Welcome to Who Got The Points! Thanks for subscribing to your daily fantasy football briefing. With Gameweek 18 kicking off on Friday (Boxing Day), this week's analysis covers the biggest transfer trends, injury concerns, and tactical moves you need to know before the deadline hits.
🚨 Urgent News Bulletin
Alexander Isak Injury Scare: The Newcastle striker picked up a knock in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday. With the Boxing Day fixture against Man United at home approaching fast, his status is uncertain. This is a major concern for the thousands of managers who own him. Monitor press conferences closely over the next 48 hours.
Suspension Alert: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai picked up his fifth yellow card against Spurs and will be suspended for Gameweek 18 against Wolves. This is a blow for Arne Slot's midfield depth, though it opens up more minutes for other attacking options.
Yellow Card Watch: James Tarkowski is one booking away from suspension at Everton. Something to monitor with their fixture against Burnley on Boxing Day.
Arsenal Penalty Confirmation: Mikel Arteta confirmed after the Everton match that Declan Rice remains on penalties when he's on the pitch. Rice converted from the spot at Goodison Park - crucial information given Arsenal's decent fixtures ahead.
📈 Top Transfer Targets: Who's Flying In
1. Bruno Fernandes (£9.4m) - Man United
Over 60,000 transfers in ahead of Gameweek 18
Ownership climbed to 30.9% - becoming template
8.0 expected points vs Newcastle (H) on Boxing Day
5 goals and 7 assists this season
Averaging 6.1 points per game
Taking up advanced positions under Ruben Amorim's settled system
Confirmed on penalties
Verdict: Good option if you can afford him, but not essential at that price point. The ownership surge means you're not taking a major differential risk by avoiding him, but fixtures do improve after the holiday period.
2. Harry Wilson (£5.7m) - Fulham ⭐
Nearly 90,000 managers brought him in this week
18.8% ownership and climbing fast
7.3 expected points vs West Ham (A) in GW18
5 goals and 5 assists this season
Playing as attacking midfielder, central to everything Fulham create
Marco Silva's side clicking into form
⚠️ Important: Fulham still have to play Nottingham Forest on Monday in Gameweek 17, so monitor for any knocks before transferring in.
Verdict: Essential at that price point for a mid-priced midfielder. The output is there, the fixtures are decent, and the value is exceptional.
3. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.8m) - Liverpool
Over 200,000 transfers in - massive movement
24.6% ownership now
Scored against Spurs on Saturday (9 points in GW17)
8 goals this season
6.8 expected points vs Wolves (H) in GW18
Anfield on Boxing Day - perfect fixture
The Issue: Liverpool have some injuries mounting and their fixtures get tricky after Christmas. But at home to Wolves, he should deliver.
Verdict: Good option for the immediate fixture, but assess week to week. Don't set and forget.
📉 Top Exits: Who's Being Shipped Out
1. Thiago (Brentford) - Template Breaking
Over 230,000 managers sold him this week - brutal exodus
Blanked against Wolves on Saturday (just 2 points)
Ownership dropped to 35.3% but still massively owned
11 goals this season shows the talent is there
4.0 expected points vs Bournemouth (H) in GW18
Verdict: Hold if you have him. Don't chase last week's points. He's gone cold at the wrong time, but the fixtures aren't bad enough to panic sell. One blank doesn't erase 11 goals.
2. Bruno Guimarães (£7.0m) - Newcastle
Nearly 33,000 transfers out this week
Played full 90 vs Chelsea but managed just 2 points
4 clean sheets, 5 goals and 4 assists this season
5.2 points per game - underwhelming for his price
Newcastle face Man United (A) on Boxing Day, then fixtures get tougher
Verdict: Sell if you need funds elsewhere. The underlying numbers aren't there right now, and there are better £7m options available. With Isak's injury concern, Newcastle's attacking threat could be compromised.
3. Expensive Blankers - Template Shift
The template is shifting fast. If you're carrying dead weight in your midfield or attack who haven't returned in three gameweeks, Boxing Day is the time to move them on. Be ruthless. Gameweek 18 starts on Friday, so you have limited time to react.
💎 Differential Picks: Under 10% Ownership
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.7m) - Leeds
Just 6.1% owned - massive differential potential
2 goals on Saturday vs Crystal Palace (13 points in GW17)
7 goals this season already
Leeds face Sunderland (A) on Sunday 28th in GW18
7.5 expected points ahead
In form, nailed on to start
Verdict: Budget forward cover with serious upside. The form is there, the price is right, and the fixture is decent.
Keiran Lewis-Potter (£4.8m) - Brentford 🔥
Just 0.5% owned - ultimate differential
Listed as DEFENDER but plays wing-back
2 goals on Saturday vs Wolves (21 points in GW17!)
4 clean sheets and 3 goal contributions this season
£4.8m for an attacking wing-back
Verdict: The value is ridiculous. He won't haul every week, but Keith Andrews' system gives him attacking freedom. At £4.8m, he's the perfect enabler who can actually return points.
Matheus Nunes (£5.4m) - Man City
2% owned - flying under the radar
8 points on Saturday with clean sheet and bonus vs West Ham
City face Nottingham Forest (A) in GW18
6 clean sheets this season
Starting consistently under Pep Guardiola
Verdict: Differential City coverage without breaking the bank. Not explosive attacking returns, but consistent minutes and clean sheet potential.
👑 Captaincy: Boxing Day Picks
Primary Choice: Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool) vs Wolves (H)
Liverpool's attack is firing, Wolves' defence is leaky, and Anfield will be bouncing on Boxing Day. With 6.8 expected points and 8 goals this season, he's the standout captain choice.
Alternatives: If you don't have Ekitiké, look at Cole Palmer or Mohamed Salah (if fit). Both offer explosive potential, though check team news before committing.
🎯 Key Strategy Tip
Don't overreact to single gameweeks. Thiago blanked once. That doesn't mean sell immediately. Look at fixtures, underlying stats, and minutes played over three to four gameweeks before making big decisions.
The template is shifting, but knee-jerk reactions cost ranks. Be strategic, not reactive.
⚠️ Critical Reminder: Friday Deadline!
Gameweek 18 starts on FRIDAY (Boxing Day). Don't get caught out! You have limited time to make transfers, monitor Isak's injury news, and set your captain. Thursday night is your last chance.
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Good luck in Gameweek 18! Subscribe at whogotthepoints.com for daily fantasy football insights delivered straight to your inbox.