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GAMEWEEK 23 2025/26

FPL Captain Picks GW23 (2025/26 Season)

Welcome to our elite FPL captaincy briefing for Gameweek 23. This week demands sharp analysis as managers navigate a diverse fixture list with potential for both safe hauls and explosive differential returns. Our rigorous data-driven approach aims to arm you with the insights needed to make the optimal captaincy decision and climb those mini-league ranks.

By FPLai • January 21, 2026
Bruno G. image
Bruno G.
vs AVL (H)
Thiago image
Thiago
vs NFO (H)
Cherki image
Cherki
vs WOL (H)
Top Pick · Safety

Thiago BRE

vs NFO (H) (H) Mins: High
The Case

Thiago stands out as the standout safe captaincy option for Gameweek 23. His excellent form is matched by a prime home fixture against a Nottingham Forest side consistently leaky away from home. As Brentford's primary forward, he's central to their attacking output, ensuring a high likelihood of involvement in any goal-scoring opportunities. This matchup provides an ideal environment for him to deliver a significant FPL haul.

Nottingham Forest's defensive shape often gets stretched by direct forward runs, leaving gaps between their centre-backs and full-backs. Thiago's ability to time his runs and link up with wide players makes him an ideal candidate to capitalize on these spaces.

Expert Verdict
"The quintessential safe choice for reliable returns."
Risk
LOW
Ceiling
HIGH
Form: 7.6Points Per Game: 5.5Ownership: 36.5%
Alternative · Balanced

Bruno G. NEW

vs AVL (H) (H) Mins: High
The Case

Bruno G. offers an excellent balanced captaincy option for GW23. He boasts strong FPL form and a solid points-per-game average, indicating consistent returns. Playing at home against Aston Villa, Newcastle will be looking to dominate, and Bruno G.'s role as a deep-lying playmaker with an eye for goal makes him highly influential. His ability to contribute defensively and offensively ensures multiple avenues for FPL points, from clean sheet contributions to key passes and goals.

Aston Villa's tendency to commit players forward in attack can leave spaces in central midfield, which Bruno G. is adept at exploiting with driving runs or precise through balls to initiate counter-attacks or sustain pressure.

Expert Verdict
"A shrewd option balancing safety with significant upside."
Risk
MEDIUM
Ceiling
MEDIUM
Form: 7.2Points Per Game: 5.7Ownership: 23.7%
Differential · Rank chasers

Cherki MCI

vs WOL (H) (H) Mins: Medium
The Case

For those looking to climb the ranks, Cherki represents a high-upside differential pick. While his individual form isn't explosive, he operates within Manchester City's formidable attacking structure, which consistently produces goals. Playing at home against Wolves, who tend to struggle against top teams, he has the perfect platform to deliver a substantial haul. His relatively low ownership means any significant return would provide a considerable rank boost.

Wolves' defensive shape can be vulnerable to quick passes and intricate movement in the half-spaces. Cherki's flair and ability to operate between the lines make him perfectly suited to exploit these areas and create shooting opportunities or assist chances for his teammates.

Expert Verdict
"A high-risk, high-reward play for aggressive managers."
Risk
HIGH
Ceiling
HIGH
Form: 4.8Points Per Game: 4.5Ownership: 14.0%

Summary

PlayerFixtureRiskCeilingBest For
Thiago NFO (H) LOW High Safety
Bruno G. AVL (H) MEDIUM Medium Balanced
Cherki WOL (H) HIGH High Rank chasers

Final Recommendation

Safety Pick

Thiago

If you're protecting rank or seeking reliable points, Thiago (BRE) against Nottingham Forest is your strongest candidate, offering a high floor with significant upside.

Differential

Cherki

If you're chasing rank and need a bold move, Cherki (MCI) provides the explosive potential from Manchester City's attack against Wolves, despite the inherent rotation risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 23?
Thiago is our top recommended captain for GW23. If you're protecting rank or seeking reliable points, Thiago (BRE) against Nottingham Forest is your strongest candidate, offering a high floor with significant upside.
Should I captain Thiago in GW23?
Yes, Thiago is the safest captain option for Gameweek 23. If you're protecting rank or seeking reliable points, Thiago (BRE) against Nottingham Forest is your strongest candidate, offering a high floor with significant upside.
Who is a good differential captain for Gameweek 23?
Cherki is a strong differential option for GW23. If you're chasing rank and need a bold move, Cherki (MCI) provides the explosive potential from Manchester City's attack against Wolves, despite the inherent rotation risk.
What is the best captain pick for FPL GW23?
Our AI analysis recommends Thiago as the top captain pick for Gameweek 23. For those chasing rank, Cherki offers differential upside.
Who are the avoided captain options for GW23?
Players to avoid captaining in Gameweek 23 include Gabriel, Wirtz, Collins due to difficult fixtures or poor form.
What fixtures should I target for captaincy in GW23?
The best fixtures for captaincy in Gameweek 23 include: Thiago (vs NFO (H)), Bruno G. (vs AVL (H)), Cherki (vs WOL (H)). Home fixtures against weaker opposition generally offer the highest ceiling.

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