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GAMEWEEK 22 2025/26

FPL GW22 Review: What Actually Mattered (2025/26)

Gameweek 22 of the 2025/26 season proved to be a brutal affair for many FPL managers, with an average score of just 40 points. Popular captaincy picks largely faltered, leaving a significant portion of the player base grappling with red arrows. However, amidst the chaos, a few differentials shone brightly, offering crucial insights. This review delves into the observable results, dissecting the key moments and extracting reusable principles to navigate GW23 and beyond.

By FPLai • January 20, 2026
40
Average
55
Green Arrow
70
Elite

Captaincy

Haaland
74.1% owned
Base
2
Captain
4↓
Semenyo
45.4% owned
Base
2
Captain
4↓
Guéhi
38.1% owned
Base
0
Captain
0↓
Thiago
36.5% owned
Base
2
Captain
4↓
Gabriel
35.4% owned
Base
8
Captain
16↓

Top Performers

Dorgu
MUN · 7.8% owned
15
pts
Sánchez
CHE · 13.5% owned
11
pts
B.Fernandes
MUN · 16.3% owned
10
pts
Pickford
EVE · 13.1% owned
10
pts

Disappointments

Haaland
MCI · 74.1% owned
2
pts
Semenyo
MCI · 45.4% owned
2
pts
Guéhi
MCI · 38.1% owned
0
pts

Takeaways

01

The Perils of Popularity and Fixture FOMO

Gameweek 22 starkly illustrated that even the most dominant teams and highly-owned players can disappoint, especially when facing motivated rivals. Manchester City's widespread ownership and captaincy proved costly as they failed to score against Manchester United.

→ Actionable for GW23
02

Unlocking Value in Defensive Differentials

While popular attackers struggled, several defenders and goalkeepers from less-owned teams like Dorgu (MUN), Sánchez (CHE), Pickford (EVE), and Sels (NFO) delivered double-digit hauls through clean sheets. Identifying these opportunities can yield significant rank boosts.

→ Actionable for GW23
03

Beyond the Obvious Captaincy

With the majority suffering low captaincy returns from the likes of Haaland and Semenyo, Gabriel's 16 points for those who took a calculated risk showcased the benefit of exploring alternative captain choices when the popular options carry significant downside risk.

→ Actionable for GW23

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the average FPL score in Gameweek 22?
The average FPL score in Gameweek 22 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 22?
The top FPL performers in Gameweek 22 were: Dorgu (15 pts), Sánchez (11 pts), B.Fernandes (10 pts), Pickford (10 pts).
Did the top FPL captain picks deliver in Gameweek 22?
Haaland disappointed as captain in GW22 with 4 captain points (2 base points).
Which FPL players disappointed in Gameweek 22?
The biggest FPL disappointments in Gameweek 22 were: Haaland (2 pts), Semenyo (2 pts), Guéhi (0 pts).

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