Fantasy Premier League: Teams and players to target heading into the New Year

As Fantasy Premier League managers head into the most demanding part of the season, long-term planning becomes just as important as short-term gains.

Fixture congestion, Africa Cup of Nations absences and rotation risks mean this is no longer the time for weekly punts. Instead, we should be identifying teams with sustained fixture runs and players who can deliver consistent minutes and involvement.

Whether it’s strong home form, a favourable fixture swing, or clear talismanic options who can deliver, regardless of team performance, these are the areas to target for the upcoming gameweeks.

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Everton’s favourable schedule for defensive returns

David Moyes’ side have a nice swing of fixtures, beginning Gameweek 18 with a relatively kind match against Burnley (A) and then Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United in their next three home fixtures — all of these opponents that have struggled on the road this season. 

Everton’s best attacking options aren’t in the picture, with Iliman Ndiaye (£6.3m) at the AFCON and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (5.0m) injured. At centre-forward, Thierno Barry (£5.7m) and Beto (£5.0m) will eat minutes off each other, leaving Jack Grealish (£6.5m) as the only worthwhile offensive option. Goals (two) and assists (four) have not come regularly for Grealish this season, but if you are willing to risk a differential, then the fixtures and minutes are great for him.

In the back line, James Tarkowski (£5.5m) is nailed to start, is great for defensive contributions (hitting the threshold 10 times this season) and plays in a solid defence. Michael Keane (£4.7m) provides a similar option at a lower price — he has hit his defensive contribution threshold nine times and also chipped in with two goals. It also looks like Jarrad Branthwaite (£5.3m) isn’t close to a return from hamstring surgery, which should see Keane start all of the next six. 

Everton’s upcoming fixtures look positive for clean sheets and attacking returns. 

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Home comforts (and a familiar talisman) for West Ham

West Ham enter a promising run of fixtures beginning in Gameweek 18, with the London Stadium playing a central role. Four of their next six matches come at home, and the opposition is encouraging — Fulham (H), Brighton & Hove Albion (H), Wolves (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Tottenham Hotspur (A) and Sunderland (H). 

Although they have struggled at times, West Ham’s most convincing displays this season have come on home turf. 

Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m) remains the standout FPL option. He has a long history of producing returns even when West Ham are not at their best, and his central role in attack ensures he remains involved in most of their offensive play. For managers seeking a reliable starter and differential, Bowen is the one. 

Freddie Potts (£4.4m) is an interesting option. He has started six of West Ham’s last seven games, so if you are looking for a cheap fifth midfielder to help you pump money into another position, he looks the best at that price.

Defensively, however, caution is advised. Clean sheets have been elusive, and the absences of Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.2m) and El Hadji Malick Diouf (£4.0m) during AFCON will not help. Some of their budget defenders offer game time but West Ham’s back line is better avoided for now.

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Fixtures align for Newcastle United — with attacking upside

It has been an inconsistent season, but Newcastle’s fixtures in the medium term look promising.

Games against defensively vulnerable teams, including Manchester United (A), Burnley (A), Crystal Palace (H), Leeds (H) and Wolves (A) give Newcastle attackers a clear platform to deliver points. 

Nick Woltemade (£7.3m) has hit the ground running for Eddie Howe’s side. He has seven goals and two assists and looks firmly first choice. However, Yoane Wissa (£7.3m) will probably take minutes off him during the busy festive period.

Anthony Gordon (£7.3m) stands out as a strong midfield option. His energy, directness and penalty duties give him multiple routes to returns. There is also Bruno Guimaraes (£7.0m), who offers a safer option with his expected minutes. He also takes set pieces.

Defensively, Newcastle remain a tougher sell given their injuries at the back and ongoing clean-sheet drought (no clean sheet in the last 10), but attacking investment feels justified during this run. 

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Liverpool’s fixture run is worth exploiting 

Liverpool’s upcoming home fixtures look especially appealing.

Wolves (H), Leeds (H), Fulham (A) and Burnley (H) in the next five looks too good to turn down, and it feels we should have at least one of their attackers. 

Hugo Ekitike’s (£8.9m) form has eased concerns around Liverpool missing attacking firepower, while Florian Wirtz (£8.1m) continues to grow into his role, offering creativity and steady returns.

The Liverpool defence is hard to justify, but Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) could be a nice differential. They will surely keep a few clean sheets over this run and he has a goal in him, too. He’s also absolutely nailed to start every game when fit.

Liverpool haven’t been anywhere near their best this season but we have seen enough improvement to invest in their players, especially given the fixtures. 

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Opportunity arises amid absences at Manchester United

Manchester United’s games in the next four look particularly appealing as they take on Newcastle (H), Wolves (H), Leeds (A) and Burnley (A). 

With several attacking players unavailable due to AFCON and injury — including talisman Bruno Fernandes (£9.3m) — opportunities are opening up within the squad.  

Matheus Cunha (£8.0m) looks to be the main beneficiary. You would expect him to become the new main man, especially if penalty duties fall his way.

Mason Mount (£5.9m) also has the chance to establish himself in a more advanced role, offering value and a differential. 

Defensively, United remain unreliable, but if you are looking for a cheap defender, Diogo Dalot (£4.4m) isn’t the worst option. He has one goal and two assists in his last four games.