FPL Gameweek 23 Strategy: Navigating the Carrick Bounce and City's New Wall
Gameweek 23 presents a fascinating tactical landscape with Manchester United buoyed by a new manager bounce under Michael Carrick, Man City integrating high-profile signings, and Spurs seeking a defensive reset.
Using the latest match ratings and team news, here is your complete breakdown for the upcoming week. Our FPL tools analyze attack and defense ratings to identify the best captain picks, differential options, and potential pitfalls to navigate.
The Attack: Haaland, Brentford Stars & The Saka Dilemma
While the big names always draw attention, the data suggests some high-value alternatives this week alongside the premium picks.
Erling Haaland (Man City) - Premium Pick ⭐
City boasts the highest attack rating (1.342) of the week as they host Wolves. After a toothless 2-0 derby loss where they were outplayed by United, expect a fierce response. Haaland will be hungry to make amends, and Wolves' defensive vulnerabilities make this an ideal bounce-back fixture.
The Brentford Differential 🔥
Brentford is a sleeper pick for offensive returns with an impressive attack rating of 1.259 against Nottingham Forest. Thiago is the standout shout here after his consistent returns this season. Don't overlook João Pedro either - he recently found the net for Chelsea against this same Brentford side, demonstrating his goal threat.
The Saka Risk ⚠️
Bukayo Saka remains a premier asset, but proceed with caution. He was rested in the last fixture against Nottingham Forest due to a "niggle" and only featured as a second-half substitute. While unlikely to be benched for a clash as big as United, Arsenal faces a rejuvenated United defense that just kept a clean sheet against City. Monitor team news closely before committing.
The Defense: City's New Shield vs Spurs' Away Form
Defensive points might be found in unexpected places this week as top teams shuffle their backlines with new arrivals and tactical adjustments.
Manchester City: The Guehi & Donnarumma Era ⭐
City is statistically the strongest defensive play with a defense rating of 0.443 (lowest is best) against Wolves. However, "Pep Roulette" is in full swing with new arrivals:
- Marc Guehi: The England star has just completed a move from Crystal Palace to bolster a City defense hit by injuries to Dias and Gvardiol. While expected to slot in quickly, his immediate start is never guaranteed under Guardiola.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma: The Italian has quickly established himself as the clear number one. Despite the derby loss, he was City's best performer, making several brilliant saves to keep the scoreline respectable. The safest City defensive pick.
Spurs: The Statistical Anomaly 🔍
Spurs have struggled for form, but Gameweek 23 offers a prime opportunity for a clean sheet. They face Burnley, who have one of the lowest attack ratings (0.561) of the week. Interestingly, Spurs have been more resilient away from home this season, making their defenders viable options for this specific matchup despite their inconsistent overall record.
The Big Match: Arsenal vs Manchester United
The "Carrick Bounce" is real. In his first game, Michael Carrick led United to a dominant 2-0 win over City, ending a three-year drought at Old Trafford. This is the fixture that could define your gameweek.
Manchester United's Form
United have secured back-to-back clean sheets and looked tactically superior in the derby. Bruno Fernandes continues to orchestrate attacks while a resurgent Harry Maguire has added steel to the backline. The new manager bounce is providing both defensive solidity and attacking purpose.
Arsenal's Struggle
The Gunners have recorded consecutive 0-0 draws for the first time in 14 years. Facing a "streetwise" United side led by Bruno Fernandes and the resurgent Harry Maguire, Arsenal's defense rating of 0.832 will be put to the ultimate test. This could be a low-scoring affair or a tactical battle that favors the form team.
GW23 Key Ratings at a Glance
| Fixture | Attack Rating | Defense Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Man City vs Wolves | 1.342 (Best) | 0.443 (Best) |
| Brentford vs Forest | 1.259 | 0.925 |
| Burnley vs Spurs | 0.561 | 1.085 |
| Arsenal vs Man Utd | 0.916 | 0.832 |
Attack rating: higher is better for attacking returns. Defense rating: lower is better for clean sheets.
GW23 Strategy Summary
Captain Picks
Safe: Haaland (City vs Wolves - 1.342 attack rating)
Differential: Thiago (Brentford vs Forest - 1.259 attack rating)
Defensive Targets
Premium: Donnarumma (City - 0.443 def rating, nailed)
Budget: Spurs defenders (Burnley away - 0.561 attack rating)
Proceed with Caution
Saka: Niggle concerns, tough United defense
Guehi: May not start immediately under Pep
Arsenal attack: Two consecutive 0-0s is concerning
Make Data-Driven Decisions with FPL Pulse
Gameweek 23 offers clear opportunities for managers who follow the data. FPL Pulse provides comprehensive match ratings, fixture analysis, and live FPL tracking to help you navigate complex gameweeks like this one.
From identifying City's bounce-back potential (1.342 attack rating) to spotting Brentford's differential value and understanding the Carrick effect at United, our fantasy premier league tools give you the edge you need to climb the ranks.
FAQs
- Who should I captain in FPL Gameweek 23?
- Erling Haaland is the standout captain pick with Man City boasting the highest attack rating (1.342) against Wolves at home. After their 2-0 derby loss, expect City to respond with a dominant attacking display. Thiago from Brentford offers a differential captain option against Forest.
- Are Man City defenders a good pick for GW23?
- City have the best defensive rating (0.443) this gameweek against Wolves. New signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace adds solidity, while Donnarumma has established himself as number one. However, 'Pep Roulette' means starts aren't guaranteed - Donnarumma is the safest City defensive pick.
- Should I keep Bukayo Saka for Gameweek 23?
- Proceed with caution. Saka was rested in the last fixture due to a 'niggle' and only appeared as a substitute. While he's unlikely to be benched against United, Arsenal face a rejuvenated defense that just kept a clean sheet against City. Monitor team news closely before the deadline.
- Can Spurs keep a clean sheet in GW23?
- Spurs face Burnley who have one of the lowest attack ratings (0.561) this week. Interestingly, Spurs have been more resilient away from home this season. Their defenders are viable options for this specific matchup despite their inconsistent overall form.