As Fantasy Premier League enters gameweek 16 before the AFCON break, experts recommend buying reliable performers like Bruno Fernandes and Bukayo Saka while selling risks such as Mohamed Salah. These moves aim to navigate rotation and absences during the festive period.
Players to Buy Before AFCON
Fantasy Premier League managers should target Bruno Fernandes (9.1m) from Manchester United, who recently scored 18 points against Wolves and leads as the top-scoring midfielder with 0.46 xGI/90 and 0.67 goal involvements per 90. He remains a penalty taker despite missing two spot-kicks and boasts a 10.61 DEFCON rate per 90.
Hugo Ekitike (8.4m) of Newcastle offers differential potential, especially with Cody Gakpo sidelined and Mohamed Salah possibly unavailable; Ekitike has 0.68 goal involvements per 90 and could start alongside Alexander Isak.
Raúl Jiménez (6.2m), owned by 1.5% of players, is set to lead Fulham's line and take penalties, providing secure starts amid fixture congestion.
Igor Thiago (7.0m) impressed against Tottenham, nearly scoring twice, and now faces softer fixtures against Leeds, Wolves, and Bournemouth as Brentford's penalty taker.
Bukayo Saka (10.2m) from Arsenal delivers consistent returns with 7.9 DEFCON per 90, serving as the team's talisman and penalty taker against Wolves.
Players to Sell for Stability
Jean-Philippe Mateta (8.2m) of Crystal Palace has managed just two goals in six gameweeks, playing over 65 minutes only once in his last four outings.
Daniel Muñoz (6.1m), also from Palace, faces a knee issue and tough fixtures, making him poor value compared to cheaper teammates like Chris Richards or Marc Guehi.
Iliman Ndiaye (6.5m) of Everton heads to AFCON and faces Chelsea this week, prompting an early sale for options like Callum Wilson or Anthony Gordon.
Mohamed Salah (14.0m) from Liverpool carries uncertainty over his involvement against Brighton and impending AFCON duty with Egypt, allowing reinvestment in form players like Cole Palmer.
Yankuba Minteh (6.3m) of Brighton has blanked in three straight games and faces harsh fixtures including Liverpool and Arsenal.
These adjustments balance reliability and upside as the festive schedule intensifies.
