Gameweek 33 Staff Roundtable Preview - Fantasy Premier League Predictions, Tips, and Picks for 2023-24

Welcome to Gameweek 33, RotoBallers! This is our third year covering FPL, and we are bringing you more coverage than ever. We publish two weekly articles: a staff roundtable preview and our weekly rankings. Then, once a month, we have our newest report, The Watchlist, which reviews the previous month and looks ahead to the upcoming fixtures.

Thirty-two gameweeks down, six to go. After a hectic few gameweeks, we finally get some rest to regroup before the final FPL run-in. Five teams (City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa, West Ham) have midweek European commitments to navigate, but the other 15 teams get a whole week of rest between games. Double Gameweek 34 is on the horizon, so try to balance any potential transfers' short- and long-term prospects.

The Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 33 deadline is 6:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 6, when Newcastle welcomes Spurs to Northeast England. Also, look out for the rest of our excellent soccer coverage, as the squad gets you all set for every English Premier League, Major League Soccer, and UEFA Champions League slate from a DFS and betting perspective.

I seldom play #EPL #DFS. But when I do, I make sure I check out my @RotoBaller buddies @EuanFPL and @df_solutions
before creating my lineup https://t.co/rmQTeGmSRg pic.twitter.com/b0xGTcSxp4

— Jamie Steed (@Baseball_Jimbo) February 10, 2024

Fantasy Premier League Staff Roundtable - Gameweek 33 Preview

The Staff Roundtable is an attempt to get you inside the mind of our FPL staff. Our top soccer writers will answer questions each gameweek to give you an idea of how they view the games. So, without further ado, let’s kick off Gameweek 33!

 

 

We’ve seen Pep Guardiola bench Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden in the last. Do you expect more Pep Roulette in future gameweeks?

• Euan Leith: In Gameweek 33 versus Luton, I expect all three players to see limited minutes. Hopefully, it's at least 60 minutes. Still, an exhausting 3-3 tie with Real Madrid with a short turnaround to next week's leg should cause Pep to ensure his stars are aligned for a crucial Champions League quarterfinal decider.
• Jamie Steed: Yes, although with no margin for error, not much. I can see each of them missing one EPL game, but I don’t foresee much in the way of rotation as long as they’re in the title race.
• Tom Bellucco: With how tight the table is, I think we'll see the stars play more and more as we get closer to Gameweek 38. Pep has surprised me in the past, though, so who knows? But I choose not to worry about that and deal with the repercussions later.
• Adewale Akin-Adesina (The FPL Manual): With the successive run of games, it would be wise for the manager to rotate the squad fairly to avoid unwanted injuries. This practice might be more consistent in the upcoming gameweeks.

Gameweeks 26-31 = 11 points 😑
Gameweek 32 = 18 points 🤩

De Bruyne is finding form at the right time. But with a European tie looming, will the Man City asset feature at all in a favourable Gameweek 33 fixture? 🤔#FPL pic.twitter.com/0QIRGi3nKF

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 9, 2024

 

Arsenal kept its fourth clean sheet in the last five games on Saturday. Who would be your top three defensive Gunners for the rest of the season?

• Euan: Gabriel, William Saliba, and Ben White. David Raya deserves some consideration, but the three defenders have a knack for chipping in on the attacking side of the ball now and then. That raises both their floor and ceiling. Meanwhile, Raya is a two- or six-point player, depending on whether the Gunners keep a clean sheet.
• Jamie: Ben White continues to excel and provide an attacking threat down the right. Gabriel is arguably the league’s most significant threat from set-pieces. And William Saliba is number three. He’s the only other lock for a starting role.
• Tom: I'll take the chalky route and go with Ben White, William Saliba, and Gabriel in that order. None of them have shown the propensity to provide offensive returns, but they've been so solid defensively that it may not matter, especially with no one from the top of the table left on their schedule.
• FPL Manual: My top three options are Ben White, Gabriel, and William Saliba. These picks have played the most minutes in Arsenal's backline and are safe from possible team rotations.

 

Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka returned from injury and punished FPL managers who sold them. Is there still time for patience this year, or do we need to react week by week?

• Euan: Considering Arsenal has two fixtures in Double Gameweek 34, I wouldn't sell Bukayo Saka... yet. However, after the double, I don't mind chasing the fixtures. Saka is carrying an injury, but sellers should be prepared to take their medicine if the Star Boy shines. As for Ollie Watkins, he was injured but had an excellent fixture versus Brentford. A tough test against Arsenal awaits in Gameweek 33, but with no doubles for the remainder of the season, Watkins is a viable sell to get more fixtures in your squad.
• Jamie: Certain players deserve some patience, but you still need to take things week to week. If a star player is out for a week or two, you should still consider keeping them, provided it doesn’t cause you to take a blank at a position.
• Tom: I'm not sold that Saka will be the answer every week, but Ollie Watkins continues to prove that he's among the most valuable FPL players out there. He is a priority.
• FPL Manual: It all boils down to an FPL Manager's appetite. Being patient can pay off long term, but short-term bandwagons in form should not be ignored at this junction of the Premier League run-in. A perfect mix of both strategies could pay off for managers.

