Fantasy Premier League GW19 Preview: Focusing on Newcastle Stars and Retaining Haaland
Gameweek 19 has a rapid turnaround as we prepare for another Fantasy Premier League deadline this Sunday.
As anticipated during this busy festive season, Gameweek 18 saw some unexpected benchings and withdrawals from the standard starting lineups. More rotation could be on the way, making it essential to remain extra alert during this period.
In this piece, we’ll preview Gameweek 19 and provide all the crucial details you need to navigate the upcoming matches.
Eddie Howe’s squad has triumphed in their last three matches, netting 16 goals in five games. Alexander Isak (£9.1m) has scored seven goals and supplied two assists in the last five games, making him the second-highest-scoring forward in the league, surpassing Erling Haaland (£14.8m).
Newcastle will face Manchester United away next, but I wouldn’t hesitate to bring the Swede into your squad. He is a guaranteed starter, on penalties, and one of the top forwards in the league. Following their trip to Old Trafford this weekend, Newcastle will take on Spurs (A), Wolves (H), Bournemouth (H), Southampton (A), and Fulham (H).
Anthony Gordon (£7.3m) and Lewis Hall (£4.7m) are also excellent picks. Gordon has netted one goal and provided two assists in the last three matches, while Hall offers great value at his price point. He has been one of the more attacking defenders in the league, already racking up three assists.
What to do about Man City’s struggles?
It’s time to discuss Manchester City… again. Their decline this season has been quite remarkable, especially Haaland’s.
In their last nine games, they’ve lost seven and managed just one win. The Norwegian has scored only two goals during this stretch and even had a penalty saved against Everton.
However, if you still possess him, it may not be a bad decision to keep him for the next two matches at least. Manchester City’s upcoming fixtures include Leicester City (A) and West Ham (H), and he could serve as a significant differential now.
Paying £14.8m for his recent returns isn’t justifiable, but holding out for a few more weeks could prove beneficial. He remains the only City player worth retaining. If you hold any other City assets, particularly from the defense, I’d recommend transferring them out as soon as possible.
Jordan Pickford of Everton saves a penalty from Haaland on Boxing Day (Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)
Players to keep an eye on
Jhon Duran (£5.9m) was given a red card for violent conduct against Newcastle, meaning he will be absent for the next three matches after Aston Villa’s appeal was unsuccessful.
Ollie Watkins (£8.8m), who has been on the bench in the last four games, should return to action in Duran’s absence. He could be a valuable differential if you’re seeking a forward. Villa’s upcoming fixtures include Brighton (H), Leicester (H), and Everton (A).
Additionally, I would consider Crystal Palace players. Gameweek 19 presents an excellent opportunity to acquire them, as they will host Southampton and have a run of solid fixtures ahead. They will also face Leicester (A), West Ham (A), Brentford (H), Everton (H), Villa (H), and Ipswich (H) in the next ten matches.
Watkins could be a good differential (Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
Daniel Munoz (£4.7m), Ismaila Sarr (£5.8m), and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.2m) are all solid options for investment this gameweek. Note that Eberechi Eze (£6.6m) played for 87 minutes, but I would like to observe at least one more match from him before considering a purchase.
Despite Spurs’ lackluster form, I believe Dominic Solanke (£7.5m) is a worthwhile forward to invest in this gameweek.
With six goals and five assists to his name, he may not have been explosive, but he’s been steadily contributing. The former Bournemouth forward is secured in the starting lineup, providing the consistency that’s crucial this time of year.
Spurs upcoming matches include Wolves (H), Newcastle (H), Everton (A), Leicester (H), Brentford (A), and Ipswich (A) over the next eight games. He presents a reliable option who should deliver good points during this stretch.
Keep an eye on suspensions
Several players picked up their fifth yellow card during the Boxing Day round, meaning they will miss their next match. Notable names include Justin Kluivert (£5.5m), Marc Guehi (£4.5m), Matty Cash (£4.4m), Dominik Szoboszlai (£6.3m), and Antonee Robinson (£4.9m).
Also, a number of players are on four yellow cards and will sit out their next match if they receive another booking: Nicolas Jackson (£8.3m), Robert Sanchez (£4.8m), Jurrien Timber (£5.7m), Lewis Dunk (£4.4m), Jan Paul van Hecke (£4.5m), Morgan Rogers (£5.4m), Gabriel Jesus (£6.8m), Rayan Ait-Nouri (£4.8m), James Maddison (£7.7m), and Morgan Gibbs-White (£6.3m).
This is something to consider if you plan on transferring any of these players in. Furthermore, if you currently own Matheus Cunha (£7.1m), it’s wiser to hold onto him for one more gameweek. A ban is likely forthcoming, but it appears it won’t happen before the Spurs match.
If you have Bruno Fernandes (£8.4m) and possess adequate bench cover for him this week, I don’t see a transfer out as necessary. Manchester United may be struggling, but he continues to accumulate points, and they have favorable fixtures lined up starting from Gameweek 21. United will next play Southampton (H), Brighton (H), Fulham (A), Palace (H), and Spurs (A) after facing Liverpool at Anfield on January 5.
(Top photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
