FPL Gameweek 13: Thiago, Ouattara, and Gibbs-White emerge as smart punts for a Free Hit week
Plan your Free Hit for Gameweek 13 with attacking fixtures as Thiago, Ouattara, and Gibbs-White emerge as budget-friendly punts while Haaland leads the captaincy.
Gameweek 13 presents a clear chance to refresh your squad with a Free Hit, leaning into attackers facing fragile defenses. With fixtures lining up for big scorers, a targeted strategy can pay off. Below are the top punt picks and captain options to consider this week.
Why GW13 is a Free Hit sweet spot
Several teams with leaky defenses meet in-form offenses, creating opportunities for big returns. The Free Hit chip lets managers reset once and chase high scores from this set of fixtures.
Recommended picks for GW13
Goalkeeper and defence
- Jordan Pickford (Everton) – strong clean-sheet potential against a mid-table side and good form at home.
- Matty Cash (Aston Villa) – solid defensive base with goal-threat from full-back duties.
- Micky van de Ven (Tottenham) – a reliable pick for a clean sheet and occasional goal threat from set pieces.
Midfielders
- Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool) – a creative engine who can unlock a tight defence and provide assist potential.
- Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth) – budget-friendly winger with important attacking returns when fit.
- Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) – in-form and delivering goals and chances in recent weeks.
Forwards
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – captaincy lock for a favorable home fixture.
- Donyell Malen (Aston Villa) – a energetic attacking option with goals and assists potential when fit.
Bench options
- Budget backup goalkeeper
- Budget forward on the bench
- Budget defender rotation option
Key Takeaways
- Use the Free Hit to maximize points by targeting attackers against weak defenses.
- Pair Haaland with a mix of budget upgrades like Ouattara and Gibbs-White for balance.
- Keep an eye on lineup rotation and potential positional changes ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Expert comment
“Gameweek 13 is all about capturing the value from fixtures where the goals should flow. Don’t be afraid to back a couple of price-conscious picks if they offer real minutes and consistent returns.”
Summary
Gameweek 13 offers a lucrative window to deploy a Free Hit and chase high-scoring fixtures. Prioritise captain Haaland and mix in proven attackers like Gibbs-White and Ouattara to balance risk and reward. With careful selection, managers can push toward a strong scoreline and transcend the average.
Key insight: Target weak defenses with a well-structured Free Hit and rely on proven attackers for steady returns. Source: BBC Sport