The New Year fixture run is here – and with it comes chaos, opportunity and the chance to rocket up those ranks, writes FPL expert Blake Hurst.
Gameweek 19 is the perfect time to reset, refresh, and go bold with your picks as the season hits full throttle.
With rotation risks, surprise hauls and new patterns emerging across the league, the right transfer could make all the difference heading into 2026.
We’ve narrowed down five standout players who combine form, fixtures, and reliability – ideal moves to set you up for a strong start to the year. Let’s dive in.
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle, 7.0m)
Newcastle haven’t looked their sharpest lately, but Bruno Guimaraes is edging back into our thoughts ahead of a great run of fixtures.
At 7.0m, the Brazil international offers reliability and a touch of class in midfield, especially with games against Burnley, Leeds – at home – Wolves and a visit from Crystal Palace in gameweek 20.
Anthony Gordon’s open-play goal threat figures have been undesirable and Nick Woltemade could see reduced minutes with Yoane Wissa returning, so Bruno feels like the safest pick among the Magpies’ attacking options.
He’s nailed on to start, central to everything Newcastle create and has the long-range threat to deliver big. A steady pick with upside during a plum fixture run.
Bruno with the Olimpico! 😍🇧🇷@brunoog97 pic.twitter.com/G8E5h1mlST
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 6, 2025
Lewis Hall (Newcastle, 5.2m)
For those hunting for a differential, Lewis Hall (1.3% ownership) is quietly becoming a very interesting option.
The young full-back brings energy, creativity, and attacking output down the flank, averaging an impressive 8.38 DEFCON per 90 minutes.
Hall’s also been unlucky not to score recently, striking the bar against Manchester United, and occasionally takes set pieces, which elevates his ceiling further.
There is a slight question about his minutes but, when he plays, the potential is there for returns at both ends.
If you’d prefer a safer route, Malick Thiaw (9.48 DEFCON per 90 and only 2.8% owned) offers similar value with more security.
Newcastle’s upcoming fixtures have serious serious clean sheet potential and getting a piece of this defence early is what will seperate you and your mini league rivals.
Matheus Cunha (Man United, 8.1m)
Matheus Cunha continues to pass the eye test with flying colours: sharp movement, plenty of shots, strong link-up play and an ever-present attacking outlet in this Manchester United set-up.
Against tougher opposition, Cunha’s consistently involved in chance creation, and even dropped deeper to influence play more when Mason Mount was subbed at half-time recently.
It’s only a matter of time before the haul arrives. A home match against Wolves before trips to Leeds United and Burnley make this the ideal time to jump on.
Cunha looks integral to everything United are doing in attack, blending creativity with goal threat. A smart, forward-thinking pick for managers chasing upside.
Want more Fantasy Premier League tips? Read about the FPL players to transfer out at the start of 2026 here.
Michael Keane (Everton, 4.7m)
Michael Keane rewarded managers beautifully last week with a 10-pointer in a 0-0 draw at Burnley, and he remains on our radar heading into Gameweek 19.
Everton’s defensive form has been consistent, and Keane continues to shine as a DEFCON magnet – racking up a remarkable 20 DEFCON last week, double the threshold for bonus potential.
The Toffees’ trip to Nottingham Forest isn’t quite as juicy as last week’s visit to Turf Moor, but the Toffees’ clean sheet prospects remain solid.
At his price, Keane’s fantastic value and perfectly rotatable if fixtures tighten. Everton have stability, Keane has form and everything suggests more points could be on the horizon.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham, 7.6m)
Jarrod Bowen’s consistency continues to make him one of the most dependable forwards in FPL.
Over the last six gameweeks, he’s fired in 17 shots – showing no signs of slowing down – and his minutes remain iron-clad over the congested festive period.
West Ham are next in action at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, whose defensive numbers have been dreadful recently.
With fixtures against Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Spurs to follow, Bowen has every chance to keep delivering.
The England forward is the definition of a “set and forget” option right now: great form, full of confidence and completely nailed on to play.
If you’re after a steady New Year’s transfer to keep your forward line ticking, Bowen ticks every box.