If you’ve never played FPL Challenge before, it offers Fantasy managers something different to the standard game mode. And, even after the FPL deadline has passed, FPL Challenge remains open for entrants right up until kick-off. No worries about teamsheets here…
Each week brings a new twist, so identifying the right players for this challenge is key.
In this article, Louis (aka FPL Reactions) breaks down the best picks for this week’s Challenge format – and then reveals the team he’s entering to try and push up the leader board.
WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE THIS WEEK?
TOP PICKS
GOALKEEPERS
Sunderland rank among the top four sides for goals conceded at home, so I’m expecting Robin Roefs to be right up there for clean sheet potential this week. The fact they also come up against Burnley increases his appeal even more.
Brentford have been excellent at home this season, but have really struggled when on the road. This could make it a good time to back the Aston Villa defence, and rather than backing one of their under-whelming defenders, we could look to Emi Martinez.
I also think Challengers should be looking at Arsenal’s David Raya up against Leeds, Bournemouth’s Đorđe Petrović versus Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Chelsea’ Robert Sanchez for his meeting with West Ham United.
DEFENDERS
Sunderland’s home clash with Burnley continues to churn out options for the Challenge this week. Only one other defender has produced more attempts on goal than Dan Ballard this season (14), so mixed with his clean sheet potential, the centre-back offers multiple routes to points.
Recent attacking form makes Virgil Van Dijk a standout too. The Dutchman picked up three assists and a goal in his previous two matches alone, so goes into the Newcastle game at Anfield in good offensive form. It helps that he sits among the top three defenders in the league for total headed attempts on goal this season.
There seems to be lots of excellent options in defence this week. Several more players fit the framework of the challenge well, assets like Arsenal’s Gabriel, Tottenham’s Christian Romero who sits joint top in his position for goals scored, and Brentford’s Nathan Collins.
MIDFIELDERS
Most of the midfielders who rank well for headed attempts on goal play centrally, which generally reduces their attacking threat. However, one player who far exceeds second place but also plays in an advanced position is Kevin Schade. The Brentford man has managed a huge 17 headed attempts on goal this campaign, and he heads into the match against Villa off the back of three goals and two assists in his previous six league outings.
One more player catches my eye for headed threat, and that’s because he offers other routes to points. Chelsea man Enzo Fernandez continues to play in the number 10 role, and take penalties when teammate Cole Palmer isn’t on the pitch. With West Ham next who haven’t kept a clean sheet since August, don’t be surprised if Enzo and co racked up the goals this week.
Elsewhere, whilst Bruno Fernandes offers little in terms of headed threat, his overall ability to pick up points from penalties, open play contributions and defcon makes him a brilliant alternative. Manchester United face a leaky Fulham side up next which presents a great chance to pick up points.
Other midfielder options worth considering include Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Chelsea’ Cole Palmer if starting, and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
FORWARDS
No player across the entire league has produced more headed attempts on goal than Erling Haaland (25). Manchester City take on Spurs who have failed to find consistency from a defensive perspective. The Norwegian, off the back of scoring in midweek, could take advantage of their defensive fragilities. He could also be a fantastic captaincy option.
Interestingly the only other striker to managed 20 headed attempts on goal is Igor Jesus. Nottingham Forest have been hit and miss for most of the campaign, but Jesus has found the net in two of his last three matches, reflecting good scoring form. This week Forest play a shaky Crystal Palace backline, so don’t be surprised to see him benefit.
Bournemouth’s Evanilson v Wolves, Chelsea’s Joao Pedro (if he starts!), and Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey could also be considerations for the round ahead.
TEAM REVEAL
- I’m not entirely convinced with this set-up to be honest. Don’t get me wrong, I think Ballard and Gabriel are nailed in this team, but outside of them and Erling Haaland, I’m not sure.
- Haaland will 100% be my captain though. His dominance in the air makes him the standout this week. That could be said for my centre-backs too.
- I’m unsure on my midfield. This is why I have gone for Schade who has impressed in the air. Bruno of course offers a safe floor to points.
- I’d also consider Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Bukayo Saka. I’ll consider them right up until deadline.
- I could even get rid of a midfielder and back Van Dijk, but a match against big Dan Burn could limit his aerial threat.
GAMEWEEK 23 REVIEW
- Last week didn’t go well at all. I ended the round on 39 points with a round rank of 45k. It also meant a red arrow from 349th to 398th.
- In fact, outside of Spence, who ended up being a good pick, and Saka captain, no-one did much at all.
- This week I need a green arrow, it’s been a while!
- Good luck everyone.
