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News 2026-01-16

Breaking: Gameweek 22 Is Loaded—Derbies, Danger Fixtures, and Deadline Pressure

FPL Admin

FPL Elite Analyst

Breaking News: Gameweek 22 Deadline Approaches

The Gameweek 22 deadline is closing in—and the fixture list reads like a headline ticker. From a blockbuster derby at Old Trafford to several matches with clear swing potential, this is the week where planning meets pressure.

Managers everywhere are asking the same thing today: play it safe, or lean into the chaos?

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The GW22 Fixture Board (All Eyes On These Matchups)

Here’s the full slate of upcoming fixtures:

Man Utd vs Man City
Chelsea vs Brentford
Leeds vs Fulham
Liverpool vs Burnley
Spurs vs West Ham
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace
Nott'm Forest vs Arsenal
Wolves vs Newcastle
Aston Villa vs Everton
Brighton vs Bournemouth

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The Headliners: Where GW22 Could Be Won or Lost

Some fixtures don’t just offer points—they create rank swings.

Man Utd vs Man City

A true marquee clash. When the fixture itself is this big, it forces difficult decisions:

Do you start everyone you own in the derby, or bench a “good player in a bad fixture”?
Are you prepared for a high-variance outcome? One moment can flip the entire narrative.

Spurs vs West Ham

A meeting loaded with edge and intensity. These are the matches where:

Minutes matter (players who stay on the pitch can be gold).
One decisive contribution can separate green arrows from red.

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The “Target Zone”: Fixtures Managers Will Circle

These are the games that naturally draw attention when managers are looking for stability, momentum, and upside.

Liverpool vs Burnley

A fixture that screams opportunity. Many managers will treat this as:

A place to back proven assets
A place to captain with confidence if you’re prioritizing safety

Nott'm Forest vs Arsenal

A classic “big team away” test that still tempts investment. Today’s key thought process:

Are you betting on quality to travel?
Or playing it cautious with assets facing an away trip?

Brighton vs Bournemouth

Often the kind of fixture that becomes a manager’s secret weapon:

The perfect setup for a differential punt
A match that can reward those who don’t just follow the crowd

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Deadline-Day Thinking: What You Should Be Doing Today

With the GW22 deadline looming, here’s the decision framework that matters right now.

1) Decide Your Risk Profile

Want to protect rank? Aim for safer picks in friendlier fixtures.
Chasing? This is the week to consider calculated risks—especially in matches likely to produce drama.

2) Identify Your “Non-Negotiables”

Before tinkering, lock in:

Your core starters
Your captain approach (safe vs bold)
Any fixtures you refuse to overthink

3) Plan for Volatility

Derbies and rivalry games can be unpredictable, so:

Avoid making too many moves based purely on fear
Don’t let one scary fixture force a complete overhaul

4) Watch the Fixture Clusters

Even without deeper stats, the schedule itself hints at where points can come from:

Clear favorites at home
Tight, emotional rivalry games
Even matchups where a single moment can decide everything

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Quick Snapshot: GW22 Themes in One Glance

Biggest headline: Man Utd vs Man City
Captain comfort zone: Liverpool vs Burnley
Rivalry tension: Spurs vs West Ham
Upset potential: Wolves vs Newcastle, Chelsea vs Brentford
Differential hunting ground: Brighton vs Bournemouth, Leeds vs Fulham

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Conclusion: Hold Your Nerve—GW22 Rewards Clarity

Gameweek 22 has all the ingredients: a derby blockbuster, rivalry fire, and multiple fixtures that could swing mini-leagues. The best managers won’t just chase vibes—they’ll set a clear plan today, commit to it, and let the fixtures do the talking.

Deadline pressure is real. But so is the opportunity. Make your calls, back them, and brace for the headlines.