Fantasy Premier League: Top 5 Players to Watch in Gameweek 20

As the Premier League rolls into Gameweek 20, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are eagerly scouting for players who can maximize their points haul. Expert recommendations have highlighted five standout players to consider for your squad: Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), and Timothy Castagne (Fulham).

These players have been selected based on their recent form, favorable fixtures, and statistical performance, making them potential game-changers for FPL enthusiasts.

1. Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)

• Position: Midfielder
• Price: £5.5m
• Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged as a key player for Nottingham Forest this season. Facing Wolves, who currently boast the worst defensive record in the Premier League, Gibbs-White is poised to capitalize on their vulnerabilities.

In the last five gameweeks, Gibbs-White has contributed to five attacking returns, including goals and assists. His expected goal involvement (xGI) of 2.70 during this period is double that of any other Nottingham Forest player. This level of involvement underscores his importance to Forest’s attack, especially in matches against defensively frail opponents.

2. Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)

• Position: Forward
• Price: £6.8m
• Fixture: Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace

Nicolas Jackson has been a frustrating figure for many FPL managers, having failed to score in his last three appearances. However, he is expected to return to Chelsea’s starting XI for their clash against Crystal Palace, a team he has fond memories of after scoring a brace against them earlier this season.

Despite his recent dip in form, Jackson remains an appealing option due to his potential to bounce back. Crystal Palace has conceded 1.4 goals per game on average this season, providing Jackson with an opportunity to rediscover his scoring touch. At £6.8m, he offers a low-risk, high-reward option for managers willing to take a chance.

3. Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)

• Position: Midfielder
• Price: £6.5m
• Fixture: Brentford vs. Southampton

Bryan Mbeumo has been a consistent performer in FPL, amassing 117 points this season—more than any other midfielder priced under £10m. While his form dipped recently, he scored a crucial goal against Arsenal last week, signaling a potential return to form.

Brentford’s next opponent, Southampton, has struggled defensively this season, conceding 32 goals in 19 matches. Mbeumo also scored twice against Southampton in their earlier meeting, making him a strong candidate for FPL managers looking for a reliable midfield option.

4. Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)

• Position: Defender
• Price: £5.4m
• Fixture: Manchester City vs. West Ham

Josko Gvardiol has been a revelation in Manchester City’s backline, contributing both defensively and offensively. He leads all defenders in the Premier League this season with 4 goals, and his 23 shots from inside the box are the highest among defenders.

City’s next fixture against West Ham is particularly enticing, as the Hammers will be without their star forward Jarrod Bowen due to injury. West Ham also struggles to defend against left-sided attacks, an area where Gvardiol often operates. With City keeping a clean sheet in their last match against Leicester, Gvardiol offers a strong combination of attacking and defensive potential.

5. Timothy Castagne (Fulham)

• Position: Defender
• Price: £4.2m
• Fixture: Fulham vs. Ipswich Town

Timothy Castagne has quietly emerged as a budget-friendly gem for FPL managers. Since stepping into Fulham’s starting lineup to replace the injured Kenny Tete, Castagne has been impressive. He has delivered one clean sheet, one assist, and nine touches in the opposition box over his last three starts.

Fulham’s upcoming fixture against Ipswich Town, a newly promoted side, provides an excellent opportunity for Castagne to add to his tally. Priced at just £4.2m, he is an affordable option for managers seeking defensive stability with a hint of attacking upside.

Statistical Highlights of the Five Players

Final Thoughts

Gameweek 20 offers an exciting slate of fixtures, and the five players highlighted above present excellent opportunities for FPL managers to gain an edge. Whether it’s Gibbs-White’s creativity, Mbeumo’s resurgence, or Gvardiol’s goal threat, each of these players has the potential to deliver significant points.

For those seeking to optimize their squads, these picks could be the difference-makers in climbing the FPL rankings. As always, monitor team news and player fitness before making final transfers, and may the points be ever in your favor!