With fixtures shifting and several teams moving into a strong run of matches, Gameweek 17 feels like a good point for Fantasy Premier League managers to consider activating their Wildcard.
Recent injuries, players set to leave for AFCON, and several popular picks who are no longer delivering have all made a squad refresh more appealing.
This article looks at Wildcard team ideas for Gameweek 17, focusing on balance, affordable options, and players who are well placed to deliver steady returns over the
coming weeks.
Goalkeepers
David Raya (Arsenal)
David Raya is one of the most reliable goalkeepers in FPL right now. He plays behind Arsenal’s strong defence, which gives him a good chance of keeping clean sheets and earning points. In Gameweek 17, Arsenal face Everton away, a team that often struggles to score against the top sides. This makes Raya a great choice for your squad.
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
Henderson is a solid option for your Wildcard as a backup goalkeeper who actually plays. Despite Crystal Palace’s recent 3-0 loss to Manchester City, he has been performing well and earned 10 points in his last three matches. In Gameweek 17, Palace face Leeds away, which could be a busy game for him but also gives him a good chance to earn and save points.
Defenders
Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)
Timber is a strong option if you want a piece of Arsenal’s defence without spending too much.
He has been solid at the back while also getting involved in attack, helping in build-ups and creating chances.
He has played consistently well in recent matches and helped Arsenal keep clean sheets.
Arsenal face Everton away this week, a team Timber and the defence should have a good chance of keeping from scoring, making him a reliable pick for your Wildcard.
Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace)
Guéhi is one of the key figures in Palace’s backline and has been giving good Fantasy points for about three gameweeks now.
He didn’t deliver points in the recent match against Manchester City, but he remains a strong option because he plays almost every minute and is very reliable.
Palace travel to Leeds, who sit 17th on the table, and this should be a game where Guéhi can shine and help earn points for your squad.
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Cucurella can be frustrating at times, but he adds value with his high positioning and attacking involvement.
He has been involved in Chelsea’s play and has been helping create chances in recent matches.
Chelsea face Newcastle away, a tough fixture, but if they score, Cucurella is likely to be part of the action, providing potential assists or bonus points, making him a useful pick for your Wildcard.
Nico O’Reilly (Man City)
O’Reilly offers a route into Man City’s defense at £5.3m. He has been playing frequently and showing attacking potential from the back.
City host West Ham at the Etihad, a fixture they usually dominate, which could make it a good week for O’Reilly to earn points.
Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth)
Senesi brings both defensive strength and attacking potential. Even though he hasn’t been giving FPL points lately, he still remains a good option as Bournemouth face Burnley. He has played most minutes in recent matches and has a 75% chance of playing this week.
Bournemouth welcome Burnley at home, one of the best fixtures for a defender, giving Senesi a chance for a clean sheet or even a goal. Checking his fitness before the deadline is important due to his slight injury concern.
Midfielders
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Saka is one of Arsenal’s most important players. He takes penalties, corners, and is involved in almost every goal. In their recent 2-1 win over Wolves, he was the standout player, creating dangerous chances and helping Arsenal score.
Arsenal face Everton away next, a team that defends close to their goal. Saka will be the main player trying to unlock their defence, making him a key pick for your Wildcard.
Phil Foden (Man City)
Foden can score big points at any moment and has been doing so in recent matches. In City’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, he scored and created chances, showing he is in great form. Next, City host West Ham at home, who will likely defend close to their goal, giving Foden the chance to find space, take shots from distance, and add points for your Wildcard.
Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
Bruno is one of United’s main playmakers and is very involved in creating chances. With Mbeumo heading to the AFCON, Bruno will have more responsibility to lead attacks from gameweek 17 onwards, giving him a better chance to score or assist. United face Aston Villa away next, and Villa’s high defensive line could leave gaps for Bruno to exploit with passes behind the defence, making him a strong pick for your Wildcard.
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
Semenyo is a very direct and attacking player. He always looks to shoot when he gets the chance and can take advantage of defensive errors. In one of his matches against Chelsea, he surprised many by breaking through their backline and creating dangerous chances, showing he can cause real trouble for strong teams. His recent form makes him a smart pick for your Wildcard.
Bournemouth host Burnley at home next, a match that suits him. With Burnley’s defence being vulnerable at times, Semenyo will look to attack and could score or assist.
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Rogers has settled well into the Villa team and is a valuable pick. He has been scoring in every match recently, including two goals in Villa’s last game against West Ham. Villa face Manchester United at home next, and it will be interesting to see if he can continue his scoring run against a stronger defence.
Forwards
Erling Haaland (Man City)
Haaland is one of the best goalscorers in the world and a must-have in Fantasy Premier League. He scored twice in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, showing his ability to find the net even in tight games. City host West Ham at home next, and Haaland will be the favourite for the captaincy this week. Given his form and the fixture, he can also be considered for the Triple Captain chip to maximise points potential.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
Mateta is a big, physical striker who can bully defenders and score when you least expect it. He hasn’t been at his best recently, but Palace face Leeds away next, and with their defence showing weaknesses, Mateta could get back into form and give managers some good Fantasy points.
Igor Thiago (Brentford)
Thiago has been one of the standout forwards in the Premier League this season. He was recently named the EA SPORTS Player of the Month for November after scoring five goals in four games, becoming the first Brentford player to win the award.
Brentford face Wolves away next, who have struggled defensively at times, so Thiago should get plenty of chances to add to his goal tally and reward managers who include him in their Wildcard squads.
