Transfer recommendations for Gameweek 19: FA Cup fixtures pose problems and possibilities

GAMEWEEK 19 marks a unique juncture in the Dream Team calendar as it features the bulk of the FA Cup third round.

Everton and Fulham’s cup ties against Peterborough and Watford fall under the jurisdiction of Gameweek 18 and so the Toffees and the Cottagers will be the only clubs without two fixtures to fulfil this coming Gameweek.

The FA Cup poses both possibilities and problems for Dream Team managers.

Mismatches against lower league opponents can yield plentiful points but heavy rotation is to be expected among the top flight clubs.

Thankfully, there’s a full round of Premier League games to follow in midweek so it’s not the end of the world if you’re lacking in active players this weekend.

In hope of providing a helping hand, allow us to present some transfer recommendations for Gameweek 19.

A quick note before we get into it to say that we won’t be repeating ourselves in regards to Alexander Isak (£5.9m) and Anthony Gordon (£5m) but the Newcastle pair are clearly still strong options having combined for 40 points in Gameweek 18.

Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m)

Manchester United’s captain isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s simply a fact that he averages 6.7 points-per-game this season – a rate only bettered by five midfielders.

The Portugal international produced a masterful performance against Liverpool last time out for a ten-point return and he’ll be licking his lips at the prospect of facing relegation-bound Southampton in midweek.

Firstly, there’s the small matter of an FA Cup meeting with Arsenal in North London.

A trip to the Emirates is far from favourable but this high-profile match-up may work in the favour of Dream Team bosses as Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim will probably have to name relatively strong line-ups.

All things considered, Fernandes seems to be among the most likely to start two fixtures in Gameweek 19 out of the assets hovering near the top of the rankings.

Savinho (£4m)

It’s a case of no goals, no problems for Manchester City’s 20 year-old winger.

The Brazil international has converted just one of his 49 shots in all competitions this season which is a big concern but, despite his wayward finishing, he’s currently the most in-form midfielder in Dream Team.

Savinho has raced to ten assists for his new club having developed a strong understanding with Erling Haaland (£7.8m) in recent outings.

Furthermore, he’s one of the game’s most passionate bonus point hoarders – only Morgan Rogers (£3.5m) has completed more dribbles in 2024/25.

There’s no guarantee Savinho will get substantial minutes against Salford this weekend but with an injury-hit Brentford and Ipswich up next in the league plus the impending resumption of the Champions League, the 3.3%-owned midfielder might prove to be a smart difference-maker this month.

Eberechi Eze (£4.9m) and/or Daniel Munoz (£4m)

A couple of one-week punts for those targeting short-terms gains this week.

Oliver Glasner tends to name relatively strong starting XIs in the domestic cups and so there’s every chance the Eagles’ top stars will be unleashed upon Stockport on Sunday.

Even if that’s not the case, Palace will fancy their chances away to Leicester on Wednesday night given the Foxes have lost five consecutive league games – only Wolves have conceded more goals.

Eze and Munoz average 7.3 and 5.7 points-per-game respectively this season.

Only Noussair Mazraoui (£3.2m) has made more tackles than the Colombian wing-back this term.

Antonin Kinsky (£2.5m)

We finish with the new kid on the block!

The Czech goalkeeper impressed on his Tottenham debut with six saves to ensure a clean sheet against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup for a ten-point return.

Spurs visit neighbours Arsenal in midweek for a highly-charged derby but that’s offset with a massively favourable cup tie against Non-League outfit Tamworth.

If Kinsky is given the nod at the Lamb Ground his chances of keeping a second consecutive clean sheet will be sky high – though some Dream Team bosses will be wary of a Spursy slip-up.

The 21-year-old is affordably priced and seems set for a run of starts while Guglielmo Vicario (£3.4m) recovers from surgery.

Remember to confirm your transfers for Gameweek 19 before Friday’s 6:30pm deadline – don’t get caught out!