Gameweek 18 of the Premier League ushers in a festive spectacle with eight matches on Boxing Day and two more the following day. Manchester City's struggles continue, plummeting to seventh place after another defeat. Conversely, Liverpool solidified their position at the summit with a resounding victory over Tottenham Hotspur. This season has witnessed the emergence of surprise contenders, with Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth occupying fourth and fifth place respectively, adding intrigue to the European race while traditional heavyweights like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United languish outside the top ten. As the fixtures unfold rapidly, fantasy football managers meticulously analyze every detail, striving for an edge in the points race, further intensifying the excitement of this captivating season.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 17
Liverpool secured a dominant 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, while Chelsea were held to a goalless draw at Goodison Park. Manchester City suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa, and Manchester United endured a heavy 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Nottingham Forest ended Brentford's unbeaten home record with a 2-0 victory.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, under new manager Vitor Pereira, kicked off their new era with a convincing 3-0 win over Leicester City. Newcastle United and Arsenal both cruised to emphatic victories, defeating Ipswich Town 4-0 and Crystal Palace 5-1, respectively. The remaining two matches ended in draws: West Ham United and Brighton played out a 1-1 stalemate, and Fulham and Southampton fought to a goalless draw.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 18
The demanding festive fixture schedule inevitably leads to increase in injuries, presenting a significant challenge for fantasy managers. Before making any roster adjustments, it's crucial to diligently monitor team news and potential player absences. Unexpectedly missing key players can severely impact your fantasy team's performance. Consequently, adaptability and informed decision-making are paramount to navigate the dynamic and unpredictable nature of fantasy football during this busy period:
Notable Absences
Several key players will be unavailable due to suspensions, including Ashley Young (Everton), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United), Sam Morsy (Ipswich Town), and Nicolas Domínguez (Nottingham Forest) for accumulating five yellow cards.
For Arsenal, there are two significant injury concerns with both Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling expected to be out for weeks due to injuries. Manchester City also suffered a setback in the defeat against Aston Villa as defender John Stones was substituted at halftime due to injury and remains a doubt for the upcoming game against Everton.
Forwards
With the absence of key forwards Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz assumes a crucial role for Arsenal. The German forward, who scored in the recent victory against Crystal Palace, has consistently contributed this season with six goals and two assists. As Arsenal strive to maintain their title challenge against Liverpool, Havertz's continued strong performances will be paramount to their success.
Jacob Murphy of Newcastle United, priced at a competitive 10.9 credits, has emerged as a compelling option for fantasy managers. The winger has been in scintillating form, contributing three goals and three assists in his last three matches. While the spotlight often falls on teammate Alexander Isak, Murphy's impressive performances warrant serious consideration. His recent contributions highlight his value and potential for further returns, making him a shrewd acquisition for fantasy teams seeking to capitalize on his current hot streak
Midfielders
Dominik Szoboszlai played a pivotal role in Liverpool's emphatic 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, contributing with a goal and an assist. The Hungarian international has consistently impressed this season, showcasing his midfield prowess with a blend of creativity and defensive solidity. As Liverpool strive to maintain their title charge, Szoboszlai's contributions will be crucial, solidifying his position as a key figure in the heart of the team.
Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest's 22-year-old summer signing, is generating significant interest among fantasy managers, priced at a competitive 10.1 credits (828 points). After showcasing immense promise during his previous stints at Newcastle United, Anderson is now fulfilling his potential at his new club. With five assists to his name this season, he has demonstrated his creative abilities and attacking prowess. As Nottingham Forest continues their unexpected push for European places, Anderson's contributions will be crucial to their continued success.
Defenders
Manuel Akanji's return from injury provides a crucial boost for Manchester City, who are facing a defensive crisis with John Stones sidelined. With Rúben Dias's availability also uncertain, Akanji's experience and defensive solidity will be vital as City look to bounce back from their defeat against Aston Villa. His presence will be crucial in shoring up the defense and helping the team regain their winning momentum.
Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen, priced at an affordable 4.8 credits, presents a compelling value pick for fantasy managers seeking a budget-friendly defender. The 19-year-old, signed from Juventus, initially struggled to establish himself in the starting lineup. However, in recent weeks, Huijsen has solidified his place in the team, impressing not only with his defensive contributions but also with his attacking prowess. Notably, he has scored goals against both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, highlighting his potential as a valuable asset for fantasy teams.
Goalkeepers
Robert Sánchez, Chelsea's Spanish goalkeeper, provides excellent value for fantasy managers at just 4.5 credits. His recent performance against Everton, where he secured his fourth clean sheet of the season, further solidifies his credentials. As Chelsea aims to close the gap on Liverpool in the title race, Sánchez's continued strong performances between the posts will be crucial to their success.
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