1. Context: Why GW15 Matters
Gameweek 15 lands in the middle of the festive rush. Rotation risks are high, injuries are mounting, and managers must plan around the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) absences coming soon. Importantly, FPL rules this season require that one Free Hit chip must be used by GW19. Combined with your Bench Boost, this creates a tactical puzzle: when to deploy each chip for maximum upside.
2. Key Fixtures to Target
- Newcastle vs Burnley – Burnley are struggling, making Newcastle attackers and defenders appealing.
- Arsenal vs Aston Villa – Arsenal midfielders remain consistent picks despite Villa’s strong form.
- Manchester City vs Sunderland – City are heavy favorites, with Haaland and Foden in explosive form.
- Fulham vs Crystal Palace – Palace’s defense has been one of the most reliable this season.
3. Players to Pick
🔥 Attackers
- Erling Haaland (MCI, £14.9m) – Safest captain choice, relentless scoring form.
- Phil Foden (MCI, £8.3m) – 32 points in two gameweeks; his attacking metrics are elite.
- Mikel Merino (ARS, £6.0m) – Converted midfielder playing advanced, with returns in four consecutive matches.
- Bruno Guimarães (NEW, £6.7m) – Three goals and three assists in his last four at St James’ Park.
🛡️ Defenders
- Chris Richards (CRY, £4.6m) – Budget route into Palace’s clean-sheet machine.
- Daniel Muñoz (CRY, £6.0m) – Offers attacking threat alongside defensive solidity.
- Ben White (ARS, £5.3m) – Two assists and a clean sheet last GW.
- Kieran Trippier (NEW, £6.6m) – Set-piece threat plus clean sheet potential against Burnley.
🎯 Differentials
- Nick Woltemade (NEW, £7.4m) – Rising ownership, strong fixture run.
- Jeremy Doku (MCI, £6.6m) – Creative spark, rotation risk but high upside.
- Samuel Chukwueze (CHE, £5.3m) – Impactful sub, brace last GW.
4. Chip Strategy (Bench Boost + Free Hit by GW19)
❌ Free Hit in GW15?
Not optimal. Fixtures are balanced, and you’ll receive five free transfers in GW16, which allows a natural squad refresh without burning a chip.
✅ Best Path
- Free Hit: Save for GW18 or GW19. These weeks are more chaotic with rotation and AFCON absences.
- Bench Boost: Target GW19. Use the transfer reset to build a deep squad (strong second GK, playable 3rd/4th defenders, budget mids with starts).
This way, you comply with the rule (must use Free Hit by GW19) and maximize upside by pairing Bench Boost with a stacked squad.
5. Captaincy Picks
- Primary: Erling Haaland – safest and most explosive.
- Alternative: Phil Foden – form player, especially if you want a differential.
- Wildcard: Bruno Guimarães – home fixture vs Burnley, strong recent returns.
6. Strategy Tips
- Use Transfers Now: Don’t roll them — they’ll reset to five next week.
- Target Newcastle & City: Both have strong clean sheet and goal odds.
- Balance Premiums & Budget Picks: Palace defenders and Merino allow flexibility.
- Plan for AFCON: Start thinking about replacements for players who will depart.
- Chip Roadmap: Free Hit GW18/19, Bench Boost GW19.
7. Comparison Table – GW15 Picks
| Position | Safe Pick | Differential Pick | Budget Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forward | Haaland (MCI) | Woltemade (NEW) | Chukwueze (CHE) |
| Midfield | Foden (MCI) | Merino (ARS) | Doku (MCI) |
| Defense | Trippier (NEW) | Ben White (ARS) | Chris Richards (CRY) |
| Captaincy | Haaland | Foden | Guimarães (NEW) |
8. Conclusion
Gameweek 15 is about stability, not risk. Stick with the form players (Haaland, Foden, Merino), invest in reliable defenses (Palace, Newcastle, Arsenal), and avoid burning your Free Hit now. With AFCON and transfer resets coming, patience will pay off. Save your Free Hit for GW18/19 chaos, and build toward a Bench Boost in GW19 with a fully stacked squad.
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