Only Ollie Watkins can better his total of 191 points this season ✅
A fairly favourable Double Gameweek 34 is on the horizon ✅

Who's backing Saka to provide the goods once again? 🌶#FPL pic.twitter.com/xBkWnVH6D4

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 9, 2024

 

Seven teams have two fixtures in Gameweek 34. Should FPL managers use their transfers this week to set themselves up for the big double gameweek?

• Euan: To use a classic cop-out, it depends on your strategy. If you have a Free Hit chip left, I would prepare for the remainder of the season and activate that chip for Gameweek 34. However, if you are sans Free Hit, you should focus your transfers on next week and the remaining doubles in Gameweeks 35 and 37.
• Jamie: I would, although I have kept my Wildcard to maximize it. Every point counts at this stage of the season. Being about to field a team of players with two games could be a deciding factor in your private leagues.
• FPL Manual: Yes, this is the perfect junction to set up moves for teams that double in Gameweek 34. A good recommendation would be to double up on Arsenal's defence or Liverpool's attack, which have favorable fixtures for the double gameweek.

 

Meanwhile, Spurs doesn’t play any games. Is it time to get rid of our Tottenham players?

• Euan: Once again, if you have your Free Hit chip, I would play it next week and hold your Spurs players. They have two fixtures in Gameweek 35 and Gameweek 37, so you'll want them in those weeks. However, if the Free Hit is not in your arsenal, moving down to only Son Heung-min isn't a bad option because he will be the most highly-rostered player wearing a Tottenham shirt.
• Jamie: Their final two games of the season are fantastic. But until then, their fixtures aren’t fantasy-friendly. I wouldn’t be looking to add any Tottenham players until Gameweek 37, that’s for sure. But I'm not sure I’d drop them unless I had outstanding alternatives.
• Tom: I don't think anyone performs consistently enough to warrant keeping at their inflated price tags. I don't find myself wanting many Spurs on my team these days.
• FPL Manual: Yes, especially if you are a manager with two to three Spurs assets in your team. Gameweek 33 is the perfect time to swap those players out for the potential double gameweek players. However, if you have a strong bench that can cover for the unavailable Spurs players, you can safely rotate, which is an excellent strategy for holding them for Double Gameweek 35.

Two Spurs defenders on the scoresheet ⚪️

Did you have Pedro Porro or Micky van de Ven in your side? 👀#FPL #TOTNFO pic.twitter.com/uJALOrLv41

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 7, 2024

 

Who is keeping a clean sheet in Gameweek 33?

• Euan: With a massive midweek tie against Real Madrid between Gameweeks 33 and 34, Man City needs to stay focused and not slip up in the league. Fortunately, a home fixture against Luton should be exactly what the doctor ordered. According to Vegas, the Citizens have a 54 percent chance of keeping a clean sheet this weekend. That's nine percent higher than Liverpool's against Crystal Palace and 10 percent more than Arsenal's battling Aston Villa.
• Jamie: The top three are all in position to keep clean sheets, but I’m backing West Ham as my favorite play. Fulham’s away record has been poor all season, having picked up more points on their travels than only the bottom four. They blanked at home to Newcastle last week and failed to score in three of their four away London derbies.
• Tom: Brentford at home against Sheffield Utd is in a strong spot, so I'll take the Bees for a clean sheet. Man City and Chelsea at home against offenses that struggle to step up in class could also make sense.
• FPL Manual: I would tip Arsenal to secure a clean sheet in this gameweek. The Gunners currently have the most clean sheets in the Premier League and will likely carry on bolstering their stalwart defence at the Etihad Stadium against Aston Villa

 

What defensive player is providing attacking returns?

