Best Free Hit Team for FPL Gameweek 17
Building the best Free Hit team for FPL Gameweek 17 is about prioritising favourable fixtures, reliable minutes and players with genuine explosive upside. With premium attackers in excellent matchups and several mid-priced options in strong form, this is a Gameweek where a well-structured Free Hit can deliver a significant rank boost.
Below is the recommended GW17 Free Hit XI, shaped by expected goals data, clean sheet probabilities, set-piece responsibility and projected Fantasy Premier League returns.
- Check out RotoWire's updated FPL GW17 rankings and full FPL strategy guide for this week.
- For injury updates on key players, visit our FPL Gameweek 17 Injury News page, updated daily.
- Use our Fixture Difficulty Ranker to compare upcoming FPL fixture runs and plan transfers ahead of AFCON.
- Visit our Predicted Lineups page for GW17, updated throughout the week up to 75 minutes before kickoff.
Best Goalkeeper for a Free Hit in FPL Gameweek 17 (GW17)
David Raya remains a straightforward selection on a Free Hit. Arsenal have conceded the fewest goals in the league and continue to post elite defensive numbers week after week. They also have the best clean sheet odds (level with Manchester City) this Gameweek, making Raya one of the safest ways to lock in defensive points with minimal downside.
Best Defenders for a Free Hit in FPL Gameweek 17 (GW17)
Jurrien Timber continues to impress as part of Arsenal's back line. With Ben White sidelined, Timber's minutes remain secure and he should operate at right-back going forward, a role that maximises his attacking threat. His expected goal involvement numbers place him among the best defenders in the game, while Arsenal's defensive strength gives him a strong clean sheet base.
Marcos Senesi remains the standout defensive contributions pick in FPL. He leads all defenders for defensive contributions and now benefits from a favourable home fixture against Burnley, who rank in the bottom three for expected goals this season.
Jan Paul van Hecke offers a reliable budget route into Brighton's defence for GW17. He continues to post decent defensive contribution numbers, giving him a steady floor, but he also carries genuine attacking upside.
Van Hecke has been heavily involved in set pieces, regularly getting on the end of chances, which adds to his appeal. With a home fixture against a Sunderland side bottom for expected goals this season, he looks well placed to deliver points at both ends of the pitch.
Best Midfielders for a Free Hit in FPL Gameweek 17 (GW17)
Bruno Fernandes continues to justify his place as an essential midfielder. Even away at Aston Villa, his appeal remains strong due to penalties, set pieces, creativity, bonus potential and defensive contributions. With Bryan Mbeumo away at AFCON, Fernandes becomes even more central to Manchester United's attack.
Phil Foden's form has reached a point where going without him feels too risky. His minutes are secure and his output has exploded, with seven attacking returns in his last four league starts. A meeting with West Ham only enhances his appeal.
Rayan Cherki stands out as a high-upside differential. With Jeremy Doku injured, Cherki should see increased minutes and offers an affordable route into a Manchester City attack that continues to score freely.
Antoine Semenyo returns to the radar with Bournemouth hosting Burnley. Despite a quieter spell, he remains Bournemouth's main attacking outlet against one of the league's weaker defences.
Kevin Schade adds further differential upside. Facing a Wolves side that has conceded the most goals this season, doubling up on Brentford attack alongside Thiago is an appealing Free Hit strategy.
Best Forwards for a Free Hit in FPL Gameweek 17 (GW17)
Erling Haaland feels unavoidable. West Ham remain one of the weakest defensive sides in the league and Haaland's ceiling is comfortably the highest. He's the standout captain option this week.
Igor Thiago continues to offer excellent value. Five goals in his last eight league starts and a favourable fixture against Wolves make him an easy inclusion given the lack of reliable forward alternatives.
Best Captain for FPL Gameweek 17
Erling Haaland is the standout captaincy option on a Free Hit in Gameweek 17. West Ham's defensive numbers remain among the worst in the league, and Haaland's goal involvement and explosive potential make him the safest and highest-upside choice.
Bakar's Best Gameweek 17 Free Hit Team Pictured (GW17 Draft)
Final Thoughts on the Best Free Hit Team for GW17
Gameweek 17 presents an excellent opportunity to deploy the Free Hit chip, with multiple teams offering standout fixtures and clear captaincy options. By targeting reliable minutes, strong fixture runs, and players with defined roles, this Free Hit team is built to maximise upside while minimising unnecessary risk.
