Prioritize Gabriel Jesus Acquisition for Consistent FPL Points

The FPL Wire · January 02, 2026 · Listen to Original Episode →

Original Title: Gameweek 20 Pod FPL | The FPL Wire | Fantasy Premier League Tips 2025/26

TL;DR

Prioritizing Gabriel's acquisition is crucial, as his consistent high-scoring potential (averaging 9-15 points pre-injury) offers a reliable route to points, unlike many inconsistent forwards and midfielders.
Selling Raya or Rice to fund Gabriel is recommended, as these assets are less essential than Gabriel's consistent returns and offer a clear path to acquiring him without significant team disruption.
Holding onto Timber is advised, even with Ben White's return, as his attacking threat and potential for explosive returns outweigh the risk of rotation, making him a more valuable asset than Raya.
Prioritizing Gabriel over Trossard or Hall is essential, as Gabriel's defensive and attacking threat offers a higher ceiling and more reliable points than the attacking midfielders.
Investing in Gabriel now is strategic, as delaying his acquisition will result in paying a higher price due to expected price rises, while his consistent returns are needed for FPL success.
Prioritizing Gabriel's acquisition is paramount, as his consistent high-scoring potential offers a reliable route to points, unlike many inconsistent forwards and midfielders.
Selling Raya or Rice to fund Gabriel is recommended, as these assets are less essential than Gabriel's consistent returns and offer a clear path to acquiring him without significant team disruption.

Deep Dive

The Fantasy Premier League landscape is currently characterized by a volatile fixture schedule and an abundance of injuries, creating a state of stalemate where significant rank gains are difficult. This period demands strategic planning, prioritizing key transfers like Gabriel from Arsenal, who offers a high point ceiling and multiple avenues for scoring, to capitalize on potential before price rises. The primary implication is that managers must adapt their transfer strategies to navigate this unpredictability, focusing on securing reliable assets and preparing for future fixture swings rather than chasing short-term gains.

The immediate concern for managers is addressing defensive gaps, particularly the need to bring in Arsenal's Gabriel. His consistent high-scoring potential, demonstrated by a history of strong returns, makes him a near-essential pick. Funding this move often necessitates selling underperforming assets like Raya or Rice, with Timber being a hold due to his underlying potential. In midfield, the landscape is less defined, but Bukayo Saka remains a sticky option due to his consistent minutes and penalty duties, while Cole Palmer is positioned as a future essential pick that managers should structure their teams to acquire. The strategic implication here is to prioritize players with clear routes to points and to build flexibility to accommodate emerging assets like Palmer, even if it means making difficult decisions about existing players.

Forwards present a more straightforward decision, with Haaland being a consistent captaincy option, though individual team circumstances may necessitate difficult choices between players like Thiago and Ekitike. The broader implication for team structure is the shift towards a more robust defense, potentially utilizing a back four, and the need to carefully manage resources to navigate the upcoming fixture congestion and potential double gameweeks. Ultimately, success in this period hinges on proactive planning, prioritizing reliable assets, and maintaining flexibility to adapt to the game's inherent randomness.

Action Items

Audit Arsenal defense: Prioritize acquiring Gabriel Jesus for his consistent high-point potential (15+ points) and set-piece threat.
Track player fatigue impact: Monitor minutes and performance dips for key players (e.g., Nico O'Riley) due to fixture congestion.
Evaluate Chelsea defensive stability: Delay significant investment in Chelsea defenders until post-Gameweek 24 to assess new manager impact and tactical consistency.
Measure midfielder value disconnect: For 3-5 midfielders, calculate correlation between price and recent FPL points to identify underperformers.
Analyze striker transfer viability: For 2-3 budget forwards, track form and fixture difficulty to identify optimal transfer targets for future squad adjustments.

Key Quotes

"We've lost our manager LR your thoughts it it it came out of the blue right nobody was expecting it I mean there was one weird outburst that happened from Maresca about two or three weeks ago I think I reckon very sad you know whatever was happening but after that this things looked to be going fine were you expecting this as a Chelsea fan kind of yes I think right when he made the comment about the whole 48 hours being the worst period in my Chelsea career right from there I was like this dude's not surviving for long after that he needed very strong results like sequence he needed three or four wins to enhance his position and the fact that we kept drawing kept losing it felt like it was happening and when he didn't come out for the press conference on Tuesday I knew it was done."

