Pro Pundits

How many hits should FPL managers take ahead of Blank Gameweek 29?

Blank Gameweeks always make me apprehensive as a Fantasy Premier League manager and I know I am not alone in worrying about squad size.

Normally there are one or two fixtures to target which provide decent reassurance that a hit might be worth taking.

However, the four matches scheduled for Blank Gameweek 29 are either difficult to call, feature out-of-form, inconsistent or absent players, or just don’t inspire confidence.

To hit or not to hit. That is the question

I have been planning for Blank Gameweek 29 since Gameweek 24, trying to target players and teams in good form and that have a fixture. Ben White (£4.4m) is a prime example of this. I signed him ahead of Gameweek 25, on the back of five clean sheets in six. Since then, Brighton have not managed prevent any of their opponents from scoring in the last four games.

Going in to Gameweek 28, I had nine players who were due to play in Blank Gameweek 29, along with two free transfers which would give me a starting 11 without the need for a hit.

Rashford fit to start but Martial, Cavani and de Gea miss out on West Ham clash 2

Fast-forward to the end of Gameweek 28 and I have flags on Son Heung-Min (£9.5m) and Patrick Bamford (£6.7m). While I am increasingly confident that Bamford will be able to play in Blank Gameweek 29, the same can not be said for Son.

As a result I now face a dilemma: to hit or not to hit.

The case for taking a hit

The fixtures don’t appear to be games that I want to take hits for, but the benefit of having 11 starters for a minus-four feels like a compelling reason to do it.

There are four teams from the eight involved in Blank Gameweek 29 who have attractive fixtures in Gameweek 30 as well so if you view the hit in the context of the next couple of weeks it could be worth doing.

TeamBlank Gameweek 29Gameweek 30
Aston VillaTottenham Hotspur (home)Fulham (home)
LeedsFulham (away)Sheffield United (home)
Tottenham HotspurAston Villa (away)Newcastle (home)
West HamArsenal (home)Wolves (away)

Taking a minus-four for the likes of Newcastle who play Brighton and then Spurs feels like a points hit that will not be repaid. However for players such as Raphinha (£5.6m), Jesse Lingard (£6.1m) and Gareth Bale (£9.6m), it feels like they could easily be repaid in Gameweek 29 and then repaid again in Gameweek 30.

Hits for a one-week punt, especially with a series of fixtures like we have in Blank Gameweek 29, feel risky. However, with the Gameweek 30 matches that Villa, Leeds, Spurs and West Ham have, a wise investment in their assets could give Fantasy managers the boost they need alongside an even better looking side for Gameweek 30.

The case for Blank Gameweek 29 without a hit

LiveFPL.net currently has the average number of players per team for Gameweek 29 at seven. Over the next few hours until the deadline we will undoubtedly see a wave of transfers from FPL players waiting until after the European matches before making their transfers. However, it seems likely the majority of teams won’t be made up of 11 starters.

Luke Shaw (£5.2m), Ilkay Gundogan (£6.2m), Mohamed Salah (£12.4m), Bruno Fernandes (£11.5m) and Ruben Dias (£6.1m) are the players I currently have who will not kick a ball in Blank Gameweek 29.

On paper, these are all players that could make way this week. However, when you look at their Gameweek 30 fixtures (Man City travel to Leicester, Manchester United host Brighton and Liverpool visit Arsenal) there are a couple of players, namely Shaw and Fernandes, that cannot be sacrificed without needing to bring them back in.

This means that for me it is only possible to do a minus-four at worst.

Keeping an eye on the fixtures that follow on from the Blank Gameweek is key, taking hits for players for this week can be a good idea, as long as managers are not sacrificing players they will want for the week after.

Key targets for Blank Gameweek 29

With this in mind there are three players on my wish list for Gameweek 29.

Jesse Lingard (£6.1m)

Auto Draft 5

Lingard has now returned in five of his six Premier League matches since joining West Ham on loan. He has also returned in each of his last four starts. Lingard’s ineligibility to play against his parent club Man United in Gameweek 28 was strongly felt by a defeated West Ham lacking in attack without him.

Against an Arsenal side who are top for errors leading to goals in the last four Gameweeks, and are joint third in the same period for defensive errors, Lingard is likely to have plenty of opportunities to excel in Blank Gameweek 29 and again in Gameweek 30 against Wolves who have made the same number of defensive errors as Arsenal.

