Sports
FPL on Game Week 18 this weekend: Fantasy deadline, players to transfer, who to captain
Need to know
As several big name players jet away for the Africa Cup of Nations, we’ve had a look at which players should be transferred for your Fantasy Premier League (FPL) weekend.
Who you should captain and transfer on FPL before the deadline on 11am Saturday, December 20…
- Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool): With Mohamed Salah departing for AFCON and Cody Gakpo currently side-lined with an injury, the Frenchman has become a vital focal point for Liverpool. He has found the net four times in his last two starts and represents a brilliant mid-priced route into a side facing Tottenham.
- Harry Wilson (Fulham): The Welshman is the most in-form player in the league, having registered four consecutive hauls including a massive 16-point return in his last outing. He is an ideal replacement for the departing Bryan Mbeumo and offers incredible value for money during Fulham’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
- Jarrod Bowen (West Ham): Bowen remains the primary talisman for the Hammers and is also, historically, one of the most reliable performers during the congested Christmas schedule. Despite a tough fixture away at Manchester City, his goal-scoring form and guaranteed minutes make him a sturdy long-term investment.
- Pedro Neto (Chelsea): The Portugal winger has been a model of consistency, providing attacking returns in six of his last nine matches for the Blues. He is set to face a depleted Newcastle United defence at St. James’ Park and offers a great differential option for those looking to climb the rankings.
- David Raya (Arsenal): Arsenal’s defensive solidity remains the best in the league, while Raya is the most transferred-in goalkeeper this week, and for good reason. With a favourable fixture against Everton on the horizon, he provides the highest probability of a clean sheet and potential bonus points.
Five captaincy options for the weekend…
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The Norwegian is the standout choice for the armband as City host West Ham at the Etihad Stadium. He leads the league for “xG” and “big chances” at home, making him the most likely player to deliver a double-digit haul this weekend.
- Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth): For those seeking a high-ceiling alternative, Semenyo is a fantastic shout at home against a struggling Burnley side. He has already racked up 52 points at the Vitality Stadium this season and is the central figure in a Bournemouth attack that creates a high volume of chances.
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Saka is the creative heartbeat of Arsenal and takes on an Everton team which has historically struggled to contain him. His reliability on penalties and his dual-threat for both goals and assists make him a very safe captaincy pick for Game Week 18.
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Palmer continues to be the most influential player with Chelsea and thrives in high-pressure away games like the one at Newcastle. His clinical finishing and set-piece duties ensure he’s always in the conversation for the armband regardless of the opposition.
- Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool): If you are feeling particularly adventurous, captaining Ekitike against a Spurs defence which recently conceded three goals to Forest could be a masterstroke. He’s currently the most clinical forward at Liverpool and is benefiting from the creative service of a revitalised midfield.
Continue Reading
