EFL Fantasy Gameweek 13 Preview: Suggested picks, teams, captain and differentials

EFL Fantasy returns for Gameweek 13 and the matches continue to come thick and fast.

With the FA Cup first round taking place this weekend, there's a reduced catalogue of Football League fixtures to consider. There is, however, a double gameweek for 22 of the 24 Championship clubs, which provides a great opportunity to boost your points total.

We've detailed the players and teams to consider for Gameweek 13 of EFL Fantasy.

Goalkeepers to consider

Michael Cooper (Sheffield United)

Fixtures: Blackburn (A), Bristol City (A)

With a total of six goals conceded from 12 matches, Chris Wilder has forged an impenetrable defensive unit at Bramall Lane and Michael Cooper, who joined the club from Plymouth Argyle in the summer, has been a standout figure between the sticks for the Blades.

Not only has Cooper had the luxury of facing the fourth-fewest shots in the division, but Sheffield United have the second-lowest xGA behind Leeds United. A save percentage of 84.6% - the best in the Championship - demonstrates how the 25-year-old is a dependable figure when called into action.

As for fixtures, Blackburn's early free-scoring form has diminished with John Eustace's men netting just twice in their previous five fixtures and Bristol City have struggled to test the opposition goalkeeper at Ashton Gate, registering a total of six shots on target in their previous three home matches.

Illan Meslier (Leeds United)

Fixtures: Plymouth (H), Millwall (A)

Leeds appear to be gathering momentum under Daniel Farke with a seven game unbeaten run.

Since his nightmare blunder in the 2-2 draw against Sunderland, Illan Meslier has kept two clean sheets in his previous three appearances. In both of those clean sheets, his Leeds teammates have ensured he's comprehensively protected and the Whites flaunt the best xGA in the division.

With a home fixture against struggling Plymouth and a trip to The Den to face a Millwall side who have scored three in their last five, Meslier is a tantalising proposition.

Defenders to consider

Dennis Cirkin (Sunderland)

Fixtures: QPR (A), Preston (A)

The highest-scoring player in EFL Fantasy is difficult to ignore and there's great scope to suggest Dennis Cirkin will continue his marvellous points-scoring exploits in this Gameweek.

Tallying 44 tackles, 34 clearances, seven blocks and three assists, Cirkin is capable of amassing points even if Sunderland fail to keep a clean sheet, with three points being his lowest score in a Gameweek so far.

His defensive solidity is balanced by his attacking exploits and the majority of Sunderland's attacks have been focused on Cirkin's flank down the left.

Pascal Struijk (Leeds United)

Fixtures: Plymouth (H), Millwall (A)

Though Junior Firpo should be fit in time to face Plymouth, we've sided with Pascal Struijk in this instance and with good reason.

Not only is the Belgian central defender averaging 6.7 points in EFL Fantasy, adding to the haul of seven clean sheets by recording 44 clearances and 13 tackles in 12 appearances, but he's revelled in the honour of being named captain in Ethan Ampadu's absence.

Struijk is also a threat at the other end of the pitch, netting against Portsmouth and Sheffield United. He now faces two sides that rank in the top six for set-piece goals conceded.

Harry Souttar (Sheffield United)

Fixtures: Blackburn (A), Bristol City (A)

Signed on loan from Leicester City, Harry Souttar has excelled since his switch to the Steel City and only six Championship defenders possess a better points average in EFL Fantasy.

In fact, the towering Australian has only scored less than six points once since Gameweek 4 and Sheffield United's clean sheet proficiency is aided by Souttar amassing 55 clearances and 12 tackles in his 11 appearances so far.

Opposing two sides that have struggled for consistency in front of goal, the Blades have the tools to preserve their impressive goal record away from home, having only conceded four goals in six matches on their travels this term.

Midfielders to consider

Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough)

Fixtures: Coventry (H), QPR (A)

Finn Azaz finally broke his duck for the 2024/25 campaign at the 36th attempt with a goal in the 3-3 draw against Norwich last weekend. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again and Azaz's strike at Carrow Road may be a watershed moment in his season.

Only Morgan Whittaker and Borja Sainz have taken more shots than Middlesbrough's creator, and only Sainz has hit the target more often. Azaz's underlying numbers are quite impressive, with the 24-year-old ranking second for chances created in the Championship.

While inconsistency has hampered Michael Carrick's side, Azaz and his teammates should relish taking on opposition in Coventry and QPR who have found clean sheets in scarce supply.

Dan Neil (Sunderland)

Fixtures: QPR (A), Preston (A)

No Chris Rigg or Jobe Bellingham, I hear you ask?

I've gone down the alternative route in this instance and opted for the consistency of Sunderland's midfield anchor, Dan Neil.

The 22-year-old from South Shields has registered an assist in three consecutive matches and his influence in the attacking third is enhanced by his tally of interceptions, where Neil ranks seventh in the Championship.

Away from home he's scored points of 6, 4, 6, 11 and 9, proving he's a dependable figure in the middle of the park.

Jack Rudoni (Coventry City)

Fixtures: Middlesbrough (A), Derby (H)

A superb comeback against Luton may be the catalyst for Coventry to embark on a productive run of form and Jack Rudoni will be a key component if they're to enjoy an upturn in fortunes.