The speaker, Zophar, discusses the unexpected sacking of a manager, highlighting that the situation was not anticipated by many. He notes a prior "weird outburst" from Maresca as a potential early indicator, but suggests that subsequent events, including poor results and the manager's absence from a press conference, solidified the decision. Zophar's analysis points to a pattern of managerial instability and pressure within the club.

"The problem with having so many games and we all love this period you get so much quantity but it's clearly devoid of quality right now managers so many matches in such a condensed period with such a congested calendar is just not possible for these players not even just physically mentally it's so draining to be playing every two to three days you don't get time to train don't get time to recover you don't even get time to build yourself up as a player for the weekend right."

This quote addresses the impact of a packed fixture schedule on players and managers. The speaker argues that while the quantity of games is high, the quality suffers due to the physical and mental toll on players. The lack of time for training and recovery prevents players from optimal preparation, leading to a draining experience.

"I think the fact that even maybe you can hang on and not lose ground I guess you have to take that as a win over this period yeah and I don't even think the template is strong I don't think the template is strong I don't think the differentials are strong there's not much scope to gain ground unless you get like the odd taco double return over two weeks in terms of you know apart from that not much is happening in the last three weeks in terms of gaining ground before that we did have you know Bruno Fernandes on a run etcetera things like that were happening but not anymore."

The speaker expresses a sentiment of stagnation in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game. They suggest that the current period offers little opportunity for significant rank gains, as neither the "template" (popular player choices) nor "differentials" (uncommon picks) are performing strongly. The speaker notes a lack of momentum in the game over the past few weeks, contrasting it with earlier periods where certain players were consistently delivering strong returns.

"I think it's just what I think we have what game week 20 then game week 21 in quick succession after that there's a bit of a break after the FA Cup I think we'll see things normalize a little bit more exactly exactly which I'm looking forward to man and then just like you know we want to watch a lot of football but having three game weeks in a week is not fun it generally isn't fun it's it's a bit much especially for us in India staying up and watching the games and processing that while working it's all a bit tedious."

This quote highlights the demanding nature of the FPL schedule, particularly the rapid succession of game weeks. The speaker anticipates a return to normalcy after the FA Cup break, which they look forward to. They also mention the personal challenge of following games from India, involving late nights and processing information while working, describing the experience as "tedious."

"I think it's a good opportunity to pivot to formation also right Pras is potentially moving to a back four but I don't think anyone's really interested in three strikers are you we'll talk about that it's it's in my plans in terms of what I'm going to do in terms of how I'm going to fund Gabriel so there are two routes and one of them involves keeping Thiago one of them involves getting rid of him so we'll chat about it but at the moment I'm leaning towards two strikers I think most of us are."

The speaker discusses strategic considerations within the FPL game, specifically regarding team formation and transfer plans. They mention the possibility of a formation shift to a back four and express doubt about the appeal of playing with three strikers. The speaker outlines their personal plan to acquire the player Gabriel, which involves two potential routes depending on whether they keep Thiago or transfer him out, indicating a preference for a two-striker setup.

"I think it's a good opportunity to fund Gabriel do it through Raya and if you have Rice do it through Rice as well because he looks like a little bit of a doubt at the moment as well so it's a good time to sell either to fund Gabriel but the question is a lot of people are holding out for a couple of more game weeks to fund Gabriel because they do have Bournemouth away and Liverpool at home in the next two that's said he's expected to rise in price already again tonight do you think it's worth holding on."

This quote focuses on the tactical decision-making for acquiring the player Gabriel in FPL. The speaker suggests that selling either Raya or Rice could be a viable way to fund the transfer, noting that Rice currently appears to be a doubt. They acknowledge that many managers are delaying this move due to favorable upcoming fixtures for Bournemouth and Liverpool, but also point out that Gabriel's price is expected to increase, posing a dilemma about whether to act now or wait.

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Maresca - Manager whose tenure at Chelsea is discussed.
Maresca - Mentioned for making a comment about the "worst period in my Chelsea career."
Maresca - Mentioned as having been sacked.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
Maresca - Mentioned as having "very rigid tactics."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "struggled to break downs your bournemouths and sunderlands."
Maresca - Mentioned as having "something to offer in terms of tactical setup" in one-off games.
**Maresca