As we return from the international break, now is the perfect moment to get your squad in shape for Gameweek 12. Players come back in different conditions, and the upcoming round of fixtures could shake things up for plenty of managers.
Using a wildcard now can freshen up your team and help you plan for several weeks. With some clubs entering easier fixture runs and others heading into rough patches, this is a strong time to decide who to keep, who to cut and how to shape your squad for the weeks ahead.
This guide breaks down the key players, fixture trends and simple FPL tips to help you get the most out of your Gameweek 12 wildcard.
FPL GW12 wildcard Top Picks
Here are the players who could make the biggest impact in Gameweek 12, based on form, fixtures and overall points potential.
Goalkeepers
David Raya – Arsenal (£5.9m)
Despite conceding twice against Sunderland, David Raya remains a reliable option.
Arsenal still boast the league’s strongest defensive numbers, and with mostly favourable fixtures ahead — Chelsea and Spurs being the trickier tests — Raya is a steady pick on a wildcard.
Defenders
Jurrien Timber – Arsenal (£6.2m)
With Gabriel out injured, Timber is the next-best route into Arsenal’s defence. Adding him to your wildcard team gives you coverage of the Premier League’s top back line.
Marcos Senesi – Bournemouth (£5.0m)
Senesi racks up defensive actions and offers an attacking threat. With West Ham, Sunderland and Everton on the horizon, he provides consistency and the chance for big hauls.
Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool (£5.9m)
Liverpool have been patchy, but Virgil van Dijk remains strong for defensive actions and attacking potential — as shown against City. A dependable option for the medium term.
Daniel Munoz – Crystal Palace (£5.7m)
With several easier games coming up, Munoz has the potential to deliver at both ends of the pitch. He’s becoming a popular pick for Gameweek 12 wildcards.
Nico O’Reilly – Manchester City (£5.0m)
O’Reilly has performed impressively and offers excellent value. City has a comfortable fixture run ahead, making him a standout option who could also free up funds across your squad.
Midfielders
Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United (£8.9m)
One of the strongest midfielders this season, Bruno Fernandes contributes in both directions and is a bonus point magnet. With a favourable run ahead — including Everton — he’s a reliable high-ceiling pick.
Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool (£6.6m)
A strong all-rounder who offers set-piece threat and attacking involvement. Liverpool’s fixtures look brighter, and with just 5% ownership, Szoboszlai is an excellent wildcard differential.
Ismaila Sarr – Crystal Palace (£6.7m)
Sarr has delivered goals and assists consistently. With Wolves struggling, he’s well-placed to return again in Gameweek 12.
Granit Xhaka – Sunderland (£5.2m)
Xhaka has gone beyond budget-enabler status, already clocking four attacking returns. He is a good option to have if you are playing your wildcard this gameweek, but keep an eye on Sunderland’s fixtures and look for other players that you can rotate the Swiss with.
Forwards
Erling Haaland – Manchester City (£14.9m)
Erling Haaland is non-negotiable. He’s still the most popular captain choice each week and is about to hit £15m. Newcastle away might be tough, but City have easier fixtures afterwards, making him the centrepiece of any Gameweek 12 wildcard.
What do you make of these picks? Would you go with the same names, or are you backing a few differentials of your own? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
