Maximize AFCON Transfers and Chip Strategy for FPL Success

Deep Dive

Game week 15 is a crucial week in Fantasy Premier League, with the deadline approaching rapidly, and the primary objective is to utilize all available transfers to maximize benefits for the subsequent game week 16, which will feature Africa Cup of Nations transfers. The source emphasizes that if players do not use all their transfers in game week 15, they will only be topped up to a maximum of five free transfers in game week 16, regardless of how many they had remaining. Therefore, the general rule is to use all transfers this week to receive the maximum of five free transfers in game week 16.

The discussion then shifts to the Africa Cup of Nations, with players expected to be available for game week 16 but not for game week 17. Clubs like Manchester United and Everton have confirmed that their players will participate in game week 16 fixtures. A Premier League article is referenced for updated information on FPL-relevant players participating in the tournament, noting that Johan Bakayoko will remain with Newcastle and compete for minutes.

Next, chip strategy is addressed, with only five weeks remaining until game week 19 for the use of first-half-of-the-season chips. Any chips not used by game week 19 will be lost, as players will not be able to stack them for the second half of the season. The Free Hit chip is discussed, with game weeks 15 and 16 being potential options, as well as game week 19. The Triple Captain is considered, with Erling Haaland at home to West Ham in game week 15 and Bukayo Saka at home to Wolves in game week 16 being highlighted as potential choices, though Haaland at home to West Ham in game week 17 is preferred. For the Bench Boost, game weeks 16, 17, and 18 are identified as the best weeks due to favorable fixtures for promoted teams likely on benches, with game week 18 potentially offering the best combination. The Wild Card is suggested for game week 15 to set up the team for game week 16 and subsequent weeks, or alternatively, to save it until game week 19 to prepare for the second half of the season.

The source then explores one-week punt options for game week 15, highlighting Manchester City due to their offensive potential, despite a slight risk of rotation before their Champions League fixture. Newcastle at home to Burnley is also mentioned as a strong option for a short-term punt, even with potential rotation due to their Champions League commitments. Brighton at home to West Ham and Arsenal are also considered for clean sheet potential. Players like Matías Cuña, Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Broja, and Matías de Ligt are noted as potential punts for the Everton versus Manchester United fixture.

Looking at fixtures over the next six weeks, Liverpool is at the top, but buying them is not recommended due to recent form. Manchester United's fixtures are considered favorable if Bruno Fernandes is fit. Brentford's fixtures are also noted as good, with Mikkel Damsgaard expected to be a popular transfer in game week 16. Manchester City's upcoming ten-game fixture run is described as great, making players like Haaland, Joško Gvardiol, Phil Foden, and Julián Álvarez attractive. Newcastle's fixtures are deemed good for a short-term punt and potentially long-term, with Sunderland, Chelsea, and Manchester United following Burnley. Fulham is highlighted for needing a cheap defender like Tosin Adarabioyo, and Arsenal's defense is still considered strong. West Ham's fixtures are less appealing in the short term due to difficult away games against Liverpool and Arsenal.

Regarding specific player recommendations, for short-term prospects, Newcastle is the most considered team. João Félix is liked but lacks bonus points and double returns compared to the cheaper option of Damsgaard. Haaland and Damsgaard are identified as the top two forwards, with Félix as a potential one-week punt before moving to Damsgaard. Bruno Guimarães is noted as a reliable Newcastle pick, particularly at home, though rotation is a slight risk. Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Jacob Murphy are advised against due to rotation risk in wide areas. For defenders, center-backs like Fabian Schär are preferred over fullbacks like Lewis Hall due to better attacking returns from center-backs. Nick Pope is considered a definite sell if owned, but Ramsdale is not recommended as a replacement.

Bournemouth's recent form, including Dominic Solanke's lack of goals since game week seven and low non-penalty expected goals, is discussed, making him a potential sell, though holding him for short-term fixtures against Chelsea and Burnley at home is an option. Marc Guéhi is also mentioned as a defender to consider selling.

Phil Foden is highlighted as a popular replacement, having scored back-to-back braces and starting every Premier League match since game week four with significant minutes. The primary risk with Foden is potential rotation due to Manchester City's midweek fixture against Real Madrid and their away game against Crystal Palace, though Pep Guardiola's statements about taking Sunderland seriously are noted with skepticism. Jeremy Doku is suggested as a cheaper alternative to Foden if minutes for Bernardo Silva and Rico Lewis are uncertain.

In terms of best players to buy across positions, David Raya is recommended for goalkeepers long-term, with Robert Sánchez as a cheaper, rotating option. In defense, William Saliba is mentioned, but Timber and Gabriel are considered safer options, with Timber being the preferred choice. For midfielders, Bruno Fernandes is a slight doubt, and Phil Foden is a strong option. Forwards Haaland and Damsgaard are the top two, with Danny Welbeck, Evan Ferguson, and Mateta as other considerations.

The speaker's personal team plans include a potential move from Semenyo to Phil Foden for game week 15, dependent on Semenyo's price drop. If this move is not made, a transfer from Mateta to Damsgaard is considered for game week 16. Other potential transfers involve moving Enzo Fernández or Mateta to acquire Damsgaard. The availability of Bruno Fernandes for the upcoming fixture is also a factor. The speaker's current team includes Raya, Timber, Van Dijk, Anderson, Richards, Saka, Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Mateta, and Semenyo, with plans to potentially sell Mateta, Semenyo, and Enzo Fernández to bring in Foden and Damsgaard, and possibly Daniel Muñoz. The speaker mentions a red arrow from the previous week due to a -4 point hit.