RADIO
The FPL Manual previews Blank Gameweek 29 for FPL. Offering insights on how best to navigate the blank fixtures, top captaincy picks, and players to target for those using their Free Hit chip.
The roller coaster ride of Double Gameweek 28 can be summed up with the famous saying, "It ain't over till it's over." The drama kicked off with a series of chaotic events, as top captain Dominic Solanke missed a penalty for Bournemouth against Sheffield United, scoring only a goal across two games. However, the climax came with an astonishing comeback for Bournemouth, overcoming a three-goal deficit to Luton. Antoine Semenyo was the star of the match, scoring two goals that helped the Cherries claim a 4-3 victory over the Hatters.
Defensively, it was below par, lacking in quality across the board. Out of the 11 games played, only Manchester United, Brighton, and Spurs managed to keep a clean sheet. The silver lining emerged for many managers who swiftly brought in Son Heung-min, reaping the rewards of his stellar performance against Aston Villa, bagging a total of 17 FPL points.
Additionally, one of the top recommended differentials from the previous gameweek, Kai Havertz, secured Arsenal a late winner, propelling the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table. Welcome to the Blank Gameweek 29 Preview with yours truly, the FPL Manual. In this article, brace yourself for a fresh perspective as I unveil the top recommended FPL picks for the upcoming weekend.
9' Bournemouth 0-1 Luton
31' Bournemouth 0-2 Luton
45+1' Bournemouth 0-3 Luton
50' Bournemouth 1-3 Luton
62' Bournemouth 2-3 Luton
64' Bournemouth 3-3 Luton
83' Bournemouth 4-3 LutonJust the fifth time in #PL history a side has won from 3-0 down and the first since 2003 🤯 pic.twitter.com/UBhIXaFepc
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 13, 2024
Brief Guide to Blank Gameweek 29
With numerous English teams battling it out in the FA Cup quarterfinals this weekend such as Wolves, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle, several Premier League games have been postponed. As a result, only four remaining games will grace the Premier League landscape this week.
Left with a limited selection, FPL managers face a daunting task of filling the void left by the sidelined teams. Questions looming are: How do I navigate this tricky week? Is it to play my Free Hit chip? Do I take a few hits to survive the state of an out-of-place team? Who are the best player(s) to transfer in for Gameweek 29?
Permit me to suggest a few tips to put in mind when navigating the uncharted waters of Gameweek 29.
Blank Gameweek 29 Tips
Invest in Brentford and Spurs Attack
With the top EPL teams sidelined for this gameweek, attention shifts to other formidable attacking teams. According to statistics, Brentford and Tottenham are predicted to generate 1.85 xG and 1.60 xG, respectively.
Following a challenging stretch against top-tier opponents, Brentford aims to break its winless streak against Burnley. With Ivan Toney leading the line alongside Yoane Wissa, who has scored three goals in three games, the Bees possess the potential to unleash a flurry of goals against the Clarets.
Under manager Ange Postecoglou's high-pressing system, Tottenham has been prolific, netting seven goals in its last two outings. Players to consider include Son Heung-min, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, and Pedro Porro for FPL returns.
#FPL GW29 matchups
Goals and clean sheet projections for the upcoming round of Premier League games, via spread betting markets pic.twitter.com/4iUGXxBDXx
— Rob T (@robtFPL) March 13, 2024
Avoid Taking Hits for Defensive Players
Although some FPL managers may be tempted to take hits to compensate for sidelined assets like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, or Erling Haaland, I advise against heavily investing in defensive players this week. According to the bookies, the likelihood of a clean sheet is less than 30% across the four fixtures.
It is indeed tempting to target attacking wing-backs like Alfie Doughty, who is on set-piece duty for Luton, or Sergio Reguilon for potential attacking returns. However, I urge caution in your transfers. It's wise to manage your moves wisely and refrain from bringing in such players for hits. Instead, consider focusing more on strengthening your midfield and forward positions.
Another assist in the bag for Alfie Doughty 💪
Only Kieran Trippier has more among defenders 🛡️#FPL #BOULUT pic.twitter.com/ttYnCtbxi7
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) March 13, 2024
Is it Time to Play the Free Hit Chip?
Opting for the Free Hit chip can be a convenient way to avoid taking unnecessary hits. However, its applicability varies depending on individual team compositions. Some seasoned FPL elites may have strategically made transfers in advance to ensure a full squad for Gameweek 29, rendering the Free Hit chip unnecessary. Therefore, the decision to play the Free Hit chip is team dependent.
If you find yourself with a substantial number of players available (around eight to nine) for Gameweek 29, I recommend refraining from using the Free Hit chip and save it for future double gameweeks. On the other hand, if you have only five to six players available or fewer, activating your Free Hit Chip now might be the most prudent option.
Irrespective of your current situation, the following draft team can serve as a helpful guide for targeting players in the upcoming weekend
Is this the best #FPL draft team for Gameweek 29 🤔 pic.twitter.com/PDNv4hKCcn
— FPL Manual (Wale) (@TheFPLManual) March 14, 2024
Blank Gameweek 29 Top Captain Picks
Son Heung-min (£9.9m) - Tottenham
14 goals and eight assists this season underscore the consistent brilliance of Tottenham's captain, Son Heung-min. His recent performance against Villa, where he scored and provided two assists, highlights his current form.
While this gameweek might not offer many standout options, Son's guaranteed minutes and role as the main forward in the absence of Richarlison make him a compelling choice for Gameweek 29. Son Heung-min is undoubtedly my top captain for the upcoming weekend.
Is Son at the top of your list to bring in with favourable fixtures ahead?
Over 250,000 #FPL bosses have already transferred him in ahead of Blank Gameweek 29 🔁 pic.twitter.com/4NfU9uD8wf
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) March 12, 2024
Ollie Watkins (£9m) - Aston Villa
In the recent match against Tottenham at Villa Park, the England international's performance was disappointing as he failed to score. However, despite this setback, Ollie Watkins' goal-scoring ability cannot be overlooked.
Having contributed 16 goals and 15 assists for his team so far, Watkins remains a crucial asset for Aston Villa. The upcoming Sunday fixture against West Ham provides another opportunity for Watkins to demonstrate his scoring prowess and aid Aston Villa's pursuit of a top-four finish and qualification for next season's Champions League campaign.
Jarrod Bowen (£8m) - West Ham
Following a lackluster performance against a struggling Burnley side, the West Ham forward is eager to bounce back in the upcoming clash against Aston Villa.
Upon observation, one defensive area where Aston Villa has recently struggled is in maintaining a high defensive line against counter-attacking teams, resulting in conceding goals on numerous occasions.
This weakness could lead to a shift in strategy for manager David Moyes, who leans heavily on his talisman to unlock Villa's defense and deliver vital goals for the team. Given his impressive record of 14 goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, Jarrod Bowen emerges as a top candidate for the captaincy armband.
18 - Jarrod Bowen has scored 18 goals in 36 appearances for West Ham this season, equalling his most in a single campaign for the Hammers in 15 fewer appearances (18 in 51 games in 2021-22). Evolution. pic.twitter.com/bYqtTl42on
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 14, 2024
Is there a question you would like to have answered every week? Hit us up on X @RotoBaller. We would love to hear your feedback and ideas!
