FPL GW12: Best Free Hit Team and Player Picks for Gameweek 12
This Gameweek presents a mix of elite matchups and tricky fixtures, making player selection more important than ever. The FPL squad below is built around form players, strong underlying data and high-upside fixtures, offering the most reliable path to immediate returns for FPL GW12.
Whether you're chasing rank or protecting a lead, these picks provide the best blend of safety and ceiling for Free Hit managers.
Check out RotoWire's updated GW12 FPL rankings and other FPL tips to improve your squad.
Our FPL cheat sheets include predicted lineups, team odds, goalscorer odds, set-piece stats, player stats and more.
Best Free Hit Team for FPL Gameweek 12
Goalkeeper Pick for GW12
Robert Sanchez looks like one of the strongest goalkeeper options this week. Chelsea rank second only to Arsenal for clean sheet probability (43 percent vs 46 percent), and a fixture against a Burnley attack that sits bottom of the league for expected goals makes him a reliable, low-risk pick.
Defenders to Target for GW12 Free Hit
Virgil van Dijk has quietly produced some of the best defensive contribution numbers among all defenders this season. Only Senesi has bettered him. With Liverpool among the top sides for clean sheet probability and hosting a Nottingham Forest team that have scored the second fewest goals in the league, van Dijk feels like a reliable pick with added set-piece threat due to his ability to win aerials.
Jurrien Timber offers a strong combination of clean sheet potential and attacking upside. Arsenal remain the best defence in the league for expected goals conceded, and Timber ranks among the top defenders for expected goal involvement.
Marcos Senesi continues to deliver remarkable consistency. He sits top for defensive contributions this season and regularly provides a safe four-point floor. With Bournemouth hosting a West Ham side who have looked blunt in attack for the majority of the season, Senesi is one of the most dependable defensive options for this Gameweek.
Joachim Andersen has become a superb value option at the back. He's hit the defensive contributions threshold in seven of his 10 starts, and a home fixture against Sunderland boosts his appeal further. Fulham tend to be stronger at Craven Cottage, making Andersen a smart Free Hit inclusion.
Who is going to start for the injured Gabriel? Make sure to use our Predicted Lineups page which is updated throughout the week before confirmed team news 75 minutes ahead of kickoff.
Midfielders for Best GW12 Free Hit Draft
Mohamed Salah is one of the most powerful differentials to own this week. A home fixture against Nottingham Forest presents a great opportunity, and with his ownership lower than usual, the upside for Free Hit managers is massive. If he returns, the gains will be significant, especially with an option for captaincy in play.
Bukayo Saka becomes Arsenal's most reliable attacker in the absence of Viktor Gyokeres. He's expected to be on penalties and has the most secure minutes in the frontline.
Bruno Fernandes remains the most dependable route into the Manchester United attack. His xGi is slightly higher than Bryan Mbeumo's due to penalties, and he's expected to perform well for bonus points and defensive contributions.
Ismaila Sarr stands out as one of the best mid-priced midfielders in FPL. He ranks second for non-penalty xG among all midfielders and now faces a Wolves team that have been shaky defensively. His combination of form, minutes and upside make him a top pick.
Yankuba Minteh offers rare security of minutes among Brighton attackers. He's quick, direct and carries constant threat. A home fixture against Brentford makes him a strong differential at a reasonable price.
Best Forward for GW12 Free Hit
Jean-Philippe Mateta is one of the easiest forwards to include this week. Mateta sits only behind Erling Haaland and Salah for expected goals. With a fixture against the league's worst defence for goals conceded, he has huge potential for a haul coming out of the international break.
Best Free Hit Team for Gameweek 12 pictured
FPL GW12 Free Hit FAQ
Who is the best captain for a GW12 Free Hit?
Salah and Saka are the strongest captain options, with Mateta also viable as a differential.
Is Salah essential for a Gameweek 12 Free Hit?
Yes, his low ownership and top fixture give Free Hit managers massive upside.
Should I triple up on Liverpool, Arsenal or Palace?
Liverpool (Forest), Arsenal (elite defence), and Palace (top xG) are all strong triple-up candidates.
Which defenders are best for a GW12 Free Hit?
van Dijk, Timber, Senesi and Andersen offer the best mix of defensive floor + attacking potential.
Who is the best budget midfielder for GW12?
Minteh offers secure starts and strong attacking numbers at great value.
