FPL Gameweek 20 Transfer Tips: Two Players to Buy, Hold & Sell

As we cross the halfway mark of the FPL season, it’s time to reflect on the surprises, shocks, and standout performances that have defined the campaign so far. Nottingham Forest, defying all odds, sits proudly in third place, proving that resilience and teamwork can rewrite expectations. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s struggles leave them languishing in 14th, raising questions about consistency and depth. Even Manchester City, once an unstoppable force, has seen a dip in form, with Erling Haaland’s dominance waning as defences adapt to his style.

Yet, the most remarkable storyline is undoubtedly Mohamed Salah’s extraordinary form. The Liverpool talisman has been a beacon of consistency, delivering week in and week out. At his current pace, Salah is on track to breach the mythical 400-point barrier—a feat that would set him apart as one of the greatest FPL assets of all time. For managers, his performances have been both a blessing and a dilemma: can you afford to go without him as captain? As we gear up for the second half of the season, the question isn’t just who will shine next but how to stay ahead in a season full of twists and turns.

So, let’s start with our BUY-HOLD-SELL article for this GW, sponsored by …. Well, nobody. We are poor, but you can help here if you want 😊

Link to all our FPL GW20 blogs including scout picks, players to target, buy, hold, sell analysis, differentials, captaincy metrics, best forwards, and more. Completely free to access as well!

FPL Gameweek 20 Transfer Tips: Two Players to BUY

Nottingham Forest Falcons

Nikola Milenković (£4.7m) – DEF – 6.6% TSB

Chris Wood (£6.7m) – FWD – 28.8% TSB

Milenković is quietly emerging as one of the most reliable assets in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), playing a pivotal role in the league’s best defense. His team boasts the highest number of clean sheets after 19 gameweeks, a testament to their rock-solid backline. While the spotlight has primarily been on his teammate Aina, who is attracting a wave of new buyers, Milenković stands out as a smarter investment for savvy managers. Not only does he come with a more budget-friendly price tag of £4.7m compared to Aina’s £5.2m, but his underlying stats also paint a more promising picture.

Milenković has an expected goal involvement (xGI) of 3.2 and an xGI per 90 minutes of 0.17, significantly outshining Aina’s xGI of 1.72 and xGI per 90 of 0.09. This suggests that Milenković is not just a dependable clean sheet magnet but also a potent threat on set pieces and attacking plays. For managers looking to capitalize on the league’s most defensively solid team without overspending, Milenković offers tremendous value and upside.

On the other end of the pitch, Wood has quickly become the most transferred-in player this week, and it’s not hard to see why. The forward has been on fire, currently standing as the 4th highest FPL scorer and the 2nd highest scorer of Bonus Points so far this season. With such consistency, Wood is not just a short-term punt but a long-term asset for any FPL squad.

Looking ahead, Wood’s fixtures make him an even more enticing prospect. Over the next three gameweeks, he faces Wolves and Southampton, two teams sitting in the bottom three for goals conceded. These matchups provide a golden opportunity for Wood to add to his already impressive tally of goals and bonus points. His ability to take advantage of weaker defenses makes him a must-have for managers looking to make up ground in their mini-leagues.

For managers seeking to bolster their squads during this critical halfway point of the season, investing in either or both Milenković and Wood seems like a no-brainer. On one hand, Milenković provides budget-friendly access to a watertight defense with attacking potential, while on the other, Wood offers explosive returns against favorable opposition. Together, they strike the perfect balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair, making them ideal picks for the weeks ahead.

Further Read: FPL GW20 Scout Picks Based on Stats, Analysis, and Matchups

Newcastle Ninjas

Alexander Isak (£9.2m) – FWD – 50.1 % TSB

Jacob Murphy (£5.1m) – MID – 4.4 % TSB

Anthony Gordon (£7.4m) – MID – 14.8 % TSB

Lewis Hall (£4.8m) – DEF – 15.8 % TSB

Newcastle embarks on an exciting run of fixtures which holds promise of returns at both ends of the pitch.

Newcastle United’s attack has been a goldmine of FPL points over the last six gameweeks, with several standout performers delivering consistently. Leading the charge is Isak, whose form has been nothing short of sensational. The forward has racked up an impressive eight goals and two assists in just six matches, making him one of the most prolific attackers in the game. His ability to find the back of the net and contribute creatively has made him a go-to option for FPL managers seeking explosive returns.

Not far behind is Murphy, who has also been lighting up the scoreboard with three goals and a remarkable four assists in the same period. His creative play and knack for being in the right place at the right time have made him a key cog in Newcastle’s attacking engine. Meanwhile, Gordon has quietly but effectively chipped in with two goals and three assists, proving to be a reliable option for managers looking for a budget-friendly route into Newcastle’s potent attack.

