The Fantasy Premier League strategy for December is always a tricky one to get right. It is no different this season with seven gameweeks packed in one calendar month. However, astute FPL managers often jump ahead of the pack in this month. With proper planning, managers can definitely gain a lot of places in the ranking. Read on to find out more about how to tackle this vital month.
The Best Fantasy Premier League Strategy for December
Deadlines
More often than not in December, real-life commitments interfere with one’s FPL planning. So, it’s a good idea to create the alerts for FPL deadlines so that at least managers can set up their squad for each gameweek. The following are the deadlines coming up-
- Gameweek 14: 30 November
- Gameweek 15: 4 December
- Gameweek 16: 10 December
- Gameweek 17: 14 December
- Gameweek 18: 18 December
- Gameweek 19: 26 December
- Gameweek 20: 28 December
The Fantasy Premier League Strategy for December: Teams with the Best Fixtures
Manchester United have a very kind run of fixtures on the horizon from gameweek 15. They do not face any of the top six sides and have matches against struggling Norwich City, Burnley and Newcastle United as well. Even though their current form is atrocious, one can expect things to improve under new interim manager Ralf Rangnick. Besides, they have already secured qualification for the round of 16 in the Champions League. Hence, a few of the regular starters will probably get a rest in that one. Cristiano Ronaldo should profit from these fixtures although proceed with caution – will he start all these games under Rangnick?
Manchester City do not need easy fixtures to score goals but they have some really juicy ones this month. Pep Guardiola’s men face Watford, Leeds United and Newcastle United in December. Besides, they can score a lot of goals in the other fixtures as well. But do keep in mind the rotation risks for every player.
Crystal Palace were in great form before losing to Aston Villa. They have some nice fixtures this month so the likes of Conor Gallagher, Wilfried Zaha and Cristian Benteke should be considered. Home games against Everton, Southampton and Norwich City definitely look good enough to target.
Tottenham Hotspur also have great fixtures but mainly in the early part of December. One should keep in mind that their fixtures turn in gameweek 18 when they face Liverpool and West Ham United in consecutive games. Consider selling Harry Kane in gameweek 16 for Cristiano Ronaldo to fully maximize this month. Gameweeks 14 and 15 are great for Spurs players with back-to-back home games against Brentford and Norwich City.
The Fantasy Premier League Strategy for December: Teams to Avoid
Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United and Newcastle United have really tough fixtures this month.
Newcastle are still without a victory and are facing a serious threat of being cast adrift. They have two home games in a row against fellow strugglers Norwich City and Burnley coming up but after that they face Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Wolves are in decent form but have a very tough month coming up. They face each of the top three sides and a trip to the Emirates as well.
Struggling Leeds United also face the top three and Arsenal this month.
Key Transfer Decisions
As mentioned above, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo in for Harry Kane in gameweek 16 is a possible move that could pay dividends. In fact, consider selling all the Spurs players for Manchester United or Manchester City players in that gameweek.
Chelsea have two home games in a row on gameweeks 16 and 17 against leaky Leeds United and Everton. FPL managers could target their players for those matches although the Blues are pretty much fixture-proof this season.
Phil Foden and João Cancelo are probably good for the whole month. However, FPL managers should have one or two playing options on the bench if they are rested for a game.
Arsenal have tricky fixtures throughout the month but they have away trips to Leeds United and Norwich City in gameweeks 18 and 19. Emile Smith Rowe is a likely starter for every game so think twice before selling him. Conor Gallagher has decent fixtures although the return of Eberechi Eze might affect his output. Maxwel Cornet is another option that one could consider.
Jamie Vardy has reasonable fixtures till gameweek 17. Will his fitness allow him to start all the games though? Lots of decisions to make, as always.
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