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GAMEWEEK 19 2025/26

FPL GW19 Review: What Actually Mattered (2025/26)

Gameweek 19 proved to be a brutal affair for many managers, marked by a low average score of 40 points. Popular captaincy choices largely failed to deliver, creating significant rank turbulence. However, a select few found explosive returns through differential picks. This review uncovers the underlying principles from GW19's observable results, offering reusable lessons as we prepare for GW20.

By FPLai • January 4, 2026
40
Average
55
Green Arrow
70
Elite

Captaincy

Haaland
74.2% owned
Base
2
Captain
4↓
Semenyo
45.1% owned
Base
5
Captain
10↓
Guéhi
40.5% owned
Base
2
Captain
4↓
Foden
38.3% owned
Base
3
Captain
6↓
Ekitiké
35.1% owned
Base
2
Captain
4↓

Top Performers

Garner
EVE · 2.8% owned
16
pts
Gabriel
ARS · 24.5% owned
15
pts
Trossard
ARS · 2.1% owned
13
pts
L.Paquetá
L.Paquetá
WHU · 2.7% owned
13
pts

Disappointments

Haaland
MCI · 74.2% owned
2
pts
Guéhi
CRY · 40.5% owned
2
pts
Ekitiké
LIV · 35.1% owned
2
pts
Raya
ARS · 34.7% owned
2
pts

Takeaways

01

Don't Blindly Follow Captaincy Ownership

GW19 highlighted the risk of solely relying on high captaincy ownership. When heavily backed players like Haaland (74.2% C) and Guéhi (40.5% C) blank, managers who chose alternative, high-performing options gain significant ground. While popular picks often deliver, this week showed the downside.

→ Actionable for GW20
02

Defensive Differentials Can Deliver Big

The success of players like Garner (EVE) and Mukiele (SUN) demonstrates the potential for defensive differentials. Identifying defenders from teams capable of clean sheets, especially against formidable opponents, or those with offensive upside, can yield substantial returns and rank boosts.

→ Actionable for GW20
03

Penalty Misses Impact Returns

Welbeck's missed penalty serves as a stark reminder that even designated spot-kick takers are not immune to failure. Relying on penalty opportunities carries an inherent risk, and a missed penalty can drastically reduce a player's FPL haul, impacting both individual points and overall gameweek scores.

→ Actionable for GW20

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the average FPL score in Gameweek 19?
The average FPL score in Gameweek 19 was 40 points. A score of 55+ was needed for a green arrow, while 70+ was considered an elite score.
Who were the highest scoring FPL players in Gameweek 19?
The top FPL performers in Gameweek 19 were: Garner (16 pts), Gabriel (15 pts), Trossard (13 pts), L.Paquetá (13 pts).
Did the top FPL captain picks deliver in Gameweek 19?
Haaland disappointed as captain in GW19 with 4 captain points (2 base points).
Which FPL players disappointed in Gameweek 19?
The biggest FPL disappointments in Gameweek 19 were: Haaland (2 pts), Guéhi (2 pts), Ekitiké (2 pts), Raya (2 pts).

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