The latest round of Premier League fixtures is fast approaching, with a new Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek set for this weekend. Following Arsenal’s solid 2-0 win over Brentford at the Emirates Stadium, the team faces Aston Villa on Saturday at lunchtime.
Key Player Performances in Gameweek 14
Ben White (£5.3m) was a standout performer for Arsenal, securing 14 points through a clean sheet and an assist for Mikel Merino’s goal. Merino (£5.9m) is having an impressive run, earning a total of 32 points over the last four Gameweeks, after adding another 13 points to his tally.
Other notable mentions include Piero Hincapie (£5.4m), who earned eight points in his latest league start. Collectively, these players have low ownership among FPL managers, with less than 3% of participants having them in their squads.
- Ben White: £5.3m – 14 points
- Mikel Merino: £5.9m – 32 points in last 4 Gameweeks
- Piero Hincapie: £5.4m – 8 points
Martin Ødegaard (£7.8m) is also gaining attention, playing his first full match since October. Currently, he is owned by only 1.4% of FPL teams. His potential price rise may tempt managers to make early transfers.
Aston Villa’s Rising Star
Aston Villa has been on a remarkable run, achieving six straight wins across all competitions. They currently sit third in the Premier League, just six points behind Arsenal.
Despite their strong form, the majority of their players remain low-owned, making them attractive differentials. Morgan Rogers (£6.9m) is a top pick, owned by 9.7% of FPL managers, while Matty Cash (£4.7m) boasts 64 points as a defensive asset. Ollie Watkins (£8.5m) is regaining form with a brace in a recent game, likely to see his price rise soon.
Preparing for AFCON
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to kick off in Morocco on December 21, prompting FPL managers to strategize for potential player absences. Arsenal will not lose any players, but several key Premier League stars, including Bryan Mbeumo (£8.6m) and Mohamed Salah (£14.1m), could depart for over a month.
Gameweek 16, commencing December 13, allows managers to utilize up to five free transfers, important for adjusting teams to cover the upcoming absences. Some selected players may need to report for national duty before the fixtures of GW15 and GW16, potentially impacting overall team performances.
Consideration for Team Dynamics
Certain teams will be significantly affected by player departures. Sunderland may lose seven players, while Crystal Palace anticipates a loss of four key athletes. Manchester United could miss at least three performers, including Mbeumo and Amad Diallo (£6.3m).
The temporary absence of these players could weaken teams but may also present opportunities for less popular players to shine. Spotting potential hidden gems will be critical as the festive fixtures roll in.
Focus on Form Players
When considering transfer targets, it’s essential to gauge the sustainability of their form. Igor Thiago (£6.7m) from Brentford was rested recently but is primed for an upcoming run of favorable fixtures against teams with vulnerable defenses.
Maxence Lacroix (£5.1m) from Crystal Palace remains underappreciated, despite his consistent performance in defense. While many teams opt for partners like Marc Guehi, Lacroix offers a lesser-owned alternative worth considering.
- Igor Thiago: £6.7m – key striker with favorable fixtures ahead
- Maxence Lacroix: £5.1m – solid defender, overlooked by most FPL managers
As the window for Gameweek 15 approaches, ensure you are prepared for the deadline this Saturday at 11 am, just 90 minutes before the action begins at Villa Park. Proper planning can greatly enhance your FPL strategy during this busy period.
