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
It’s rare for a goalkeeper to be substituted, so focus should be on clean sheet potential. With that in mind, we could look to Jordan Pickford. Everton face promoted side Burnley this week, and head into the game edging every other side for a shutout, as shown in our RMT projections.
Three clean sheets in their previous four matches makes Manchester City an appealing side from a defensive perspective this week. Gameweek 29 sees them up against a poor Nottingham Forest side, which could mean potential for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Challengers could also consider Liverpool’s Alisson Becker v Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Arsenal’s David Raya up against Brighton and Hove Albion.
DEFENDERS
Liverpool have also collected a clean sheet in three of their previous four matches. If focus is on minutes then Virgil van Dijk is a standout. No player has played more gametime than the Dutchman so far, and he heads into the Wolves match having scored two goals in his last four outings.
Joint-top for minutes played this campaign is James Tarkowski. Everton have been hit and miss from a defensive perspective as of late, but meet with a poor Burnley side up next. As well as clean sheet potential, Tarkowski has been one of the best defenders in the game for defensive contributions this season.
Other elite defensive options for Challengers include Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes and Manchester City’s Marc Guehi. Both players offer gametime security and attacking threat.
MIDFIELDERS
We could well see Dominik Szoboszlai in an advanced position again this week, for Liverpool’s meeting with Wolves. As well being substituted off just once this season, the Hungarian has also produced seven attacking returns, so could offer multiple routes to points.
Finding a balance between minutes and attacking threat will be key this week, and that’s something that Antoine Semenyo can offer. The Ghanian has played 90 minutes in four of his six league matches for Manchester City, and bagged four goals and one assist during that period. A home match against Nottingham Forest could see him produce yet again.
Bruno Fernandes is another midfielder who ranks highly in his position for minutes played. Like Semenyo, Fernandes has had an excellent campaign in terms of attacking output – banking a huge 20 goal contributions this season.
Two more excellent options could be Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
FORWARDS
Jarrod Bowen has played more minutes than every other forward in the game this season, by a distance. West Ham face Fulham in Gameweek 29, so it could be a good opportunity for Bowen to add his 14th attacking return of the campaign.
Second for minutes overall among forwards is Igor Thiago. There is some risk with the Brentford frontman though, as he’s been substituted seven times in the league this season. However, with 19 goal contributions already, he could be worth the risk against Bournemouth.
Challengers could also consider the likes of Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool, and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland if starting.
TEAM REVEAL
- It’s actually difficult to make a team that I really like this week. It does feel like there are quite a few options.
- Picking my Liverpool player was especially tough, considering I also like van Dijk and Salah. So this could well change. Szoboszlai should play all 90 though, and have attacking potential.
- Gabriel I think is a good replacement for Van Dijk, he could match or better him.
- I wasn’t sure about Semenyo or Haaland, so I went for Donnarumma. Going with him instead of Pickford allowed me to go for minutes man Ndiaye against Burnley.
- Bowen is the obvious forward pick for both minutes and potential.
- Bruno Fernandes makes the cut. I think he’ll play 90 due to match difficulty, but he could also grab an attacking return, so he’s my captain.
GAMEWEEK 29 REVIEW
- I finished up Gameweek 28 with 45 points, an 18 round rank, and a overall green arrow from 456th to 392nd.
- Overall it was a good week. I think it was a good job I didn’t go all in on the Aston Villa defence. To get zero points from two assets and just eight from my captain, I honestly thought I was doomed.
- I think owning Sa was good cover, and Ekitike and Thiago also contributed a huge 21 points between them.
- Anyway, hopefully I pick up a third green arrow on the bounce this week.
