As the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) enters Gameweek 19 of the 2024/25 season, The Scout provides a strategic guide, highlighting five players poised for excellent performance. Remember, if you haven’t used your first Wildcard yet, ensure you do so before Sunday’s 13:00 GMT deadline to avoid losing it permanently. Your second Wildcard will be available immediately after Gameweek 19 concludes, marking the start of Gameweek 20.
Ashley Young (Everton) £4.7m
The versatile full-back from Everton has been a dependable asset in FPL this season. Young has achieved blank returns in only four out of his 14 appearances, placing him among the most reliable defenders for both offensive and defensive contributions.
His statistics speak volumes: seven clean sheets, one goal, three assists, and eight bonus points. This consistency places his average at 4.8 points per game, second only to Arsenal’s Gabriel (£6.3m) among defenders with more than three starts in 2024/25.
Young is set to make a return after a one-match suspension, rejoining an Everton defense that has demonstrated exceptional form lately. Over the last four Gameweeks, they have conceded only one goal, showcasing strong performances against formidable opponents like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) £8.8m
Aston Villa’s forward Ollie Watkins appears set for a return to regular duty following a spell of underutilization. With Jhon Duran (£5.9m) taking the forward position in their last four matches, Watkins will likely regain his spot in the starting eleven.
Watkins’ surge is timely, as Duran was dismissed against Newcastle United, facing a subsequent three-match ban. This presents an opportunity for Watkins to reclaim his position. Additionally, Watkins benefits from an immediate schedule featuring back-to-back home matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City in the upcoming Gameweeks.
His ability to convert big chances is unparalleled among FPL players. This season, with 13 such chances at home, he stands tied for first place. The prospect of facing these two teams at hosting could yield significant benefits, making Watkins a valuable pick if at home.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) £7.2m
Having endured a sluggish first half of the 2024/25 season in FPL, Jean-Philippe Mateta looks set to gain momentum with favorable upcoming fixtures. According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), Crystal Palace’s next five matches carry an average FDR of 2, simplifying his path to success.
Among these favorable matches, Mateta encounters two promoted clubs within the next three Gameweeks, starting with Southampton’s visit this weekend. Historically, Mateta excels against promoted sides, netting three goals and accumulating 21 points against Leicester and Ipswich Town earlier this term.
This pattern makes him a compelling budget forward option in FPL. His current ownership rate of just 2.5 per cent indicates relative undiscovery, adding to his appeal as a differential pick.
Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea) £5.8m
Enzo Maresca’s expected rotation of attacking options could place Christopher Nkunku in prime position for FPL success this Gameweek. Chelsea faces Ipswich Town, a team that struggles against high-impact attackers, as demonstrated by their second-worst ranking for conceding big chances this season.
Nkunku’s classification as a midfielder further enhances his value. Despite primarily operating as a forward, he contributes as a midfielder in FPL, providing versatility that can be advantageous in short-term strategies.
However, his appeal is limited to just one Gameweek. Should Nicolas Jackson (£8.3m) receive a yellow card, he risks a one-match ban, pushing Maresca to rotate his options. Nkunku could step in, leading the line in this scenario. Given Jackson’s current situation with four yellow cards, a booking this weekend would make Nkunku a compelling one-week mid-game pick.
Curtis Jones (Liverpool) £5.3m
Curtis Jones of Liverpool could offer a similar one-Gameweek pick. Initially projected for rotation due to recent performances, he may secure another start thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s (£6.3m) late booking against Leicester City, resulting in a one-match suspension.
Playing in Arne Slot’s aggressive attack, Jones presents a budget-friendly midfielder option. With two goals scored in his last three starts, including an eight-point haul in the midweek match against Leicester, his shooting accuracy stands out.
His value rests in this short-term pick, offering a decent chance to capitalize on Liverpool’s attacking prowess before using your Wildcard to make more significant changes to your team.
In navigating the complexities of FPL, these insights into Ashley Young, Ollie Watkins, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Christopher Nkunku, and Curtis Jones can provide crucial advantages. Their unique characteristics and favorable schedules make them strong candidates for your Gameweek 19 lineup.
As you prepare for Sunday’s 13:00 GMT deadline, consider these strategic picks to bolster your team’s performance. Share your thoughts on these selections or your own strategy in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more in-depth analysis and timely tips to elevate your FPL game.
