GW21: Thiago's Hat-Trick Heroics & Ekitiké Injury Crisis

Welcome to your comprehensive Gameweek 21 preview! With the deadline hitting Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM, we're breaking down the essential transfers, injury concerns, and tactical moves you need to navigate this crucial week. Let's dive straight into the action.

Ekitiké (Liverpool) - Hamstring Concern: The big news that's rocking 33.6% of FPL teams. Liverpool's striker is officially doubtful with a 75% chance of playing due to a hamstring problem. He didn't feature in the 2-2 draw with Fulham, and with Arsenal away on Thursday, this is looking like a bench situation at best. Monitor press conferences closely before making any rash decisions.

Bruno Fernandes & Mason Mount (Man Utd) - Good News: Both players came through the 1-1 draw at Leeds unscathed after recent injury concerns. Bruno played the full 90 minutes and looks nailed for the Burnley fixture on Wednesday night.

Dúbravka (Burnley) - Potential Knock: The £4.0m keeper had a nightmare performance in the 2-0 defeat to Brighton, conceding twice and reportedly picking up a knock. With just 3 clean sheets all season and 39 goals conceded, even at bargain basement price, he's becoming hard to justify. Monitor his availability for the Manchester United match.

17 points in GW20 with a perfect hat-trick at Everton. Playing the full 90 minutes, Thiago now has 14 goals in 20 games this season, averaging 5.4 points per game with 108 total points. Brentford face Sunderland at home on Wednesday, and the form is undeniable.

Verdict: Essential. If you don't own him, you're chasing points already. His ownership is skyrocketing for good reason.

10 points against Crystal Palace with a goal, clean sheet, and 2 bonus points. That's 7 goals and 4 assists this season from midfield (106 total points), averaging 5.6 points per game. Newcastle host Leeds on Wednesday, who've looked vulnerable defensively. The Magpies are flying, and Bruno is the orchestrator.

Verdict: Good option if you have the funds. Premium midfielder delivering premium returns with excellent fixtures ahead.

Scored in the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, playing 82 minutes and picking up 7 points. That's his 7th goal of the season with 79 total points, and Villa face Crystal Palace away on Wednesday. Unai Emery's side are finding rhythm at the perfect time.

Verdict: Good, especially if you're lacking premium forward depth. But monitor the fixture swing after Gameweek 21.

Nearly 300,000 managers have sold him this week. Zero minutes against Fulham with that hamstring issue looming. Yes, he has 8 goals this season, but being doubtful before Arsenal away is a red flag.

Verdict: Sell if you need the funds. If you can afford to hold and have decent bench cover, wait for clarity, but the risk is high.

Over 128,000 transfers out despite Arsenal's form. Just 3 points in GW20. While 8 clean sheets this season is solid, Arsenal face Liverpool away on Thursday. That's not a clean sheet fixture, and at £6.3m, you need attacking returns he's not consistently providing.

Verdict: Hold if you have other fires to put out, but he's not essential anymore.

Just 2 points against Sunderland, failing to find the net or create. 7 goals and 3 assists this season sounds decent, but 3.7 points per game isn't cutting it at that price. Spurs face Bournemouth away on Wednesday, and with his inconsistency, there are better options.

Verdict: Sell. The funds can be better used elsewhere.

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5 points with an assist in the Liverpool draw, playing 84 minutes. 4 goals and 4 assists this season, and Fulham host Chelsea on Wednesday. Marco Silva's side are creating chances, and at this price with this fixture, he's an intriguing punt.

Exploded for 12 points against West Ham with a goal, an assist, a clean sheet, and 3 bonus. Vitor Pereira has transformed Wolves defensively. They face Everton away on Wednesday, and at that price, he's the ultimate differential enabler.

Safe Pick: Thiago (Brentford) - Hat-trick hero, home fixture against Sunderland, in red hot form with 14 goals this season. This is the obvious choice.

Differential Pick: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) - If you're feeling bold, Bruno against Leeds is your differential armband. Newcastle are flying, and he's at the heart of everything. But don't overthink it.

With fixtures coming thick and fast, prioritize players with strong upcoming schedules. Check Gameweeks 22 and 23 before making transfers. Those double and triple gameweek rumors are getting louder, so plan ahead.

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Good luck in Gameweek 21! Remember: in FPL, points are all that matter. Make those transfers count and set that team before the 6:30 PM deadline on Tuesday.