The Premier League enters a crucial Gameweek 17 this weekend as the festive period kicks off. 1  With eight Premier League teams involved in the midweek EFL Cup quarterfinals, squad rotation and player fatigue could play a significant role. Key matchups include a struggling Manchester City facing Aston Villa, Arsenal's visit to Crystal Palace after their midweek victory, the highly anticipated clash between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea's trip to Goodison Park. A Liverpool slip-up, coupled with Chelsea's potential success at Everton, could significantly impact the title race, making this a pivotal week for the title race and a challenging one for fantasy managers navigating the unpredictable nature of the festive fixture schedule

Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 15

Amad Diallo scored a 90th minute winner to help Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-1 . Source: sportbible.com

Manchester City's struggles continued with a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the derby. Arsenal and Liverpool also dropped points, drawing 0-0 with Everton and 2-2 with Fulham, respectively. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur secured convincing victories, defeating Leicester City 4-0 and Southampton 5-0, respectively.

Ipswich Town's 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers led to the sacking of manager Gary O'Neil. Nottingham Forest and Chelsea both secured 2-1 victories against Aston Villa and Brentford, respectively. Crystal Palace defeated Brighton 3-1, while Bournemouth and West Ham United played out a 1-1 draw.

Players to watch out for Gameweek 16

With a hectic December schedule taking its toll on teams, injuries have become a major concern for managers. Before making strategic moves for your fantasy team, it's crucial to stay updated on potential absences from starting lineups. Unexpected player exclusions can significantly impact your team's performance, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and informed decision-making in the dynamic world of fantasy football:

Notable Absences

Several key players will be unavailable due to suspensions, including Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Joelinton (Newcastle United), Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace), Carlos Soler (West Ham United), and Liam Delap (Ipswich Town) for accumulating five yellow cards.

Furthermore, Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) and Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolverhampton Wanderers) are suspended following red cards. Chelsea will also be without Mykhailo Mudryk, who is suspended due to a failed drug test. Injury concerns loom over Manchester United with Mason Mount, while Brentford could be without Ethan Pinnock.

Forwards

Son Heung-min. Source: goal.com


Alexander Isak is in red-hot form for Newcastle United, having scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists in his last 3 matches. Following a brief winless streak, Newcastle returned to winning ways and will look to build on that momentum in their upcoming match against Ipswich Town. Isak will undoubtedly be a key figure, with his goal-scoring prowess crucial to Newcastle's success.  

Son Heung-min, Tottenham Hotspur's captain, commands a significant price tag of 13.4 credits, making him a premium fantasy asset. His recent form is undeniable, having found the net in each of Spurs' last three matches across all competitions. Moreover, Son boasts a remarkable record against Liverpool, scoring in each of the last five Premier League encounters. This consistent goal-scoring prowess against a top-tier opponent adds to his allure.

Midfielders

Kevin De Bruyne. Source: skysports.com

Enzo Fernández has been instrumental in Chelsea's recent surge, contributing significantly to their five-match winning streak. His impact has been undeniable, with three goals and three assists during this period. As Chelsea aims to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool in the title race, maintaining Fernández's current level of performance will be crucial to their success

At 8.2 credits, Kevin De Bruyne might seem like a bargain for a player of his caliber. While he hasn't quite reached his peak form this season, De Bruyne remains a world-class midfielder with the ability to impact any game. As Manchester City faces a struggling Aston Villa side, this presents an opportunity for both the team and De Bruyne to regain their momentum and rediscover their winning touch.

Defenders

James Justin. Source: nytimes.com
William Saliba has proven to be a vital asset for Arsenal this season, not only excelling in his defensive duties but also contributing offensively with his aerial prowess. As Arsenal aims to rebound from two consecutive draws, a strong defensive performance will be crucial against Crystal Palace's attacking threat. Saliba is expected to play a pivotal role in leading the Arsenal defense and ensuring a clean sheet.

Priced at budget-friendly 5.4 credits, Leicester City's James Justin presents a compelling defensive option for fantasy managers. Facing a struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers side, Justin has a favorable opportunity to deliver a solid performance and contribute positively to his team's success. A strong showing could not only boost Leicester City's chances but also enhance Justin's own value within fantasy leagues.

Goalkeepers

André Onana. Source: bbc.com

André Onana, priced at a budget-friendly 4.8 credits, presents a compelling option for fantasy managers seeking a reliable goalkeeper. Despite Manchester United's defensive struggles this season, Onana has consistently performed well, boasting an impressive tally of 6 clean sheets, placing him among the league leaders alongside David Raya and Jordan Pickford. As Manchester United adapts to their new manager's system, Onana's consistent performances will be crucial in bolstering the team's defensive solidity.

What Next?

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