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
Fulham are favourites to keep a clean sheet this week, according to our RMT projections, so backing them against Burnley seems like a good move. With this in mind, goalkeeper Bernd Leno could be one of the best options in his position.
Those who don’t want to ‘waste’ their Fulham spot this week could opt for someone like Emi Martinez. Although short of clean sheets in the league, Aston Villa have managed back-to-back shutouts in the Europa League against Lille. A meeting with West Ham could be a good opportunity to bank another.
Newcastle’s Aaron Ramsdale versus Sunderland and Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, who faces Brighton and Hove Albion, are decent alternatives.
DEFENDERS
Whilst it’s not often defenders produce three or more chances in any given game, there are some who manage it. The defender who ranks top in his position for total chances created this season so far is Pedro Porro. Whilst Tottenham have been poor as of late, a meeting with Nottingham Forest could offer both defensive and attacking potential for their assets.
We can’t rule out Neco Williams producing the goods during that game either. The Welshman, alongside clean sheet potential, has excelled in his position statistically this campaign. As well as ranking among the top four defenders for total chances created, he’s also top for attempts on goal.
Marc Cucurella is one of three players who has amassed at least 30 chances created this season. Chelsea have been far from convincing from a defensive perspective, but the Spaniard does offer multiple routes heading into this clash against Everton
MIDFIELDERS
Arguably the standout asset going into the round is Bruno Fernandes. No player has got anywhere near his huge 98 chances created this season. Along with that, penalty-talking duty and goal threat from open play combine to provide Challengers with huge potential for the game against Bournemouth.
Dominik Szoboszlai could also be an excellent option. Ranking among the top players in his position for chances created, the Hungarian could also take penalties as Mohamed Salah misses out due to injury this week. He has also shown to be a major threat from set-pieces too, so has multiple routes to points against Brighton this week.
Whilst Harry Wilson doesn’t necessarily thrive when it comes to chances created, going without him could be a big mistake. The Welshman has managed an impressive 17 attacking returns this season, thanks to a mix of both creativity and goal threat. Burnley have conceded more goals than any other side this season, which makes Wilson extremely appealing.
There is an abundance of midfield options for the round ahead, including Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Newcastle penalty taker Anthony Gordon, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest, and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
FORWARDS
Targeting Fulham attackers against the very poor Burnley defence looks like it could be massively rewarding. Interestingly, as well as leading the Cottagers’ frontline, Raul Jimenez also ranks among the top forwards in the league for chances created.
If chances created is the focus, then we can’t overlook Joao Pedro. The Brazilian has produced 27 chances this season so far, placing him second in his position for that metric. He’s also been in great form as of late, hitting six goals and one assist in his last eight outings.
Challengers could also consider Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike, Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Jarrod Bowen of West Ham.
TEAM REVEAL
- I think this is what I’m going with this week.
- I wasn’t sure who to put in goal, and since I didn’t go with Gordon, Ramsdale made sense.
- In defence, Porro is more of a punt, but does thrive in chance creation.
- In midfield, Bruno Fernandes was an easy captaincy option, whilst Wilson and Szoboszlai are shoo-ins.
- Up front, Joao Pedro could be a good pick. I’m on the fence with the Brazilian; he could become Thiago or Bowen, but he should start and should create and maybe even score.
GAMEWEEK 30 REVIEW
- Last week was annoying. I thought I saw Henderson in the starting XI, so I submitted my team. It’s even worse because Palace kept a clean sheet. Never again!
- Anyway, even taking into account my mistake, I still bagged 62 points and an 11k round rank. That result put me on a global season rank of 344th, but it should have been higher!
- There’s a lesson here: always double-check line-ups!
- Anyway, it was an okay week, but it’s time to lock in. Good luck.
