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
Brighton Hove Albion and Crystal Players receive double points this week, so backing a goalkeeper from either side could prove beneficial, especially considering that even a blank could match the points picked up by another goalkeeper who keeps a clean sheet.
Picking between the two could be a very difficult, so it could be down to who you pick elsewhere, but on paper, Bart Verbruggen who plays at home, could be a wiser move.
It is worth mentioning though that Crystal Palace rank among the top eight for points picked up away from home, so we can’t rule out Dean Henderson either.
Outside of those two, Arsenal’s David Raya v Sunderland, Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez who faces Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Fulham’s Bernd Leno up against Everton could be good alternatives.
DEFENDERS
Brighton’ home advantage could be the difference between backing their defence over Crystal Palace, albeit both sides have been hit and miss at the back this season.
Of their options, Jan Paul van Hecke stands out. The Dutchman ranks above his teammates for defensive contributions, which of course gives him and edge. However, he has also shown attacking threat this campaign as shown in the three goals and two assists he’s already produced.
Playing with a back-three gives Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz plenty of attacking opportunities. Even with far less gametime due to his recent injury, Munoz sits among the top four defenders in the league for non-penalty expected goal involvement.
The Eagles offer several good defender picks with multiple routes to points, which makes their assets appealing. Another one of them is centre-back Maxence Lacroix, who as well as clean sheet potential, ranks among the top three in his position for total defcons.
There are other options who could appeal at the back, including Arsenal’s Gabriel, West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka versus Burnley and Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella.
MIDFIELDERS
The Brighton midfield options are far from convincing, but taking into account double points and the fixture against a ropey Palace defence, it makes sense to back one of them. Their most regular starter, and historically most impressive attacker is Kaoru Mitoma, who scored against Manchester City recently.
On the other hand, it’s AFCON winner Ismaila Sarr who shines among the Crystal Palace midfielders. Sarr took and converted a penalty last time out, so as well as being a threat from open play, we could well see him fulfil that role permanently.
Brighton and Crystal Palace midfielders aren’t hugely convincing due to recent form, so many Challengers could be looking to the likes of Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes v Spurs and Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez.
FORWARDS
Erling Haaland’s fixture against Liverpool, and the leaky Crystal Palace defence, combine to make bringing in Brighton’s Danny Welbeck a good move potentially. Welbeck has managed eight goals this season, and although short of output more recently, he could well get back on track this week.
Keeping an eye on the Crystal Palace line-ups will also be key. New signing from Wolves Strand Larsen could well make his first start since joining, but there’s always a chance the out of favour Jean Philippe Mateta does in his place.
Outside of those two picks, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen seems like an excellent option against Burnley, along with Chelsea’s Joao Pedro who could continue his fantastic run.
TEAM REVEAL
- You can see that I have effectively doubled up on each defence, with Van Hecke and Verbuggen covering the Brighton backline, and captain Munoz covering the Crystal Palace backline. Munoz also has the armband though due his attacking threat.
- Attackers were far less convincing. I have included Mitoma and Sarr just in case, but none feel massively convincing. But, even a blank from either player could mean more points than the likes of Fernandes, Palmer and other good picks.
- Up front, I was tempted to have Welbeck, but I think backing at least one player outside of the Challenge framework could be safe. Bowen also plays a terrible Burnley side too, so he could haul.
- Being honest, I’m not a fan of these type of Challenges, the safe floor ultimately forces us into picking double point players.
GAMEWEEK 24 REVIEW
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- I picked up 51 points, with a round rank of 34k. It was a green arrow though globally from 398th to 366th, so I made good progress.
- Van Dijk came in late ahead of Schade who picked up a red card, so that move was probably a good one. Although, the Dutchman didn’t do much.
- Captaincy was disappointing, with Haaland creating just one assist.
- In fact, my only big successes were Fernandes, and Dan Ballard. Captaining any of those two would have really propelled me.
- Let’s hope for another good week!
