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.

• READ MORE: UCL Fantasy Matchday 15 Early Scout Picks

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE THIS WEEK?

BLANK GAMEWEEK 34

Six teams do not have a fixture this week, and they are Bournemouth, Brighton, Burnley, Chelsea, Leeds and Manchester City. This means that all six sides blank in the upcoming round.

TOP PICKS

GOALKEEPERS

To pick up all three bonus points from a goalkeeper, we need them to not only keep a clean sheet but pick up plenty of save points. With this in mind, it’s hard to look past Sunderland’s Robin Roefs. The Black Cats have been very good from a defensive perspective at home this season, and they host Nottingham Forest this week.

Whilst Roefs has picked up more bonus than any other player in his position, Jordan Pickford isn’t that far behind him. Everton face a tricky away meeting with West Ham, which could work in the favour of Pickford, who could rack up save points, along with a clean sheet.

The only other goalkeeper who has managed double digits for bonus points this season is Emi Martinez. Aston Villa come up against Fulham away from home, so the Argentine could have multiple routes to points this week.

DEFENDERS

The standout defender heading into the round is Gabriel. Arsenal have better odds to keep a clean sheet than any other side and their centre-back significantly tops the bonus charts in his position. The Brazilian has proven his attacking threat multiple times this season, which makes him even more appealing because it directly affects his bonus output.

Neco Williams is the only other playing defender who has managed 15 bonus points this season. Whilst a match against Sunderland away from home could be tricky, the Black Cats have been unconvincing in recent games from an attacking perspective. Williams also ranks among the best defenders for total shots on goal.

Outside of those two options, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk against Crystal Palace, Nordi Mukiele of Sunderland, West Ham’s Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Pedro Porro of Spurs versus Wolves could be great picks.

MIDFIELDERS

There’s no dancing around the fact that Bruno Fernandes is an excellent option yet again. The Manchester United penalty taker hasn’t just racked up 27 attacking returns this season, he also tops every other midfielder in terms of bonus points. A home match against Brentford arguably also makes him a fantastic captaincy choice.

Fulham’s Harry Wilson also ranks among the top three in his position for total bonus points. The Welshman has offered owners multiple routes to points throughout the season, and with his side pushing for a European spot, he shouldn’t be short of motivation to perform.

There are plenty of great options in midfield to choose from, including Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, Spurs’ Xavi Simons and Arsenal’s Declan Rice.

FORWARDS

The only playing forward who sits among the top three in his position for bonus points is Jarrod Bowen. West Ham are currently locked in a relegation battle, and they face Everton at home, which could give them the platform to win. If that happens, then Bowen is likely to be among the returns, considering how good he has been this season.

It’s difficult to rule out Igor Thiago, too. Whilst some models aren’t backing him above other forward options this week, he has managed 21 goals this season. Manchester United are also ropey at the back, so don’t be surprised if he hauled.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Spurs man Dominic Solanke, and Liverpool’s Alexander Isak are also viable options.

TEAM REVEAL

• Roefs feels like the explosive goalkeeper pick this week for bonus, so he’s in.
• Defence is filled by none other than Gabriel. He’s locked.
• I like the midfielder options this week, so Bruno, Salah and Xavi are in. Bruno is, of course, captain due to his consistency.
• Up front, Bowen makes the cut. I like his home match and bonus potential.
• There isn’t much to add because I’m confident in this team selection, for once!

GAMEWEEK 33 REVIEW

• 89 points and a 40k round rank led me to a red arrow down to 566th, which wasn’t ideal.
• Captaincy went ok with Haaland and obviously, Gudmundsson was an okay pick but the issue was I didn’t get many Challenge points for fouls won.
• Overall, it was a very poor week, even though it looked ok. I really need to bounce back this week!
• Good luck!