Fernandes and Saka amongst 5 gamers you should add earlier than AFCON

FPL gameweek 16 brings a mixture of rotation danger and explosive potential as we enter the chaotic festive run, writes Fantasy Premier League skilled Blake Hurst. It’s the right time to reshuffle your squad and goal gamers who can ship constant minutes and excessive ceilings. Whether or not you’re chasing rank or solidifying your lead, these 5 picks provide a stability of reliability and upside heading right into a busy December.

Bruno Fernandes (9.1m)

Again to his greatest. After that monster 18-point haul in opposition to Wolves, Bruno Fernandes now sits because the league’s top-scoring midfielder. Though he’s enjoying barely deeper at occasions, Fernandes stays United’s heartbeat – a assured 90-minute man and penalty taker for a crew ranked third for objectives this season. He’s producing 0.46 xGI/90 and a powerful 0.67 precise aim involvement per 90, regardless of lacking two spot-kicks. Add in his elite DEFCON charge of 10.61 per 90, and the upside is huge. With high quality fixtures on the horizon, the Portuguese seems to be like a must have heading into the festive insanity.

Hugo Ekitike (8.4m)

Differential alert. With Cody Gakpo sidelined and Mohamed Salah doubtlessly unavailable this gameweek earlier than heading off to AFCON, Hugo Ekitike may drive his method into Arne Slot’s plans. He’s not but a 90 minute participant, however each time he steps on the pitch, he carries risk – boasting a powerful 0.68 aim involvement per 90. If he begins alongside Alexander Isak, his worth may shortly rise as managers leap on the worth. This can be a short-term punt with explosive upside – perfect for managers chasing ranks or enjoying aggressively in December. If he will get minutes, anticipate returns.

Raúl Jiménez (6.2m)

1.5% owned Raul Jiménez seems to be set to guide the road once more and stays on penalties, which instantly makes him FPL related. His safety of begins is a giant plus, particularly through the fixture congestion of the festive weeks. When you’re holding the Bench Increase chip and trying to deploy it earlier than Gameweek 19, Jimenez is a superb enabler who affords regular returns. His team-mate Harry Wilson additionally tempts as a short-term punt, however rotation feels extra doubtless for him than for Jiménez. Anticipate strong worth and reliable minutes from the Mexican – simply what’s wanted for winter rotation chaos.

Igor Thiago (7.0m)

Don’t overlook Igor Thiago. After two powerful fixtures, he impressed in opposition to Tottenham and will simply have discovered the online twice. Now, with fixtures in opposition to Leeds, Wolves, and Bournemouth up subsequent, he’s firmly again on the FPL radar. He’s additionally his facet’s penalty taker, which boosts his enchantment much more. At his worth level, Thiago affords very good worth throughout this busy interval – the type of participant who can ship attacking returns whereas liberating up funds elsewhere. With confidence rising and the schedule softening, he’s an important low price ahead to leap on now earlier than his possession climbs.