FPL gameweek 22 is shaping up to be a week of tough calls for FPL managers, writes Fantasy Premier League expert Blake Hurst. Michael Keane’s red card was a gut punch for those who gambled on Everton’s defensive revival, Manchester United’s fixtures are about to turn nasty, and Tottenham have suffered a massive blow with Mohammed Kudus ruled out for several weeks. With form dipping, suspensions biting and fixture swings hitting hard, now’s the time to cut loose some underperformers before they drag your ranks down. Here are five players you should be looking to sell ahead of Gameweek 22.

Mohammed Kudus (6.4m)

Kudus has been ruled out for Tottenham until after the March international break, so if you’re one of the 11.7% still holding him – it’s time to let go. With Spurs adjusting their attack, Kudus’ absence opens a short-term opportunity elsewhere. If you’re planning a Gameweek 24 wildcard and fancy a two-week punt, Xavi Simons could be your guy. The Dutch playmaker now looks nailed after Brennan Johnson’s move to Crystal Palace and Kudus’ injury, with West Ham at home and Burnley away up next – two juicy fixtures. A 1%-owned midfield magician with freedom to attack? It’s the kind of short-term move that could give you a serious edge before your wildcard in GW24. High risk, high reward. 

Nick Woltemade (7.3m)

If you’re still holding either Yoane Wissa or Nick Woltemade, it might be time to move on. Both play for Newcastle, and with the two battling directly for that striker spot, rotation risk is sky high. When one starts, the other usually sees limited minutes – and that’s a headache no FPL manager needs. If forced to keep one, Woltemade slightly edges it for me with likely penalty duties when on the pitch, but even that doesn’t guarantee consistent returns. Newcastle’s fixtures are also beginning to stiffen, meaning the risk outweighs the reward. With better, more secure forward options now emerging, freeing up that spot feels like the smart play before the rotation roulette really bites you. 

Viktor Gyökeres (8.7m)

Viktor Gyökeres owners, it’s time to rip off the plaster. Kai Havertz is back fit and looking sharp, Gabriel Jesus continues to threaten, and Gyökeres just isn’t delivering the spark Arsenal need up front. With only flashes of form and no consistency, he’s quickly slipping out of FPL relevance. At 8.7m, you need guaranteed minutes and returns – something he no longer offers. Even if he keeps starting, you’re staring at early substitutions and uncertainty every week. Arsenal are pushing hard for the title, and rotation risk is rising. When you can pivot to safer, in-form forwards at similar prices, there’s no reason to keep hoping for a turn that isn’t coming.

Matheus Cunha (8.2m) 

Matheus Cunha’s potential has tempted managers for weeks, but the end product just isn’t consistent enough. Four returns in his last seven sounds okay, until you realise only one has come in his last four. With Manchester City up next, followed by a trip to Arsenal, this feels like the time to jump off. The good news? At Cunha’s price, there’s a wealth of solid replacements – from the resurgent Enzo Fernández to Morgan Rogers, Declan Rice or Bruno Guimarães. If you want a midfield shift there is an option for everyone. He’s been fun, but this run signals the sell.

Michael Keane (4.8m)  

Michael Keane’s week was the definition of highs and lows. He was on for a monster score – a goal, near clean sheet, and bonus points practically secured – before disaster struck with a red card against Wolves. That means a two-match suspension, and by the time he’s available again, Jarrad Branthwaite will likely be back from injury and close to reclaiming his spot. It’s a shame because he’d looked nailed and full of threat from set pieces, but his suspension, combined with Everton’s patchy defence, makes him an easy sell. FPL is all about timing, and this one’s simple – take the points he gave you and move on before the bench beckons.