FPL 2025/26 GW17: Bryan Mbeumo and Villa duo among five players you should sell this week
Here are five players to dump ahead of FPL GW 17
Every FPL gameweek seems to throw new curveballs, and now AFCON call ups, suspensions, and streaky hot forms all play their part, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. As tempting as it is to hold ‘in-form’ names, timing your exits is just as crucial as your buys. Here are five players I’d be moving on from ahead of GW17 – with reasoning rooted in both numbers and fixtures.
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Morgan Rogers (7.1m)
Rogers has been electric lately, landing his second 15 pointer in five weeks, but the underlying data says he’s been riding his luck. He’s massively overperforming his expected goals, and if history is any guide, he tends to deliver in streaks before falling quiet for a few matches. With Man United (H), Chelsea (A), and Arsenal (A) coming up, the attacking returns could dry up fast. While others are jumping on late, I’d rather sell a week early than hold through a tough run. Unpopular opinion but an ideal time to cash out and bank those points before regression hits.
Marc Cucurella (6.2m)
Cucurella has looked decent on the eye, but the underlying data doesn’t justify his price anymore. At 6.2m, he’s costing premium money without premium output. Chelsea have flattered to deceive defensively, and their recent clean sheets owe more to luck than structure. The next four – Newcastle, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Man City – look rough, and I’d be surprised if they manage more than a single shutout. His attacking output hasn’t been standout either, posting just 0.82 xGI over the last six GWs, despite facing three of the league’s weakest four sides. Easy sell at this price point.
Nick Woltemade (7.4m)
Fantasy managers love to hold onto players who’ve done well recently, but Woltemade’s numbers suggest it’s time to move on. One assist in three, with no big chances and only one shot on target, tells you what you need to know. Chelsea next doesn’t make things easier, and with Yoane Wissa now back in the frame, there’s added rotation risk. He’s still a talented long-term option, but FPL is all about striking at the right time – and this is the classic moment to hop off before a slow patch begins.
Matty Cash (5.2m)
Cash owners have had their patience tested, and now the fixtures make him an obvious sell. Villa face Man United, Chelsea, and Arsenal next – a nightmare run for clean sheet prospects. Add in the fact that he’s one yellow card away from suspension, and it’s simply not worth the risk. Defensively, Villa have looked shaky, and Cash hasn’t been hitting those advanced positions as often as earlier in the season. Expect attacking regression and limited defensive returns. Selling now avoids headaches and opens a slot for a more secure option.
Bryan Mbeumo (8.2m)
Mbeumo is the obvious sell as he departs for AFCON, but even beyond that, it’s the perfect moment to restructure your midfield. At 8.2m, he’s in that sweet spot where you can easily pivot to premium options like Bukayo Saka, Bruno Fernandes, or Phil Foden – or drop down to value gems like Antoine Semenyo, Matheus Cunha or Kevin Schade. There’s no sense in holding through several missed GWs, so locking in the switch now helps you stay ahead of price drops and plan long term. One of the easiest transfers you’ll make this week.