Transform your Fantasy Premier League team

The New Year’s calendar is here – and with it comes chaos, opportunity and the chance to climb the ladder, writes FPL expert Blake Hurst.

Gameweek 19 is the perfect time to reset, refresh, and get bold with your choices as the season gets into full swing.

With the risks of turnover, surprises and the emergence of new models in the league, the right transfer could make all the difference between now and 2026.

We’ve selected five standout players who combine form, matches and reliability – ideal moves to set you up for a strong start to the year. Let’s go.

Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle, 7.0m)

Newcastle haven’t been at their best of late, but Bruno Guimaraes is back in our thoughts ahead of a great run of matches.

At 7.0m, the Brazil international offers reliability and a touch of class in midfield, including matches against Burnley, Leeds – at home – Wolves and a visit to Crystal Palace in Week 20.

Anthony Gordon’s goal threat numbers from open play have been undesirable and Nick Woltemade could see minutes reduced with the return of Yoane Wissa, so Bruno feels like the safest choice among the Magpies’ attacking options.

He is well placed to start, at the heart of everything Newcastle create and has the long-term threat of making it big. A stable choice with an advantage during a plum race.

Bruno with the Olimpico! 😍🇧🇷@brunoog97 pic.twitter.com/G8E5h1mlST

– Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 6, 2025

Lewis Hall (Newcastle, 5.2m)

For those looking for a differential, Lewis Hall (1.3% participation) is gradually becoming a very interesting option.

The young full-back brings energy, creativity and attacking power to the flank, averaging an impressive 8.38. DEFCON per 90 minutes.

Hall has also been unlucky not to score recently, hitting the bar against Manchester United, and occasionally taking set pieces, which raises his ceiling even further.

There is a slight question about his minutes but, when he plays, the comeback potential is there on both sides.

If you prefer a safer route, Malick Thiaw (9.48 DEFCON for 90 and only 2.8% owned) offers similar value with more security.

Newcastle’s upcoming matches have serious clean sheet potential and getting some of that defense right early on is what will separate you from your mini-league rivals.

Matheus Cunha (Man United, 8.1m)

Matheus Cunha continues to pass the eye test with flying colors: crisp movement, plenty of shots, solid link-up play and an ever-present attacking outlet in this Manchester United setup.

Facing tougher opposition, Cunha is constantly involved in creating chances and even dropped deeper to influence the game more when Mason Mount was replaced at half-time recently.

It’s only a matter of time before the transport arrives. A home game against Wolves before trips to Leeds United and Burnley makes it the perfect time to get started.

Cunha seems to be an integral part of everything United do in attack, mixing creativity and goal threat. A smart and forward-thinking choice for managers looking for upside.

Want more Fantasy Premier League tips? Discover the FPL players who will be transferred in early 2026 here.

Michael Keane (Everton, 4.7m)

Michael Keane rewarded the managers magnificently last week with a 10-pointer in a 0-0 draw at Burnley, and he remains on our radar ahead of Gameweek 19.

Everton’s defensive form has been consistent and Keane continues to shine as a DEFCON magnet – accumulating a remarkable 20 DEFCONs last week, double the threshold for bonus potential.

The Toffees’ trip to Nottingham Forest isn’t as juicy as last week’s visit to Turf Moor, but the Toffees’ prospects remain strong.

At its price, Keane’s fantastic value and perfectly rotatable if the fixtures tighten down. Everton have stability, Keane is in good form and everything suggests more points could be on the horizon.

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham, 7.6m)

Jarrod Bowen’s consistency continues to make him one of the most reliable strikers in the FPL.

Over the past six game weeks, he’s taken 17 shots — showing no signs of slowing down — and his minutes remain bulletproof during the crowded holiday season.

West Ham are next in action at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, whose defensive numbers have been abysmal recently.

With matches against Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Spurs to follow, Bowen has every chance of continuing to deliver on his promises.

The England striker is currently the definition of a ‘set it and forget it’ option: excellent form, full of confidence and completely nailed to play.

If you’re looking for a regular New Year’s transfer to keep your forward line rolling, Bowen ticks all the boxes.