As we ring in 2026, the Premier League landscape is being shaped by high-value summer acquisitions and the forced adaptation of teams due to injury. This New Year’s round of fixtures highlights players who are either finding their clinical edge at exactly the right time or stepping into vital starting roles during the festive crunch.
1. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) vs. Leeds United (H)
Florian Wirtz has officially “broken his duck” at Anfield, netting his first goal for Liverpool in their recent 2-1 win over Wolves. While the goal was a milestone, his underlying data has been elite all season, with 17 chances created in just 10 appearances. Voted Player of the Match in the Wolves victory, Wirtz is entering 2026 with a high volume of touches in the opposition box and remains the creative engine for Arne Slot’s side.
2. Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) vs. Wolves (H)
Matheus Cunha has seamlessly integrated into a Manchester United attack that currently ranks as the highest-scoring unit in the league over the last six weeks. While he didn’t find the net in the recent 4-1 win over his former club, he was the primary architect of the victory, providing the crucial square pass for Bruno Fernandes’ opening goal. His role as a roaming creator makes him a high-upside assist threat in the return fixture at Old Trafford, where he will look to haunt Wolves once again.
3. Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) vs. West Ham United (A)
Yankuba Minteh has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous wingers in the league for successful take-ons and touches in the attacking penalty area. Ranking in the 91st percentile for these metrics, he is a nightmare for full-backs who are isolated in transition. With 0.25 assists per 90 minutes, Minteh provides consistent creative output that should flourish against a West Ham defense that has struggled for consistency during the festive period.
4. Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest) vs. Everton (H)
With Chris Wood sidelined following cartilage surgery, Igor Jesus has been thrust into the lone striker role for Nottingham Forest. While he currently holds a meager tally of just one league goal, his “bustling” performances and relentless running have unsettled some of the league’s best center-backs. Facing Everton, he will have the minute security and focal-point status necessary to finally translate his high work rate into the goals Forest desperately need in Wood’s absence.
5. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) vs. AFC Bournemouth (H)
Cole Palmer remains the “Cold” insurance policy at Stamford Bridge, entering the New Year with a top-percentile ranking for shot-creating actions at 5.47 per 90 minutes. His security as Chelsea’s primary penalty and set-piece taker makes him an essential asset for any FPL squad. Historically, he has proven his ability to punish mid-table opposition, and he will be the central figure in a Chelsea side looking to maintain their push for the Top 4.
6. Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United) vs. Burnley (A)
Nick Woltemade has emerged as a clinical revelation for Newcastle United, leading the club with seven league goals so far this season. He is in a rich vein of form, having recently scored a double in a high-scoring draw against Chelsea to prove his “big game” credentials. Against a Burnley defense that has conceded 34 goals in 18 matches, Woltemade is perfectly positioned to outperform his expected goals (xG) once again.
7. Phil Foden (Manchester City) vs. Sunderland (A)
Phil Foden continues to be a reliable source of returns for Manchester City, particularly against opponents with structured defensive lines that he can manipulate. He carries immense confidence into the Sunderland fixture, having dominated the reverse matchup on December 6 with both a goal and an assist. As City looks to keep pace in the title race, Foden’s ability to find space in the final third remains one of Pep Guardiola’s most potent tactical weapons.
8. Harry Wilson (Fulham) vs. Crystal Palace (A)
Harry Wilson has been a model of efficiency for Fulham, maintaining a massive 25% goal conversion rate throughout the first half of the season. Despite a minor knee concern earlier in the month, he has remained a vital starter, recording five goals and three assists in 14 starts. His threat from distance and set-piece delivery makes him a high-value mid-priced pick for a New Year’s Day clash at Selhurst Park.
Gameweek 19 is a testament to the “next man up” mentality, with Igor Jesus assuming a vital role for Forest and Florian Wirtz finally translating his elite underlying stats into goals. Whether you are backing the creator-turned-threat in Matheus Cunha or the clinical consistency of Nick Woltemade, this selection offers a balanced blend of established quality and opportunistic differentials for the New Year.
