FPL
FPL Gameweek 17: practical player choices for clean sheets and attacking returns
FPL Gameweek 17: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward picks to target for a big haul this wk.
Approaching the halfway point of the Fantasy Premier League season, Gameweek 17 presents limited clean sheet prospects but several clear attacking targets. Goalkeepers to consider include Gianluigi Donnarumma (£5.7m), who was rested for Carabao Cup duty midweek and has recorded five or more points in four of his last six matches ahead of a home match with West Ham United. David Raya (£6.0m) remains a set-and-forget option despite a trip to Everton, with Arsenal’s defensive record and the return of key defenders from suspension and injury bolstering his appeal.
Sunderland’s Robin Roefs (£4.8m) leads goalkeeper scoring with 73 points and is in consideration for the visit to Brighton & Hove Albion, though Sunderland have lost six first-team players to AFCON. That situation is worth noting when weighing long-term choices.
At the back, William Saliba (£5.9m) returned from injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers and is expected to start again at Everton, offering both defensive and set-piece upside; Piero Hincapié (£5.5m) is a cheaper route into the same defence. Marcos Senesi (£4.9m) and Adrien Truffert (£4.5m) are options for Bournemouth, who will seek a shutout at home to Burnley after conceding four on Monday.
Marc Guéhi (£5.3m) is the top-scoring defender with 92 points and faces Leeds United, while Maxence Lacroix (£5.2m) trails him by just 11 points. In midfield, Man City’s Nico O’Reilly (£5.3m) and Matheus Nunes (£5.3m) are recommended for a fixture with West Ham United; Matheus recorded 11 points against Crystal Palace and Nico produced consecutive six-point returns.
On the attacking front, Antoine Semenyo (£7.5m) returned to the scoresheet with a six-point outing against Manchester United and has a favourable home match with Burnley. Phil Foden (£8.8m) has amassed 55 points across his last four matches and carries a strong record versus West Ham. Rayan Cherki (£6.5m) is a cheaper in-form alternative who scored in the cup midweek.
Other considerations: Bruno Fernandes (£9.3m) and Bukayo Saka (£10.3m) for their current form; Kevin Schade (£7.0m) returns from suspension to face Wolverhampton Wanderers; Harry Wilson (£5.6m) has 42 points across four games and hosts Nottingham Forest. Erling Haaland (£15.0m) was rested midweek after a brace last weekend and has nine goals in his last six matches against West Ham.
Striker picks include Hugo Ekitiké (£8.6m), who has scored back-to-back braces and travels to Tottenham Hotspur, plus Igor Thiago (£7.2m) if fit, Raúl Jiménez (£6.3m) and Evanilson (£7.0m) as short-term options. The GW17 deadline is 11 a.m. GMT on Saturday, Dec. 20.
FPL
FPL Gameweek 28: Essential transfers, budget enablers and attacking picks
Gameweek 28 FPL guide: top transfers, budget enablers and midfield options for the coming fixtures .
Gameweek 28 carries weight for managers chasing mini-league positions and avoiding forfeits. With the season entering its final third, every transfer can matter.
Goalkeepers present clear options. Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.7m) is the suggested move for those switching stoppers: “Despite disappointing last weekend, the Brentford man faces Burnley (A) this time around” and then has Bournemouth (A), Wolverhampton Wanderers (H), Leeds United (A) and Everton (H). Alisson (£5.4m) offers a set-and-forget route given Liverpool’s fixture swing, beginning with West Ham United (H) and followed by Wolves (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H) and Brighton & Hove Albion (A). Đorđe Petrović (£4.5m) is a budget alternative after Bournemouth have kept two clean sheets in their last four and face Sunderland (H), Brentford (A) and Burnley (H).
At the back, Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m) stands out after 28 points across his last two and the combination of clean sheet potential, defensive contribution and goalscoring threat. Gabriel (£7.1m) remains an essential asset despite Arsenal’s recent defensive blunders; Chelsea (H), Brighton (A) and Everton (H) precede a blank in Gameweek 31. Budget enablers include Fulham’s Joachim Andersen and Bournemouth’s James Hill (£4.1m), with Andersen facing Tottenham (H), West Ham (H), Nottingham Forest (A) and Burnley (H), while Hill has supplied six points or more in his last five matches.
Midfield decisions will hinge on fitness and form. Bruno Fernandes (£9.9m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£8.7m) are both primed for Crystal Palace (H) and are described as largely fixture-proof; choosing between them is highlighted as difficult. Depending on his fitness after missing last weekend’s clash with Nottingham Forest, Florian Wirtz (£8.4m) appears the best Liverpool midfield option. Dominik Szoboszlai (£6.8m) is a strong alternative but is noted for less consistent attacking returns if used at right back.
Up front, Erling Haaland (£14.8m) has produced just one double-digit haul since Gameweek 17 but remains capable of quick returns, with Leeds (A) next. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) has encouraging fixtures and should be involved against West Ham. Igor Thiago (£7.1m) is on penalties and is recommended for GW28 starting with Burnley at Turf Moor.
