NafisaFPL Boxing Day Drama: Bruno Fernandes’ Ban, Cunha’s Rise, and Wolves’ Defensive Revival
With just 74 hours separating the Gameweek 18 and Gameweek 19 deadlines, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers face a whirlwind of decisions. Boxing Day action delivered more Manchester United woes and yet another reason for Matheus Cunha (£7.1m) owners to celebrate.
How Long is Bruno Fernandes Banned For?
Bruno Fernandes (£8.4m) added to Manchester United’s misery on Boxing Day by collecting his third red card of the season. The Portuguese playmaker was dismissed at Molineux for two bookable offences, leaving his side even more vulnerable.
This red card cannot be appealed, meaning Fernandes will definitely miss Gameweek 19 against Newcastle United. However, there’s a silver lining for United fans: he escapes an extended ban.
Ordinarily, a second domestic red card in a season triggers an additional one-match suspension. But since Fernandes’ earlier dismissal against Tottenham Hotspur in September was overturned on appeal, he will be eligible to return for the clash against Liverpool in Gameweek 20.
Adding to Manchester United’s problems, Manuel Ugarte (£4.9m) will also be absent for Gameweek 19 due to yellow card accumulation. Newcastle United assets like Alexander Isak (£9.1m) will undoubtedly be popular picks among FPL managers as the Magpies prepare to exploit a disjointed United.
United in Disarray
Fielding Newcastle players seems a no-brainer for FPL managers, given Manchester United’s current state. Confidence is low at one end with goalkeeper Andre Onana (£5.2m) struggling, while their attack lacks sharpness at the other.
Even Amad Diallo (£5.4m), who has shown glimpses of promise under new manager Ruben Amorim, failed to make an impact against Wolves. The fact that right-back Diogo Dalot (£5.1m) was United’s most active shooter with two attempts underscores the team’s lack of creativity.
Amorim has had limited time to work with his squad amidst a packed December schedule, but the early signs suggest he’s working with players ill-suited to his preferred style. He’ll need both time on the training pitch and funds in the transfer market to turn things around.
Cunha: The FPL Forward King
Matheus Cunha (£7.1m) continues to reward FPL managers, delivering his third double-digit haul of the season on Boxing Day. With 14 attacking returns in 17 starts, the Brazilian now sits atop the FPL forwards’ standings.
His brilliance is magnified by the limitations of his teammates. Cunha has defied expectations, with Opta placing his expected goals (xG) at just 3.99, while he has scored 10 actual goals. This overperformance is a testament to his clinical finishing ability.
His latest effort—a stunning goal directly from a corner against Manchester United—was nothing short of spectacular. The Brazilian wasn’t done there, selflessly assisting Hwang Hee-chan (£6.1m) for Wolves’ second goal.
While fellow Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen (£5.6m) continues to find promising positions, including one headed chance and a disallowed goal against United, there’s no doubt Cunha is the real deal.
A potential Football Association ban looms for Cunha, but with Gameweek 19 fast approaching, FPL managers will hope to squeeze another performance out of him before that happens.
Wolves’ Defensive Turnaround
Under former manager Gary O’Neil, Wolves managed just one clean sheet all season. Since Vitor Pereira’s arrival, however, they’ve kept two in two.
The transformation in Wolves’ backline is evident, with just one big chance and an xG conceded of 1.24 across the last two Gameweeks. If this trend continues, Wolves’ defensive assets may soon become valuable options in FPL.
With Manchester United faltering, Wolves thriving, and Cunha stealing the spotlight, Boxing Day action has left FPL managers with plenty to ponder. The quick turnaround to Gameweek 19 ensures that the drama is far from over.
Nafisa
