Who are the best FPL players for Gameweek 17?

Four-time top 1k and 5-time top 5k finisher Abdul Rehman uses the Hub's OPTA, Prediction, Comparison and Fixture tools to identify the best Fantasy Premier League budget and premium defenders, midfielders and forwards for our Gameweek 17 FPL teams.

You can catch all our other brilliant FPL Gameweek 17 tips right here.

Who are the Best FPL Defenders For Gameweek 17?

Reece James (£5.6m) – Chelsea

Fixture: Everton (H)

Reece James has scored one point in his last three league games and Chelsea have also conceded six goals in their last three. They have been shaky at the back but Reece James still remains one of the best FPL players for Gameweek 17. He will rack up returns sooner rather than later.

Chelsea come up against Everton at home who have scored 20 goals (14^th) with an xG of 20.2 (12^th). They haven’t been the best going forward and with their talismanic forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured it’s no surprise.

The Blues have conceded 11 goals (2^nd), 95 Shots in the Box (2^nd) and an xGC of 19.0 (5^th). Although they have been leaky as of late they are still one of the best defensive sides in the league and this is a good fixture for them.

James will also provide a lot of attacking threat. With Everton being so poor at the back of late, he will again have chances for returns at both ends of the pitch.

The bookmakers have Chelsea as the favourites to keep a clean sheet for Gameweek 17 at 60% and they are also third favourites to score 2.5+ goals (45%).

Our Points Prediction Tool ranks him as the third highest predicted scoring defender (5.8) for Gameweek 17 and he is also at 64% for anytime returns.

Reece James Stats

Trent Alexander Arnold (£8.1m) – Liverpool

Fixture: Newcastle United (H)

Alexander-Arnold just keeps on returning and has now amassed 109 points with one goal, seven assists and 9 clean sheets. He has scored back to back 9 pointers with no attacking returns. His high chance creation makes him a bonus point magnet.

He has 7 Shots in the Box with an xG of 1.36 and has created 53 Chances (1^st) with an xA of 5.36 (2^nd).

Liverpool play Newcastle United at home who look to be destined for the drop. They have scored 17 goals (16^th) with an xG of 16.2 (18^th) and that doesn’t like it will increase with their fixture this Gameweek.

The Reds have been brilliant both in defence and attack this season. They have only conceded 12 goals (3^rd) with an xGC of 15.8 (2^nd).

They are also second favourites to keep a clean sheet (58%) in Gameweek 17 and the second favourites to score 2.5+ goals (50%). This could well be another huge haul for the Englishman in this fixture.

For the second gameweek in a row, our Points Prediction Tool has him as the highest predicted scoring defender (7.3) and he is also at a massive 78% for anytime returns (2^nd overall).

Trent Alexander-Arnold Stats

Kyle Walker (£5.5m) – Manchester City

Fixture: Leeds United (H)

With Joao Cancelo picking up his 5^th booking of the season and getting himself suspended, Kyle Walker is probably the best attacking defensive asset City have going into their Gameweek 17 fixture. He has created 9 Chances with an xA of 1.46 and has 8 goals and 36 assists in his Premier League career.

Manchester City welcome Leeds United to the Etihad. The Whites have 17 goals (16^th) with an xG of 22.0 (8^th). They really haven't hit the heights of last season and have struggled on the whole in front of the goal without Patrick Bamford, who now seems to have re-injured himself.

The Citizens have only conceded 9 goals (1^st) with 68 Shots in the Box (1^st) and an xGC of 10.5 (1^st). They are clearly the best defensive team in the league and also have a lethal attack so Walker could be on for returns at both ends of the pitch here.

The bookmakers also rank City at 56% for clean sheet (3^rd) for Gameweek 17 and again have them as favourites to score 2.5+ goals (54%).

This should be another routine win for Pep Guradiola’s men and a clean sheet looks likely here too.

Kyle Walker Stats

Alex Telles (£5.0m) – Manchester United

Fixture: Brentford (a)

Manchester United have kept back-to-back clean sheets now under Ralf Rangnick. Alex Telles also seems to have that left-back spot for the time being. It was uncertain whether Luke Shaw would oust him but with him being benched last gameweek it’s clear the new manager fancies the Brazilian.

He actually has a very good attacking record with 30 goals and 71 assists in 348 games in his career, so if he gets a run of starts now could provide great value. Especially with the fixtures coming up.

The Red Devils travel to London to take on Brentford who will likely be without their main forward Ivan Toney. The Bees have been okay going forward this season with 21 goals (7^th) and an xG of 22.6 (7^th) but United do look a lot more organised under Rangnick.

Telles has now started the last four games and is the most attacking defender they have. He has hit the crossbar in the last two gameweeks via free-kicks and does take a lot of set-pieces which includes corners. He will no doubt pick up plenty of assists.

Alex Telles Stats

Who are the Best FPL Midfielders For Gameweek 17?

