The Scout's panel of Fantasy Premier League experts debate whether it's worth taking points hits in Gameweek 17 given several highly-owned players are injury doubts, suspended or at risk of rotation, while Blank Gameweek 18 and a busy festive schedule are on the horizon.
What the FPL experts say
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
I normally hate taking a points hit. However, I have taken a number of them this season and I am looking at another minus-four in Gameweek 17. I planned for a defensive change to bring in Pedro Porro (£5.4m), but with two injured goalkeepers and Erling Haaland (£14.0m) being a doubt, that transfer may have to wait while I deal with my injury crisis!
Pranil Sheth (@Lateriser12)
I have no problems with hits as long as they are not for the short term. Hits are always ok for a captain or for a player who's at the start of a very good run of fixtures.
Utkarsh Dalmia (@ZopharFPL)
I don't mind taking a hit if it's a player I want for the long term. I think taking a minus-four this week is ok as you cannot leave someone as expensive as Haaland on your bench if he is ruled out. But be careful not to spread the Haaland cash around too much because he isn't expected to be out for long.
Ben Crabtree (@FC_CrabDogg)
Injuries offer the best justification for points hits as there's no chance that the player you sold will punish you. So if you have an injured player, taking a hit makes sense.
Gianni Buttice (@GianniButtice)
I took my first minus-four of the season last week to replace Matty Cash (£4.8m) with Porro, knowing my defence was already weak. Hits become worth it when they improve your squad for a prolonged period.
Pras (@Pras_FPL)
If your squad needs it, hits are ok. Many FPL managers will be taking a hit or two in the next five or six Gameweeks. given the congested schedule and injuries piling up.
Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
I'm not a fan of taking hits. I've taken two this season and both were to resolve longer-term injuries to my players. Last week I did take a hit to deal with the injury to Bryan Mbeumo (£6.9m). In those cases it's ok, but otherwise avoid taking a hit if possible.
Mark McGettigan (@FPLGeneral)
I avoid hits as much as possible. I've only taken one minus-four so far this season. But when there's a risk of not fielding XI players, a hit is fine. Taking a minus-four to bring in the best captain for the Gameweek is also justifiable.
View all the latest FPL tips ahead of Gameweek 17 in Fantasy Premier League