Gareth Bale (£9.6m)

The Bale fitness latest as his impact on Son and Kane in FPL is assessed

Ahead of the north London derby in Gameweek 28, Bale was on an excellent run of form, having returned two double-digit hauls in three matches and returns in three out of four Gameweeks.

However, Bale was withdrawn on 56 minutes having failed to be involved in the match due to Spurs’ defensive set up. With Son likely to be missing for in Gameweek 29, the onus will be on the likes of Bale, Lucas Moura (£6.6m) and Harry Kane (£11.5m) to get them back to winning ways.

Over his last four matches Bale is top for expected goal involvement (xGI) Delta and third for XGI overall.

The last time Bale played at Villa Park he scored a second half hat trick which saw Spurs run out 4-0 winners. I can see Bale and his Spurs team setting up offensively against Villa, making him a great option, especially as in Gameweek 30 Spurs face Newcastle who have only kept one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League matches.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.5m)

Blank Gameweek 28 Scout Picks built on assets from the capital

After he sat out the north London derby for disciplinary reasons, I expect to see Aubameyang back in the first 11 for Blank Gameweek 29. Prior to the Spurs game, the FPL midfielder had scored four goals in his previous four matches, although three of those did come in one outing against Leeds.

In his last four fixtures, Aubameyang is top for expected goals (xG) among midfielders across the game.

Arsenal have on paper a difficult match in Gameweek 30 against Liverpool. However, the Reds have only kept one clean sheet in the last three so Aubameyang is a player I feel you can bring in for Blank Gameweek 29 and play in Gameweek 30.

How to line up for Blank Gameweek 29

I am planning to move Salah to Lingard this week. The West Ham midfielder is a must-have in my opinion and someone I have seriously considered captaining this week.

The Aubameyang or Bale dilemma is one that will rumble on until deadline. Both Spurs and Arsenal had Europa League ties on Thursday evening and it will be a last minute call as to who comes in for Gundogan this week, with a view to bringing in the injury-free and in-form Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) for my Wildcard for Gameweek 31.

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

822 Comments Post a Comment
  1. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Morning folks, thoughts on this? 1FT and plenty of cash, going WC next week.

    Martinez/Sanchez
    Targett Coufal Dunk
    Raphinha Grealish* Son*
    Kane Antonio Bamford*

    I’m hopeful Bamford and Grealish both play. Son I’m not expecting to start, but I may hold in case it’s another case of Mourinho playing games.

    I’m thinking of adding either Lingard or Dallas with my last free transfer. Any other suggestions?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Auba and Lingz for Son and Grealish

  2. hawkeyes
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Dunk or Creswell?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Cresswell long term pick

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Like them both.
      Dunk has more chance of a Clean sheet, Cresswell more chance of an attacking return.

  3. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Digne/Cancelo + DCL >> Dunk + Bamford for free?

    Gives me:-
    Martinez
    Dunk,Dallas, Coufal
    Aubamayang,Bale,Son*,Raphinia
    Kane,Watkins, Bamford .

    I know Everton have Palace at home next week but our home form is garbage. Plus Bamford will have Sheff United.

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      I'd do it

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Yeah

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Is there a better move than DCL > Bamford?

        Like Gundo > Lingard/ Odegard or Cancelo > Cresswell/Veltman/Tierney

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Just Dunk this week for me

      Bam in for sure next time but maybe from Watkins - the Palace away form could counteract that home form 🙂

  4. MoSalad
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Final decision made Raphina C confirmed, let’s go!

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Eek!

  5. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    No idea who to bring in for Son. Don’t think I even want Bale

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Aubamebloodclartyang.

    2. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Grealish, if back?
      Trossard?
      Ødegaard?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Grealish wont be back. I dont think I want any of those long term

    3. Hazardous1983
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Same dilemma. Bale doesnt fill me with confidence, thinking lingard

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Why not keep Son? Won't he be back after the IB?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Yeah its a potential option!

  6. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Auba probably benched makes me thinking of ditching him for Bale in order to secure triple Spurs for DGW32

    1. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Why's he benched, do you reckon?

