FPL Tips: Boxing Day Fixtures and Must-Have Players for Gameweek 18

The Fantasy Premier League deadline arrives on Friday, December 26. Gameweek 18 features a full slate of holiday fixtures. Managers must finalize their squads by 6:30 p.m. GMT.

This round is traditionally called the Boxing Day fixtures. However, only the Manchester United vs. Newcastle match is actually on the 26th. The rest spread across the weekend, offering crucial FPL points.

Top Picks Across Every Position

Selecting the right goalkeeper is key. Liverpool’s Alisson Becker (£5.4m) is favored for a clean sheet against Wolves. According to Reuters, Wolves have struggled offensively this campaign.

Brentford’s Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.5m) is a smart budget choice against Bournemouth. Fulham’s Bernd Leno (£4.9m) also looks strong at home versus West Ham. Both defenses have shown recent resilience.

In defense, Manchester City’s Joško Gvardiol (£6.0m) is a top option. City face Nottingham Forest and seek another clean sheet. Gvardiol also offers attacking threat from set-pieces.

James Tarkowski (£5.5m) faces his former club Burnley. Everton’s defense has been solid. Arsenal’s Piero Hincapié (£5.5m) remains a value pick while covering for injured teammates.

Midfield and Forward Strategies for Points

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers (£7.2m) is a differential pick. Fewer than 20% of teams own him. His form for a top club makes him a potential point machine.

Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon (£7.3m) is in superb form. He faces a Manchester United defense that has been inconsistent. Gordon has delivered double-digit hauls recently.

For forwards, Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains essential. He leads the line for the league’s highest scorers. Not having him risks falling far behind the majority of managers.

Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) is a hot selection. With five goals in three games, he is prolific. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8m) offers a fantastic budget alternative for Leeds.

Finalizing your FPL squad requires balancing form and fixture. Smart FPL tips for Gameweek 18 can propel managers up the rankings. Act before the Friday deadline to secure these potential point scorers.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Q1: What is the deadline for FPL Gameweek 18?

The deadline is Friday, December 26, at 6:30 p.m. GMT. All team changes must be submitted before this time to count for the upcoming fixtures.

Q2: Who is the best captain choice for Gameweek 18?

Erling Haaland is the safest captaincy pick, given his goal-scoring rate. Alternatively, in-form players like Anthony Gordon offer a strong differential option.

Q3: Are there any good budget forwards this week?

Yes, Dominic Calvert-Lewin at £5.8m is excellent value. He has scored 22 points in the last two gameweeks and faces a favorable matchup.

Q4: Which defender is a good differential pick?

Joško Gvardiol is owned by a modest percentage of teams. He plays for a dominant Manchester City side and contributes at both ends of the pitch.

Q5: Why is Morgan Rogers a recommended midfielder?

Rogers is a key player for in-form Aston Villa but is still under-selected. He provides a chance to gain points on rivals who own more common assets.