As Gameweek 17 of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) approaches, teams are gearing up to make strategic selections. Key fixtures are set to influence player choices, prompting early considerations for the “Scout Picks.” Below is an overview of potential standout players and important factors to consider.
Gameweek 17 Fixtures Overview
Key Matches to Watch
- Bournemouth vs. Burnley: Bournemouth faces a Burnley team struggling with seven consecutive losses.
- Manchester City vs. West Ham United: City entertains West Ham, who have not kept a clean sheet in 11 matches.
Highlighted Players Likely in Scout Picks
- Phil Foden (£8.8m): In exceptional form, he has amassed 55 points since Gameweek 13.
- Erling Haaland (£15.0m): The leading scorer at home with nine goals this season.
- Antoine Semenyo (£7.5m): Recent performances have improved, making him a candidate for selection.
Defensive Options
- Marcos Senesi (£5.3m) or Adrien Truffert (£4.5m): Both are under consideration from Bournemouth’s defense.
- Matheus Nunes (£5.3m) or Nico O’Reilly (£5.3m): Defensive potential from the Man City side is being evaluated.
West Ham will miss full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.2m) and El Hadji Malick Diouf (£4.1m) due to AFCON commitments, possibly leading to a shift to a back five.
Additional Contenders
- Rayan Cherki (£6.5m): An asset for Manchester City, he has delivered seven assists over the past seven Gameweeks.
- Yankuba Minteh (£6.2m) and Georginio Rutter (£5.6m): Options to consider against Sunderland’s frail defense.
- Jan Paul van Hecke (£4.5m): A promising defender from Brighton with four attacking returns this season.
Key Player Absences
Everton’s upcoming match against Arsenal will see them without key players Iliman Ndiaye (£6.4m) and Idrissa Gana Gueye (£5.4m). This may enhance the appeal of Arsenal players like Bukayo Saka (£10.3m) and Declan Rice (£7.1m).
Potential Challenges
Palace’s players face a congested schedule, which could affect their performance. Additionally, Wolverhampton and Tottenham have shown defensive vulnerabilities, making Kevin Schade (£7.0m) and Hugo Ekitike (£8.6m) intriguing choices.
Long Shots
- Bruno Fernandes (£9.3m): Despite impressive form, his chances may be limited.
- Jarrod Bowen (£7.5m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.6m): Face tough opposition in their upcoming matches.
The final selections for Gameweek 17 will be determined as managers get more clarity from midweek matches and press conferences. For now, these early insights should aid FPL players in strategizing for the upcoming weekend.
