FPL GW12 – Fixtures & Players to Target for Gameweek 12

As we return from the international break, GW12 arrives with a familiar mix of promising fixtures, standout underlying stats, and a few traps waiting to catch inattentive managers. The landscape has shifted slightly over the last five gameweeks, with several players quietly climbing the underlying metrics while delivering steady returns under the radar. With the goal-scoring odds, clean sheet probabilities, and fixture runs now clearer than ever, this is the perfect moment to target players who combine short-term upside with medium-term value. Below is a structured look at the strongest options across defence, midfield, and attack — all backed by data from the last five matches, fixture projections, and the Solio Analytics odds.

Link to all our FPL GW12 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 GW12 Clean Sheet Odds & Projected Goals

Liverpool (2.26), Arsenal (2.04), Bournemouth (1.96), and Chelsea (1.94) lead the scoring odds for GW12, with each side heavily backed to find the net. Manchester United (1.77), Brighton (1.73), and Manchester City (1.68) follow closely, making this a week where attackers from the league’s more erratic teams — including Bournemouth, Chelsea, and United — deserve genuine consideration.

In terms of clean sheet potential, Arsenal sit clear at the top with a 46% probability despite the North London Derby, backed by a defensive unit that has restricted opponents to very few big chances this season. Chelsea (42%) and Liverpool (37%) are not far behind, while Fulham (36%), Crystal Palace (35%), and Manchester United (34%) round off a surprisingly strong slate of defensive options. Bournemouth also rate well (34%), and Aston Villa (32%) offer fringe potential. It’s rare to have eight teams with 30%+ clean sheet odds, which makes defensive transfers particularly attractive this week.

FPL GW12 Defenders to Target

Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)

Timber is the standout defensive target for GW12 — and arguably the best Gabriel replacement available. While he’s not a like-for-like option in terms of role, his attacking involvement and bonus potential run closely parallel. Arsenal’s defensive projections are excellent all the way to GW19, and Timber even edges out Gabriel in several projection models (including mine).

His recent output is outstanding: the fourth-highest scoring defender over the last five Gameweeks, behind only Gabriel, O’Reilly, and Muñoz. Add to that elite clean sheet odds this week, and Timber offers a rare combination of stability, upside, and long-term value.

Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

Cucurella has quietly become the most secure route into the Chelsea defence, playing all 450 minutes over the last five matches. His creativity numbers are impressive: eight key passes during this spell — second only to Enzo and tied with Neto — highlighting how involved he is in the buildup.

Importantly, he is far more secure for minutes than Reece James, whose recent benching stung many managers. With Chelsea posting a 42% clean sheet probability, Cucurella stands out as a safe and attacking defender who benefits from both fixture quality and role certainty.

---

---

Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace)

Muñoz continues to be one of the most underpriced assets in defence. He already sits as the third-highest scoring defender over the last five matches, trailing only Gabriel and O’Reilly. His 0.9 xGI includes two assists in that period, showcasing real attacking potential from open play.

Palace’s next four fixtures were always part of his appeal — WOL (A), MUN (H), BUR (A), FUL (A) — and he arrives in GW12 with form, security, and appealing matchups on his side. Many managers moved early before his price rise, and with good reason: he’s one of the few defenders offering reliability and attacking upside.

Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth)

Senesi offers perhaps the most fixture-proof long-term value in defence. Bournemouth’s schedule is outstanding all the way through GW19: WHU (H), SUN (A), EVE (H), CHE (H), MUN (A), BUR (H), BRE (A), CHE (A). They’re also third on the fixture ticker over that period, and crucially, have conceded only two goals at home this season — winning four of five matches at the Vitality. Senesi leads all defenders for DefCon points (18), further underscoring his consistency. With West Ham visiting this week and Bournemouth showing real defensive solidity, Senesi is an excellent medium to long-term pick.

FPL GW12 Midfielders to Target

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

While he may not be producing the explosive returns of seasons past, Salah remains Liverpool’s most influential attacker. Over the last five games, he leads the squad in shots, key passes, and FPL points — a testament to both consistency and involvement. He also ranks second for xG behind Gakpo but offers much more secure minutes, which keeps him ahead in projection models.

Liverpool have strong scoring odds this week, and Salah is expected to have a major share of the attacking output. With a great run until he departs for AFCON — NFO (H), WHU (A), SUN (H), LEE (A) — he’s not only a premium to own, but a legitimate captaincy challenger to Haaland.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Saka mirrors Salah in many ways: he leads his team for shots and key passes across the last five matches and sits third for points during the same stretch. He has scored twice in that period and has accumulated 1.92 xA despite failing to notch an assist. The underlying numbers clearly signal sustained threat from both open play and set pieces.

