Gameweek 17: Wilson's 16-Point Explosion, Gusto's Breakout, and Critical AFCON Departures

Welcome to Who Got The Points, your daily Fantasy Premier League briefing. Gameweek 17 is here, and it's packed with explosive performances, crucial injury updates, and game-changing transfer decisions. Whether you're chasing rank or protecting your lead, this comprehensive breakdown has everything you need to navigate Monday's fixtures and beyond.

Five crucial injury and availability updates that could impact your Gameweek 17 plans:

179,000 new owners this week | 16 points in GW16 | 78 total points

The Fulham midfielder has exploded into Fantasy relevance with a sensational performance against Burnley. Wilson delivered 1 goal and 2 assists in 88 minutes, claiming maximum bonus points for a 16-point haul. That brings his season tally to an impressive 5 goals and 5 assists from just £5.5m.

Why Wilson Works:

Verdict: Good Option. At £5.5m, Wilson offers exceptional value for managers looking to strengthen their attack without breaking the bank. His consistent involvement in Fulham's attacking play makes him a reliable enabler.

133,000 new owners this week | 13 points in GW16 | 68 total points | 15.8% ownership

Liverpool's striker continues his impressive debut season with a brace against Brighton. Ekitiké played 77 minutes, scored 2 goals, kept a clean sheet, and earned maximum bonus for 13 points. That's now 7 goals from just 15 appearances this season.

Why Ekitiké is Essential:

Verdict: Essential if you don't own him. As Liverpool's main goal threat at £8.5m, Ekitiké represents one of the season's best value picks. His underlying numbers suggest more big hauls are coming.

35,000 new owners this week | 81 total points | 5.8 points per game | 15.2% ownership

The Newcastle midfielder continues to deliver consistent returns with 5 goals and 4 assists this season. His 81 total points at 5.8 points per game showcases elite consistency, with 4 clean sheets highlighting his bonus magnet status.

Why Guimaraes Works:

Verdict: Good Differential. At £7.0m, Bruno offers consistent returns under Eddie Howe's system. While the GW17 Chelsea fixture looks tricky, his home game against Man Utd in GW18 presents captaincy appeal.

121,000 transfers out this week | Out until mid-January

The Colombian defender picked up a knee injury that will keep him sidelined until mid-January, ruling him out of Gameweeks 17-20 at minimum. Before the injury, Munoz had been brilliant with 89 total points from 7 clean sheets, 3 goals, and 3 assists.

Verdict: Sell Immediately. You can't carry a £6.0m defender who won't play for a month. Consider either downgrading to a playing £4.5m option and using those funds to upgrade your attack, or move sideways to a Chelsea or Liverpool defender with better fixtures and form.

Over 200,000 transfers out this week | Red-flagged for AFCON

The Man Utd midfielder is red-flagged as unavailable while representing Cameroon at AFCON. He won't feature for several gameweeks, despite having delivered 72 points from 6 goals and 1 assist before his departure.

Verdict: Sell Now. Man Utd have Bournemouth on Monday night, but Mbeumo won't feature. You need playing assets, especially with GW17's huge fixture list. Consider moving to Wilson (£5.5m), Neto (£7.3m), or boosting up to Bruno Fernandes if you don't own United's other midfielder.

55,000 transfers out | Red-flagged for AFCON with Senegal

Another AFCON casualty, Ndiaye managed just 2 points against Chelsea before departing for international duty. He'd been decent value with 73 total points from 4 goals and 2 assists, but won't be available for GW17 against Arsenal.

Verdict: Sell This Week. At £6.4m, there are better midfield options at similar price points who'll actually play. Consider downgrading to enable funds elsewhere or moving sideways to Wilson if you need a budget option with better fixtures.

Season Stats: 2 goals, 2 assists | 68 total points

GW16 Performance: 18 points (1 goal, 1 assist, clean sheet, maximum bonus)

The Chelsea right-back delivered the performance of the gameweek against Everton, exploding for 18 points with attacking returns and defensive stability. At just £4.9m and 1.8% ownership, Gusto represents exceptional value.

Why Gusto is a Game-Changer:

The Template Breaker: At under 2% ownership, Gusto is the perfect differential to separate you from the pack. His attacking output rivals many midfielders, while his defensive points provide a solid floor. This is the kind of pick that can win mini-leagues.

Season Stats: 5 goals, 3 assists | 76 total points | 8 clean sheets

GW16 Performance: 6 points (1 assist)

The Chelsea midfielder continues to thrive under Maresca, adding another assist against Everton. With 5 goals and 3 assists already this season, Neto offers both attacking threat and defensive stability.

Why Neto Works:

The Smart Pick: At 9.3% ownership, Neto flies under the radar despite being one of Chelsea's most consistent performers. His penalty duties give him explosive upside, while his involvement in open play ensures a solid floor. Consider him as a Wilson upgrade or Mbeumo replacement.

Top Pick: Bruno Fernandes vs Bournemouth (H)

The Man Utd midfielder is in sensational form, returning 7 points per game recently, and faces a Bournemouth side that conceded 3 goals to Fulham in their last outing. With 85 total points and 4 goals plus 6 assists already this season, Bruno offers both ceiling and safety in Monday night's home fixture.

Why Bruno for the Armband:

Don't Sleep on Chelsea Defenders

Chelsea have already kept 8 clean sheets this season under Enzo Maresca's structured system. With favourable fixtures coming up (Newcastle away, Aston Villa home), defenders like Gusto (£4.9m) and goalkeeper Sanchez offer excellent value. The Blues' defensive improvement is real, and at these prices, their defensive assets represent some of the best value in the game.

Consider This: Gusto's 18-point haul wasn't a fluke. He's averaging attacking positions similar to premium defenders but costs half the price. If you're looking to differentiate while maintaining defensive stability, Chelsea's backline is the place to be.

Want even more detailed analysis and insights? Listen to the complete Gameweek 17 preview podcast for additional player discussions, fixture analysis, and strategic tips to dominate your mini-leagues.

Good luck with your Gameweek 17 decisions, and may your transfers pay off!

— The Who Got The Points Team