Phil Foden (£8.1m) – Manchester City

Fixture: Leeds United (H)

Phil Foden has had some injury issues over the last few weeks but with his bench cameo last Gameweek he is sure to start in Gameweek 17 and he has a very favourable fixture also. In eight starts he has 19 Shots in the Box with an xG of 3.57 and has also created 22 Chances with an xA of 3.98.

Manchester City play Leeds United (H) in Gameweek 17 who conceded 25 goals (16^th) with an xGC 25.2 (14^th). The Whites have always put more emphasis on attack under Marcelo Bielsa which often leaves them open at the back and this game looks like it could be a high-scoring one.

City have one of the best attacks in the league and although they haven't been scoring as freely as in past seasons we know they have the capability to do so and will no doubt pick up their rate soon enough.

They have scored 33 goals (3^rd) with an xG of 36.5 (2^nd) and I imagine they will only be behind Liverpool for these metrics when the season finishes.

The bookmakers also have them as the favourites to score 2.5+ goals (54%) for Gameweek 17 and Foden is also at a healthy 47% to score anytime.

At this time of the year it’s hard to predict who will start especially in a Pep Guardiola team but with his rest at the weekend, I think we can be pretty confident he will be in the starting lineup. That’s a huge advantage for FPL managers, especially in such a plum fixture.

Phil Foden Stats

Mohamed Salah (£13.1m) – Liverpool

Fixture: Newcastle United (H)

Mohamed Salah continued his absolutely ridiculous run of form with a goal last gameweek, which now puts him on 14 goals and 10 assists. His stats and output have made this season a 10-man game and he will again be the most captained player by a long shot. The Egyptian has 53 Shots in the Box (1^st) with an xG of 12.02 (1^st) and has created 42 Chances with an xA of 7.26 (1^st).

Liverpool have a very enticing fixture in Gameweek 17 as they welcome Newcastle United to Anfield. The Toon sit second bottom but only by virtue of goal difference and have conceded 34 goals (20^th) with an xGC of 30.4 (20^th).

The Reds have grinded out uncharacteristic 1-0 wins in their last two games but they still remain the best attacking team in the league without question. They have the most goals (45) with the highest xG (41.2) and they have the current best player in the world scoring for them week in week out.

I really feel this will be a high scoring game for Liverpool and the bookies agree as they have them as the second favourites to score 2.5+ goals (50%) for Gameweek 17.

Mohamed Salah is once again the favourite to score at anytime (68%) and our Points Prediction Tool also has him as the highest predicted points scorer with a massive 9.7 points.

This is the highest I have seen any player ranked.

Mohamed Salah Stats

Diogo Jota (£8.0m) - Liverpool

Fixture: Newcastle United (H)

Diogo Jota was another one who started on the bench this week due to a minor knock but with his 32-minute cameo, he should also be a sure starter for Gameweek 17.

The Portuguese has eight goals and one assist with 34 Shots in the box (4^th), and an xG of 7.67 (3^rd). He has also created 26 Chances with an xA of 3.92 (7^th).

With Jota’s stats and a home game against Newcastle United, he really is one of the best FPL players for Gameweek 17. If it weren’t for Mohamed Salah he would probably be the best captain option.

Eddie Howe’s team look in real trouble this season as they sit three points adrift in the relegation zone and an away game to Liverpool is the last thing they need.

Jota is the fourth highest predicted points scorer (6.6) for Gameweek 17 according to our Points Prediction Tool and is also the second favourite to score at anytime (55%).

Liverpool are actually averaging 2.8 goals per game so far and they are up against the worst defence in the league this week.

It is likely to be a long night for the Toon and the Reds’ Number 9 will be looking forward to adding to his goals tally here.

Diogo Jota Stats

Mason Mount (£7.6m) – Chelsea

Fixture: Everton (H)

Mason Mount has three goals and two assists in his last three games and has managed six goals and five assists over nine starts this season. He has 14 Shots in the Box with an xG of 3.73 and has also created 24 Chances with an xA of 3.53.

Chelsea play Everton (H) in Gameweek 17 who have conceded 28 goals (17^th) with an xGC of 24.3 (10^th). They have been leaky this season and Chelsea’s attacking numbers do not bode well for Rafa Benitez’s men.

The Blues are only behind Liverpool this season in terms of goals scored (38) and third for xG (32.2). They are a very potent attacking side and Mount is their main playmaker in midfield.

He has the most assists in the team and the highest xA. With him being on corners and free-kicks, he has many avenues to points.

He has most definitely upped his goal scoring game which can be seen in his stats compared to last season. He's also the current top scorer for Chelsea. The England international scored six goals in the whole of last season which he has already matched after only eight starts this campaign.

Mason Mount Stats

Who are the Best FPL Forwards For Gameweek 17?

Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.3m) – Manchester United

Fixture: Brentford (a)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored yet again last gameweek to take his returns tally to seven goals and two assists. In 11 starts the Portuguese has 39 Shots in the Box (3^rd) with an xG of 7.77 (3rd) while also creating 11 chances with an xA of 2.53.

Manchester United come up against Brentford in Gameweek 17. The Bees have conceded 22 goals (14^th) with an xG of 22.0 (8^th). Thirteen of their goals conceded have come in the last seven games.

United have scored 26 goals this season (5^th) with an xG of 26.5 (4^th). They are one of the best attacking sides in the league and should have too much firepower for Thomas Frank’s team.

Ronaldo has been their talisman this season and with a Goal Involvement of 47%. With the Portuguese now confirmed to be on penalties, it just makes his appeal that much stronger. He has a decent fixture this gameweek and in the upcoming weeks too.

Man United are the also the fourth favourites to score 2.5+ goals (29%) and Cristiano is the second highest ranked for predicted points (5.9) amongst forwards according to our Points Prediction Tool.

Cristiano Ronaldo Stats

Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m) – Chelsea

Fixture: Everton (H)

Romelu Lukaku started on the bench last gameweek, much to the surprise of many. However after their scrappy late win over Leeds United last week he is surely going to start this gameweek. Despite his injury lay off he is still Chelsea’s top scoring forward and the one most likely to get goals.

Chelsea have another nice fixture for Gameweek 17 as they welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge. The Toffees have conceded 28 goals (17^th) with an xGC of 24.3 (10^th). They have been going through a bit of a rough spell with seven losses in their last 10 games.

The Blues have been uncharacteristically leaky in defence over the last few games, conceding seven goals in their last three games but they have had no trouble scoring. Over the season they have 38 goals (2^nd) with an xG of 32.2 (3^rd) and with Lukaku now fit he has the chance to get back in amongst the goals in a favourable fixture.

Thomas Tuchel's men are the third favourites to score 2.5+ goals (45%) in Gameweek 17. Lukaku is also at 52% to score at anytime (3rd).

In only seven starts he has an xG of 2.53 and an xA of 2.19 so will get plenty of attacking returns in this time so as long he starts.

Romelu Lukaku Stats

Ollie Watkins (£7.3m) – Aston Villa

Fixture: Norwich (a)

Ollie Watkins has four goals and one assist this season. In 13 starts he has 24 Shots in the Box with an xG of 4.60 while also creating 13 Chances with an xA of 1.51. We know he is an all-round forward with both goal and assist threat and he has a great fixture this week to grab some more attacking returns.

Aston Villa come up against bottom of the table Norwich in Gameweek 17. Dean Smith’s men have conceded 32 goals (19^th) with an xGC of 29.8 (19^th). They are still very much favourites to go down and although they have improved since the new manager came in, they just don’t possess the quality at this level. Especially in defence.

Villa have scored 21 goals (7^th) with an xG of 17.5 (17^th). There has also been a visible improvement in their performances since Steven Gerrard took over and have won three of their last five with the only defeats coming to Liverpool and Manchester City.

Watkins scored 14 goals and nine assists last season and we know he is proven at this level. He has one of the best fixtures of the season this gameweek and won’t get many more willing defences to play against.

He is nailed for a start which is vital at this hectic time of year and with Anwar El Ghazi and Danny Ings not first team starters under Gerrard he will also be on penalties. Our Points Prediction Tool also ranks him as the fourth highest predicted points scorer (5.4) amongst forwards for Gameweek 17.

Ollie Watkins Stats

Josh King (£5.8m) – Watford

Fixture: Burnley (a)

Josh King has had a decent start to life at Watford. He has five goals and three assists in 13 starts and has provided great value at a starting price of only £5.5m.

The forward has been putting up good underlying stats also with 24 Shots in the Box and an xG of 5.73 (1^st among all budget options) and he has also created 24 chances with an xA of 3.13 (5^th among all budget options).

Watford have a crucial game in Gameweek 17 as they travel to Turf Moor to take on relegation rivals Burnley. The Clarets have conceded 21 goals with an xGC of 24.8 (12^th).

The Hornets have actually been good going forward with 21 goals (7^th) and an xG of 20.6 (10^th) which, for a promoted team, is pretty impressive.

They have struggled in defence but going forward they have had no issues and they will see this game a must-win. Burnley are a susceptible side and Claudio Ranieri will be well aware of how important it is to beat the teams around them in order to stay up.

We can see from King’s stats that he possesses both goal and assist threat and is also on penalties for the Hornets with Ismaila Sarr still injured. The Norwegian international has the best attacking stats for his team and will be crucial for them in their bid to avoid relegation.

Josh King Stats

Hub Power Rankings

I will now rank the best FPL Gameweek 17 players in accordance to our Power Rankings for Hub members!

Best FPL Players For Gameweek 17 | Fantasy Premier League Tips 2021/22

Best FPL Players For Gameweek 17 | Fantasy Premier League Tips 2021/22

Comments