Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 16 review: Man City, Ekitike, Arsenal and more – The Athletic
Another weekend of Premier League action is in the books, and with it comes a fresh wave of FPL dilemmas.
Goals arrived from unexpected sources, popular assets reminded us why they’re worth backing, and a few long-term assumptions were put to the test.
From emerging forwards to renewed title contenders, here’s a full review of the weekend and what it means for your FPL squad.
Ekitike stakes his claim
One of the standout performances of the weekend came from Hugo Ekitike (£8.6m), who scored twice against Brighton & Hove Albion and confirmed his status as an FPL option. His movement was sharp, his confidence was high, and perhaps most importantly for FPL managers, he might be Liverpool’s first choice up front, whether Alexander Isak (£10.4m) is fit or not.
Isak was an injury doubt but made it onto the pitch as a late substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 win. Ekitike’s minutes look far more secure. He has scored four goals in the last two games and looks nailed on to start over the festive period, either alongside Isak or as a lone front man. How can you drop a striker who is scoring goals and linking play so effectively?
Sweetening the deal further, Liverpool’s upcoming fixture run is enticing. In the next three, they play Tottenham Hotspur (A), Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) and Leeds United (H).
Hugo Ekitike looks to be Liverpool’s main man in attack (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
The schedule looks kind, the attack is clicking and if Ekitike continues to start, he could quickly become one of the most popular forward picks in the game.
For managers looking to move early on a striker before the crowd arrives, Ekitike could be the deal.
Manchester City’s title chase continues
With four wins, 14 goals and two clean sheets in four games, City’s assets are tough to ignore. The team looks fluid again, the pressing is sharper, and they’re creating chances at a level we’ve come to expect under Pep Guardiola.
At the heart of it all is Phil Foden (£8.8m), who has become a must-own. His confidence is sky-high, he’s central to almost everything City do in attack, and his output is matching the eye test. When City are firing, Foden tends to thrive — and that’s exactly what we’re seeing.
Next up in the league, West Ham United at home, so the timing couldn’t be better to invest. This feels like one of those moments when delaying the move could significantly hurt your rank. While Foden and Erling Haaland (£15.0m) look locked in, the debate around the third Manchester City spot is more nuanced.
Rayan Cherki (£6.4m) has looked electric whenever he has been on the pitch. He passes the eye test with ease: quick feet, creativity, and a willingness to take risks in the final third. The problem is his minutes. You want a degree of reliability, and it’s hard to fully trust he will play during a congested schedule.
That’s why attention has shifted toward Nico O’Reilly (£5.3m) and Matheus Nunes (£5.3m). Both offer excellent value. Nunes grabbed an assist this weekend, which will naturally draw in managers. However, when we dig into the underlying numbers, things get interesting.
Nunes has one goal and four assists with an xGI (expected goal involvement) of 1.2, while O’Reilly has registered one goal and three assists but boasts a significantly higher 3.1 xGI.
That illustrates how O’Reilly has been getting into better attacking positions more consistently. Seeing as they are the same price and as equally likely to start, the numbers suggest O’Reilly could be a better long-term bet.
Either option is viable, and the upcoming gameweek is a great time to buy into the defence.
Arsenal survive a scare — but tough decisions loom
Their fans were made to sweat this weekend. A late stoppage-time goal was needed to secure Arsenal’s win against Wolves, and while three points are three points, the performance raised a few eyebrows.
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s fixture list is far from straightforward as they play Everton (A), Brighton (H), Aston Villa (H), Bournemouth (A), Liverpool (H) in the next five league games.
That run is enough to make FPL managers consider Arsenal’s players. Should you sell? Should you hold? There’s no right or wrong approach here — it all depends on your squad structure and risk appetite.
Arsenal left it late to secure the win against Wolves (Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images)
If you’re doubled up in defence, that might be the easiest place to make a change. Moving one defender — for example, swapping Jurrien Timber (£6.5m) for O’Reilly — could free up funds while maintaining upside with an attacking defender.
Arsenal’s clean-sheet potential may dip slightly during this run, but they have the best defence in the league, so keeping two of their defenders should still result in points.
The only Arsenal attacker who appeals is Bukayo Saka (£10.3m). Even in a scrappy game, he once again showed why he’s considered the team’s talisman. Mikel Arteta’s side flows through him, and his two FPL assists against Wolves were more than deserved.
If you’re trimming Arsenal assets, he’s probably the one you hold onto.
Final thoughts
Ekitike has emerged as a genuine forward option, Manchester City look zoned in as they chase down the league leaders, and FPL managers are facing some strategic decisions as Arsenal’s tougher fixtures approach.
City’s form and fixtures make now the time to buy, not next week. Arsenal assets may need rebalancing rather than wholesale selling.
The key over the next few gameweeks will be balance. Jumping early on players with form and fixtures, such as City players or Ekitike, could pay huge dividends, but there’s also value in holding proven talismen, including Saka, through tougher runs.
