Fantasy Premier League players will be transferred

The New Year period isn’t just about introducing new names, writes FPL expert Blake Hurst, it’s also about knowing when to let go.

With turnover, injuries and tougher matchups shaking things up, some once-reliable FPL assets now look like traps as 2026 approaches.

Whether it’s a loss of form, playing time concerns or tough fixtures ahead, now is the time to cash in before their value drops further.

Here are five players we’re happy to move on from or avoid ahead of Gameweek 19. You can also read our advice on players to transform your team in early 2026. here.

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa, 8.5m)

Villa’s form has been impressive, but this weekend’s trip to Arsenal looks like one to avoid for attacking players.

Watkins faces one of the most disciplined defenses in the league and, with the exclusion of Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara, Villa’s balance could take a real hit.

Arsenal have still conceded a few goals, but they rarely let attackers roam freely, especially at the Emirates Stadium.

Watkins’ second-half brace against Chelsea means the England striker could be a solid choice going forward. But with this difficult time, managers could bank or even sell temporarily to free up funds if you own it.

In the short term, there are better options with easier return paths over the next few game weeks. Easy avoidance.

Nick Woltemade (Newcastle, 7.4m)

Although Burnley looks tempting on paper, there is a real chance Nick Woltemade could find himself in the rotation this week.

The German striker’s performance in Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat at Manchester United was flat and, with Yoane Wissa fit and pushing for his first start, the Magpies could look to freshen things up.

Selling before a theoretically good match is a risky move, but the rotation around busy times can be brutal. If you have transfers in the bank, a smart differential play could be to move to Wissa, which has a population of 7.3 million and is owned by just 0.6% of managers. A real differential.

Sometimes avoiding a possible bench is worth more than chasing an “easy” match.

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth, 7.7m)

Semenyo’s schedule takes a sharp turn, with Chelsea away followed by Arsenal at home, making for a difficult few weeks for the Bournemouth wideman.

Add to that the fact that Semenyo receives a yellow card following a suspension and it seems like an easy sell. Transfer rumors continue to swirl as the January transfer window approaches, and a release clause means a move could happen at any time.

The future of the Cherries’ top scorer seems uncertain in real life and in our teams. By the time these next two matches are over, there’s every chance he won’t even be playing for them anymore, with many clubs keen to move on.

Jurrien Timber (Arsenal, 6.5m)

If you’ve been keeping Timber around because of his recent injuries, now might be a good time to cut ties – especially if you’ve locked down the team’s value.

Although his return is promising, Arsenal’s defense offers safer routes with Gabriel returning soon and much safer starters from week to week.

Add to that the fact that there is serious value elsewhere – Newcastle and Everton defenders such as Lewis Hall, Malick Thiaw, Michael Keane and James Tarkowski all offer better DEFCON consistency at lower prices – and wood seems like a luxury you can do without.

Watch his minutes, by all means. But right now, there are smarter ways to spend that money.

Harry Wilson (Fulham, 5.8m)

Wilson’s purple patch appears to have faded and Fulham’s upcoming matches are not helping his cause.

With the absence of Crystal Palace followed by visits from Liverpool and Chelsea, the winger faces a difficult journey. The initial hype died down, and with so many budget midfielders offering better defensive or offensive scoring potential, Wilson’s appeal dropped sharply.

THE Wales The captain met his fate as a high-value pick, but now is a good time to sell before the matches get really ugly.

If you’re looking at this price point, going with a DEFCON-focused mid seems like the most logical and sustainable decision.