But there’s no need to panic. For managers who plan carefully, stay engaged with their squads, and never miss a deadline, this chaotic period often presents one of the best opportunities to climb both overall and in mini-leagues. Even amid the mayhem, some strategic moves are within reach.
The five free transfers granted due to AFCON have resulted in a widely adopted template across many teams, making it harder to leapfrog competitors in mini-leagues. Yet, with careful selection of differential picks, there are still ways to gain an edge.
In the coming weeks, those willing to plan, monitor, and act decisively can seize an advantage, turning the festive fixture frenzy from a threat into an opportunity.
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‘The margins should have been much bigger’ – Arteta admits Arsenal missed chances against Palace
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It has led to the market kicking into overdrive, with interest spiking in the likes of Matheus Cunha (£8.0m), Florian Wirtz (£8.1m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.2m) – all of whom have experienced price rises this week.
That trio, along with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon (£7.3m), would appear to be among the most popular like-for-like switches – but this column is going to centre on other positions which may enable you to formulate a more rounded squad for the flurry of fixtures ahead.
Here are three players that could be a huge help in obtaining that much coveted green arrow.
The categories are:
- Player 1: Max 10% ownership
- Player 2: Max 5% ownership
- Player 3: Max 2% ownership
And of course, it is worth noting that with Manchester United’s clash with Newcastle taking place at 20:00 on Boxing Daythe deadline 18:30 UK time.
1. Jarrod Bowen, £7.6m (Forward, West Ham, 7.1%)
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Jarrod Bowen is West Ham’s talisman in their hour of need
Image credit: Getty Images
The type of player you should really plug in for the whole season, in spite of his positional change from a midfielder to forward. That switch kept Bowen under the radar for many FPL managers – and he is still less than 10% owned.
West Ham’s talisman is in scintillating form as he prepares to face Fulham on Saturday afternoon. Over the past four Gameweeks, Bowen has found the net against Brighton and Aston Villa, provided an assist against Manchester United, and only blanked once – on the road at Manchester City.
With many managers preferring to deploy a five-man midfield, Bowen offers a trusted second-striker option to Erling Haaland. His five goals and two assists this season have cemented him as the fourth-highest scoring forward in the game, and the fixtures now turn favourably for The Hammers.
After Fulham, West Ham face Brighton (H), Wolves (A) and Nottingham Forest (H), while it is not until Liverpool (A) in Gameweek 28 that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side face opposition classed above 3 on the Fixture Difficulty Ranking.
Get onto him at the start of that run. Fulham are weakened by the absence of key defender Calvin Bassey, currently on AFCON duty, leaving them vulnerable and giving Bowen a prime opportunity to continue his hot streak.
2. Jeremie Frimpong, £5.7m (Defender, Liverpool, 4.6%)
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Jeremie Frimpong produced an assist against Tottenham
Image credit: Getty Images
Jeremie Frimpong arrived at the start of the season with high expectations, touted as the successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Dutchman’s £6.0m price tag reflected his impressive numbers for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2023/24 campaign, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists across 47 appearances as Xabi Alonso guided Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten domestic double. In total, Frimpong notched five Bundesliga goals and 12 assists last season, underlining his offensive prowess – a major part of his appeal for FPL managers.
However, a hamstring injury derailed his early-season impact, causing his ownership, which had peaked at 23.9% (the third-highest for any defender), to plummet. With the Dutchman now back to full fitness, managers may be overlooking the fact that no defender scored more than five goals in the Premier League last season.
Frimpong’s underlying stats remain encouraging. In 2024/25, he registered 34 shots and 30 key passes in the Bundesliga, highlighting his threat beyond traditional defensive returns. His expected goals (xG) for that campaign were nearly three times higher than the player he has been signed to replace in 2025/26.
3. Keane Lewis-Potter, £4.8m (Defender, Brentford, 1.1%)
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Keane Lewis-Potter scored his first-ever Premier League brace against Wolves
Image credit: Getty Images
Lewis-Potter’s temporary attacking role for Brentford is one to watch closely.
Since returning to the starting XI in Gameweek 16, the £4.8m asset has racked up 27 points, thanks to two goals, two clean sheets, and three bonus points. Officially listed as a defender, he has been deployed in Brentford’s front three following the AFCON departure of regular forward Dango Ouattara (£5.9m).
Last weekend, Lewis-Potter was exceptional, scoring twice and helping secure a clean sheet for a massive 21-point haul against Wolves. With Brentford hosting Bournemouth next, he represents outstanding value.
Although primarily a left-back under Keith Andrews, he is increasingly being used in a more advanced position – his natural preference – adding to his attacking potential. His two goals against Rob Edwards’ side was the same number as in his previous 69 games but most of those have been at full-back.
While his first-ever Premier League brace ended his drought in the competition stretching back to January, Lewis-Potter came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half at Molineux to indicate this was no fluke. Three of Brentford’s next four matches are at home, further enhancing his appeal for FPL managers.
Defenders scoring goals earn six points in FPL, compared with five for midfielders and four for forwards. With Lewis-Potter thriving in an advanced role, it’s not too late to consider the makeshift winger as a differential option.
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