The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is bracing for an intense period of fixture congestion, marking the last calm week before a wave of gameweeks descends upon managers. Starting on December 26, and continuing with subsequent gameweeks on December 30, January 3, and January 6, teams will face a significant amount of football played within a very short timeframe. This compressed schedule is expected to bring about considerable challenges for FPL managers.

Players should anticipate widespread squad rotation as clubs manage player fatigue, leading to unpredictable benchings. The increased workload also heightens the risk of injuries, potentially introducing an element of chaos to FPL teams. Savvy managers who conserved their five free AFCON transfers from the previous week will find themselves in a strong position, as these transfers will be crucial for navigating the next three weeks of intense football.

For those looking for guidance, a 'team of the week' is being prepared, structured to fit within a £100 million budget based on current FPL player prices, simulating a Free Hit chip scenario. Furthermore, FPL enthusiasts are invited to a special Q&A session with expert Gianni Butice, broadcasting live on the BBC Sport website this Friday at 15:30 GMT, offering valuable insights and advice for the upcoming demanding period.