Navigating FPL Gameweek 19 Fixture Congestion and Player Value

The FPL Wire · December 30, 2025 · Listen to Original Episode →

Original Title:

TL;DR

Fixture congestion in Gameweek 19 presents the busiest period of the FPL season, requiring careful planning for multiple deadlines within seven days and strategic consideration of player rotation and injury impacts.
The emergence of budget-friendly midfielders like Jærky (6.6-6.7 million) offers significant value, potentially justifying downgrading premium assets like O'Riley to fund their inclusion.
Defensive picks from Arsenal, particularly Gabriel, are highly recommended due to strong underlying stats and consistent performance, making them a priority over other premium defensive options.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's recent form and goal threat, despite Everton's defensive concerns, position him as a compelling budget striker option, outperforming some higher-priced alternatives in expected goal involvement.
While Newcastle's defense shows promising underlying metrics, their attacking output and potential for rotation with players like Gordon warrant careful consideration, especially when compared to more stable defensive options.
The FPL value of players like Thiago Silva is diminishing, suggesting that owners should consider moving him on for more impactful assets, especially as Chelsea faces a prolonged period of fixture congestion.
The FPL appeal of Manchester United's defense is limited due to their attacking-first approach and inconsistent clean sheet potential, making short-term punts like Mr. Dorgo riskier than more established defensive options.

Deep Dive

The FPL Wire podcast, in its Gameweek 19 episode, focuses on navigating the fixture congestion and identifying optimal player targets amidst a busy period of three deadlines in seven days. The hosts, Lateriser and Zophar, emphasize strategic planning around injuries, team selection, and potential chip usage, particularly the Free Hit chip in Gameweek 19. They analyze key teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle, highlighting player form, fixture difficulty, and potential rotation risks to guide listeners in optimizing their Fantasy Premier League squads for immediate gains and long-term structure.

The discussion delves into specific player recommendations across all positions, underpinned by analytical data and observational insights. In defense, Gabriel of Arsenal is prioritized due to his consistent form and attacking threat, with Timber and Hincapié also noted as strong options. Manchester City's midfield, particularly Jérémy Doku, is highlighted for his creative output and attractive price point, despite potential for minutes management. Forwards like Dominic Calvert-Lewin are presented as value options due to their goal-scoring form and lower price tags, contrasting with higher-priced alternatives. The analysis also touches upon the importance of identifying players who offer consistent "difference-making" potential, whether through goals, assists, or defensive returns, and how to structure a team to accommodate these key assets while managing budget constraints and fixture swings.

The core implication for FPL managers is the need for proactive roster management and strategic flexibility during this congested period. Understanding fixture swings, potential for rotation, and the impact of injuries is crucial for maximizing points. The podcast stresses that while individual player form is important, the overarching team structure and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, such as unexpected team news or shifts in player roles, will be the deciding factors in achieving a high rank. The emphasis on data-driven decisions, combined with an understanding of team dynamics and managerial tendencies, provides a framework for making informed transfers and captaincy choices throughout this critical phase of the season.

Action Items

Audit team structure: Identify 3-5 players with overlapping responsibilities to streamline workflows.
Create player evaluation rubric: Define criteria for assessing player performance beyond simple stats.
Track player injury trends: Monitor 3-5 key players for recurring injury patterns to inform future roster decisions.
Measure content influence: Analyze personal FPL decision-making for 3-5 gameweeks to identify subconscious biases from content consumption.

Key Quotes

"We are back! With 3 FPL deadlines coming in a week, this is the busiest part of the FPL calendar! We discuss the fixture congestion, the upcoming schedule, top targets in defence, midfield and forwards along with potentially taking Haaland on against Sunderland"

This quote establishes the context of the podcast episode, highlighting the intense schedule of three FPL deadlines within a week. The hosts, Zophar and Lateriser, indicate their intention to discuss fixture congestion, potential player targets across different positions, and a specific captaincy dilemma involving Haaland.

"I do feel like we are getting a little too sports focused and afraid of making mistakes with this game that we're essentially playing and I feel like a lot of the listening we do sometimes sort of subconsciously influences us and all of that so I was like you know what I'm actually enjoying just watching the football drawing my own conclusions presuming I'm right and just making my moves"

Lateriser expresses a personal reflection on his FPL approach, suggesting a tendency to over-analyze and be overly influenced by external content. He articulates a desire to return to a more intuitive style of play, trusting his own judgment and observations from watching football directly, rather than solely relying on aggregated FPL analysis.

"I think the fixture congestion for Chelsea is for really long, there's no break whatsoever and unlike Man City, we're not comfortable in our UCL group either so you might have to even prioritize that."

Zophar points out the significant fixture congestion Chelsea faces, exacerbated by their involvement in multiple competitions. He contrasts this with Manchester City's situation and suggests that Chelsea's demanding schedule might necessitate prioritizing certain competitions over others, impacting their FPL player availability and performance.

"I think we really need to take fan opinion with a pinch of salt because those same fans had been calling for Dan Burn to be dropped for over a year multiple years but you'll never see Dan Burn miss a single minute when he's fit so it's really what Eddie Howe sees and again I think Gordon is ultimately if you have to identify a talisman for Newcastle I'll still say it's Gordon."

