The Premier League reaches its halfway point this weekend with Gameweek 19 extending into the new year. While the Manchester clubs continue to struggle, Liverpool appears to have a firm grip on the title race, holding a six-point lead over Arsenal with a game in hand. Wolverhampton Wanderers have shown signs of improvement under their new manager, escaping the relegation zone with two successive wins. Surprisingly, Fulham and Nottingham Forest have emerged as strong contenders, currently occupying positions within the top half of the table, a remarkable achievement for Forest in particular as they occupy the Champions League spot. The festive fixture schedule presents a unique challenge for fantasy managers, demanding rapid squad adjustments within a mere 48-hour window.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 18
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City. Arsenal moved into second place with a 1-0 win against Ipswich Town, while Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Fulham. Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton, and Manchester United endured a disappointing 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Newcastle United secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, while Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest. West Ham United edged past Southampton with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Jarrod Bowen. The remaining matches ended in draws: Bournemouth and Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw, as did Brighton and Brentford.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 19
The hectic festive fixture schedule inevitably leads to an increase in injuries and suspensions, particularly as players accumulate yellow cards more rapidly. 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 Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Jhon Durán (Aston Villa), Matty Cash (Aston Villa), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United), Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspurs), Tomas Soucek (West Ham United) and Guido Rodriguez (West Ham United).
In addition to suspensions, West Ham United also suffered setbacks with injuries to Łukasz Fabiański, Max Kilman, and Carlos Soler. Brentford also have injury concerns of their own with both Mark Flekken and Ben Mee doubtful for their next match.
Forwards
Erling Haaland remains a crucial figure for Manchester City as they aim to bounce back from their recent struggles. While he hasn't found the net in his last three matches and missed a penalty against Everton, Haaland's goal-scoring prowess is undeniable. Notably, he possesses a strong record against Leicester City, having scored a brace in his only previous encounter with the club. As City face Leicester, Haaland will be eager to rediscover his scoring touch and reignite their title challenge.
Priced at 11 credits, Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon is a compelling option for fantasy managers seeking attacking returns. Gordon has been in exceptional form recently, directly contributing to goals in each of Newcastle's last three matches with a combination of goals and assists. Given his impressive recent performances and his history of success against Manchester United (scoring in both encounters last season), Gordon presents a strong potential for points against their upcoming opponents.
Midfielders
Dejan Kulusevski is a crucial player for Tottenham Hotspur. Before their recent 1-0 loss to Forest, he had been in exceptional form, scoring in four consecutive matches across all competitions. His goal-scoring contributions have been vital to Spurs' success this season. As they look to bounce back from the defeat, Kulusevski's attacking prowess will be crucial. Notably, he scored the only goal in the corresponding fixture last season, highlighting his potential to make a significant impact against Wolves once again.
Enzo Fernández, despite his hefty price tag (10.1 credits), presents a compelling case for fantasy managers. He has demonstrated a strong all-around game this season, contributing effectively with goals and assists. Facing Ipswich Town, a newly-promoted side, Chelsea are expected to dominate possession, creating ample opportunities for Fernández to showcase his talents and potentially contribute to goals or assists.
Defenders
Daniel Muñoz will play a crucial role for Crystal Palace, particularly in the absence of the suspended Marc Guehi. While he possesses the ability to contribute goals and assists, Muñoz's defensive capabilities are equally important. His strong tackling, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game will be vital in shoring up the Palace defense and maintaining stability during this challenging period.
Priced at a budget-friendly 5.6 credits, Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina presents an attractive option for fantasy managers seeking a value defender. Forest has been a revelation this season, and Aina has played a crucial role in their success. He not only provides solid defensive cover but also contributes significantly in the attacking phase, as demonstrated by his two goals this season. As Forest aims to maintain their impressive form, Aina's consistent performances make him a valuable asset for fantasy teams
Goalkeepers
Bernd Leno, priced at 4.6 credits, remains a valuable asset for fantasy managers. Despite not keeping a clean sheet against Chelsea, his impressive seven saves played a crucial role in securing Fulham's famous victory (their first win over Chelsea since 1979). Facing Bournemouth, another strong contender in the league, Leno's experience and shot-stopping ability will be vital as Fulham aims to maintain their momentum and potentially overtake their opponents.
What Next?
Compete for a share of the 75,000 USDT prize pool in the Premier League 2024-25 on KridaFans. So far, users have won over 150k USDT worth of rewards. Sign up for free and experience the thrill of winning big on KridaFans. And if you’re into trading, don’t miss out on our $1500 monthly player cards trading competition!
About KridaFans:
KridaFans redefines fantasy football, where performance and strategy reward users through a dynamic skill-based rarity of player cards (NFTs). Elevating the fantasy sports experience, KridaFans combines innovation and fairness to stand out in the digital arena.
Website | Twitter | Discord | Blog
