FPL 2025/26 GW17: Move for Semenyo and Cunha and watch them provide pre-Christmas cheer

We’re entering that part of the FPL season where form meets fixture chaos, AFCON absences start to bite, and early differentials can make or break your mini-league rank, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. Gameweek 17 offers some juicy punts – a mix of nailed starters, under the radar risers, and short-term hauls waiting to happen. Here are five players you should seriously consider bringing in to bolster your squad.

Nico O’Reilly (5.3m)

O’Reilly has become first-choice for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but Rayan Aït-Nouri’s AFCON absence locks his spot in further. City’s fixtures are very kind, and O’Reilly’s numbers quietly suggest he’s overdue a big return. Averaging 0.25 xGI per 90 minutes, he’s posting attacking numbers you’d normally see in a midfielder, not a defender. Add in his consistent advanced positioning and the fact he’s been flirting with DEFCON territory every week, and you’ve got a player primed to explode. If you want clean sheets with the chance of DEFCON and attacking potential – O’Reilly ticks every box.

Igor Thiago (7.2m)

It’s baffling to see Thiago among the most sold forwards this week. Sure, some label him a “penalty merchant,” but that overlooks just how consistent his open-play threat remains. Brentford are the best in the league at winning penalties, and Thiago’s calmness on spot kicks only adds to his FPL appeal. He’s in second place in the Premier League scoring charts, delivering elite level numbers and rarely blanks for too long. The upcoming run looks decent too, so selling now feels premature. If you want reliability wrapped in explosive upside, Thiago stays firmly on my buy list.

Antoine Semenyo (7.5m)

Semenyo’s performance level has been bubbling for weeks, and Burnley at home is the perfect chance for him to turn promise into points. Burnley’s structural weakness comes down his flank – everything about this matchup screams potential haul. If Erling Haaland wasn’t facing West Ham, Semenyo would genuinely be captaincy material. He’s been unlucky with a few offside returns, but that shows he’s getting into dangerous positions. One word of caution: he’s on four yellow cards, so this is a short-term punt before Bournemouth’s fixtures toughen. Think 1-2 GWs, then switch to a Manchester United midfielder from gameweek 19 for Wolves, Leeds and Burnley. 

Hugo Ekitikè (8.6m)

Yes, rotation is a risk, but Ekitike’s current form makes him hard to ignore. He’s playing with confidence and delivering underlying stats to match: 14 shots, 10 inside the box, and four big chances in recent appearances. Liverpool’s upcoming run (Spurs, Wolves, Leeds, Fulham) looks tailor-made for attacking returns, especially if he continues to lead the line. Arne Slot’s side is starting to click and creating chances at will, and when Ekitikè’s on the pitch, he’s right at the centre of it all. If you fancy a differential with high upside potential, this might be your pick.

Matheus Cunha (7.9m)

If you already own Bruno Fernandes, fair enough – but Cunha might just be the next Red Devil to double down on. With Bryan Mbeumo and Amad away at AFCON, Cunha’s minutes look secure, and his confidence is clearly building over the last couple of games. He’s finally clicking in Ruben Amorim’s front line, putting up some threatening displays. What’s surprising is that United are tied 2nd for goals scored this season and sit just 0.11 xG short of the league’s top attack. At only 4.1% ownership, Cunha’s the kind of timely differential who can shoot you up the ranks. Don’t underestimate this pick – he’s found rhythm at the perfect time.