FPL Challenge – a different twist on the traditional Fantasy Premier League game – returns for Gameweek 4

Each week comes with its own rules, which can completely change the players we target every week.

Here, Louis runs through his top tips and best picks for the Gameweek 4 Challenge before revealing his own team.

While the FPL deadline has passed, you can still enter Challenge teams right up until kick-off!

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE THIS WEEK?

GOALKEEPERS

The Challenge framework naturally pushes us towards Manchester City and Manchester United assets. Form suggests we should favour City after three wins from three in the league. However, that could actually work in the favour of United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who could rack up save points if kept busy.

For those willing to use one of their three available City slots on a goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma is an obvious option. The Italian heads into the derby after helping his side keep back-to-back clean sheets in all competitions.

Outside of the two Manchester clubs, there are plenty of goalkeepers with clean-sheet potential. They won’t earn double points unless captained, but could still prove useful. Chelsea’s Emiliano Martínez has an excellent opportunity against Hull City, while Arsenal’s David Raya faces Sunderland. Bart Verbruggen is another strong alternative, with Brighton taking on Coventry City.

DEFENDERS

City appear to be the safest option for those backing a clean sheet, even away from home. The Reds are yet to show much defensive resilience, while their opponents have already managed two shutouts across their opening four matches.

Checking the line-ups will be crucial when selecting a Manchester City defender. If Josko Gvardiol starts, he could be a top Challenge option. The Croatian has already registered a goal and an assist, highlighting his potential for points at both ends of the pitch.

There are other routes into the City defence. Marc Guehi could appeal, while Nico O’Reilly becomes particularly interesting if he starts in midfield.

For Manchester United, Harry Maguire looks like the obvious play. His recent Fantasy assist was arguably fortunate, but the centre-back continues to offer attacking threat from set pieces, particularly in the air.

Looking elsewhere opens up several strong alternatives. Chelsea’s Maxence Lacroix could benefit from facing Hull City, while Arsenal duo Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori take on Sunderland. Brighton’s Maxim De Cuyper also catches the eye against promoted Coventry City, particularly given his out-of-position potential.

MIDFIELDERS

City have been brilliant from an attacking perspective, but their goals are often shared between several players. Manchester United tend to rely more heavily on Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder has already racked up three goals and one assist, while penalty duty adds to his appeal.

Those wanting to fully back United could also turn to Bryan Mbeumo. He ranks above every other player in his position for non-penalty expected goal involvement and heads into the derby after scoring in his previous outing.

We simply can’t ignore the Manchester City midfielders, especially with access to the line-ups. Rayan Cherki looks like one of the most explosive options after producing two goals and two assists in his opening matches. His minutes are less secure, however, which could limit his potential.

Both Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo may get longer on the pitch than Cherki, although neither has matched his attacking output so far.

Away from the Manchester derby, Cole Palmer looks like a major standout against Hull City. Chelsea teammate Morgan Rogers also appeals, while Bukayo Saka and Dominik Szoboszlai provide strong alternatives.

FORWARDS

Arguably the standout player and captaincy option heading into this week’s Challenge is Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has scored five goals in just four matches for City this season. His form gives him every chance of punishing an unconvincing United backline.

Those wanting to back Manchester United could turn to Benjamin Šeško. However, he is yet to show much explosiveness in the Premier League. A recent return from injury also raises questions over his potential minutes and ceiling.

Elsewhere, João Pedro could prove popular for Chelsea’s meeting with Hull City. Alexander Isak also has an appealing home fixture against Fulham, while Nicolas Jackson provides another option to consider.

TEAM REVEAL

NOTES

• I’m backing Lammens this week. I think he could rack up plenty of save points, while also providing some coverage if United somehow keep a clean sheet.
• Gvardiol has shown enough attacking threat to make him a good pick. He’ll therefore likely keep his place in my team if he starts.
• Fernandes feels like a safety pick, alongside Haaland, who currently has the captaincy. I’ve also gone quite heavy on Chelsea. They won’t earn double points, but I think their assets could outscore the City midfielders. I may change my mind on that before the deadline, though, so we’ll see.