperate for budget and need the extra funds elsewhere, move him on and upgrade to a midfielder with more goal involvement. The opportunity cost is too high.

Transfer Volume: 31,000 transfers out

GW21 Returns: 0 points (full match at Bournemouth, Spurs conceded 3 goals)

Season Stats: 7 clean sheets

At £4.6m, Van de Ven remains an absolute bargain, and his 7 clean sheets this season prove he can deliver. The problem isn't the player—it's Spurs' fixtures being mixed. They face West Ham at home on Saturday (winnable), but then comes Burnley and Manchester City.

The Verdict: HOLD if you own him. That price point is too good to ditch, and one clean sheet gets you 6 points immediately. But if you don't own him, maybe wait and see how Spurs' defense shapes up over the next few weeks. Don't rush to bring him in, but don't panic sell either.

Looking to separate yourself from the template? These low-owned picks could be the difference in your mini-league chase:

Recent Form: Assisted in the 1-1 draw with Man City, picking up 5 points

Season Stats: 2 goals, 2 assists

Ayari has started consistently and is playing in advanced positions for Brighton. At £4.8m, he's the perfect enabler with genuine upside. Brighton face Bournemouth on Monday night, a fixture they should dominate. Worth a punt if you need bench fodder who can actually return points.

Recent Form: Assisted and kept a clean sheet vs Sunderland, bagging 7 points in GW21

Season Stats: 4 assists, 52 total points

Janelt has quietly been involved in Brentford's attack all season. Brentford travel to Chelsea on Saturday which is tough, but Janelt's price and form make him an intriguing pick for deeper squad depth. If you're chasing in your mini-league, these low-owned punts could swing things your way.

Recent Form: Kept a clean sheet vs Arsenal, picked up 10 points with 3 bonus

Season Stats: 6 clean sheets, 62 total points

Liverpool face Burnley at home next—about as favorable as it gets for a goalkeeper. At £5.4m, he's premium priced, but if you want set-and-forget goalkeeper security with Liverpool's solid defense under Arne Slot, Alisson is your man.

Erling Haaland (Man City, £15.1m)

This is a no-brainer. United's defense has been shaky all season, and Haaland thrives in big games. With 20 goals already this season and City at home, everything points to captain Haaland. Don't overthink it.

Don't overthink your transfers this week. Bruno Guimaraes and Jurgen Timber are the two standout moves. If you can get both in, do it. If not, prioritize Timber for Arsenal's defensive coverage and attacking potential.

Avoid chasing last week's points. Look ahead to the fixtures, and trust the numbers. That's how you separate good FPL managers from great ones.

That's everything you need for GW22. Quick decisions, big returns. Make sure to subscribe at Who Got The Points for daily FPL insights, and we'll see you tomorrow with all the latest ahead of the Gameweek 22 deadline.