FPL GW16: Teams With the Best Upcoming Fixtures
After 15 Gameweeks, the fixture landscape is becoming clear. Several Premier League teams stand out when combining strong form with favourable upcoming fixture runs, making them ideal targets for FPL managers looking to gain an edge before AFCON and the congested holiday schedule.
Using RotoWire's Fixture Difficulty Ranker, here are the best teams to target heading into Gameweek 16 and beyond.
Check out RotoWire's updated GW16 FPL rankings and FPL tips to improve your squad.
Our FPL GW16 cheat sheets include predicted lineups, team odds, goalscorer odds, set-piece stats, player stats and more.
RotoWire's Fixture Difficulty Ranker
RotoWire's Fixture Difficulty Ranker evaluates upcoming matches based on league table, goals scored and goals allowed. The below screenshot is based on league table.
Brentford: Best Short-Term Fixture Run
Brentford's fixture run looks extremely promising. A home match against Leeds is followed by an away trip to a Wolves side that continues to rank among the worst defensive teams in the league. Igor Thiago will be the primary target for FPL managers. He's scored in five of his last seven Premier League starts and remains tremendous value in a forward pool with very few reliable alternatives.
Kevin Schade would have been a standout differential, but his suspension removes him from contention this week. That opens the door for Dango Ouattara as a short-term differential for Free Hit managers, since he should see increased minutes this week before departing for AFCON.
Brentford could also potentially offer value at the back. Sepp van den Berg stands out as the safest option, particularly with Nathan Collins sitting on four yellow cards and at risk of suspension.
Manchester United: Strong Attacking Fixtures
Manchester United continue to enjoy a strong run of fixtures and offer multiple attacking options. While their defence remains best to avoid, the trio of Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all have genuine upside.
Fernandes remains the most dependable long-term option. He leads all midfielders in total FPL points and keeps delivering through penalties, creativity and defensive contributions. Mbeumo is also a strong short-term pick for Free Hit managers before he departs for AFCON.
Matheus Cunha could be the most interesting differential among the three. He looked lively against Wolves and produced an expected goal involvement above one. Minutes look secure and the fixtures are ideal for those who want a low-owned option.
Fulham: Budget-Friendly Fixture Upside
Fulham benefit from a strong run of matches, beginning with a favourable trip to Burnley. Joachim Andersen remains a standout budget defender. He's reached the defensive contribution threshold in 10 of his 15 starts and continues to deliver consistent returns.
Raul Jimenez is the option to consider in attack, since he remains secured for minutes with Rodrigo Muniz sidelined. Given the scarcity of forwards worth targeting, Jimenez is an intriguing differential.
Manchester City: Premium Options for Week Ahead
Manchester City's fixtures remain appealing despite a tricky away trip to Crystal Palace this week. The upcoming home match against West Ham in Gameweek 17 is particularly attractive. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden remain the go-to attacking choices.
A defensive option can also be justified and Nico O'Reilly stands out. He's comfortably ahead of Rayan Ait-Nouri in the pecking order and will soon benefit further when Ait-Nouri departs for AFCON. With four attacking returns already this season, O'Reilly offers potential at both ends of the pitch.
Arsenal: Elite Fixture & Captaincy Appeal
Arsenal have the standout fixture of Gameweek 16 with a home match against Wolves. Wolves conceded more than 27 shots and over four expected goals in their most recent league outing against Manchester United, signaling a major decline in defensive resilience.
This sets Bukayo Saka up as a premium captaincy option with enormous upside. Arsenal also remain the strongest defensive team in the league. David Raya is a safe goalkeeper pick, while Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie both appeal for those seeking a double up. Timber continues to combine clean-sheet potential with attacking threat, and when deployed at centre-back he reached the defensive contribution threshold for the first time this season. Hincapie is expected to gain more minutes with Gabriel unavailable and offers excellent value.
