FPL Gameweek 16 Update: Saka and Haaland Deliver for Fantasy Managers

Fantasy Premier League Enters Crucial December Period

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) continues to captivate millions of football fans across the United Kingdom as the 2025/26 season reaches its pivotal winter period. Bukayo Saka rewarded more than one million managers who picked him as their captain for Gameweek 16, with the Arsenal star getting the assists for both of his side’s goals in their 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The game’s popularity remains undiminished, offering fans a free platform to engage with the Premier League through strategic team management.

Saka’s Historic Captaincy Backing Pays Off

It was Saka’s biggest captaincy backing for 68 Gameweeks, since Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 5-0 in Gameweek 21 of the 2023/24 season, and three extra bonus points took his tally against Wolves to 11 points, or 22 with the captain’s armband. The Arsenal midfielder’s performance highlighted why premium assets remain crucial for FPL success. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland remained the most-popular captain in Gameweek 16, despite 1.7m fewer managers handing him the armband than in Gameweek 15. The Manchester City striker continues to justify his premium price tag with consistent returns.

Market Movements and Strategic Planning

FPL Price Changes saw Foden rise to £8.8m, Bruno Fernandes hit £9.3m, and Saka climb to £10.3m, reflecting their strong performances and increasing ownership. Three sides – Arsenal, Brentford and Manchester City – supply a combined seven of the best team for Gameweek 16 in Fantasy Premier League, demonstrating the importance of fixture analysis in team selection.

Looking Ahead: Implications for FPL Managers

As the festive fixture congestion approaches, FPL managers must carefully navigate rotation risks, injury concerns, and value picks. The success of differential captaincy choices like Saka proves that following the crowd isn’t always necessary for climbing rankings. With price rises reflecting form and fixture difficulty becoming increasingly important, managers who plan transfers strategically and monitor team news closely will gain competitive advantages. The winter period traditionally separates casual players from serious contenders, making the coming weeks crucial for overall rankings.