Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 17 review: Liverpool’s form duo, Calvert-Lewin and replacing Fernandes

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The Premier League delivered another eventful weekend, leaving FPL managers plenty to think about as we approach the most chaotic stage of the season. 

We have four deadlines in 12 days from Gameweek 18, so it’s crucial to understand emerging trends and separate short-term purple patches from sustainable, long-term value. 

There’s still one more match to go in Gameweek 17, as Fulham host Nottingham Forest on Monday, but we will highlight the main FPL talking points from the weekend’s action. 

Liverpool’s breakout forward — and under-the-radar option

The most compelling storyline is the rise of Hugo Ekitike (£8.8m).

His opener in Liverpool’s 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur took his tally to five goals in his last three appearances. Liverpool’s summer signing has turned a promising spell into a serious run of form. Beyond goalscoring, his positioning, confidence and link-up play have clearly progressed. With Alexander Isak (£10.3m) suffering another injury setback, Ekitike suddenly looks nailed for heavy minutes through the festive schedule.

The fixtures make his appeal even stronger: Wolverhampton Wanderers (H), Leeds United (H), Fulham (A), Arsenal (A) and Burnley (H) in the next five offer huge potential for attacking returns. Excluding Arsenal, all those teams have been leaky this season, and Liverpool have been building form. 

While many FPL managers might wait for more evidence from Ekitike, acting early could provide an advantage before he becomes a template pick. For anyone looking to refresh their forward line, Ekitike may be the standout option over the next month.

Hugo Ekitike was on target again… this time versus Tottenham Hotspur (Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Without attracting the same buzz as Ekitike, Florian Wirtz (£8.0m) continues to tick along. Two assists in his last four matches reflect improving form, but what makes him appealing is his security of minutes. With Cody Gakpo (£7.3m) still sidelined, Mohamed Salah (£14.0m) at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and Isak injured, Wirtz’s minutes look solid. 

Although some managers (like myself) may still be scarred by his early-season form, Wirtz seems to be getting to grips with the Premier League.

Wirtz also chips in with bonus points due to his in-game actions, so he can get a decent haul with only one attacking return. He only registered one assist against Spurs but was awarded three bonus points, giving him a total of eight points. In Gameweek 14, he secured two bonus points with a single assist against Sunderland.

He is not an urgent acquisition, but Wirtz could be a fantastic differential over the next five games. 

Form returning, but fixtures an obstacle for FPL favourite

Also warranting discussion are the performances of Antoine Semenyo (£7.7m). After six consecutive blanks, he has responded with two goals in two games, suggesting he may be rediscovering momentum. However, context is key. 

Bournemouth’s fixtures over the next six aren’t the best: Brentford (A), Chelsea (A), Arsenal (H), Spurs (H), Brighton & Hove Albion (A) and Liverpool (H). 

Given this run, Semenyo is not an attractive buy. That said, he does not need to be sold immediately. Holding him for Brentford is perfectly reasonable, particularly if other transfers are more urgent. 

From Gameweek 19, however, moving on Semenyo becomes much more justifiable. You can even move him on this week if it lets you upgrade to Ekitike, for example. 

Also, be wary that the Ghana international is on four yellow cards. If he picks up another one in the next two games, he will get a one-match suspension. The threshold increases to 10 yellow cards after Gameweek 19.

Calvert-Lewin? Elite form, difficult fixtures 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.7m) cannot be ignored. Six goals in his last five games put him among the most in-form players in the league. His movement, finishing and physicality look back to their best, and he’s offering exceptional value for money. 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his scoring run against Crystal Palace (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Yet, timing matters. Leeds United face a challenging run of fixtures, including Sunderland (A), Liverpool (A), Manchester United (H) and Newcastle United (A). Couple that with his well-documented injury history and the demanding festive schedule, and I don’t think he is a great buy. 

FPL managers owning him can hold and ride the form wave, but the opportunity to buy may have passed.  Prioritising fixtures and likely minutes over form is often the wiser approach in December. 

What now for Bruno Fernandes owners? 

The biggest talking point from the weekend was the injury to Bruno Fernandes (£9.4m), who was forced off against Aston Villa.

The setback looks significant, with head coach Ruben Amorim confirming: “It is soft tissue, so it is going to take a while.” That immediately rules him out for the short term, and given the congested festive period, it is difficult to justify holding a premium midfielder who is unlikely to start for potentially several games.  

The good news is that midfield options are plentiful and strong replacements exist across various price brackets.  

A straight swap to Mathues Cunha (£8.0m) looks a nice, easy move, especially if you own Phil Foden (£8.9m). The Brazilian’s minutes already looked great with Bryan Mbeumo (£8.2m) at AFCON, but he is probably next in line for penalties in Fernandes’ absence, too. 

Foden is the standout premium swap, with Manchester City still having a great run of fixtures and the midfielder in fantastic form. 

If you’re looking to upgrade elsewhere, Wirtz offers secure minutes and an improving attacking output at a lower price. Declan Rice (£7.1m) is the third-highest scoring midfielder in the game, with two goals and six assists.

The Fernandes injury might be a blessing in disguise for those managers who were struggling to find a route to Ekitike, as most replacements should leave you with money in the bank.  

Given Fernandes’ expected recovery time, this is not an injury to “wait and see”. Moving him on quickly should be the plan. 

This news was originally published on this post .

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