As we approach Fantasy Football Matchweek 19 of the Premier League, scheduled for December 29, 2024, to January 1, 2025, it’s essential for FPL managers to strategize effectively to maximize their points.
Fantasy football managers should remember that they have two Wildcards per season. If you still have your first Wildcard then you must use it before Sunday’s deadline. If not, you will lose it. The second Wildcard will become available to all managers from Gameweek 20 onwards.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in making informed decisions for your squad.
Fantasy Football Matchweek 19 Fixtures
The Fantasy Football deadline for this weekend is Sunday, 29 December at 13:00 GMT
Sunday, 29 December
- Leicester City vs Manchester City (14:30 GMT)
- Crystal Palace vs Southampton (15:00 GMT)
- Everton vs Nottingham Forest (15:00 GMT)
- Fulham vs Bournemouth (15:00 GMT)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolves (15:00 GMT)
- West Ham United vs Liverpool (17:15 GMT)
Monday 30, December
- Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion (19:45 GMT)
- Ipswich Town vs Newcastle (19:45 GMT)
- Manchester United vs Newcastle United (20:00 GMT)
Wednesday, 1 January
- Brentford vs Arsenal (17:30 GMT)
Injury Updates to Note
- Mark Flekken (Brentford): The Brentford goalkeeper recently sustained a muscle injury. Flekken has however not been ruled out for the Arsenal fixture.
Top Transfer Targets
- Matheus Cunha (Wolves): Matheus Cunha (£7.1m) has scored at least 9 points in his last three games for Wolves. Despite a tough fixture against Tottenham, the striker’s recent form – including 9 points in a game Wolves lost – makes him a decent attacking choice.
- William Saliba (Arsenal): Arsenal are back to winning ways, and William Saliba (£6.3m) has returned to good form. The Frenchman is a cheaper option in comparison to Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.1m). Arsenal will be facing Brentford, who have had three losses in their last five games.
- Anthony Gordon (Newcastle): Anthony Gordon (£7.3m) and Newcastle have enjoyed a good run of wins, with the striker registering a G/A in three of Newcastle’s last fixtures.
Players to Sell
- Justin Kluviert (Bournemouth): Justin Kluviert has been a budget-friendly in-form defender, however, he will serve a one-match ban for earning five bookings.
Captaincy Picks
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah remains the most obvious pick for the captain role.
- Alexander Isak (Newcastle): Alexander Isak is another great pick for captain, especially for those who do not have Salah on their fantasy football team.
- Cole Palmer (Ipswich): Despite Chelsea’s recent underwhelming results, Cole Palmer and the rest of the Chelsea squad may become revitalised in their visit to Ipswich Town this matchweek. Palmer, with a goal in the Blues’ recent fixture, may have a bigger impact at Ipswich marking him as another great prick.
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 fantasy football transfers and captaincy choices, you can navigate the challenges of Matchweek 19 and boost your FPL performance.