Fantasy Premier League is back. And so are the bosses. The over-thinkers. The deliberators. The formation-switchers.
As expected, the 2022 FIFA World Cup has given an unusual dynamic to this FPL season. A six-week break from your teams has been rewarded with an early Christmas present: an unlimited transfer window. But, use it wisely. As, on Boxing Day, at 11am – it’s gone.
With that in mind, here is your Gameweek 17 preview…with West Ham United heading to Arsenal on Monday 26 December...
BOWEN ON FIRE?
There is no doubt that FPL bosses will be looking at Jarrod Bowen (£8.0m) following his form in the second half of last season.
Starting this time last year, a wonderful run of form saw Bowen register nine goals and six assists in the second half of the 2021/22 Premier League season, as he became the first West Ham player to post ten or more goals and assists in the Premier League since Paolo Di Canio in 1999/00.
As 2023 approaches, Bowen will be aiming for a similar return to top form as the Hammers resume, and he looks to be in good shape ahead of the Premier League resumption.
Goals against Cambridge United and Fulham mean the third-highest-scoring midfielder in FPL 2021/22 will have boosted his confidence, and the No20 himself is raring to go.
“We have the preparation in the bank,” said Bowen. “It is down to us now to go to Arsenal on Boxing Day and put in a really good performance.
The No20 also scored in the home league meeting against Arsenal last season.
END OF UNLIMITED TRANSFERS
The big news from the FPL this Gameweek is the end of the unlimited transfers. Ouch.
Ahead of the GW17 deadline, players can make as many transfers as they wish – without a points deduction – as long as the switches are confirmed by 26 December at 11am GMT. In short: make sure you take advantage of the window.
Following the mid-season break, FPL have also announced a new league for the second half of the 2022/23 season…
FPL explained that: “The Second Chance league will begin in Gameweek 17, with all FPL managers - whether you are already playing, or new to the game – automatically added to the new league and starting with zero points.”
You can read more about that here.
OPPOSITION SCOUT: ARSENAL
For FPL bosses one of the biggest moments over the international break was the injury to Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus (£8.0m).
While there has been no confirmation of a return date as of yet, Arsenal stated the player ‘has successfully undergone surgery to his right knee after suffering an injury’ at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals.
The Brazil striker was priced at just £8m at the start of the 2022/23 season but went on to return 69 points following a quick start led by two goals and two assists in Arsenal’s second game of the season against Leicester City.
In his absence, FPL bosses’ may turn to Eddie Nketiah (£6.5m), who will be looking for his first Premier League goal of the season on Boxing Day.
