As we enter the crucial December schedule, Fantasy Premier League managers face a landscape defined by international absences and sudden shifts in momentum. This weekend’s fixtures offer a unique blend of high-ceiling differential picks and reliable stalwarts, particularly as teams like Sunderland and Liverpool grapple with significant voids left by the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City vs. West Ham)
At Manchester City, Nico O’Reilly has evolved into a vital component of the team’s rotation, showing remarkable composure with a 92.4% passing accuracy. His ability to drive the team forward is evident in his creative stats, having recorded 15 passes into the key play area and 14 into the attacking third. His rising FPL value is further bolstered by City’s defensive strength; models give City an 80% win probability and a strong chance for a clean sheet against a West Ham side that has struggled for goals on the road. O’Reilly has proven his big-game temperament, recently scoring the equalizer in the Champions League against Real Madrid. Additionally, his creative ceiling remains high, having registered his last assist against Leeds United, a side currently at a similar lower-table level as West Ham.
Kevin Schade (Brentford vs. Wolves)
Kevin Schade enters the weekend with a prime opportunity to exploit a Wolves side that travels to Brentford with the league’s statistically worst defense, sitting bottom of the table with a -26 goal difference. Schade has been a consistent direct threat this season, tallying three goals and one assist across 15 appearances. Given that he showcased a high ceiling with 11 goals last season and remains a frequent starter, he represents a high-upside option against such a porous backline.
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool vs. Spurs)
Despite his high-profile move and being named the 2025 German Footballer of the Year, Florian Wirtz is still hunting for his first Premier League goal for Liverpool after 15 matches. However, his underlying metrics suggest a breakthrough is imminent; he is a high-volume creator in the 90th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. Facing a Tottenham side that has conceded 22 goals this term, Wirtz’s history of elite production in the Bundesliga suggests he is overdue for a massive return.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal vs. Everton)
Bukayo Saka continues to be one of the most reliable assets in football, currently boasting four goals and three assists this campaign. As Arsenal’s primary creator and designated penalty taker, he ranks in the 95th percentile for expected assisted goals (xAG) at 0.35 per 90. His history against Everton is particularly encouraging, as he has previously recorded one goal and four assists in league meetings with the Toffees.
Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace vs. Leeds)
Now established at Crystal Palace, Yeremy Pino has demonstrated significant creative volume this season, registering an expected assist (xA) value of 2.66. He is frequently found in dangerous positions, as evidenced by his 44 touches in the opposition penalty box. With 11 shots on target from inside the area, Pino remains a persistent goal threat for Palace and is a key asset to watch in their fixture against 17th-place Leeds.
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa vs. Manchester United)
Morgan Rogers has been the driving force behind 3rd-place Aston Villa, accumulating eight goal involvements in his last 11 Premier League matches. His aggressive style is backed by high shot volume, having recorded five attempts in his last outing and hitting three or more shots in half of his last ten games. He faces a vulnerable Manchester United defense that recently conceded four goals and has struggled to hold onto leads this season.
Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth vs. Burnley)
Justin Kluivert is well-positioned to take advantage of a 19th-place Burnley side that has struggled significantly with pace on the wings and holds a -15 goal difference. History favors Kluivert in this matchup; in his last appearance against Burnley, he recorded both a goal. Additionally, his set-piece threat provides an extra dimension, having already converted two free kicks this season.
Danny Welbeck (Brighton vs. Sunderland)
Danny Welbeck enters the weekend in clinical form, having secured seven goals in 16 appearances this season. He faces a Sunderland side that is currently decimated by absences, missing five key players to the Africa Cup of Nations and seeing captain Luke O’Nien out through suspension. Given Brighton’s historically strong home record against the Black Cats, Welbeck is expected to be the focal point against a makeshift defense.
With the festive fixture pile-up in full swing, these eight players represent the best balance of underlying statistical strength and favorable match circumstances for Gameweek 17. Whether you are looking to exploit a makeshift defense or back a world-class talent overdue for a breakout, these selections are primed to deliver decisive returns before the turn of the year.
