As we approach the Premier League’s 18th Fantasy Football Matchweek, scheduled for 26-27 December 2024, it is important for FPL managers to strategize effectively to maximize their points.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the right decisions for your squad.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Game Schedule

Fantasy Football deadlines for this weekend are Thursday, December 26 at 11:00 GMT

Thursday, December 26

• Manchester City vs Everton (12:30 GMT)
• Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace (15:00 GMT)
• Chelsea vs Fulham (15:00 GMT)
• Newcastle United vs Aston Villa (15:00 GMT)
• Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham (15:00 GMT)
• Southampton vs West Ham United (15:00 GMT)
• Wolf vs Manchester United (17:30 GMT)
• Liverpool vs Leicester City (20:00 GMT)

Friday, December 27

• Brighton & Hove Albion vs Brentford (19:30 GMT)
• Armory vs Ipswich City (20:15 GMT)

Injury Updates to Note

• Armory: Bukayo Saka came out at the start of the Crystal Palace match due to a hamstring injury. The date of his return is unknown. Loanee Raheem Sterling is also a new addition to Arsenal’s injury list due to a knee injury. Defender Ben White (knee) has no known return date.
• Chelsea: Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has also confirmed that Romeo Lavia will not be available for the Fulham match.
• Manchester City: Ederson (leg injury) remains Pep Guardiola’s initial choice as goalkeeper.

Top Transfer Targets

• Alexander Isak (Newcastle United): In their game against Ipswich last weekend, Alexander Isak (£9.0m) scored a hat-trick, making him a promising option when Newcastle take on Aston Villa.
• Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace): Sarr has four G/A in his previous Premier League outings and may continue his positive trend when Crystal Palace face Bournemouth.
• Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth): The midfielder has been in fine form for the Cherries, with four goals in his last five games.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool): Although expensive (£7.1 million), Trent Alexander-Arnold is a great choice if you want to strengthen your defense. With Liverpool set to face Leicester City, the right-back could probably provide a lot of points.
• Luis Diaz (Liverpool) and James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur): Either of the two is an ideal choice as a replacement for Saka for a fantasy football team. Maddison (£7.7m) is fitter than Diaz (£7.4m), but is a more expensive option.

Players for Sale

• Mykhalio Mudryk (Chelsea): Mykhalio Mudryk is suspended, with unknown return date.
• Lucas Paquetá (West Ham) and Ashley Young (Everton): The pair will serve a one-match ban for receiving five yellow cards.

Captain’s Choice

• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Liverpool will face 15th-placed Leicester City, and once again, Mohamed Salah is the most obvious choice for the captain’s role.
• Alexander Isa(Palace): Although Newcastle will play Aston Villa, Isak’s form makes him a good alternative to Salah.

Strategic Considerations

Equipment Bottlenecks: The festive period brings a busy schedule, increasing the risk of rotation and injury. Make sure your bench players are active and able to step in if necessary.

Monitor Press Conference: Last-minute injury updates and team news can significantly influence your decision. Stay informed to make timely transfers.

By staying up to date with the latest news and being strategic in your fantasy football transfers and captain selections, you can face the challenges of Matchweek 18 and improve your FPL performance.