With Gameweek 11 shaping up as a crucial period, it’s time to highlight a few players who deserve closer attention – especially for those plotting their next moves or planning a Wildcard for GW13, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. These picks combine form, fixture potential, and strategic value, striking a balance between risk and reward. From emerging talents to reliable performers, these four players stand out as shrewd options for managers looking to strengthen their squads ahead of the busy run.
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Bryan Mbeumo (8.4m)
Mbeumo is quietly proving to be a really solid pick this season. Priced right between Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes, he strikes a good balance – offering quality without breaking the bank. Some will argue cheaper midfielders like Ismaila Sarr or Enzo Fernandez offer better value for money, but Mbeumo’s lack of European football means less rotation risk, a real bonus. The looming AFCON won’t hit for another six matches, so there’s time to reap the benefits. Mbeumo’s consistent returns recently make him a compelling option ahead of GW11 for those that want a piece of Manchester United’s attack.
Reece James (5.5m)
James has been one of my standout picks since a few weeks back, and he’s delivering again. Enzo Maresca has clearly regained faith in his fitness, with James clocking six consecutive 90 minute appearances. This spells opportunity for FPL managers eyeing a short-term punt, especially if you’re plotting a Wildcard for GW13 and want a solid two-week differential against a weak Wolves and Burnley sides. His attacking potential combined with steady minutes make him an attractive option, but I’d prefer him as a calculated shout rather than a permanent fixture – timing your transfer right is key.
Granit Xhaka (5.1m)
Since rejoining the Premier League with Sunderland, Xhaka has been impressive, helping them climb to an encouraging fourth place after 10 games. His value in FPL lies primarily in his defensive contributions. Even when Sunderland face tough teams like Arsenal, Xhaka’s baseline points from defensive contributions alone make him a reliable choice. He’s averaging 12 defensive actions per 90 minutes, which is excellent for a midfielder at his price. On top of that, Xhaka’s set-piece duties and ability to strike from distance add attacking upside. He’s perfect as a dependable bench option or a first substitute when needed.
Ismaïla Sarr (6.6m)
Crystal Palace kick off an attractive fixture run in GW11, with Brighton, Wolves, Manchester United, and Burnley all lined up. Among Palace’s options, Sarr stands out in midfield thanks to 0.46 xG per 90 minutes, one of the best amongst midfielders this season. Compare it to Antoine Semenyo (0.38xg/90), Mohamed Salah (0.33xg/90) and Bukayo Saka (0.29xg/90). While Jean-Philippe Mateta, Daniel Muñoz, Chris Richards and Marc Guehi offer other Palace exposure, Sarr’s attacking threat puts him in pole position. At only 11.6% ownership, he’s flying under the radar but shows all the signs of a breakout. This could be the perfect time to bring him in before the rest catch on.
Roll Your Transfer:
This week stands out as one of the rare occasions where suggesting rolling your transfer can actually be a smart move. Gameweek 11 offers some appealing matchups for many teams and even presents a tempting bench boosting opportunity. But just beyond that lies an international break between GW11 and GW12 – a tricky period where having extra transfers in your back pocket is invaluable. Injuries, unexpected rotations, or fitness issues can quickly take hold during breaks, so stockpiling transfers ahead of time makes plenty of sense.
Even more crucially, as we’ve highlighted in our in-depth chip strategy guide, Gameweeks 12 and 13 bring significant fixture swings. Heavyweights like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle suddenly enjoy a smoother run of matches, while teams such as Chelsea, Everton, and Tottenham face tougher schedules. Having multiple transfers ready to deploy will give you the flexibility to navigate these changes without scrambling or knee-jerk moves.
For managers holding onto their Wildcard, it’s generally wise to save that chip for these rounds. Keep an eye out for our Wildcard guide dropping closer to the time, which will provide tailored advice and help you make the most of that powerful strategic tool.
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