Up next for Newcastle is an enticing away fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, whose defensive struggles have been glaring in recent weeks. Over the last six gameweeks, Spurs rank 19th for expected goals conceded (xGC), 18th for big chances conceded, and 19th for goals conceded—a recipe for disaster against a high-flying Newcastle attack. Tottenham’s defensive frailties make this fixture a prime opportunity for Newcastle attackers to continue their red-hot form and deliver big FPL hauls.

While Newcastle’s attack has grabbed headlines, their defense has quietly excelled, with Hall emerging as a standout performer. Over the last four gameweeks, Hall has been in scintillating form, topping the charts in almost every defensive and attacking metric for defenders. He leads in expected goal involvement (xGI), goal involvements, expected assists (xA), actual assists, expected points (xPts), bonus points system (BPS), and overall FPL points. His all-around contributions at both ends of the pitch have made him a highly attractive option for FPL managers.

With Newcastle’s attackers and defenders firing on all cylinders, FPL managers have a wealth of options to choose from, depending on their budget and team needs. For those looking to capitalize on Newcastle’s attacking prowess, Isak, Murphy, and Gordon all provide excellent choices across different price points. Meanwhile, Hall offers an exceptional blend of defensive stability and attacking potential for managers eyeing a defender with high upside.

With so many strong options available, Newcastle players are set to be popular choices in the coming weeks, especially with favorable fixtures like Spurs on the horizon.

Further Read: FPL GW20 Best Forwards/Cunha Replacements | Forward Analysis

FPL Gameweek 20 Transfer Tips: Two Players to HOLD

Palace Princes

Ismaïla Sarr (£5.9m) – MID, Crystal Palace – 5.3% TSB

Daniel Muñoz (£4.7m) – DEF, Crystal Palace – 4.7% TSB

Crystal Palace continues to enjoy an unparalleled run of fixtures, offering FPL managers a prime opportunity to invest in their assets. Despite this favorable schedule, over 55,000 managers have already transferred out Sarr following two successive blanks, while another 30,000 have moved away from Munoz. However, these hasty decisions might prove costly in the coming weeks, as both players are poised to deliver significant returns based on their underlying stats and upcoming matchups.

While Chelsea may appear to be a tough fixture on paper, with an FDR rating of 4, a closer look reveals vulnerabilities in their defense. Since Gameweek 6, Chelsea has managed to keep only two clean sheets, struggling to maintain defensive solidity.

This opens the door for players like Sarr and Munoz to take advantage of a leaky backline. Sarr, in particular, has been in fine attacking form despite recent blanks, ranking in the Top 3 for expected goal involvement (xGI) over the last four gameweeks. His ability to create chances and threaten goalkeepers makes him a valuable asset, especially against a Chelsea side that has shown cracks in their defense.

Though he may not be as flashy as some of his attacking counterparts, Munoz has quietly been one of the most effective defensive assets in FPL. Despite blanking in his last outing, Munoz recorded the highest xGI among all defenders during the gameweek, showcasing his potential for attacking returns. Whether it’s through set-piece involvement or his ability to surge forward and create chances, Munoz offers more than just clean-sheet potential. For managers willing to hold onto him, his underlying stats suggest a big haul is just around the corner.

The appeal of Sarr and Munoz extends far beyond their matchup against Chelsea. 

Crystal Palace’s fixture list remains incredibly favorable, with several winnable games on the horizon. This combination of promising fixtures and strong underlying stats makes the duo an enticing proposition for patient FPL managers. While some may be tempted to follow the crowd and offload these players, the data suggests that sticking with them could yield substantial rewards.

For managers chasing in mini-leagues, Sarr’s attacking threat and potential for explosive hauls make him a high-risk, high-reward option. Meanwhile, Munoz offers a more balanced approach, providing clean sheet potential along with attacking contributions at a budget-friendly price. With Chelsea’s defense offering little resistance and Palace’s fixtures looking rosy, investing in one or both of these players could be the differential move that propels your team up the rankings.

Further Read: FPL GW20 Scout Picks Based on Stats, Analysis, and Matchups

Brentford Bravehearts

Yoane Wissa (£6.2m) – FWD, Brentford – 9.2%

Bryan Mbeumo (£7.7m) – MID, Brentford – 29.6%

A staggering 76,000 managers have sold Wissa, and another 75,000 have parted ways with Mbeumo ahead of Gameweek 20. While it’s understandable that their recent performances may have tested the patience of FPL managers, this mass exodus might come a week too early. Brentford’s fixtures turned for the worse back in Gameweek 14, making that the ideal time to sell these players. However, if you’ve held onto Wissa or Mbeumo through the tough run of games, it’s worth considering holding onto them for just one more week, as the upcoming fixture presents a golden opportunity for returns.

