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The FPL Manual presents a comprehensive overview of Gameweek 30, highlighting top captain picks, differential player selections, and the exciting new FPL Challenge spin-off game.
The international break is winding down, and FPL managers are eagerly anticipating the return of Premier League action this upcoming weekend. With only nine game weeks remaining, the desire for more FPL is tremendous, especially with the announcement of Double Gameweek 34 on the horizon.
However, Gameweek 29 proved to be a tough pill to swallow for many managers. A staggering 1.7 million Free Hits were used, yet none of the top-10 most-transferred in players managed to deliver returns, resulting in an average score of just 12 points overall. It goes down as one of the worst gameweeks in FPL history.
Looking ahead to Gameweek 30, join me, The FPL Manual, as we delve into the best player targets, uncover top differentials, and explore the newly introduced "FPL Challenge" spin-off game. Learn how to gain an edge over your rivals and emerge victorious in the upcoming gameweeks.
Gameweek 29 had the lowest average points on record! 👀
Here are the lowest averages in recent #FPL seasons:
2023/24 - 12 (GW29) 🥇
2022/23 - 33 (GW28)
2021/22 - 28 (GW30) pic.twitter.com/1F8b61hUV4— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) March 18, 2024
Gameweek 30 Tips
Keep Faith in Arsenal Assets
As we enter the final stretch of the season, many FPL managers are considering using their wild-card chip to revamp their squads, especially with an eye on players likely to feature in Double Gameweek 34. While this can be a wise move, it's essential to maintain faith in Arsenal's FPL assets despite its tough fixture against Manchester City this weekend. The upcoming run of games for the Gunners is too promising to discard all Arsenal picks hastily.
What do you make of @Arsenal's path to #FPL Double Gameweek 34? pic.twitter.com/vKJUeEvS1x
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) March 24, 2024
Target Newcastle and Liverpool Attack
The bookmakers project Liverpool to have an xG (expected goals) value of 2.65 and Newcastle to have an xG of 2.05 in their respective upcoming matches.
Both Liverpool and Newcastle have demonstrated strong home goal-scoring records recently. Since Gameweek 22, Liverpool has scored 12 goals at Anfield, while Newcastle has netted nine goals at St. James' Park.
Their opponents, Brighton and West Ham, have struggled defensively in recent matches, indicating a low likelihood of keeping a clean sheet. As a result, players such as Mohamed Salah, Anthony Gordon, Darwin Nunez, and Alexander Isak are prime targets for FPL managers looking to capitalize on potential goal-scoring opportunities in these fixtures.
#FPL GW30 matchups
Goals and clean sheet projections for the upcoming round of Premier League games, via spread betting markets pic.twitter.com/f0Q0rfIVGM
— Rob T (@robtFPL) March 27, 2024
Gameweek 30 Top Captain Picks
There are numerous enticing options to consider for your captaincy choice. Players like Son Heung-min facing Luton Town, Erling Haaland against Arsenal, and Alexander Isak against West Ham all present strong cases. However, my top-two picks would be:
Mohamed Salah (£13.1m) - Liverpool
Having last started a Premier League game in Gameweek 20, the Egyptian international has been sidelined due to injury. However, fully rested during the international break, he is poised to make his return for the Reds this upcoming weekend against Brighton.
In his last 14 appearances against Brighton, Mo Salah has an impressive record, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists against the Seagulls. With such a stellar history against Brighton, Salah emerges as a top candidate for the captain's armband this weekend.
He's already been transferred in by over 250,000 managers 😱
But how many points will Mohamed Salah return in Gameweek 30? 💭#FPL pic.twitter.com/y1xlVfQRud
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) March 22, 2024
Cole Palmer (£5.8m) - Chelsea
Nicknamed "Cold" Palmer, the Chelsea forward has showcased exceptional talent in his debut season with the Blues, tallying 11 goals and nine assists in the Premier League. In the reverse fixture against Burnley FC in Gameweek 8, Palmer netted a goal and provided an assist, accruing 12 points in that game.
