Football Paparazzi Weekly Fantasy Fix: Best picks for FPL Gameweek 23

Last Updated on 23 January 2026

Gameweek 23 is shaping up as one of those quiet-but-decisive rounds in Fantasy Premier League. With rotation risks creeping in, injuries piling up and form starting to stabilise, smart managers can gain ground without tearing up their squads.

This is also the stage of the season where fixtures, minutes security and underlying data start to matter more than hype. A single clean sheet, penalty taker or home banker can swing a mini-league.

With that in mind, here are four carefully selected picks for Fantasy Premier League’s GW23. We combine value, opportunity and form. These are all capable of delivering immediate returns and, in some cases, offering longer-term upside.

Marc Guehi (Manchester City) – £5.2m

Marc Guehi looks set for a fast-tracked introduction into Manchester City’s starting XI, with defensive injuries opening the door for immediate minutes. With key centre-backs sidelined, Pep Guardiola may have little choice but to trust the England international straight away.

The timing couldn’t be better. Wolves arrive at the Etihad having scored just five away goals all season, making a clean sheet a realistic target on debut. At £5.2m, Guehi offers a rare combination of affordability and elite defensive potential.

Robert Sanchez (Chelsea) – £4.9m

Chelsea’s upcoming fixture run is quietly one of the best in the league, with their next five opponents all ranking low for attacking output. Every one of those sides sits in the bottom half for goals scored this season, making defensive returns highly plausible.

The Blues already boast nine clean sheets. That record is bettered only by Arsenal. While centre-back rotation remains a concern, Sanchez offers the safest route into their backline. His recent 11-point haul in Gameweek 22 underlines both save and bonus potential.

Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) – £6.2m

Iliman Ndiaye remains one of the most under-the-radar midfielders in Fantasy, largely due to his recent Africa Cup of Nations involvement. With ownership hovering around just three per cent, he represents a genuine differential heading into GW23.

A home fixture against Leeds presents an ideal re-entry point, especially for managers looking to jump ahead of mini-league rivals. Ndiaye’s role and responsibility make him far more than just a short-term punt.

Kevin Schade (Brentford) – £7.1m

Kevin Schade’s underlying numbers continue to scream consistency rather than a short-term hot streak. Over the last six Gameweeks, only one Premier League player has bettered his Expected Goal Involvement, with the majority coming from his own shooting positions.

Nottingham Forest’s visit in GW23 makes Schade an excellent short-term pick, but his record against stronger opponents also suggests he could remain viable beyond this week.