Gameweek 18: Bruno's Injury Crisis and Morgan Rogers Mania

Welcome to your daily FPL fix! Thanks for subscribing to Who Got The Points? With the Boxing Day deadline approaching on Friday, December 27th at 6:30 PM, there's plenty to unpack. From Bruno Fernandes' injury crisis to Morgan Rogers' meteoric rise, let's dive into everything you need to navigate Gameweek 18.

Bruno Fernandes Injury Crisis: Manchester United managers are facing a major headache. The 9.4m midfielder limped off at half-time against Aston Villa with a hamstring injury and is now flagged as doubtful with just a 25% chance of playing. Over 600,000 managers have already shipped him out, and with good reason. Even if he recovers for Newcastle away, United's inconsistent form under Ruben Amorim makes him a massive risk.

Morgan Rogers Mania: The 7.2m Aston Villa midfielder has become the hottest property in FPL. Nearly 500,000 transfers in after his 15-point haul with a brace against Manchester United. With 7 goals and 3 assists for 91 total points this season, Rogers is averaging 9.3 form points and has Villa's attack firing on all cylinders under Unai Emery.

Anthony Gordon Reminder: The 7.3m Newcastle winger delivered 10 points with two assists against Chelsea, reminding everyone why he's a serious differential at just 3% ownership. With Newcastle hitting form, Gordon faces Manchester United away on Boxing Day and offers a high ceiling for the brave.

Ownership: 18.2% (nearly 500,000 transfers in)

Season Stats: 7 goals, 3 assists, 91 total points

GW17 Performance: 2 goals, 15 points vs Manchester United

Form & Expected: 9.3 form points, 9.3 expected points for GW18 vs Chelsea

Verdict: Essential buy if you don't own him. Rogers is the engine room of Villa's attack under Emery, and his red-hot form combined with Villa's uptick makes him a must-have midfielder at this price point.

Ownership: 40.5% (elite tier ownership)

Season Stats: 7 goals, 2 assists, 91 total points

GW17 Performance: 3 points vs West Ham (quiet game)

Form & Expected: 11.6 form points, massive 12.1 expected points vs Nottingham Forest (GW18)

Verdict: Essential. With City finding their rhythm under Pep Guardiola, Foden remains their primary creative outlet. Forest at home is the perfect fixture to bounce back, and his 12.1 expected points make him the standout captain option for GW18.

Ownership: 46% (massive backing)

Season Stats: 8 goals, 4 assists, 99 total points

GW17 Performance: 1 goal, 10 points with maximum bonus vs Burnley

Form & Expected: 4.8 expected points vs Brentford at home (GW18)

Verdict: Good buy, especially if you're looking for midfield cover. Under Andoni Iraola's attacking system, Semenyo remains one of the best value picks in FPL. His consistency and Bournemouth's home form make him a solid addition.

Ownership: 25.8% (over 600,000 already sold)

Season Stats: 99 total points

Injury Status: Hamstring injury, just 25% chance of playing vs Newcastle (GW18)

Expected Points: 2.0 (even when fit)

Verdict: Sell immediately and reinvest that cash. The hamstring injury is serious enough to make him doubtful, and even if he recovers, United's inconsistent form under Ruben Amorim means the risk far outweighs the reward. Use the 9.4m elsewhere.

Ownership: 13.9% (over 100,000 sold)

Season Stats: 5 goals, 4 assists

GW17 Performance: 2 points vs Chelsea

Form: 4.8 (dipping)

Verdict: Sell if you need funds. While his stats sound decent, for 7.0m you need more consistency. Newcastle face Manchester United away on Boxing Day, not the easiest fixture. With better options available at his price point, Bruno G looks expendable for managers needing to fund upgrades elsewhere.

Ownership: 9%

Season Stats: 2 goals, 1 assist, 67 total points

GW17 Performance: 6 points with clean sheet vs West Ham

Verdict: Hold if your team is balanced, sell if you need funds. At 6.0m for a defender, you need regular attacking returns. With Forest away next, he might deliver, but if you need funds for Rogers or a premium midfielder, Gvardiol is the logical sale. This is purely tactical based on your team structure.

Ownership: 3% (elite differential)

Season Stats: 2 goals, 2 assists, 40 total points

GW17 Performance: 2 assists, 10 points vs Chelsea

Gordon is back to his best and Newcastle have found form. He faces Manchester United away on Boxing Day, and while the fixture isn't easy, his low ownership combined with his high ceiling makes him a perfect differential for managers looking to gain rank.

Ownership: 2.2% (budget enabler)

Season Stats: 3 goals, 5 assists, 72 total points

GW17 Performance: 1 goal, 8 points vs Crystal Palace

For a 4.8m midfielder, Stach's returns are excellent value. Leeds play Sunderland away in GW18, and Stach could deliver again. Perfect for managers needing a budget enabler to fund premiums elsewhere.

Ownership: 8.1% (low for his quality)

Season Stats: 2 assists, 45 total points

GW17 Performance: 1 assist, 8 points with maximum bonus vs Spurs

Playing in Arne Slot's system, Wirtz is finding his rhythm. Liverpool face Wolves at home in GW18, and at 8.1m with low ownership, Wirtz offers serious upside for managers willing to go against the template.

Expected Points: 12.1 vs Nottingham Forest

Manchester City at home against Forest is the perfect fixture for Foden to deliver. Forest's defense will struggle against City's quality, and Foden's 12.1 expected points make him the safe, high-ceiling captain choice for GW18. With 40.5% ownership, he's also template-friendly if you're protecting rank.

Remember, the Boxing Day deadline is Friday, December 27th at 6:30 PM. Get those transfers sorted early and avoid the deadline rush!

That's your comprehensive breakdown for Gameweek 18. Boxing Day football is coming, so make sure those transfers are sorted before Friday's deadline. Good luck, and may your arrows be green! 🟢