FPL 2025/26: Foden and Ekitike headline five players you need in your team for GW22

FPL gameweek 22 is here and it feels like the calm before the chaos, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. Chelsea are hinting at a revival under new management and new fixture swing, Aston Villa’s attackers are entering a golden run, and Manchester City are gearing up for a crucial derby that could reignite their title charge. Meanwhile, Liverpool play a weak Burnley side. With form shifting and fixtures turning, this is the week where FPL managers can separate from the pack. Let’s dive into five players who could light up your Gameweek 22.

Phil Foden (8.7m) 

Manchester City’s Foden finds himself among the most sold midfielders this week, and honestly, it’s hard to see why. Yes, he’s been quiet recently, but if you still own him, he’s a definite hold for the next two fixtures. First up, a trip to Old Trafford against a Manchester United side with just one win in seven and one clean sheet in their last 15 – that’s not exactly defensive form to fear. Foden also loves a derby, with seven goals in his last seven appearances against United. After that, City take on Wolves, who’ve improved but still concede chances. Expect City to respond after recent frustrations. Hold him now, sell later.

Morgan Rogers (7.6m)  

We said we’d circle back to Morgan Rogers – and the time’s right. He’s blanked recently, yes, but those tougher games are gone, and Aston Villa now have a run that reads beautifully: Everton, Newcastle, Brentford, Bournemouth. Rogers isn’t on penalties or set pieces, but his movement, finishing, and instinct in open play make him dangerous. He looks hungry again, with the World Cup dream very much alive. The best thing? His fixtures stay excellent right through to Gameweek 37, meaning he’s a flexible pick – startable or benchable depending on fixtures. His data won’t blow you away, but he regularly delivers when given trust. At his price, he’s a brilliant enabler with real haul potential. A true set and forget. 

Hugo Ekitike (8.9m)

Ekitike being the second most sold player of the gameweek makes absolutely no sense. Those who kept the faith through Arsenal last week have been rewarded — he’s back, fit, firing, and full of confidence after a goal and assist in 30 minutes in the FA Cup against Barnsley. Up next? Burnley, statistically the worst defence in the league: bottom for xGA, shots conceded in the box, non-penalty xGC – you name it. Ekitike’s explosive pace and direct play make him exactly the kind of forward who can do real damage here. If you’re chasing rank or want a bold differential, this is your week. A fit, low owned, in-form forward facing the league’s weakest defence? The stars don’t align like this very often.

Trevoh Chalobah (5.5m)

Everyone is eyeing Chelsea defenders for that Gameweek 24 run, but smart managers might want to strike earlier. Chalobah looks a solid pick right now, with Brentford and Crystal Palace next – both winnable and both offering clean sheet potential. Even better, Chalobah’s an FPL DEFCON magnet, hitting the DEFCON threshold mark five times in his last seven starts. That consistency is gold. Chelsea’s defence remains low-owned among engaged managers, so getting in before the herd moves could be the edge your rank needs. Once their fixture swing hits full stride, you’ll already be there. If you want to get ahead of the trend rather than follow it, Chalobah’s your ticket in.

Enzo Fernández (6.4m)

The ultimate FPL troll might be about to flip the script. Fernández has quietly put up elite numbers this season – 0.61 NPxGI per 90, second only to Erling Haaland. Now, Chelsea hit a kind run with four of the bottom five teams in their next six fixtures. It’s a dream platform for the Argenine to finally match his underlying stats with real returns. The question is whether new boss Liam Rosenior tweaks his role, but the talent is undeniable – vision, technique, and an eye for goal wrapped into one. If he keeps playing advanced, he’s a serious differential waiting to pop. High risk, high reward – just how FPL managers like it.