Gameweek 18 Boxing Day Emergency: Haaland Essential, Bruno Injury Concern & Woltemade's Rise

Welcome back to Who Got The Points? As Boxing Day approaches, you need to know exactly who to target and who to avoid. With Bruno Fernandes injury concerns, Haaland's explosive form, and Woltemade's breakthrough season, there's plenty to unpack before Friday's deadline.

Manchester United Injury Concern: Bruno Fernandes came off against Aston Villa, creating serious doubts ahead of Boxing Day. Manager Ruben Amorim provided an update, but FPL managers need to monitor his fitness closely before Friday's deadline. With United facing Newcastle on Boxing Day, this could impact millions of teams.

Brentford's Positional Surprise: Keane Lewis-Potter has been deployed out of position but continues delivering attacking returns. His unique role makes him an interesting differential at his price point, especially with Brentford's fixtures looking favorable.

Budget Enabler Alert: Newcastle's £4.4m midfielder Miley produced a superb performance against Chelsea, demonstrating why budget enablers can unlock the funds needed for premium forwards like Haaland.

Brighton Injury Watch: Danny Welbeck picked up a knock. Check team news before trusting Brighton assets - this could impact their attacking output significantly.

Everton Form Boost: Dominic Calvert-Lewin is described as 'red-hot' after scoring against Arsenal. Despite Everton's overall struggles, their attackers are showing signs of life and could be worth monitoring.

Price: £15.0m | Ownership: 74.0% | Transfers In: 26,000+

Gameweek 17 Performance: 16 points (2 goals, 1 assist, maximum bonus) against West Ham

Season Stats: 19 goals and 4 assists in 17 games - that's 151 total points

With 8.7 expected points against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, followed by fixtures against Brighton and West Ham, this is prime Haaland territory. The Norwegian is averaging over a goal per game and Manchester City need their star striker to respond after recent wobbles.

Verdict: ESSENTIAL. If you don't own him and can afford the upgrade, do it now. At 74% ownership, not having Haaland is a massive risk during this fixture swing.

Price: £7.3m | Ownership: 17.9% | Transfers In: 132,000+

Gameweek 17 Performance: 13 points (2 goals) against Chelsea

Season Stats: 7 goals and 2 assists - 69 total points from a £7.3m forward

The Newcastle forward is experiencing explosive form, and managers are scrambling to get him in. He faces Manchester United on Boxing Day, then Burnley at home - a fixture that screams goals. At that price point with Newcastle's fixtures turning favorable and Eddie Howe's side creating chances, Woltemade offers incredible value.

Verdict: GOOD OPTION. He's the premium forward alternative if you can't stretch to Haaland. His form is undeniable and the fixtures are ideal.

Price: £5.3m | Ownership: 41.0%

The Crystal Palace defender has exceptional output - 93 points already with 6 clean sheets, 2 goals, and 4 assists. That's remarkable from a budget defender who offers set-piece threat.

However, Leeds thumped Palace 4-1 in Gameweek 17, exposing defensive frailties. With Tottenham next on Sunday, then Fulham and Aston Villa, the fixtures aren't ideal for clean sheets.

Verdict: HOLD IF YOU OWN HIM. At £5.3m with his attacking threat from set pieces, he remains solid value. But if you're buying defenders, wait for better fixtures.

Price: £7.6m | Ownership: 7.0% | Transfers Out: 20,000+

Recent Form: Just 1 point against Manchester City, form rating of 4.8

While 75 total points sounds respectable, his recent form has dipped significantly. West Ham face Fulham on Boxing Day, which looks decent on paper, but they've conceded 35 goals this season and defensive fragility is affecting the entire team.

Verdict: SELL IF YOU NEED FUNDS. With better forward options available at similar prices, Bowen is a luxury pick rather than essential. Use those funds to upgrade elsewhere.

Price: £8.5m | Ownership: 7.5% | Transfers Out: 22,000+

Gameweek 17: 5 points (1 assist) against Manchester United

Season Stats: Just 55 points total - only 3 goals all season

Three goals all season is dire for an £8.5m striker. That's the kind of output you'd expect from a £5.5m budget forward, not a premium asset. Aston Villa face Chelsea on Boxing Day, then Arsenal and Nottingham Forest - fixtures that don't scream goals for a striker who's misfiring.

Verdict: SELL NOW. Either upgrade to Haaland or downgrade to Woltemade. Watkins is dead money at his price point.

Price: £7.0m | Ownership: 2.0% | Transfers Out: 11,000+

Season Stats: 46 points, just 2 goals

Recent Performance: 2 points in the draw with Burnley

The Bournemouth forward isn't a popular pick (only 2% ownership) for good reason. With Brentford, Chelsea, and Arsenal coming up, and Bournemouth's fixtures getting significantly tougher, there's absolutely no reason to own him. At £7.0m, you're paying for potential that hasn't materialized in 17 gameweeks.

Verdict: SELL IMMEDIATELY. If you somehow own him, get him out before his price drops further.

Chasing in your mini-leagues? Here are two differential options that could help you gain ground:

Price: £6.4m | Ownership: 7.9%

He scored off the bench against Liverpool, taking his tally to 7 goals. Tottenham face Crystal Palace on Sunday, and at £6.4m, he's a genuine punt if you're chasing in mini-leagues. The differential ownership could be crucial during the festive period.

Price: £5.8m | Ownership: 1.2%

The Nottingham Forest forward hasn't played yet this week with their fixture against Fulham on Monday night. At budget price with attacking potential, he's a deep differential for Gameweek 18 against Manchester City. High risk, but if you're well behind in your league, sometimes you need to take chances.

Captain: Erling Haaland vs Nottingham Forest (Boxing Day)

This is as straightforward as captaincy picks get. Haaland is the obvious choice, and trying to be clever by picking someone else could backfire spectacularly during Boxing Day.

Trevoh Chalobah (£5.5m, 19% ownership)

94 points with 8 clean sheets is exceptional value. Chelsea face Aston Villa on Boxing Day - while it's a tough fixture, Enzo Maresca's defensive structure has been solid all season. At £5.5m, he's freeing up funds for your premium attackers.

Jurrien Timber (£6.5m)

Kept a clean sheet against Everton for 6 points in Gameweek 17. Arsenal's defence is back on track under Mikel Arteta, and Timber offers attacking potential from full-back. Pair him with Chalobah for a balanced defensive strategy that doesn't break the bank.

Essential Actions Before Friday's Deadline:

That's your complete Gameweek 18 preparation guide. The Boxing Day fixtures offer incredible opportunities to gain ground in your mini-leagues, but only if you make the right moves before Friday's deadline.

Good luck for Boxing Day, and we'll see you after the matches with a full recap of who actually got the points!