  7. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Best replacement for son? Kane or Lingard

    Plan also to do cancelo to coufal/dawson, already own sanchez and dont want to to double up

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Hmm tough. I'd want both really, but probably Kane first

  8. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Best option on FH?
    a) Reguilon
    b) Dallas
    c) Tierney

    1. Hazardous1983
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Dallas

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      B

  9. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Morning...taken a hit for this team. Wildcard in 31. Want to keep dcl and mount for gw 30

    A....g2g

    B....cancelo to tierney (or another def) - 8

    Thanks

    Martinez
    Dallas coufal dunk (dias cancelo)
    Son bale Lingard raphinha (mount)
    Kane watkins (dcl)

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      A

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      A

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Cheers

  10. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Could do with some help here?
    Players I'm considering bringing in:
    A) Cresswell - already have Coufal and Antonio - couldn't get Lingard / double WH def?
    B) Dunk - Brighton defence a good idea if not on FH? Expensive to bench
    C) Veltman - same as above, but could bench
    D) Tierney - don't trust Arsenal
    E) Bale - will Spurs be the same team without Son? Good GW30 fixture though
    F) Lingard - have Coufal and Antonio - too much WH?
    G) Auba - don't trust Arsenal

    Who to go for?!

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      F - decent record vs Arsenal. My captain this GW

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Interesting, thanks! Would you lose Salah or Gundo for him? Have WC to play in 31.
        GL with the captain!

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 10 days ago

          Possibly if you have a plan to get Salah back

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 10 days ago

          Oh if WC31 get Dunk

          United have been known to blank 🙂 Brighton have also been known to keep top 6 sides out.

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Lingard or Dunk

      Hadn't paid any attention to Spurs home and away before I went triple up last week. Start contrast and likely down to how Mou sets up. Just 3 goals in last 5 away trips.

      Double WH defence too much despite Cresswell being the one to be on. Arsenal do score.

      Some argument for Dunk if no FH in 33. He's got a good one there too. Two from 5 good fixtures not awful for a defence that is CL tight.

  11. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Is Son def out? Surely not worth a hit to remove if there is a chance he plays

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      In true Mourinho fashion it's not definite.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Definitely maybe. Cheers

      2. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        I don’t think he will.

        Last time he said there’s a chance he could be fit and want to play . This time he said he’s out.

        I be shipping

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 10 days ago

          Did he actually say he was out? My bad, I must have missed that. I thought it was just likely he was out.

          1. Tango74
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 10 days ago

            Ok don’t quote me , not definitely out. Just different terms 🙂

            I’m not taking risk that he plays

            1. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 10 days ago

              Well I can't remember the exact quote anyway so no quoting from me 😀

              I don't reckon he plays either to be fair.

              1. Tango74
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 10 days ago

                I don’t trust spurs now , probably Lingard now

                Does that word mean villa ?

          2. El Presidente
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 10 days ago

            Out for EL match were his words...

  12. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    bottomed last page

    Is this worth a - 4 ???

    a. Salah & DCL > Lingard & Lacazette

    or just do

    b. Salah > Lingard or Auba?

    Cheers

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      A bit I would want Salah back in soon enough

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        *A but

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Reasonable to assume:
      Lingard 2 to 7 points Laca 2 to 7 points Laca might not start.
      Auba probably a higher ceiling and sorted his Shxt with the manager. Easy to move from Auba than Laca.

  13. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    “I can see Spurs setting up offensively”

    On what basis?

  14. Mane Mane Mane
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    My team to play is
    Martinez
    Dallas Konsa Coufal
    Raphinha Bale
    Kane Antonio Bamford

    I’m using my wildcard next gameweek so anyone is available, which two players should I aim to bring in?

    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Without knowing rest of team and budget, difficult to suggest... But I would say Auba and Cresswell are worthy to be brought in

  15. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Kane, Raph or J Lingz for the cap?

    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Kane

  16. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Areola or Martinez to start?

    1. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      If Kane your capt , pointless Martinez

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      I'm thinking Areola

  17. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Emi
    Konsa Burn* Veltman
    Son* Traore*
    Bamford* Kane

    Had 2 FT and 0.3 itb.

