This week’s fantasy picks focus on exploiting favourable fixtures, in-form attackers, and reliable defensive options with clean-sheet potential. Manchester City and Brentford assets feature heavily, with both sides facing opponents who have struggled badly at the back. Several mid-priced midfielders offer excellent value after delivering consistent goals and assists in recent gameweeks. Premium stars like […]
This week’s fantasy picks focus on exploiting favourable fixtures, in-form attackers, and reliable defensive options with clean-sheet potential.
Manchester City and Brentford assets feature heavily, with both sides facing opponents who have struggled badly at the back.
Several mid-priced midfielders offer excellent value after delivering consistent goals and assists in recent gameweeks.
Premium stars like Erling Haaland and Bukayo Saka remain essential selections as the festive schedule intensifies.
With momentum, matchups, and value all in play, these picks are well-suited for managers looking to climb the rankings.
Goalkeeper
Joachim Kelleher (Wolves v Brentford)
Kelleher is set to start between the sticks when Brentford face a Wolves side that has scored just nine goals in 16 league matches this season.
While Brentford’s defence has not been at its usual standard, this fixture presents a strong opportunity to secure only their third clean sheet of the campaign.
Wolves’ lack of attacking threat makes Kelleher a solid budget goalkeeper option this week.
Defenders
Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth v Burnley)
Senesi will once again marshal the Bournemouth backline as they take on Burnley.
The Cherries enjoyed an impressive start to the season, registering three clean sheets in their first five matches, but have struggled defensively in recent weeks.
Their Gameweek 15 shutout against Chelsea was their first in six games, and this fixture offers a strong chance to build on that momentum.
Nico O’Reilly (Man City v West Ham)
O’Reilly has quietly made Manchester City’s left-back spot his own despite the club’s big-money move for Rayan Aït-Nouri.
The youngster has contributed at both ends of the pitch, helping City to seven clean sheets while also registering three goals and one assist.
His attacking output and clean-sheet potential make him an excellent fantasy option.
Jurrien Timber (Everton v Arsenal)
Timber is expected to return to his right-back role with Ben White sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Despite being classified as a premium defender, Timber offers strong value, having helped Arsenal keep six clean sheets while contributing two goals and three assists this season.
Marc Guéhi (Leeds v Crystal Palace)
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi has delivered crucial attacking returns this season.
Despite operating as a centre-back, his four assists and two goals mirror the output of an attacking wing-back, making him a valuable differential for fantasy managers.
Midfielders
Bukayo Saka (Everton v Arsenal)
Saka stepped up when Arsenal needed him most, playing a key role in both own goals scored by Wolves players in the Gunners’ 2–1 victory.
After a stop-start campaign due to injury, Saka now appears to be finding rhythm at the perfect time ahead of the congested festive schedule.
Morgan Rogers (Wolves v Brentford)
Rogers delivered a standout performance to power Aston Villa to a comeback victory, scoring twice in the second half after his side went behind.
After a slow start to the season, he has now recorded five goals and three assists, making him an increasingly attractive mid-priced fantasy option.
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth v Burnley)
Semenyo ended an eight-game goal drought by scoring in Bournemouth’s thrilling 4–4 draw with Manchester United.
Earlier in the season, the Ghana international impressed with six goals and two assists, and this fixture offers a strong chance for him to kick-start another productive run.
Phil Foden (Man City v West Ham)
Foden continued his hot streak by scoring in his fourth consecutive league game, taking his season tally to seven goals and two assists.
His form has been instrumental in City’s four-match winning run, closing the gap to league leaders Arsenal. For managers seeking a cheaper City midfield alternative, Ryan Cherki is also worth considering.
Bruno Fernandes (Aston Villa v Man United)
Bruno once again delivered when it mattered, scoring and assisting in Manchester United’s dramatic 4–4 draw with Bournemouth.
His stunning free-kick capped another influential display, bringing his total to four goals and three assists across United’s last four matches.
Harry Wilson (Fulham v Nottingham Forest)
Looking for a budget midfielder in red-hot form? Harry Wilson fits the bill perfectly.
The winger has registered a goal or assist in Fulham’s last four matches and now boasts five goals and five assists for the season, putting him on track for the best campaign of his career.
Strikers
Erling Haaland (Man City v West Ham)
Haaland struck twice in City’s 3–0 win over Crystal Palace, taking his tally to an astonishing 17 goals in 16 matches. The Norwegian remains a must-have fantasy asset and needs no further justification for inclusion.
Igor Thiago (Wolves v Brentford)
Brentford’s clash with a struggling Wolves defence that has conceded 35 goals in 16 games presents a prime opportunity for Thiago. With 11 goals already this season, the striker sits second in the Golden Boot race behind Haaland.
Hugo Ekitiké (Spurs v Liverpool)
Ekitiké continued his fine form by scoring twice in Liverpool’s crucial 2–0 win over Brighton. He has now netted four goals in his last two appearances and is expected to retain his place up front against Spurs, making him a strong differential pick.
Category: General Sports