FPL
FPL Gameweek 27: Best Transfers and Picks for the Weekend
GW27 FPL guide: goalkeeper and outfield transfer targets to consider ahead of weekend fixtures this.
With the season’s first double gameweek behind us, Gameweek 27 returns managers to a single-match rhythm. This weekend offers several appealing Fantasy Premier League options across positions, with the title race providing high-stakes fixtures over three days.
Goalkeepers are limited by tricky Arsenal and Manchester City schedules. Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez (£4.9m) presents a sensible short-term option against goal-shy Burnley (H). Sunderland’s Robin Roefs (£4.9m) regains appeal after facing Arsenal and Liverpool, with Fulham (H) next and subsequent matches at Bournemouth (A), Leeds United (A) and Brighton & Hove Albion (H). At a lower price, Brentford’s Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.6m) stands out; a noted penalty saver and shot stopper, he meets Brighton (H) and enjoys a run without any fixture rated higher than three until Gameweek 34.
Defensive transfers are similarly situation-dependent. Trevoh Chalobah (£5.8m) looks capable of a substantial haul in GW27 despite Chelsea’s difficult upcoming swing. Wesley Fofana (£4.4m) is an economical route into the Burnley match while Reece James (£5.6m) is a riskier option given uncertain minutes. Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) is attractive after a 17-point return against Sunderland last week; Liverpool face Nottingham Forest (A), West Ham United (H) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) next. For Sunderland, Nordi Mukiele (£4.6m) and Omar Alderete (£4.1m) serve as cheap enablers.
Midfield and attack decisions centre on form and fixture fits. Nico O’Reilly (£4.9m) returns to midfield for Man City and scored against Fulham last week while securing a clean sheet for 13 points. Bruno Fernandes (£9.8m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£8.6m) remain strong picks despite Manchester United’s trip to Everton (A). Florian Wirtz (£8.4m) has produced four double-digit hauls since Christmas and is worth attention. Morgan Rogers (£7.6m) is a consistent Aston Villa starter against Leeds (H). Cole Palmer (£10.6m) has 32 points across two matches, noting three of his four goals have been penalties.
João Pedro (£7.7m) has 48 points in five matches and faces Burnley. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) showed his explosive ceiling with 13 points in Gameweek 24. Erling Haaland (£14.9m) remains an essential long-term asset after two goals and an assist in his last two outings, despite an injury doubt. Igor Thiago (£7.0m) could help in Brentford’s meeting with Brighton. Newcastle’s Wednesday trip to Azerbaijan may create opportunity for Antoine Semenyo (£8.0m).
Arsenal
FPL Gameweek 25: Key Picks and Fixtures to Consider for the 2025/26 Double Gameweek
GW25 FPL tips: key goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward selections before the double GW.
As managers approach the first double gameweek of the 2025/26 season, gameplanning and transfer choices are especially important. With a full slate of fixtures from Friday to Sunday there are significant point opportunities ahead before the double in Gameweek 26.
Goalkeepers offer mixed appeal for GW25. David Raya (£5.9m) is a dependable option as Arsenal host Sunderland and chase a 13th Premier League shutout this campaign. Budget alternatives include Burnley’s Martin Dúbravka (£4.0m), who faces West Ham (H), and Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez (£4.9m), who travels to Wolves (A) before meeting Leeds (H) and Burnley (H) in his next two league games.
Defenders with appealing short-term fixtures stand out. Trevoh Chalobah (£5.7m) is the second-highest scoring defender in FPL with 117 points and looks a regular starter under Liam Rosenior. Arsenal’s double makes at least one of their defensive assets essential: Gabriel (£7.0m) is recommended despite his rising price, while Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) and William Saliba (£6.0m) complement him, Timber offering more attacking potential. Fulham’s Joachim Andersen (£4.6m) has attractive fixtures beginning with Everton (H) and a favourable run after that. Harry Maguire (£4.3m) gives value for Manchester United managers, offering defensive contribution points and set-piece threat against Tottenham Hotspur (H).
In midfield, Bruno Fernandes (£9.6m) is the standout pick as United’s forward line performs, having supplied two assists last weekend and leading the Premier League for chances created. Budget and mid-price options include Bryan Mbeumo (£8.5m) and Enzo Fernández (£6.8m), while Cole Palmer (£10.4m) remains potent for Chelsea. Declan Rice (£7.5m) is the primary Arsenal attacking midfield option following Bukayo Saka’s injury. Florian Wirtz (£8.3m) has delivered 37 points in his last five games and remains in form.
Forward choices are led by Erling Haaland (£15.0m), still capable of large hauls despite a quieter spell. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) recorded 13 points with a brace last weekend and could follow up. João Pedro (£7.5m) is central to Chelsea under Rosenior, while Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m) offers consistent returns for West Ham against Burnley (A).
