As we approach Fantasy Football Matchweek 17 of the Premier League, scheduled for December 21-22, 2024, it’s essential for FPL managers to strategize effectively to maximize their points.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in making informed decisions for your squad.
Fantasy Football Matchweek 17 Fixtures
The Fantasy Football deadline for this weekend is Saturday, 21 December at 11:00 GMT
Saturday, 21 December
- Aston Villa vs Manchester City (12:30 GMT)
- Brentford vs Nottingham Forest (15:00 GMT)
- Ipswich Town vs Newcastle (15:00 GMT)
- West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion (15:00 GMT)
- Crystal Palace vs Arsenal (17:30 GMT)
Sunday, 22 December
- Everton vs Chelsea (14:00 GMT)
- Fulham vs Southampton (14:00 GMT)
- Leicester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (14:00 GMT)
- Manchester United vs Bournemouth (14:00 GMT)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool (16:30 GMT)
Injury Updates to Note
- Arsenal: Defenders Ben White (knee) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (undisclosed) are out. Midfielder Declan Rice is questionable.
- Manchester United: Midfielder Mason Mount suffered an injury during the Manchester derby and is expected to miss the upcoming fixture.
- Chelsea: Defenders Reece James and Wesley Fofana are sidelined with hamstring injuries, with both expected to return in 2025.
Top Transfer Targets
- Antonee Robinson (Fulham): Priced at £4.8m, Robinson offers a budget-friendly defensive option with attacking potential. Fulham’s fixture against Southampton presents a good opportunity for a clean sheet.
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle United): With Newcastle facing Ipswich, Isak (£8.7m) could capitalize on Ipswich’s defensive vulnerabilities, having scored six goals this season.
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Priced at £11.2m, Cole Palmer has been delivering consistent points and is a valuable midfield option ahead of Chelsea’s match against Everton.
- Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea): The midfielder has six G/A in his last five Premier League games. Priced at a low £5.1m, he’s comfortable on the budget and promises good form.
Players to Sell
- Mason Mount (Manchester United): Due to his recent injury, it’s advisable to transfer Mount out to free up funds and a midfield spot.
- Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves): The left-back received a red card in Wolverhampton’s game against Ipswich last weekend, and will return during a bout of tough fixtures. When he returns from suspension, he will still be on four yellows this season, with another suspension likely.
- Ben White (Arsenal): With his knee injury ruling him out, managers should consider alternative defensive options.
- Marc Cucurella (Chelsea): The Spaniard collected two yellow cards at the Brentford Fixture, ruling him out until 26 December.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The league’s top scorer has averaged 3.5 points over the past 10 Gameweeks – a low output for such a high price tag (£14.9).
Captaincy Picks
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Despite facing Tottenham away, Salah’s form makes him a strong candidate for the captain’s armband.
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): With a home fixture against Bournemouth, Fernandes could be pivotal in United’s attack, especially in the absence of Mount.
Strategic Considerations
Fixture Congestion: The festive period brings a packed schedule, increasing the risk of rotation and injuries. Ensure your bench players are active and capable of stepping in if needed.
Monitor Press Conferences: Last-minute injury updates and team news can significantly impact your decisions. Stay informed to make timely transfers.
By staying updated on the latest news and being strategic with your transfers and captaincy choices, you can navigate the challenges of Matchweek 17 and boost your FPL performance.