In Gameweek 20, Brentford faces Southampton—a team that has been defensively woeful this season and ranks among the worst in almost every key defensive metric over the past six gameweeks. Let’s break down just how poor Southampton has been:

• 20th for Shots Conceded
• 20th for Shots on Target Conceded
• 20th for Big Chances Conceded
• 20th for Non-Penalty Expected Goals Conceded (NPxGC)
• 20th for Expected Goals Conceded (xGC)
• 20th for Expected Clean Sheets (xCS)
• 19th for Shots in the Box Conceded
• 19th for Clean Sheets Kept
• 18th for Goals Conceded

These defensive deficiencies make Southampton the most inviting opponent for attacking assets like Wissa and Mbeumo. With Brentford’s ability to capitalize on weak defenses and Southampton’s struggles at the back, this fixture could be a prime opportunity for FPL managers who hold onto these Brentford stars.

Wissa and Mbeumo have shown their quality earlier in the season, and while their recent returns may not have lived up to expectations, the underlying data suggests they remain capable of delivering in the right circumstances. Wissa’s movement and goal-scoring instincts, paired with Mbeumo’s creativity and ability to take advantage of set pieces, make them a dangerous duo against a team like Southampton.

For managers who have already endured their blanks through tougher fixtures, selling them now might feel like a case of leaving the party just before the music starts. Southampton’s defensive metrics highlight their inability to cope with attacking threats, and Brentford will be eager to exploit these weaknesses.

Further Read: FPL GW20 Best Forwards/Cunha Replacements | Forward Analysis

FPL Gameweek 20 Transfer Tips: Two Players to SELL

Jarrod Bowen (£7.5m) – MID, West Ham – 5.4% TSB

Jarrod Bowen suffered a fractured left foot during West Ham’s 5-0 defeat to Liverpool and is set for an extended period on the sidelines. While manager Julen Lopetegui refrained from providing a specific timeline for Bowen’s recovery, he acknowledged the severity of the injury, describing it as “not good news” for the team.

Speaking on Thursday, Lopetegui said: “Unfortunately for us, this is not a matter of a few days. Jarrod managed to play 30 minutes with the injury, but now he needs to rest and recover. We are hopeful he can shorten his recovery time, given his determination, but he will definitely miss the upcoming matches.”

Lopetegui also emphasized the need for the squad to step up in Bowen’s absence: “Jarrod is one of our key players and our captain. This is now an opportunity for others to show they are ready to contribute. While we look forward to his return, we believe in the quality and resilience of our squad to adapt.”

Given the uncertainty surrounding Bowen’s fitness and the considerable opportunity cost of holding onto such a high-value FPL asset, it’s a prudent time for managers to sell. With no definitive return date and other midfield options available in the market, reallocating funds could strengthen your team for the upcoming gameweeks.

Further Read: Top FPL GW20 Differential Picks to Consider Ahead of Deadline

Matheus Cunha (£7.0m) – FWD, Wolves – 18.5% TSB

It’s not surprising that Cunha is the most transferred-out player in FPL this week, as the reasons behind his exodus are clear and, unfortunately for his owners, hard to overlook. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:

• Injury: Cunha sustained an injury and was substituted at halftime in the match against Spurs.
• Suspension: He will serve a two-match suspension for misconduct, meaning he won’t be available for Wolves’ upcoming Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on January 6th, nor for their FA Cup third-round tie against Bristol City.
• Tough Fixtures: Wolves are ranked 20th in the fixture difficulty rating (FDR) for the next six gameweeks, making future returns uncertain.

Considering these factors, holding onto Cunha seems difficult to justify for FPL managers looking to maximize their points.

Further reads from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL GW20:

Top FPL GW20 Differential Picks to Consider Ahead of Deadline
FPL GW20 Scout Picks Based on Stats, Analysis, and Matchups
FPL Gameweek 20 Transfer Tips: Two Players to Buy, Hold & Sell 
Top FPL Gameweek 20 Captain Picks Based on Analysis & Metrics
FPL GW20 Tips and Dilemmas Answered- Wood, Jackson, Trent and Fixtures to Target
FPL GW20 Tips & Ultimate Guide: Differentials, Captaincy & More
FPL GW20 Best Forwards/Cunha Replacements | Forward Analysis

Link to all our FPL GW20 blogs including scout picks, players to target, buy, hold, sell analysis, differentials, captaincy metrics, transfer targets, and more. Completely free to access as well!

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