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
With the Challenge heavily focused on save points and clean sheets, getting the goalkeeper spot right could make a huge difference this week.
The additional +10 points for clean sheets make David Raya one of the standout options for the round ahead. Relying on alternative goalkeepers for defensive returns feels far less convincing when compared to Arsenal, who have produced more clean sheets than any other side in the league this season. Hosting an already relegated Burnley side that have struggled for goals only strengthens Raya’s appeal even further.
While perhaps not quite as convincing from a clean-sheet perspective, Mads Hermansen still stands out due to his save potential. He is one of several goalkeepers averaging more than three saves per game this season, which gives him multiple routes to points. A clean sheet against Newcastle United may not be guaranteed, but recent defensive performances against sides such as Wolves, Crystal Palace and Arsenal showed that his team are more than capable of frustrating stronger opposition.
There are also several other goalkeepers worth considering this week. Caoimhin Kelleher has a decent home fixture for Brentford against Crystal Palace, while Jordan Pickford and Robin Roefs face each other in what could turn into a lower-scoring game. Meanwhile, Bart Verbruggen also offers appeal due to Brighton’s matchup away against Leeds United.
DEFENDERS
The home fixture against Burnley looks like one of the best opportunities all season to target an Arsenal clean sheet. Burnley have struggled badly in attack throughout the campaign, while Arsenal continue to look one of the strongest defensive sides in the league.
Alongside the clean-sheet potential, Gabriel Magalhães also offers major attacking upside from set pieces, giving him several routes to points in the upcoming match.
Defensively, Manchester City have also improved in recent weeks, keeping three clean sheets across their previous five league matches. The trip away to Bournemouth is far from straightforward, but Nico O’Reilly continues to look like an exciting option due to his attacking involvement. Recent goals against both Arsenal and Chelsea only strengthen his appeal heading into the round.
There are other defenders worth considering this week.
James Tarkowski remains a reliable pick for Everton due to his aerial threat and defensive consistency, while Malick Thiaw could also prove to be a solid option for Newcastle United given his clean-sheet and bonus-point potential.
MIDFIELDERS
Although Manchester United were far from convincing against Sunderland, their overall form under Michael Carrick has still been very impressive. Because of that, there’s every chance they respond strongly this week against Nottingham Forest.
As usual, Bruno Fernandes stands out as one of the best midfield options available. His consistency throughout the campaign has been excellent, and he continues to be central to everything Manchester United create in the final third.
Despite Arsenal’s defensive strength, their clash against Burnley could still produce plenty of attacking returns, given Burnley’s struggles at the back this season. One of the standout routes into Mikel Arteta’s attack is Bukayo Saka, who heads into the fixture after producing back-to-back attacking returns against Atletico Madrid and Fulham.
Beyond those premium options, there are several midfielders capable of delivering this week. Everton pair Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye could both benefit from a favourable home fixture against Sunderland, while Bruno Guimarães has quickly rediscovered form for Newcastle United, producing attacking returns in consecutive matches since returning from injury.
Harry Wilson looks appealing against a Wolves side that continues to struggle defensively – but might his minutes be at risk? We’ll at least get to see the line-ups before committing.
FORWARDS
No team has scored more goals than Manchester City this season, so even though Bournemouth have looked much stronger defensively in recent weeks, slowing Pep Guardiola’s side down is still a huge challenge. Leading the line, Erling Haaland once again stands out after another outstanding campaign in front of goal.
Another forward who catches the eye this week is Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish international continues to start regularly and is seeing plenty of minutes, which only increases his appeal heading into the Burnley fixture. With Burnley conceding more goals than any other side in the league this season, the matchup could hardly be much better for him.
There are also several other forwards worth considering for the round ahead. Igor Thiago has been a consistent performer for Brentford, while both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Welbeck are well into double figures for goals already. They face each other at Elland Road.
Whoever gets the nod out of Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz also looks capable of success against a Wolves side that continues to struggle defensively. Again, wait till the teamsheets come out before finalising that call.
TEAM REVEAL
- Taking the framework of the Challenge into account, I think it’s safe to say that captaining a goalkeeper will be popular this week. I really like Hermansen between the sticks this week; I think he offers multiple routes to points.
- At the back, once you take the Manchester City and Arsenal spots, it’s difficult. But Tarkowski should have good potential at home this week.
- Saka is the standout Arsenal asset to own this week. Fernandes is always a great pick.
- Haaland is a shoo-in this week. I was on the fence with Thiago, but a home fixture and potential Crystal Palace rotation mean he could have a field day.
GAMEWEEK 36 REVIEW
- I managed 40 points, a round rank of 57k, and a big drop to 611th in the global rankings.
- There’s no dancing around the fact that last week was absolutely woeful.
- The Challenge was centred on assists, and I picked up one in my entire team. Thankfully, it came from Cherki, my captain. If it didn’t, it could have been even worse.
- With only two rounds left, the plan is to get back into the top 500 at least!
