Could Ekitike and Semenyo Lead Your FPL Team This Week?

This week marks a crucial moment in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) as the last gameweek before a hectic festive period featuring multiple fixtures. With the upcoming gameweeks scheduled for December 26, December 30, January 3, and January 6, FPL managers should brace themselves for potential rotation, unexpected benchings, and injury-related chaos. It's essential to manage your squad wisely, especially if you didn't exhaust your five free Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) transfers last week.

Last updated: 27 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the festive fixtures approach, FPL managers will need to navigate a minefield of potential player rotations and fitness concerns. The busy schedule means that clubs will likely rest key players to manage fatigue, increasing the risk of unexpected benchings. This is particularly relevant as teams grapple with squad depth and player fitness during this congested period.

Key takeaways

• Prepare for heavy rotation as teams face multiple fixtures in a short period.
• Maximise your AFCON transfers for better squad management.
• Monitor player fitness updates closely to avoid surprise benchings.

Timeline: how we got here

The current FPL season has witnessed a dynamic shift in player performances and managerial decisions. Key milestones leading up to this week include:

• November 2023: Clubs begin to announce player rotations ahead of the busy festive schedule.
• 22 November 2023: FPL managers are reminded of the importance of utilising AFCON transfers wisely.
• 26 November 2023: The start of the last gameweek before multiple fixtures kick in.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, the spotlight is on players such as Bukayo Saka, who scored 22 points, and Bruno Fernandes, who created 50 chances this season—more than any other player across Europe’s top leagues. New picks for the week include budget-friendly options like Lucas Perri and Marcos Senesi, who offer solid potential for clean sheets.

What was already established

It has been clear that teams are struggling with injuries and fitness, which may lead to more unpredictable line-ups. Additionally, players like Erling Haaland continue to be essential picks, holding strong as captain material for the upcoming fixtures.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The festive season often leads to increased viewership and engagement with the Premier League, impacting local economies positively. Pubs, restaurants, and retailers stand to benefit from fans flocking to venues to watch matches.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses related to the football industry, such as merchandise sales and hospitality services, the busy fixture schedule can provide a significant boost. However, job stability may be compromised for clubs if injuries lead to poor performances.

Policy and regulation

With the risk of COVID-19 protocols still in play, clubs and authorities must remain vigilant. Any changes to regulations could affect attendance and match operations during this busy period.

Numbers that matter

• £100m: The total budget available for FPL teams, requiring strategic selection of players.
• 79 points: The total score achieved by the highest-performing team last week, indicating strong player choices.
• 22: The number of chances created by Bruno Fernandes this season, highlighting his importance in midfield.

Definitions and jargon buster

• AFCON: Africa Cup of Nations, a biennial football tournament for national teams in Africa.
• FPL: Fantasy Premier League, a virtual game where players create teams based on real-life footballers.
• Defcon: Defensive contribution points awarded to players for clean sheets and other defensive actions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

FPL managers should closely monitor team news and player injuries as the festive fixtures approach. Prioritising players with favourable match-ups will be key.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the January transfer window opens, managers should consider potential additions to their squads, particularly focusing on players who may emerge from AFCON.

Signals to watch

• Injury updates from clubs regarding key players.
• Rotation patterns among teams during the festive fixtures.
• Performance trends of players returning from injury.

Practical guidance

Do

• Utilise your AFCON transfers effectively to bolster your squad.
• Keep an eye on injury reports and predicted line-ups.

Don’t

• Don’t rely solely on star players; budget options can provide great returns.
• Don’t neglect to check fixtures; some teams may have easier matches than others.

Checklist

• Review player form and fixtures before making transfers.
• Monitor news for potential player rotations and injuries.
• Consider captaincy options wisely based on match-ups.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While predicting player performances, managers must remain cautious of the unpredictability during the festive period. Player rotations could lead to unexpected benchings, and ongoing injuries may affect squad selections. The situation remains fluid, and managers should be ready to adapt their strategies as new information becomes available.

Bottom line

This week in FPL is pivotal as teams gear up for a congested fixture schedule. Managers should leverage their transfers wisely while staying alert to player news and performance trends to navigate the upcoming chaos effectively.

FAQs

What is the significance of the upcoming gameweeks in FPL?

The upcoming gameweeks are crucial due to the potential for player rotation and injuries, necessitating strategic management of your FPL team.

How can I best utilise my AFCON transfers?

Utilise your AFCON transfers by targeting players with strong fixtures and form, ensuring you maximise your squad's potential during the busy schedule.

Which players should I consider for captaincy this week?

Erling Haaland stands out as a captaincy option due to his consistent scoring and favourable fixture against West Ham.