    Have 3 options:

    A. Mane / Gundogan / Son >> Auba / Raphinha / Bale
    B. Mane / Gundogan / Traore >> Auba / Raphinha / Lingard
    C. Mane / Gundogan / Stones >> Auba / Raphinha / Tierney

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Is that Villa or Wolves Traore?

  18. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Who should I sell?

    A. Son
    B. Salah

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      I think I'm selling Salah out of the 2. Depends if you need the money I suppose.

    2. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Salah... Son could be back for GW30 and have a DGW32

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      B

  19. El_Gigante
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Cancelo >
    A. Cresswell
    B. Dallas
    C. Tierney
    D. Different (midfield / attack transfer)

    Martinez
    Konsa, White
    Raphinha, Lingard
    Kane, Watkins

    Forster; Cancelo, Dias, Digne, Gundo, Fernandes, Salah, DCL

    2FT.. no WC left

    1. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      A or C

  20. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Apart from Aubayemang who is the best Arsenal MF to have long term

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Saka.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Odegaard

  21. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Locking and loading this shower. Though double Villa defence feels a tad better this morning. GL all

    Martinez
    Konsa Dallas Cresswell
    (L)ingard Raph Bale Son*
    Kane Watkins Antonio

    Cue Bamford, Kane and Brighton and Arsenal defence and a red arrow from 10/11 🙂

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Looks decent. GL!

  22. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Any changes to my FH?
    Areola
    Veltman, Creswell, Dunk
    Raphina, Trossard/Gross, Lookman, Lingard
    Kane, Lacazette, Watkins

    Thanks

  23. Rog.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Son to Auba -4 to field 11? Chasing about a 40 point gap. WC31.

    TIA

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      No.

      1. Rog.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Thanks, what about trossard?

  24. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Who on earth to bring in for sterling now

    Grealish, bale, can’t be lingard because I STILL have souceck, Auba?

    I’m a spurs fan and fear this could be the beginning of the end, I do think we will play a bit more attacking but will probably ship goals

    1. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Hello spurs fan

      Will JM wield the axe and drop
      His stars except Kane ?

      Eg bale and Lucas?

    2. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      With Lamela out, Mourinho can't drop Bale, can he, despite his war on xG?

  25. Kitman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Antonio or watkins over the next 3?

    1. Rog.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Tight, probably just Antonio for me

  26. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Auba could very well be benched and score a brace in typical troll fashion

    1. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Same for lacca 🙁

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      He could be benched but I can't see it. He's had a 'rest' recently.

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        He may be more likely to score if he is benched! I’m still going to get Auba in as a one week punt (I need the last striker spot for Bamford)

    3. Rog.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Surely the rest last weekend makes him more likely to play?

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        That and the Saka injury

  27. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Hi, i have 2ft, thinking to do Son>Lingard and DCL>Kane(c)
    Martinez(Sanchez)
    Dallas, Dunk
    Son, Salah, KDB, Gundo, Raphi
    DCL, Bamford, Antonio

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      KDB and Gundo don't play

  28. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Wow the is absolutely nobody I want to bring in for Salah or Son, best option for this team?

    Martinez
    Dunk Dallas Coufal
    Salah* Son Lingard Raphina
    Kane Bamford Watkins
    Pope Bruno Cancelo* Stones*

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Any defenders you like? Cancelo out maybe

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Only Cresswell but already have Coufal and not keen on a double up

  29. Mane Mane Mane
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Who are the top 5 scoring players this gameweek you reckon?

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Hard to say i fancy Bale + Auba to score

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Raphina
      Martinez
      Auba
      Traore
      Dunk

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Brighton defenders, Kane, Raphina, Lingard, Bale/Auba coin toss.

      1. Mane Mane Mane
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Can’t decide which one out of Auba lingaard or Dunk, or to take a -4 and bring in two... so difficult

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 10 days ago

          Depends on chips remaining. Auba easy to move out. Dunk good for this week only then mostly bench. Lingard promising but fixture changes coming. Also depends on who you are replacing them with.

    4. Pipermaru
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Knowing FPL and the hype for template picks I would go with Sanson, Maupay, Joelinton, Bowen, Loftus-Cheek.

      1. Rassi
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        I like this.

  30. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Would you do Gundogan > Lingard -4? Frees up a Man City spot moving forward aswell.

    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      No

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Yes if no WC