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
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest assets are the standouts this week due to double points. With that in mind, even without a clean sheet, Stefan Ortega could still match or better that of goalkeepers who do. Forest look likely to face a high volume of shots, which could help the German rack up save points.
For those that aren’t put off by ‘wasting’ one of their three Liverpool slots on a goalkeeper, then Alisson Becker is of course an excellent option. Liverpool haven’t been the most steady side in the league from a defensive perspective, but against a poor attack, it could be a good opportunity to keep a clean sheet.
Outside of goalkeepers who can earn double points we could look to the likes of Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez v Burnley, or Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson for his match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
DEFENDERS
No defender appears to have more routes to points this week than Virgil van Dijk. As well as clean sheet potential, the Dutchman also offers defensive contribution potential and goal threat, the latter was on display in his latest league match.
Those stacking up on the Liverpool defence could also opt for fellow centre-back Ibrahima Konate, or wait for the line-ups and then make a decision.
Challengers who want to take a chance on the Nottingham Forest backline could select Neco Williams. The Welshman leads his defensive teammates for non-penalty expected goal involvement (NPxGI) this season.
Outside of players who can earn double points, Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz, who has significant attacking threat, Arsenal’s Gabriel, who faces Spurs, and Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah could be good alternatives.
MIDFIELDERS
Liverpool have been far from consistent in attack, but they still rank among the top four sides in the league for shots in the box. One player who does seem to have improved in the second half of the season is Florian Wirtz, who has produced two goals and one assist in his last four games.
We can’t exactly miss out Mohamed Salah, either. The Egyptian started the season slowly in terms of goals and assists, but with three assists in his previous four league matches, he too has shown some improvements as of late.
Alternatively, there’s always Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest. Forest have been hugely disappointing in attack, but that hasn’t stopped the central midfielder picking up a steady flow of points due to bonus and defensive contributions. He also has a share of set pieces, which also increases his assist potential.
Challengers who want a midfielder outside of the Challenge should probably focus on Cole Palmer. Chelsea face a poor Burnley defence up next, and their main man has bagged five attacking returns in just his previous two outings.
FORWARDS
As frustrating as he has been, Hugo Ekitike is the most appealing forward from Liverpool and Nottingham Forest this week. The Frenchman has accumulated over 2.0 xG in his previous three matches, so his data is excellent heading into the clash against Forest.
We could also take a punt on whoever leads the line for Nottingham Forest. Both Igor Jesus and Lorenzo Lucca have featured as of late, but poor performances and lack of gametime even when starting is a concern.
There are several other strikers we could look to, though, including Chelsea’s in-form Joao Pedro, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who faces Newcastle, and Brentford’s Igor Thiago, who is up against an out-of-sorts Brighton Hove and Albion.
TEAM REVEAL
- It felt mostly straightforward picking a team this week. In goal, Ortega feels like the best pick if avoiding wasting a Liverpool slot.
- Van Dijk is Liverpool’s most convincing defender, whilst Hugo Ekitike is the obvious pick up front.
- Cole Palmer was a shoo-in due to recent form, along with Anderson who should at least amass DefCon and appearance points. He could also bag an attacking return.
- Salah is my captain, although I do also like Wirtz. If Wirtz came in instead of the Egyptian, he’d take the armband.
GAMEWEEK 26 REVIEW
- 68 points and a 35k round rank saw me slip from 418th down to 535th overall.
- Both Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer did well, but because I relied heavily on the Arsenal quadruple-up in defence (including captaincy), everything fell apart.
- Not one clean sheet from Arsenal was the primary cause for my red arrow this week!
Good luck in the round ahead!
