Gameweek 17 arrives with two major factors shaping Fantasy Premier League decision-making: a clearer picture of team quality after 16 rounds, and the disruptive influence of AFCON 2025, which removes several high-value players from the Premier League for the coming weeks. With the extensive Christmas football period, we look at fixture difficulty across GW17–GW22, with FPL managers forced to think beyond one-week punts and instead balance immediate upside with medium-term squad structure.
Looking at the current EPL table, GW17–GW22 Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), the FPL 30-day form list for attackers, and the confirmed list of players absent due to AFCON, this preview identifies six forwards best placed to deliver returns in GW17 and beyond. The focus is on form, fixture quality, opponent strength, and team stability during the AFCON period. Don’t forget, the deadline for Gameweek 17 is set at 11:00 (UK time) on Saturday, 20th December 2025. The free to play FPL or pay to play season/weekend/daily games like FanTeam are ideal ways of following the Premier League action.
Erling Haaland – Manchester City
Manchester City sit 2nd in the table and continue to score freely, making Erling Haaland the standout forward once again. In GW17, City host West Ham, who are currently 18th, presenting one of the best fixtures of the entire Gameweek. From GW18–GW22, City face Nottingham Forest (A), Sunderland (A), Chelsea (H), Brighton (H), and Manchester United (A). While the final two fixtures are tougher, the next three in particular offer prime opportunities for goals. Haaland remains top for total FPL points among forwards and, with City unaffected by AFCON in attack, he is the safest captaincy and transfer option heading into GW17.
Hugo Ekitiké – Liverpool
Liverpool are 7th in the table but remain dangerous in attack, even with Mohamed Salah away at AFCON given his lack of impact for the club recently. Ekitiké benefits directly from that absence and ranks highly on the FPL 30-day form list. In GW17, Liverpool travel to face Tottenham, who are 11th, a fixture that often produces goals. The next five matches include Wolves (H), Leeds (H), Fulham (A), Arsenal (A), and Burnley (H). While Arsenal away is very difficult, the surrounding fixtures are attractive. With increased responsibility during Salah’s absence, Ekitiké stands out as one of the biggest AFCON-driven FPL beneficiaries.
Jarrod Bowen – West Ham United
Despite West Ham’s struggles (18th), Jarrod Bowen continues to deliver strong individual output and sits near the top of the attackers’ form list. GW17 is tough — West Ham travel to Manchester City (2nd) — but Bowen’s value lies in what follows. From GW18–GW22, West Ham face Fulham (H), Brighton (H), Wolves (A), Nottingham Forest (H), and Tottenham (A). Four of those five fixtures rate favourably for attacking returns. Bowen’s central role, penalty involvement, and lack of AFCON disruption make him a classic “fixture-proof” pick whose value improves significantly after GW17.
Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa
Aston Villa continue to impress in 3rd place, and Ollie Watkins remains their attacking focal point. In GW17, Villa host Manchester United (6th) in a challenging but balanced fixture. Villa’s attacking consistency keeps Watkins relevant even against top-half opposition. The following run includes Chelsea (A), Arsenal (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Crystal Palace (A), and Everton (H). While Arsenal away is as difficult as it gets, the Forest and Everton fixtures in GW20 and GW22 are particularly appealing. Villa have no AFCON absentees, and Watkins’ reliability for minutes and chances makes him a strong medium-term hold rather than a one-week punt.
Richarlison – Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham sit 11th, but Richarlison remains their most reliable attacking outlet and features on the FPL 30-day form list. GW17 brings a home fixture against Liverpool (7th) — challenging, but historically open. Spurs’ fixtures from GW18–GW22 include Crystal Palace (A), Brentford (A), Sunderland (H), Bournemouth (A), and West Ham (H). This is one of the better attacking runs in the league, particularly from GW19 onward. With Tottenham missing midfield depth due to AFCON, Richarlison’s importance in the final third increases, making him a strong differential forward for managers planning ahead.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Leeds United
Calvert-Lewin ranks second on the FPL 30-day form list and plays for a Leeds side currently 17th, but his individual appeal is driven by fixtures rather than league position. In GW17, Leeds host Crystal Palace, who sit 5th, which is not straightforward, but Leeds’ attacking approach gives Calvert-Lewin chances regardless of opposition. From GW18–GW22, Leeds face Sunderland (A), Liverpool (A), Manchester United (H), Newcastle (A), and Fulham (H). While mixed in difficulty, the Fulham fixture in GW22 stands out. Calvert-Lewin’s strong recent form and secure starting role make him a viable mid-price forward, particularly for managers unable to afford premium options.
AFCON 2025: Which Clubs Are Most Affected?
AFCON 2025 introduces a significant structural shift for several Premier League teams, particularly those losing high-value FPL assets. Liverpool are impacted by the absence of Mohamed Salah, one of the highest-scoring players in FPL 2025/26, but his loss this season will not be felt as much as previous years due to his dip in form and new arrivals at Liverpool. His departure redistributes attacking responsibility, increasing the appeal of alternatives such as Ekitiké and other Liverpool attackers.
Manchester United lose Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, both of whom have delivered strong returns this season. Mbeumo’s absence in particular removes a major source of goals and assists, reducing United’s attacking ceiling and increasing rotation risk for remaining options.
Everton are hit by the loss of Iliman Ndiaye, one of their most productive attackers, while Brentford lose Dango Ouattara, another player with strong FPL returns this season. These absences significantly weaken mid-table and lower-table attacks, making their fixtures less attractive for FPL investment.
Forest and West Ham both lose a couple of defensive players while Spurs lose a couple of midfielders so all three could be under more pressure defensively over the next few fixtures. Sunderland are numerically the most affected, losing six players, which could dramatically impact their competitiveness and make them a fixture to target over the coming weeks. In contrast, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle, Leeds, and Bournemouth emerge relatively unscathed, increasing the reliability of their key assets during this congested period.
Conclusion & GW17 Recommendations
GW17 is a pivotal Gameweek where planning around AFCON becomes just as important as chasing immediate points. Haaland remains the standout captaincy option, while Ekitiké and Bowen gain value as their teams adapt to key absences. Managers should prioritise attackers from clubs least affected by AFCON and with strong GW17–GW22 fixture runs. Building now with a medium-term lens could define success over the next month of FPL action. For further discussions have a look at FISO’s FPL forum where you can also see the FPL mini-leagues and FPL side-games available