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, the final round of the season, 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 a +8 bonus available for a win, managers should prioritise sides capable of both winning and keeping a clean sheet this week.
With that in mind, Mads Hermansen stands out as an appealing option. West Ham United must win if they want any chance of avoiding relegation, so motivation should be extremely high heading into the final day. It also helps that they face a Leeds United side who have already secured another season in the Premier League.
Bournemouth are another team with plenty to play for. Their meeting with Nottingham Forest won’t be straightforward, but Andoni Iraola’s side are now unbeaten in 17 league matches. That strong run of form keeps Đorđe Petrović firmly in the conversation.
There are also several other strong goalkeeper options available this week. David Raya could appeal if he starts for Arsenal against Crystal Palace, while Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma has a home fixture against Aston Villa. Don’t forget: we’ll get to see the teamsheets in FPL Challenge before finalising our XIs.
Meanwhile, Burnley goalkeeper Max Weiss could offer value if he starts against bottom-side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
DEFENDERS
Tottenham Hotspur will not want to rely on results elsewhere to secure survival on the final day. Spurs head into the clash without a win in their previous six matches, but Everton could arrive at the perfect time.
Even if they fail to keep a clean sheet against the Toffees, Pedro Porro still stands out as a strong option. His attacking upside remains excellent, which recent xGI (expected goal involvement) numbers continue to highlight. When you combine that with Spurs’ desperation to win, Porro offers multiple routes to points.
A similar case can be made for Konstantinos Mavropanos. West Ham United have genuine clean-sheet potential against Leeds United, while the centre-back also carries clear attacking threat from set pieces.
There are also several other strong defensive options for the final round. Burnley’s Maxime Estève continues to appeal against Wolves, while Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães could be an excellent pick if he starts against Crystal Palace.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also ranks highly ahead of the meeting with Brentford, while Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi and Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly could both offer strong upside if they start.
MIDFIELDERS
While both West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur should be highly motivated to win this week, their midfield options look fairly limited from an FPL perspective.
If pushed, both Crysencio Summerville and Mathys Tel could still be viable picks. However, neither player is fully convincing heading into the final round.
Burnley may already be relegated, but their meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers could still carry extra motivation. Wolves are likely to be one of their main promotion rivals in the Championship next season, while their defensive performances this year have also been extremely poor.
Because of that, Jaidon Anthony stands out as an interesting option. The winger has already produced double figures for goal contributions this season and could enjoy success again this week.
Bournemouth midfielder Rayan is another option. The Cherries should arrive highly motivated, especially after extending their unbeaten run once again. Rayan has looked like one of Bournemouth’s best attackers in recent weeks. That’s reflected in his return of three goals across his previous four matches.
Manchester City duo Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki could both become excellent options if they start this week. Arsenal star Bukayo Saka also deserves consideration if he makes the starting XI.
It could be difficult to ignore Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes after his excellent form this season.
FORWARDS
Leeds United have struggled badly away from home this season, which gives West Ham United a huge opportunity to claim the three points they need.
If the Hammers do find success in attack, then Jarrod Bowen will likely play a major role. The winger has already produced an impressive 20 goal contributions this campaign and remains West Ham’s main attacking threat.
Burnley’s home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers also looks very appealing. Although Burnley have endured a poor season overall, they’ve still shown they can score goals against strong opposition at times.
Wolves certainly do not look secure defensively, which only increases the appeal of players like Zian Flemming. The Burnley forward has averaged an xG of around 0.40 per game this season and has already scored 10 league goals.
If he starts, then Erling Haaland once again stands out as one of the best attacking options of the week. Manchester City may not have much left to play for, outside of this potentially being Pep Guardiola’s final game in charge, but Haaland will still likely want to add to his tally and finish the campaign with a 28th league goal.
TEAM REVEAL
- It’s the last hurrah! I think this team looks pretty good, to be honest, until we see the line-ups, that is.
- I think either way, I’m going for Porro. I don’t think he’ll change. The same goes for Anthony and Bowen.
- Haaland may not start, so I could just switch him to Flemming, which would mean a move from Anthony to maybe whoever starts between Semenyo and Cherki.
- Raya will just switch to whoever starts for Arsenal if he doesn’t make the starting XI.
GAMEWEEK 37 REVIEW
- Last week I hit 49 points, a round rank of 16k, but ultimately a green arrow from 611th to 558th.
- It was far from a great round for me, though. Both Fernandes and Haaland are template, so they didn’t do much good for my rank.
- Saka was a nice return, but the funniest moment was Hermansen, my captain, failing to do anything outside of producing an assist.
- It’s time for one final push, so good luck!