Lateriser advises caution when considering fan opinions regarding player selection, using Dan Burn as an example of a player consistently criticized by fans but still relied upon by the manager. He asserts that Gordon remains Newcastle's key attacking player, emphasizing the manager's perspective over popular sentiment.

"I think the back four is just working for me this year man and I think the back four is really the way to go if you have the opportunity at any point to get into that the defenders are just shooting points especially with Gabriel injured you're getting the second best pick in the game fit again so just get him."

Zophar advocates for prioritizing a strong defensive structure in FPL, particularly highlighting the effectiveness of a back four. He specifically recommends Gabriel as a top defensive pick, especially with his return from injury, suggesting that defenders are currently providing significant points returns.

"I think the fixtures now after this tough enough a little bit for Liverpool right now you have this week Leeds is all right then Fulham away is not ideal then you have Arsenal then Burnley is good after that then again you have another tougher game which is just looking no it's Bournemouth away it's nice except for Arsenal all fixtures are decent."

Lateriser analyzes Liverpool's upcoming fixture list, identifying a mix of easier and tougher matches. He notes that while Leeds and Burnley present favorable opportunities, games against Arsenal and Fulham are more challenging, suggesting a strategic approach is needed for Liverpool assets.

Resources

External Resources

Books

"The FPL Wire" by The FPL Wire - Mentioned as the name of the podcast.

Articles & Papers

"Gameweek 19 Pod FPL | The FPL Wire | Fantasy Premier League Tips 2025/26" (The FPL Wire) - Mentioned as the title of the episode.

Websites & Online Resources

Fantasy Football Scout - Referenced for data used on the podcast and a discount offer.
NordVPN - Mentioned as a long-term partner of the FPL Wire, with a specific deal offered.
YouTube - Mentioned as a platform where the podcast is uploaded.
Twitter - Mentioned as a platform where the hosts and other individuals are followed.
Spotify - Mentioned as a platform where the podcast can be listened to.
Apple Podcast - Mentioned as a platform where the podcast can be listened to.
Google Podcasts - Mentioned as a platform where the podcast can be listened to.
Overcast - Mentioned as a platform where the podcast can be listened to.
Anchor - Mentioned as a platform where the podcast can be listened to.
PocketCasts - Mentioned as a platform where the podcast can be listened to.
Patreon - Mentioned as a platform for supporting the podcast.
Club.me - Mentioned as a platform for playing a game with the podcast hosts.
X (formerly Twitter) - Mentioned for rumors and discussions related to player injuries and news.
Instagram - Mentioned for the social media presence of design and animation services.
Facebook - Mentioned for the social media presence of design services.
Liberty Mutual - Mentioned in a commercial break regarding car insurance.
Lifelock - Mentioned in a commercial break regarding identity theft protection.

Podcasts & Audio

The FPL Wire - Mentioned as the name of the podcast and its content.
The Last Resort podcast - Mentioned as another podcast hosted by Danny.

Other Resources

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) - The primary subject of discussion for the podcast episode.
Gameweek 19 - Mentioned as the specific gameweek being discussed.
Haaland - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Sunderland - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Ekitike - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Leeds - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Koundia - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Wolves - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Free Hit 19 - Mentioned as a chip in Fantasy Premier League.
Bruno - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Richards - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Timber - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Rodon - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Gordon - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Jærky - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Ward Prowse - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Soucek - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
VVD - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Gabriel - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Dorgu - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Keane - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Adarabioyo - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Dominic Calvert Lewin (DCL) - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Jamie Vardy - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Arsenal - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Man City - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Chelsea - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Brighton - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Bournemouth - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Burnley - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Palace - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Leeds - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Wolves - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Newcastle United - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Isak - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Barnes - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Voltemade - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Eddie Howe - Mentioned as the manager of Newcastle United.
Murphy - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Vissa - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Hall - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Malik Thiaw - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Luis Hall - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Tiel - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Dan Burn - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Everton - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Burnley - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Forest - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Brentford - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Aston Villa - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Leeds - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Burnley - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Michael Keane - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Tarkowski - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Moise Kean - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Mukiele - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
West Ham - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Bowen - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Calvert Lewin - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Jesus - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Sean Dyche - Mentioned as the manager of Everton.
Henderson - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Anderson - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Gibbs White - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Bart - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Sanchez - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Miente - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Mitoma - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Thiago - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Ballard - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Afcon - Mentioned as a tournament affecting player availability.
Saka - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
O'Riley - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Foden - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Gabriel - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Cunha - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Mount - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Rogers - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Grealish - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Inday - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Tiel - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Mclean - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Dribbling - Mentioned as a skill in Fantasy Premier League.
Forest - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Brentford - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Palace - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Wolves - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Liverpool - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Newcastle - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Fulham - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Everton - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Arsenal - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Burnley - Mentioned as a team in Fantasy Premier League.
Saka - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Rice - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Palmer - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Sobosla - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Semenyo - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Hutchinson - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Haller - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Jesus - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Wood - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Dalo - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Lisandro - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Martinez - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Hincapié - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Calafiori - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Lewis Kelly - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Raya - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Mr Dorgo - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Sennesi - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Robinson - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Ancelotti - Mentioned as a former manager of Everton.
Harry Wilson - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Amad - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Bumo - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Cunha - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.
Trossard - Mentioned as a player in Fantasy Premier League.