FPL Gameweek 15 Preview and Team of the Week

FPL Gameweek 15 Preview and Team of the Week

FPL Gameweek 15 Preview and Team of the Week

Gameweek 14 proved challenging for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers due to injuries and notable benchings.

This week may present similar difficulties, given the quick turnaround following the midweek matches.

What can managers do? Not much—just hope to field a full team of 11 players.

However, following this round of matches, all FPL managers will receive five free transfers to accommodate players departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.

These transfers will be a welcomed relief!

The Team of the Week is chosen based on current FPL prices to fit within a £100 million budget, as if you were utilizing a Free Hit.

Don’t miss our FPL special Q&A with expert FPL Heisenberg, live on the BBC Sport website this Friday at 15:30 GMT.

How did last week's team perform?

Outstanding performances from Daniel Munoz (14 points), Mikel Merino (13 points), and Erling Haaland (14 points) contributed to a respectable total of 71 points, despite a disappointing showing from captain Bruno Fernandes.

BBC Sport's FPL Team of the Week for Gameweek 15

Keeper and Defence

Aaron Ramsdale, Newcastle, Keeper, £4.8m - Burnley (H)

With Nick Pope expected to miss the next five games for Newcastle, Ramsdale offers a budget-friendly entry into one of the Premier League's stronger defenses. Newcastle will face Burnley at home, followed by matches against Sunderland (A), Chelsea (H), Manchester United (A), and Burnley (A)—a favorable schedule for financial flexibility.

Burnley has only secured one away victory this season.

Ruben Dias, Manchester City, £5.6m - Sunderland (H)

While a safe choice, concerns about the rotation of City’s full-backs make this selection cautious. Dias has started 13 of 14 games this season, and City is likely to keep Sunderland at bay.

Daniel Munoz, Crystal Palace, £6m - Fulham (A)

Currently indispensable, Munoz is the top defender in the game. The last team to visit Craven Cottage conceded four goals—let's hope for a tighter contest this time. Munoz also brings attacking potential with three goals and three assists this season.

James Tarkowski, Everton, £5.4m - Nottingham Forest (H)

This season has been unpredictable, epitomized by Everton's performance. They achieved two impressive 1-0 away victories against Manchester United and Bournemouth, interspersed with a 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle. Prior to the Newcastle match, Everton had allowed only five goals in six home games. Tarkowski has accumulated 18 defensive contribution points, second only to Marco Senesi.

Joachim Andersen, Fulham, £4.5m - Crystal Palace (H)

Despite Palace being one of the season’s standout teams, their expected goals (xG) over the last four games ranks among the bottom seven in the league. With key midfielder Ismaila Sarr sidelined due to injury, they may struggle to score against Fulham. Andersen has recorded 18 defensive contribution points this season, returning in nine of 13 starts, making him a solid budget option.

Midfield

Phil Foden, Manchester City, £8.2m - Sunderland (H)

Foden is a must-have if the budget allows, as he is currently on a scoring streak. He has previously showcased his ability to rack up goals, and his recent form could be detrimental to those who do not own him. After scoring twice in Gameweek 12 and again last week against Fulham, he is a strong candidate, although there is a chance he may be rested ahead of a crucial match against Real Madrid.

Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, £9m - Wolves (A)

FPL managers should maintain confidence in Fernandes. Despite two frustrating home games against Everton and West Ham, where he failed to score, he registered 11 shots—eight of which were within the box—indicating he is close to a breakout performance. The upcoming match against winless Wolves presents another excellent opportunity for him.

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool, £8m - Leeds (A)

This selection might become a weekly Liverpool gamble. Liverpool struggled in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, but Wirtz stood out, potentially showcasing the form that justified his high price tag. He recorded an xG of 0.71, four shots, three chances created, and one big chance. Although Leeds away is challenging, the pressure is on Liverpool to deliver.

Strikers

Erling Haaland (Captain), Manchester City, £14.9m - Sunderland (H)

After a few weeks without captaining Haaland, he returns as captain for a match that could either end 5-0 in favor of City or 0-0. Sunderland's five-man defense might pose difficulties for City, but Haaland is set to enter a favorable run of fixtures during the holiday season, making him a risky omission.

Danny Welbeck, Brighton, £6.6m - West Ham (H)

West Ham displayed solid defensive prowess against Manchester United, yet they still conceded 17 shots and allowed an xG of 1.56. Welbeck is in excellent form, netting seven goals in his last nine appearances, and could have easily scored during his substitute appearance against Aston Villa. Brighton has consistently scored at least two goals in each of their last six home games.

Nick Woltemade, Newcastle, £7.4m - Burnley (H)

The German striker has consistently delivered points since joining Newcastle, with seven returns in 11 games. He boasts an xG of 0.46 per 90 minutes, ranking seventh among all players. Given Burnley’s poor away defensive record, this selection appears straightforward.

Subs' Bench

Martin Dubravka , Burnley, £4m - Newcastle (A)

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall , Everton, £4.9m - Nottingham Forest (H)

Maxime Esteve , Burnley, £3.9m - Newcastle (A)

Josh King , Fulham, £4.5m - Crystal Palace (H)

Team Total Cost: £97.7m

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