FPL 2025/26 GW17: Bryan Mbeumo and Villa duo among five players you should sell this week
Each FPL gameweek presents fresh challenges, with AFCON selections, suspensions, and fluctuating forms contributing to the mix, notes Fantasy Premier League specialist Blake Hurst. While it might be tempting to retain players who are currently performing well, knowing when to let go is just as vital as making smart acquisitions. Below are five players I recommend moving on from before GW17, backed by data and fixture analysis.
Morgan Rogers (7.1m)
Rogers has been impressive recently, scoring his second 15-pointer in just five weeks, but the statistics indicate he’s been fortunate. He is greatly exceeding his expected goals, and history suggests that he tends to score in bursts, before going quiet for a few games. With Man United (H), Chelsea (A), and Arsenal (A) looming, the attacking returns might diminish quickly. While others are jumping in late, I prefer to sell a week early rather than endure a challenging stretch. It may be an unpopular viewpoint, but it’s the right moment to cash in and secure points before a downturn hits.
Marc Cucurella (6.2m)
Cucurella has appeared solid on the surface, but the underlying statistics fail to support his current valuation. At 6.2m, he’s commanding a premium price without corresponding premium results. Chelsea’s defense has been underwhelming, and their recent clean sheets are more a result of fortune than strategy. The upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Man City seem tough, and I’d be shocked if they manage more than a solitary shutout. His attacking contributions haven’t been especially impressive either, recording just 0.82 xGI over the past six GWs against three of the weakest teams in the league. It’s a straightforward decision to sell him at this price.
Nick Woltemade (7.4m)
Fantasy managers tend to hold on to players who have recently performed well, but Woltemade’s statistics indicate it’s time to let go. He has just one assist in three matches, with no significant chances created and only a single shot on target, which says it all. The upcoming match against Chelsea doesn’t help, and with Yoane Wissa back in contention, his rotation risk has increased. Although he has long-term potential, FPL is about acting at the right moment—and this is the ideal instance to make a move before a slump begins.
Matty Cash (5.2m)
Patience has worn thin for Cash’s owners, and the forthcoming fixtures render him a clear sell. Villa’s next opponents are Man United, Chelsea, and Arsenal—a daunting stretch for clean sheet potential. Additionally, he is just one yellow card away from suspension, making the risk unworthy. Villa’s defense has not been solid, and Cash hasn’t been pushing forward into advanced positions as frequently as earlier in the season. Anticipate both attacking regression and limited defensive outputs. Selling now eases potential headaches and allows room for a more reliable alternative.
Bryan Mbeumo (8.2m)
Mbeumo is the evident player to sell as he heads off for AFCON, but even aside from that, it’s an opportune moment to rethink your midfield setup. Priced at 8.2m, he’s in a position where you can effortlessly switch to premium players like Bukayo Saka, Bruno Fernandes, or Phil Foden—or drop down to value options such as Antoine Semenyo, Matheus Cunha, or Kevin Schade. There’s no benefit in holding through multiple missed gameweeks, so making the switch now keeps you ahead of potential price drops and allows for long-term planning. It’s one of the simplest transfers you’ll make this week.
Published: 2025-12-18 13:47:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
