FPL GW21 Review · 2025/26
GW21 Reviewhow did you do?
Scoreboard
How the field scored
Key takeaways
Gameweek 21 proved to be a challenging one for many Fantasy Premier League managers, with an average score of 48 points. While the highest score reached an impressive 118, popular captaincy picks largely disappointed. The contrasting fortunes of highly-owned assets versus low-owned gems offer crucial insights for future gameweeks.
- Best Decision of the GW: Captaining Thiago (BRE) for a substantial 24 points, significantly outperforming popular alternatives, or backing Brentford's defence for their 3-0 clean sheet. - Biggest Popular Mistake: Relying heavily on highly-owned captains like Haaland, Semenyo, or Guéhi, who all returned only 12 points, or Foden, who managed a mere 4 points. Owning Cucurella for his -3 points was also a major setback. - One Actionable Takeaway for GW22: Always scrutinise captaincy options beyond sheer ownership; form, fixtures, and defensive solidity can offer better differential returns.
Captaincy verdict
Heroes & villains
Heroes
A midfield masterclass, contributing to Brentford's clean sheet and significant attacking returns in their 3-0 victory.
Villains
The lesson
Captaincy: Ownership is Not a Guarantee
Haaland, Semenyo, Guéhi, and Foden, despite their high ownership, offered poor captain returns in GW21. Thiago, while popular, stood out with 24 points. This highlights that high ownership does not guarantee high returns for the armband; form and fixture analysis remain paramount.
Actionable for GW22Value in Defensive Foundations (and penalty saves!)
Brentford's Kelleher (13 pts) and Collins (13 pts) delivered huge hauls thanks to their 3-0 clean sheet, with Kelleher adding a crucial penalty save. This reminds us of the significant value clean sheets can provide, especially when combined with bonus points or unexpected contributions from less common picks.
Actionable for GW22Disciplinary Actions: A Costly Risk
Cucurella's red card resulted in a damaging -3 points for his owners, showcasing how quickly disciplinary issues can turn a player into a liability. Managers must factor in a player's disciplinary record and the potential for cards, especially in high-intensity matches.
Actionable for GW22Get GW22 captain picks
Reviewing your own team's performance against the Gameweek data is crucial for informed decision-making. Utilise analytical tools to identify patterns and refine your strategy for future gameweeks.
GW22 captain picks