Given Burnley's struggles this season, Palmer could replicate this performance, making him a prime candidate for captaincy. I strongly recommend entrusting the armband to Cole Palmer this weekend.
6 - Cole Palmer has both scored and assisted a goal in six separate games for Chelsea in all competitions this season, the most any Premier League player has done so in 2023-24. Super. pic.twitter.com/2cuLc65DCA
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 17, 2024
FPL Challenge - A New Way To Play
The FPL Challenge introduces an innovative twist to Fantasy Premier League, offering managers the opportunity to showcase their skills by assembling a fresh team for each Gameweek. With unique challenges presented every week, managers must adapt to varying conditions that affect their team's performance.
🥁 Introducing FPL Challenge 🥁
🆕 A brand new challenge each Gameweek
⏱️ No deadlines
🙅♂️ No season-long commitment
🎁 Prizes every weekPlay now! ➡️ https://t.co/eVdIosYSTR#FPLChallengeAccepted pic.twitter.com/QN8VhijJrO
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) March 25, 2024
The game rules closely resemble the original format but feature a few key differences. Firstly, managers can enter a team at any time. Additionally, they can select up to five players from a single Premier League team, though the criteria may vary across challenges.
Unlike the original game, there is no strict deadline; managers can make changes throughout the gameweek until each kickoff. However, once a player's match begins, they are locked in. Managers have the flexibility to change their captain as long as the chosen player hasn't played yet. Lastly, unlike the original game, no chips are available.
I'm personally excited about this new system and believe it will add an extra layer of excitement for FPL enthusiasts like myself. We have some exciting challenges lined up. For Gameweek 30, you have an unlimited budget. Gameweek 31, dubbed "Forward Focus," offers double points for forwards. Finally, Gameweek 32 brings the "Red Rivalry" challenge, emphasizing players from Manchester United and Liverpool who will earn double points. Get ready for some thrilling action ahead!
Which Fantasy Challenge prize are you most excited about? 🤩
Build your team ➡️ https://t.co/eVdIosYl4j#FPLChallengeAccepted pic.twitter.com/g2GZxokKak
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) March 27, 2024
Top Differentials to Consider (<10% ownership)
Antoine Semenyo (£4.5m) - Bournemouth
After his standout performance in Double Gameweek 28 where he scored a brace and amassed an xGI (expected goal involvement) of 0.56, Antoine Semenyo makes a return to the list of differentials for the upcoming matches.
In the next fixture against Everton, Antoine Semenyo faces a team that has conceded 11 goals in its last six league games, presenting a favorable matchup for him to capitalize on. Known for his proficiency in operating within the half spaces, the Ghanaian international plays a crucial role in Bournemouth's attacking transitions. Keep an eye on Semenyo as he aims to make an impact in the upcoming game.
What's next for Antoine Semenyo in #FPL Gameweek 30?@afcbournemouth host Everton after not featuring in GW29 🍒 pic.twitter.com/EVx2u1qrQs
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) March 24, 2024
Rodrigo Muniz (£4.6m) - Fulham
In superb form, the 22-year-old Brazilian forward has been instrumental in Fulham's attack, finding the net seven times in his last seven Premier League appearances.
FPL Managers who acquired Rodrigo Muniz in Gameweek 29 will be delighted to learn that his next match is against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United. Their recent defensive struggles, conceding a staggering 15 goals in their last five league fixtures, set the stage for another potential masterclass from Muniz in the upcoming weekend. In light of this fixture, I would suggest considering the inclusion of Muniz in your fantasy team.
Rodrigo Muniz is in fine form for @FulhamFC ⚪️
Following his brace against Spurs he has now scored seven goals in his last seven matches! pic.twitter.com/7Y2iIG9OO5
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 19, 2024
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