Gameweek 18: Bruno's Injury Crisis, Haaland's Essential Status & Boxing Day Deadline Decisions

Welcome to your Gameweek 18 briefing! Boxing Day is here, and with ten fixtures packed into three days and tonight's 6:30pm deadline, there's no time to waste. We've got a major injury crisis at Manchester United, Haaland firing on all cylinders, and crucial transfer decisions to make before the festive fixture chaos begins.

Bruno Fernandes Injury Bombshell - The Manchester United midfielder is out with a hamstring problem, return date unknown. After managing just 45 minutes against Aston Villa before picking up the knock, managers are fleeing in their millions. At 19.6% ownership with over 1.3 million transfers out already, this is the biggest transfer story of the gameweek. With United facing Newcastle on Friday night and fixtures congested over the festive period, don't wait for updates - act now.

Haaland's Dominance Continues - Two goals, one assist, three bonus points, and 16 fantasy points in the thrashing of West Ham. The Norwegian machine now has 19 goals this season and sits at 74% ownership. With 9.9 expected points against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, he's not just essential - he's the obvious captain choice.

Arsenal's Defence Tightening - Raya kept a clean sheet at Everton, collecting 7 points including a bonus. With Brighton visiting the Emirates on Saturday and Arsenal's backline looking more solid, their defensive assets are back in focus for FPL managers.

Ownership: 74.2% | Transfers In: 57,000

Haaland played the full 90 minutes against West Ham and delivered 16 points with two goals and an assist. He now has 19 goals this season across all competitions. Against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, he faces a side that conceded three at home to Fulham.

Verdict: Essential. If you don't own him, you're taking a massive risk. Not only should you own him, but he's the obvious captain choice this gameweek.

Ownership: 19.0% | Transfers In: 125,000

The Chelsea defender has 8 clean sheets this season and 94 total points. He played 90 minutes in the draw at Newcastle, bringing his points per game to 5.9. Chelsea face Aston Villa on Saturday evening, and with 6 clean sheets in their last 10, Enzo Maresca's backline is solid.

Verdict: Good. Chelsea's fixtures turn after Boxing Day, but he's a strong short-term hold offering excellent value at £5.5m.

Ownership: 41.3% | Transfers In: 273,000

Foden started and played 90 minutes against West Ham, picking up 3 points from the clean sheet. His form rating of 11.6 is elite, and he's delivered 7 goals and 2 assists this season. Facing Nottingham Forest away on Saturday with 12.1 expected points, Foden is primed for returns.

Verdict: Essential. At £9.0m with Manchester City's attack clicking and Pep playing him centrally, he's a must-own midfielder for the festive period.

Ownership: 19.6% | Transfers Out: 1.3 million

Fernandes is injured with a hamstring issue, no return date confirmed. He managed just 45 minutes against Villa, collecting 1 point before being withdrawn. With Manchester United's fixtures congested over the festive period, rushing him back could worsen the injury.

Verdict: Sell. Free up funds and move to fit midfielders. Don't wait for updates with the deadline tonight - act decisively.

Ownership: 22.1% | Transfers Out: 164,000

Saka played the full 90 minutes at Everton but managed just 3 points from the clean sheet. His form rating of 5.8 is well below his price tag. With 4 goals and 4 assists this season, his output hasn't matched expectations. Arsenal face Brighton on Saturday.

Verdict: Hold. Brighton concede chances, so give him one more week before deciding. At £10.3m you need more than occasional clean sheet points, but the fixture offers upside.

Ownership: 13.5% | Transfers Out: 156,000

The Newcastle midfielder drew at Chelsea, playing 90 minutes for just 2 points. 5 goals and 4 assists this season sound decent, but his points per game of 5.2 doesn't justify £7.0m. Newcastle face Manchester United on Friday night, and their midfield has looked toothless recently.

Verdict: Sell. Use the funds elsewhere. Newcastle's attack isn't firing, and there are better £7.0m midfield options available.

Ownership: 3.1%

The Newcastle midfielder started and played 90 minutes at Chelsea, collecting 4 points. At just £4.4m, he's the perfect enabler who actually plays. With 1 goal and 2 assists this season, he chips in occasionally. Manchester United away on Friday is tough, but at this price, you're not expecting hauls every week. One to watch if you need budget.

Ownership: 0.6%

The Aston Villa midfielder played 87 minutes at Manchester United, collecting 2 points. He has 1 goal and 3 assists this season with 4 clean sheets. Villa face Chelsea on Saturday, and at under 1% ownership, a goal involvement would be differential gold. 5.2 expected points for Gameweek 18 makes him a sneaky punt worth considering if you're chasing mini-league rivals.

Captain Choice: Erling Haaland

The captain pick is obvious: Erling Haaland. Nottingham Forest away, 9.9 expected points, and he's just smashed 16 points last gameweek. With 74% ownership, not captaining him is dangerous. This is as close to a no-brainer as it gets in FPL.

⚠️ Key Tip: Check Team News Before Deadline

With fixtures coming thick and fast over the festive period, rotation is real. Don't get caught with a non-playing eleven. Check team news right up until tonight's 6:30pm deadline, especially for teams with quick turnarounds between matches.

This is one of the most crucial deadlines of the season. With ten fixtures in three days and the Bruno Fernandes injury chaos, getting your transfers right matters more than ever. Make your moves decisively, captain Haaland, and prepare for Boxing Day chaos.

Good luck in Gameweek 18!

Stay ahead of the game! Subscribe at whogotthepoints.com for tomorrow's gameweek review and daily FPL insights delivered straight to your inbox.