The all-action midfielder was introduced at left wing-back in the match against the Hatters and excelled, showcasing his versatility in Mark Robins' side. It's anticipated Rudoni will return to the engine room but his enterprising performance may well tempt Robins to give Rudoni greater attacking freedom.

Rudoni has accumulated 27 key passes, 10 interceptions and four assists so far this campaign. The 23-year-old averages 8 points per match at the CBS Arena, which bodes well for the visit of Derby County, who are winless on their travels.

Forwards to consider

Borja Sainz (Norwich City)

Fixtures: Cardiff (A), Sheffield Wednesday (A)

With two goals and a 13-point return in the 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough, you leave Borja Sainz out of your team at your own peril.

The Spaniard has been in scintillating form under Johannes Hoff Thorup. Netting 10 goals in 12 appearances, Sainz has elevated his game to a new level and forged a fruitful attacking unit alongside Josh Sargent and Ante Crnac.

Though Cardiff have enjoyed a revival under Omer Riza, they're far from impenetrable and Tuesday's fixture against a Sheffield Wednesday side who have picked up eight points from six matches at Hillsborough presents Sainz with another opportunity to produce his fifth double-figure haul of the season.

Haji Wright (Coventry City)

Fixtures: Middlesbrough (A), Derby (H)

Scoring the winning goal in the 3-2 win over Luton, Haji Wright has netted in consecutive matches for the first time this season and the American, who reached 16 goals last term, is receiving the chances which suggests he can extend his current run of form.

Wright's xG of 4.6 ranks him fifth in the Championship and against Luton, he registered more shots on target (3) than his previous five matches combined.

The striker now encounters a Middlesbrough outfit susceptible to conceding from individual errors and a Derby side who have shipped 11 goals in six away matches.

Elijah Adebayo (Luton Town)

Fixtures: West Brom (H), Cardiff City (H)

Results still aren't going in favour of Rob Edwards and his side. With injuries to defensive personnel piling up, the Hatters tactician may feel attack is the best form of defence and fortunately for him, Elijah Adebayo has rediscovered his goalscoring touch.

The 26-year-old found the net in defeats against Sunderland and Coventry and both goals felt like a matter of time, with Adebayo recording the second-highest npxG (non-penalty xG) in the league and mustering the third-most shots on target.

West Brom's rearguard have been impassable of late and Cardiff's defensive solidity has dramatically improved but Luton, despite their woes, have scored in every fixture at Kenilworth Road, which includes the visit of watertight defences in Burnley and Sunderland.

Captain picks

1. Borja Sainz (Norwich City)
2. Dennis Cirkin (Sunderland)
3. Pascal Struijk (Leeds United)

Club picks

Leeds United
Fixtures: Plymouth (H), Millwall (A)

Despite being held to a goalless draw by the stalemate professionals Bristol City, Leeds United arrive into these batch of fixtures in full vigour and the visit of Plymouth, who have conceded the highest number of chances and shots, presents Daniel Farke's side the opportunity to unearth their ruthless edge in front of goal.

The trip to Millwall on Tuesday is a tougher assignment on paper but Leeds have had the upper hand in recent encounters with the Lions, winning three consecutive matches, including a 3-0 triumph at The Den last September.


Sunderland
Fixtures: QPR (A), Preston (A)

The Championship leaders are made all the more enticing with the additional points on offer for away victories and Regis Le Bris' men will be targeting maximum points from their trips to Loftus Road and Deepdale.

QPR have one win in their last 10 and Sunderland possess a strong head-to-head record against the Rs of late, winning two of the previous three meetings between the two sides.

Preston fare better on home turf but the Black Cats are perched at the top of the away table, taking four wins from six on their travels.

Differentials

Owen Beck (Blackburn Rovers - Defender - Ownership: 0%)

Owen Beck has made the left-back position his own at Blackburn and the Liverpool loanee is averaging 6.8 points from his six appearances so far. Defensively reliable and a threat going forward, Beck's role as set-piece taker also makes him an increasingly attractive proposition with 0% ownership.

Maxime Esteve (Burnley - Defender - Ownership: 0.5%)

There's only one fixture for Burnley in this Gameweek, which may tempt players to avoid the Clarets, though their defensive record is difficult to ignore. At the heart of their backline is Maxime Esteve, who has clocked up 37 clearances, 13 tackles and eight blocks for Scott Parker's men, who will fancy a sixth clean sheet in seven matches away at Millwall.

Shea Charles (Sheffield Wednesday - Midfielder - Ownership: 0.1%)

Joining Sheffield Wednesday on loan on deadline day, Shea Charles has excelled since his switch from Southampton and the defensive midfielder has tallied 14 interceptions in nine appearances.

Xavier Simons (Hull City - Midfielder - Ownership: 0.1%)

Forcing his way into Tim Walter's starting XI, Xavier Simons is demonstrating the talent foreseen during his academy days at Chelsea and the central midfielder marked his previous two appearances with goals against Burnley and Derby.

Alex Robertson (Cardiff City - Midfielder - Ownership: 0.1%)

The insertion of Omer Riza as interim head coach has transformed Cardiff's fortunes and one player to thrive under his tutelage is Alex Robertson. The midfielder has chalked up 33 points in his last three matches, which includes 10 points from his five interceptions in the 0-0 draw against West Brom.