As the clock ticks toward Saturday’s 16:30 IST deadline, two yellow flags are causing absolute chaos in millions of Fantasy Premier League teams. Gabriel Magalhães (43.7% owned, £6.6m) and Marc Guéhi (34.6% owned, £5.1m) – the two most-selected defenders in the game – are both officially doubtful for Gameweek 12. Here’s exactly what to do with Gabriel and Guehi in the FPL right now.
The Injury Latest (Monday 17 Nov evening)
Gabriel Magalhães picked up a thigh issue on Brazil duty and left the camp early. Arsenal’s medical team has been assessing him daily, and the latest FPL flag reads “75% chance of playing” against Tottenham at home. Arteta’s pre-match press conference on Thursday will be the decider, but the tone from London is cautiously optimistic.
Marc Guéhi’s situation is slightly messier. A heavy bone bruise from the Conference League has kept him from full training. Crystal Palace travel to Wolves on Saturday, so even if he passes a late fitness test, minutes management is almost certain.
Option 1 – Hold Gabriel (Recommended for 43.7% of managers)
Do. Not. Sell.
Here’s why Gabriel is the ultimate “set-and-forget” defender once he’s back:
- Top-3 scoring defender this season (6.2 pts per 90)
- Two goals already, leads the league in headed xG for defenders
- Arsenal’s fixture run from GW12-15: Spurs(H), Chelsea(A), BRE(H), Villa(A), the best defensive stretch in the entire game
- Selling now triggers an instant -0.1m price fall, and you’ll be forced to buy him back at £6.7m+ when he returns and blanks the Spurs game
Simple plan: bench him this week if you have a playing 4.0-4.5m defender, then enjoy the monster hauls from GW13 onward. He is still a genuine top-3 defender for the rest of the season.
Option 2 – Ditch Guéhi (The smart-4 or free transfer)
Guéhi owners have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to replacements.
Best direct swap: Maxence Lacroix (£5.0m, Palace)
- Started every single league minute this season
- Ranks 3rd among centre-backs for clearances + blocks per 90
- Same clean sheet odds, same bonus potential, £0.1m cheaper
- Palace fixtures: WOL(A), NEW(H), IPS(A), BHA(H) – very palatable
Budget enablers, if you want to bank cash:
- O’ Reilly (£5.0m, Man ity) – steps in centrally if Guéhi is absent
- Tino Livramento (£4.5m, Newcastle) – nailed, attacking returns
- Ezri Konsa (£4.7m, Villa) – lovely run starting GW13
The Sunderland Differential Everyone Will Wish They Owned
While the template scrambles, one promoted side is quietly building the best defence in the country. Sunderland sit 4th, have conceded the fewest xG in the league (10.8), and have kept four clean sheets already.
GW12: Fulham (A) Fulham are without Bassey (suspended) and Tosin (injured), have shipped eight goals in four games, and haven’t faced a set-piece threat like Sunderland’s all season.
Top punts:
- Nordi Mukiele (£4.2m) – ex-PSG wing-back playing RCB/RWB, already two assists, tackle monster
- Dan Ballard (£4.6m) – most headed attempts of any defender in 2025/26, bonus magnet
Sunderland’s next six after Fulham: Burnley (H), Brentford (A), Brighton (H), Leicester (A), Spurs (H), Forest (A). That is fixture heaven for the league’s surprise package.
Final Verdict – What to do with Gabriel and Guehi in FPL
- Gabriel → HOLD (bench if necessary). He’s irreplaceable long-term.
- Guéhi → Lacroix (£5.0m) for the seamless sideways, or downgrade to a £4.2-£4.6m Sunderland/playing enabler if you’re chasing rank.
- Make sure your bench has at least one starter this week – late flags could still turn red.https://www.ndtv.com/
The north London derby and Fulham vs Sunderland are must-watch television this weekend. Position your defence correctly now and you’ll either survive the storm… or rocket up your mini-league when the Mackems’ backline hauls 15+ combined points.https://theinfohatch.com/how-to-play-free-transfers-in-the-fpl-a-strategy/
Deadline is Friday, 22 November, 6:30 PM UK. Act fast, stay calm, and trust the process.
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