With Arsenal topping the clean sheet odds and ranking second in goal-scoring probability, Saka also enters the captaincy conversation this week. His reliability and multi-route scoring potential make him one of GW12’s safest and most explosive midfield picks.

Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)

Enzo has been one of the most surprising attacking contributors in the Chelsea side. Despite playing fewer minutes than several teammates, he leads all Chelsea players for shots and key passes in the last five matches. His xGI of 2.2 ranks fourth on the team, yet he somehow has zero returns — suggesting he is long overdue. Although he didn’t join the Argentina squad over the international break, reports of a minor knee irritation surfaced. Early indications suggest he will still be fit for Burnley, but Caicedo may be the one rested after heavy travel. With Burnley away up next and Enzo heavily involved in Chelsea’s chance creation, he remains a strong short-term punt with differential appeal.

Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)

Mbeumo has outperformed Bruno Fernandes in more than just raw FPL points — his xGI is higher, he has created and received more big chances, and his eye test has consistently been more encouraging. Over the last five games, he has amassed 39 points compared to Bruno’s 25, highlighting the form he is in right now.

United have the second-best fixture run over the next four, behind only Liverpool, which strengthens his appeal ahead of EVE (H), CRY (A), WHU (H), and WOL (A). With AFCON approaching in GW16, this is the ideal four-week window to exploit his output. He feels like one of the most underrated transfers for GW12.

---

---

FPL GW12 Forwards to Target

Danny Welbeck (Brighton)

Welbeck has quietly climbed to become Brighton’s second-highest points scorer over the last five matches. He has delivered four goals with no assists, while Minteh — often considered the more explosive pick — has yet to find the net despite three assists. Welbeck’s balance of seven shots and seven key passes highlights a well-rounded attacking role, and Brighton’s upcoming matches are extremely favourable: BRE (H), NFO (A), AVL (H), WHU (H).

With three home fixtures in the next four and Brighton continuing their strong home form (five games, three wins, two draws), Welbeck makes an excellent third-forward option alongside the popular Haaland–Mateta combination.

Conclusion

GW12 presents a rare blend of strong fixtures, standout underlying stats, and several underpriced assets across all positions. Arsenal and Liverpool dominate both ends of the pitch in the odds, while Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Crystal Palace supply exceptional value picks who can deliver immediately and hold long-term appeal. Whether you’re targeting upside in midfield with Salah or Saka, shoring up defence with Timber or Muñoz, or seeking a reliable differential like Welbeck or Enzo, the opportunities this week are rich and varied. Approach your transfers with a balance of form and fixtures — and GW12 could be the springboard for a big green arrow.

Further Reads from ALLABOUTFPL Ahead of FPL GW12

Premier League Players who will miss PL due to AFCON 2025
Top FPL Gameweek 12 Captain Picks Based on Analysis & Metrics
FPL Gameweek 12 Transfer Tips: Two Players to Buy, Hold, & Sell
Top FPL GW12 Differential Picks to Target Ahead of GW12 Deadline
FPL GW12 Scout Picks Based on Stats, Analysis and Matchups
FPL GW12 – Fixtures & Players to Target for Gameweek 12
Best Defenders/Gabriel Replacements for FPL GW12 & Beyond
FPL GW12 Transfer Targets & Watchlist Based on Eye Test & Stats
Best GWs to Use Your Free Hit & Triple Captain Chips (GW12–19)
FPL GW12 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More

Link to all our FPL GW12 blogs, including buy, hold, sell analysis, differentials, captaincy metrics, transfer targets, and more. Completely free to access as well!

Thanks for reading the “FPL GW12 – Fixtures & Players to Target” blog. Keep checking allaboutfpl.com for regular blogs. Also, follow our 200,000+ community on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated on regular Posts and FPL updates.

What’s next from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL Gameweek 12 of the 2025/26 FPL Season?

We’ll be covering differential picks, transfer targets, Buy, Hold, Sell analysis, Scout picks, Gameweek preview, Captaincy metrics, FPL GW12 tips, and more. Keep checking allaboutfpl.com for all our blogs. We’ll also be posting regularly about the same on our social media accounts, so follow us on Twitter, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, and keep our notifications ON.

Our content is always free, and if you like our content, do drop a comment, follow, subscribe, and support us. Your love is what keeps us going:)

FPL GW12 FPL Deadline Countdown

Login and set your team for FPL GW12 now!