The New Yr fixture run is right here – and with it comes chaos, alternative and the prospect to rocket up these ranks, writes FPL skilled Blake Hurst.
Gameweek 19 is the right time to reset, refresh, and go daring along with your picks because the season hits full throttle.
With rotation dangers, shock hauls and new patterns rising throughout the league, the proper switch may make all of the distinction heading into 2026.
We’ve narrowed down 5 standout gamers who mix type, fixtures, and reliability – excellent strikes to set you up for a powerful begin to the yr. Let’s dive in.
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle, 7.0m)
Newcastle haven’t appeared their sharpest these days, however Bruno Guimaraes is edging again into our ideas forward of a terrific run of fixtures.
At 7.0m, the Brazil worldwide gives reliability and a contact of sophistication in midfield, particularly with video games in opposition to Burnley, Leeds – at house – Wolves and a go to from Crystal Palace in gameweek 20.
Anthony Gordon’s open-play aim menace figures have been undesirable and Nick Woltemade may see diminished minutes with Yoane Wissa returning, so Bruno feels just like the most secure decide among the many Magpies’ attacking choices.
He’s nailed on to begin, central to every part Newcastle create and has the long-range menace to ship huge. A gradual decide with upside throughout a plum fixture run.
Bruno with the Olimpico! 😍🇧🇷@brunoog97 pic.twitter.com/G8E5h1mlST
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 6, 2025
Lewis Corridor (Newcastle, 5.2m)
For these looking for a differential, Lewis Corridor (1.3% possession) is quietly changing into a really fascinating possibility.
The younger full-back brings vitality, creativity, and attacking output down the flank, averaging a powerful 8.38 DEFCON per 90 minutes.
Corridor’s additionally been unfortunate to not rating not too long ago, hanging the bar in opposition to Manchester United, and infrequently takes set items, which elevates his ceiling additional.
There’s a slight query about his minutes however, when he performs, the potential is there for returns at each ends.
For those who’d choose a safer route, Malick Thiaw (9.48 DEFCON per 90 and solely 2.8% owned) gives comparable worth with extra safety.
Newcastle’s upcoming fixtures have critical critical clear sheet potential and getting a bit of this defence early is what is going to seperate you and your mini league rivals.
Matheus Cunha (Man United, 8.1m)
Matheus Cunha continues to cross the attention take a look at with flying colors: sharp motion, loads of photographs, robust link-up play and an ever-present attacking outlet on this Manchester United set-up.
In opposition to more durable opposition, Cunha’s constantly concerned in probability creation, and even dropped deeper to affect play extra when Mason Mount was subbed at half-time not too long ago.
It’s solely a matter of time earlier than the haul arrives. A house match in opposition to Wolves earlier than journeys to Leeds United and Burnley make this the best time to leap on.
Cunha appears to be like integral to every part United are doing in assault, mixing creativity with aim menace. A sensible, forward-thinking decide for managers chasing upside.
Michael Keane (Everton, 4.7m)
Michael Keane rewarded managers superbly final week with a 10-pointer in a 0-0 draw at Burnley, and he stays on our radar heading into Gameweek 19.
Everton’s defensive type has been constant, and Keane continues to shine as a DEFCON magnet – racking up a exceptional 20 DEFCON final week, double the brink for bonus potential.
The Toffees’ journey to Nottingham Forest isn’t fairly as juicy as final week’s go to to Turf Moor, however the Toffees’ clear sheet prospects stay strong.
At his value, Keane’s implausible worth and completely rotatable if fixtures tighten. Everton have stability, Keane has type and every part suggests extra factors may very well be on the horizon.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham, 7.6m)
Jarrod Bowen’s consistency continues to make him some of the reliable forwards in FPL.
Over the past six gameweeks, he’s fired in 17 photographs – displaying no indicators of slowing down – and his minutes stay iron-clad over the congested festive interval.
West Ham are subsequent in motion at house to Brighton & Hove Albion, whose defensive numbers have been dreadful not too long ago.
With fixtures in opposition to Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Spurs to comply with, Bowen has each probability to maintain delivering.
The England ahead is the definition of a “set and neglect” possibility proper now: nice type, stuffed with confidence and fully nailed on to play.
For those who’re after a gradual New Yr’s switch to maintain your ahead line ticking, Bowen ticks each field.
