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Fantasy Premier League: Who are the best players ahead of the crucial double gameweek?

Alexander Isak has a seven-goal scoring streak to continue this week
Alexander Isak has a seven-goal scoring streak to continue this weekAlex Pantling / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / Getty Images via AFP
With a congested midweek schedule, gameweeks 21 and 22 come one after the other, meaning FPL players need to be on their game to maximise their chances of picking up points. Fantasy Football Hub has the lowdown on who you should be picking in your team this week.

Fantasy Football Hub (FFH) uses AI to predict each Premier League player's points so you know who is on for a winner.

But, if you’re struggling to settle on which FPL move to make, get your AI-recommended transfers right here!

Defender: Gabriel Magalhaes - 10.0 points 

Arsenal remain one of the best defences in the league this season, keeping seven clean sheets to date, which puts them third of all sides. They also have the best record for goals conceded, letting in just 18 across their opening 20 games.

Gabriel remains one of the best defenders in the game, with his aerial threat from set pieces providing additional routes to FPL points. He ranks first among defenders for big chances on goal, with five goal involvements for the season. He also scored in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Gabriel's goal involvements have been key to his FPL success this season
Gabriel's goal involvements have been key to his FPL success this seasonFantasy Football Hub

Arsenal have two home games coming up against Spurs and Aston Villa, with the Gunners keeping clean sheets in each of the reverse fixtures. Gabriel led the team of the week in the 1-0 win against Spurs back in September, scoring and scooping all three bonus points. 

Midfielder: Cole Palmer - 15.5 points

In a change from the norm, it’s Palmer who leads the midfield rankings going into Gameweek 21 and 22 ahead of Mohamed Salah. Crucially, AI ranks Palmer to be the best captain pick for each round of games, facing Bournemouth and Wolves at home.

The biggest concern is Chelsea’s dip in form in recent games: they’ve scored just two goals in their last four games, with Palmer being the one to find the back of the net on both occasions for two 10-point hauls. He was awarded a full rest in the FA Cup last weekend. 

Cole Palmer is top of the predicted points chart this week
Cole Palmer is top of the predicted points chart this weekFantasy Football Hub

Palmer blanked in the reverse fixture against Bournemouth but provided a 17-point haul in the 6-2 win away at Wolves in August, with four goal involvements: one goal and three assists. There’s not been a significant improvement in their defence since then.

Forward: Alexander Isak - 14.5 points 

Isak pips Erling Haaland to be the best forward through this congested fixture schedule, with Newcastle United having a pair of home games against Wolves and Bournemouth. He’s the form striker, with only Salah registering more points in the game in the last 30 days.

Isak is on a seven-game scoring streak, with nine goals and two assists for this period. The Magpies have scored 10 goals in their last four games, conceding just once and Isak remains the first-choice penalty taker for his side.

Alexander Isak is in the form of his life
Alexander Isak is in the form of his lifeFantasy Football Hub

Isak’s underlying numbers are equally compelling, top among forwards for shots on target (10), shots in the box (13) and big chances (eight) over the last four gameweeks. In a tight captaincy vote for this week, it’s Isak who is the most popular in the FPL community.

Hidden Gem: Bruno Fernandes - 10.9 points

It’s been a challenging period for Manchester United since the arrival of Ruben Amorim, but recent results including the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, and the win against Arsenal in the FA Cup third round give some confidence to the club.

Captain Fernandes remains an excellent pick in FPL, plus he’s currently a differential in less than 10% of sides. He’s produced significant goal involvements in this period, scoring against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, plus an assist against Liverpool.

Can Bruno Fernandes make a difference this week?
Can Bruno Fernandes make a difference this week?Fantasy Football Hub

Gameweek 21 is the perfect entry point for a potential Fernandes buy, with three home games in the next four gameweeks. This run kicks off against bottom-of-the-league Southampton, who have conceded eight goals across their last four league games.

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