Essential Premier League Fantasy Football Insights: Key Players Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Ollie Watkins

Be aware of the approaching 18:30 GMT deadline on Thursday for the 18th gameweek, starting with the Crystal Palace vs Brighton match.

In the next 10 days, we face three deadlines – 11:00 on Boxing Day for gameweek 19, and again at 11:00 on Saturday, 30 December for gameweek 20. This is your final opportunity to use the season’s first wildcard.

If you’ve recently traded Erling Haaland or are contemplating it, a critical decision during this period will be deciding the right time to reintegrate him into your team, as well as managing your finances in the interim.

Manchester City skips the 18th gameweek, and Haaland’s participation in their match at Everton on 27 December, followed by the Sheffield United match at home three days later, remains uncertain. He’s a top pick for captain if he plays, especially against Sheffield United.

One tactic to bring Haaland back for the Sheffield United match is to trade Mohamed Salah before Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle, given Salah’s upcoming departure for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.

This strategy requires two transfers, so you might want to conserve your moves in gameweek 19 to have two free transfers the following week.

Meanwhile, you can utilize the funds from Haaland’s sale. Statman Dave, in the recent Fantasy 606 podcast, suggests investing in either Trent Alexander-Arnold or Kieran Trippier.

Trent, Trippier, and a Festive Fantasy 606 Podcast

At £8.2 million, Alexander-Arnold is more expensive but has outperformed Salah in the past six gameweeks, with two goals, two assists, three clean sheets, and twelve bonus points.

While Liverpool faces Arsenal in gameweek 18, making Trippier a preferable short-term option with Newcastle’s upcoming fixtures against Luton and Nottingham Forest. However, Newcastle then faces tough matches against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Aston Villa.

Remember, you’ll likely want Salah back post-Afcon, so plan accordingly.

Captaincy Choices

Ollie Watkins is a strong captaincy choice for gameweek 18, with Aston Villa hosting Sheffield United.

Son Heung-Min is another potential captain for Tottenham’s match against Everton, although Everton, under Sean Dyche, hasn’t allowed a goal in their last four Premier League games.

Salah is a popular captaincy pick for gameweek 19 in Liverpool’s match against Burnley. Alexander-Arnold could be an alternative pick. For gameweek 20, Haaland’s readiness for Manchester City’s home game against Sheffield United will be key.

Watkins, with nine goals and six assists this season, could be a repeat choice, as could Son, with Villa hosting Burnley and Tottenham facing Bournemouth.

Alternatively, consider Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden, or Jeremy Doku, especially recalling Doku’s 22-point haul against Bournemouth in gameweek 11.

Target Fixtures

Over the next three weeks, Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Chelsea have favorable fixtures. Arsenal, post-Anfield, is also a team to load up on.

For a goalkeeper, Villa’s Emi Martinez, though pricey at £5.1 million, is a good choice. Ezri Konsa offers value in defense, while Alex Moreno and Douglas Luiz or Leon Bailey are midfield options. Ollie Watkins remains a priority.

Richarlison, classified as a midfielder but playing forward for Tottenham, is a tempting pick, especially with Son’s upcoming departure for the Asian Cup.

Cole Palmer is a standout bargain at Chelsea, priced at just £5.6 million.

Differential Picks

Christopher Nkunku, newly active for Chelsea, could be a proactive choice, given his track record with Paris St-Germain and RB Leipzig.

Watkins and Dominic Solanke are top forward picks, but Nkunku could be an exciting third striker option.

Gamble of the Week

For a short-term play, consider Callum Wilson as a captain for Newcastle’s match at Luton. He’s a differential with only 4.7% ownership.

Alistair Bruce-Ball hosts the Fantasy 606 podcast with Chris Sutton and Statman Dave. Find it on BBC Sounds by searching ‘Fantasy 606’, and subscribe. Join the Fantasy 606 league with the code ‘j03mnp’.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Premier League Fantasy Tips

More about Premier League Fantasy Tips

• Premier League Fantasy Football
• BBC Fantasy 606 Podcast
• Official Fantasy Premier League website
• Erling Haaland’s Fantasy Football Impact
• Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Recent Performances
• Kieran Trippier’s Fantasy Potential
• Ollie Watkins’ Fantasy Stats
• Aston Villa’s Upcoming Fixtures
• Tottenham’s Upcoming Fixtures
• Chelsea’s Fantasy Bargain Cole Palmer
• Christopher Nkunku’s Fantasy Potential
• Callum Wilson’s Short-Term Fantasy Gamble