The festive period of the 2025/26 season has officially arrived, bringing a slate of fixtures that favor high-volume attackers and clinical summer signings. This week’s selections focus on players who serve as the tactical focal points of their respective teams, particularly those facing defenses currently struggling for structure.
1. Jack Grealish (Everton) vs. Burnley (A)
With Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye away at AFCON, Jack Grealish has become the undisputed main man in David Moyes’ attacking setup. Currently on loan from Manchester City, Grealish has found a new lease on life at Goodison Park, contributing two goals and four assists while starting 12 matches this season. His statistical impact is undeniable, as he ranks 5th in the league for initiating dangerous attacks and remains a constant threat on the left wing. Against a Burnley side fighting for survival, Grealish is Everton’s primary route to goals and an elite mid-priced differential for this fixture.
2. Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool) vs. Wolves (H)
The summer signing at Anfield has completely exploded, officially earning the title of the league’s “man in form” with five goals in his last four appearances. Under Arne Slot’s structured press, Ekitiké has added a clinical verticality that has seen his conversion rate soar to a remarkable 24%. Liverpool enters this match as heavy favorites against a Wolves defense that has conceded a league-high 37 goals so far. With a 54% goalscoring probability(per bookies), Ekitiké is arguably the strongest captaincy alternative to Haaland for Gameweek 18.
3. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) vs. Chelsea (A)
Morgan Rogers remains the engine behind Aston Villa’s push for the Top 3, using his physical presence to drive the team forward in transition. Even in a tough away fixture at Stamford Bridge, Unai Emery’s tactical setup relies on Rogers’ power to exploit Chelsea’s occasionally chaotic high line. He remains one of the best value-to-output assets in the game, consistently ranking in the top 10% of all midfielders for progressive carries and shot-creating actions. If Chelsea’s full-backs are caught inverted, Rogers has the pace and strength to punish them in the channels.
4. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United) vs. Sunderland (A)
Since his move to Elland Road, Calvert-Lewin has looked completely revitalized within Daniel Farke’s attacking machine. He is currently riding a five-game goalscoring streak, becoming the first Leeds player since Mark Viduka in 2003 to achieve such sustained consistency. Averaging 5.2 aerial duels won per 90 minutes, he is the focal point of an attack that is currently producing over two goals per game. Facing a Sunderland side that has historically struggled with physical No. 9s, DCL is perfectly positioned to extend his scoring run.
5. Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) vs. Tottenham (H)
Jean-Philippe Mateta continues to serve as the ultimate “big game” disruptor for a Palace side sitting comfortably in the top eight. He has already secured seven goals this season and remains the primary target for every set-piece and cross delivered into the box. Statistically, Palace’s home expected goals (xG) increases by a massive 25% when Mateta starts, reflecting his importance to their offensive structure. Spurs’ high defensive line is exactly the kind of volatility Mateta thrives on, and his physical dominance makes him a nightmare matchup for their center-backs.
6. Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) vs. Brentford (A)
With Ghana having failed to qualify for AFCON, Antoine Semenyo remains Bournemouth’s primary “Winter Weapon” with no departure looming. He has been a statistical monster all season, leading his team in both total shots with 47 and big chances created. Semenyo currently holds the highest expected assists (xA) of any non-Big 6 winger in the league, proving he is as much a creator as he is a finisher. Against a Brentford defense that frequently leaves gaps in transition, Semenyo’s explosiveness and elite delivery from the right or left wing make him a top-tier mid-priced pick.
7. Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) vs. Brighton (H)
While Arsenal’s new #14 is still finding his absolute footing in North London, his recent winning goal against Everton has sent his confidence through the roof. He has recorded five goals in 15 matches and has officially taken over penalty duties, which significantly boosts his floor as an FPL asset. Despite being in a “learning phase” under Mikel Arteta, his non-penalty xG per 90 remains at an elite 0.65. In what is expected to be a high-possession game against Brighton, Gyökeres’ physical presence and movement in the box will be the tactical edge Arsenal needs to stay top of the table.
8. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) vs. Aston Villa (H)
Cole Palmer remains the undisputed talisman at Stamford Bridge, serving as the “Cold” insurance policy for a Chelsea team that relies heavily on his individual brilliance. Even with minor injury concerns during the festive rotation, he maintains a top-percentile ranking for shot-creating actions at 5.47 per 90 minutes. He is the designated taker for all penalties and high-value free-kicks, ensuring he is never out of the game regardless of the scoreline. Facing an aggressive Villa defense, Palmer’s 88% progressive passing accuracy will be vital in breaking through their high-line trap.
Gameweek 18 presents a unique opportunity for FPL managers to capitalize on the “festive transition” of the 2025/26 season. The selections above prioritize high-volume attackers like Antoine Semenyo and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who benefit from defensive frailties in opponents like Brentford and Tottenham. Meanwhile, the emergence of Hugo Ekitiké as a clinical force at Liverpool and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s historic scoring streak at Leeds provide reliable form-based foundations for your squad. Whether you are looking for the creative ceiling of Iliman Ndiaye or the set-piece security of Cole Palmer, these eight players offer a balanced mix of differential potential and statistical consistency to navigate the heavy schedule.