• Euan: Conor Bradley has been a bit of a bust for me on my Gameweek 31 Wildcard. However, he'll have one more chance at redemption this weekend as Trent Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to be fit enough to start versus Crystal Palace. The Northern Irish defender has been bombing down the wing and played well enough to deserve a return against Man United last weekend. With his final crack at the starting XI on the line, I'm backing Bradley to bring home the points.
• Jamie: I backed Rayan Aït-Nouri last week, and he didn’t disappoint. I’m going back to the Wolves man this week. He continues to be in an advanced role due to Wolves injury issues in attacking areas. Aït-Nouri has five goals in his last nine games and three in his previous four.
• Tom: Lewis Hall has looked intriguing in pushing forward for Newcastle in the last couple of matches. I'll take him to log an assist on Saturday when Newcastle hosts Tottenham.
• FPL Manual: I would say Rayan Aït-Nouri. Due to a few missing attackers for Wolves, the left wingback has recently been playing in a more attacking role for his club, which has led to an increase in his numbers going forward. He has scored two goals and provided an assist in his last four games. Provided he starts after last week's knock, I tip the Algerian man to do well in Gameweek 33.

Rayan Ait Nouri’s half by numbers vs. West Ham:

100% pass accuracy
100% tackles won
28/28 passes completed
5 dribbles
2 shots
1 penalty won

Putting on a clinic again. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/mqtKlnM3pe

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 6, 2024

 

Who's a midfielder or forward rostered on less than 10 percent of teams that will grab us those FPL points?

• Euan: Don't look now, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin is again becoming Everton's hero. The English striker has been plagued by injuries for seasons but is now fit and riding some regression. He has underperformed his expected stats all season but has two goals in the last two games and is trending upwards. DCL is one percent owned in FPL, but a game versus leaky Chelsea followed by two fixtures in Gameweek 34 should put him on your radar.
• Jamie: Justin Kluivert has a goal and assist in his last two games, starting just one of them. Assuming he gets the start, he’ll face a Manchester United side allowing a record number of shots on their goal. Andre Onana has faced 107 shots in his last four games, and there are no signs that the trend will end. Kluivert is on just 0.6% of FPL teams and makes an ideal differential.
• Tom: Kai Havertz has looked sharp for Arsenal recently. This could be a good spot for him to keep it up, hosting fast-paced Aston Villa.
• FPL Manual: The simple answer is Kai Havertz. The Arsenal striker has accumulated 10 attacking returns in the last seven Premier League games. My surprise is how low-owned he turns out to be despite the improvement in form. Kai Havertz is my top differential and could make a good captaincy shout against Aston Villa this weekend.

 

Who is one player you want to have but can’t for the Gameweek 33 fixtures in Fantasy Premier League?

• Euan: I quite fancy Joao Pedro from Brighton to score goals down the stretch run. Unfortunately, they don't have two fixtures until Double Gameweek 37. He's on my FPL Watchlist already, and I'm hoping he saves all his goals until the end of the campaign.
• Jamie: Ivan Toney is “due.” He’s not scored in eight games but faces Sheffield United, a team on course to concede the most goals in an EPL season. I’m happy with my front three this week and can’t risk bringing in a striker during a goal drought.
• Tom: Jarrod Bowen would be a great play with West Ham hosting Fulham in what could be a high-scoring affair. Unfortunately, a hip injury has him limited, so playing the talented midfielder/forward is too risky.
• FPL Manual: That would be Chris Wood. The Nottingham Forest striker has been gradually improving in form for his team scoring four goals in four games in a row. The next game against Wolves at home will be another platform for Chris Wood to help his side perform well as they secure more points to be safe from relegation.

Chris Wood (£4.8m) scored for the fourth Gameweek in a row and has delivered 31 points during that run 💥

He faces Wolves and Everton in his next two Gameweeks 🌳#FPL #TOTNFO pic.twitter.com/2Bckx5GxC2

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 7, 2024

 

Who’s getting the Captain’s armband?

• Euan: We don't have to overthink Gameweek 33 too much. There are plenty of good options, but the standout pick has to be Erling Haaland versus Luton at home.
• Jamie: Phil Foden against a Luton Town side that’s conceded the most away goals this season (38) looks my best bet. Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland are both very much in play, but Foden getting a rest against Crystal Palace should make him fresher for their visit to Madrid and this weekend’s game.
• Tom: Why stop now? I'll keep falling on the Erling Haaland sword. At least he scored us a much-needed goal on Saturday. Haaland decimated Luton Town the last time these two clubs met, and I don't see how this club can slow him down.
• FPL Manual: I'm going off the template this week and giving the armband to Kai Havertz. Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Kevin De Bruyne are all excellent picks. However, Havertz scoring 69 FPL points in seven outings is quite insane, and I plan to hop on that run of form soon.

 

Finally, what’s your bold prediction for Gameweek 33?

• Euan: After Manchester United blasts Bournemouth, it finds itself within shouting distance of Tottenham and Aston Villa after the fourth and fifth-placed teams suffer losses to Newcastle and Arsenal. Elsewhere, Erling Haaland bangs in a hat-trick, and Gabriel Martinelli is the highest-scoring Arsenal player versus Villa.
• Jamie: Burnley beat a Brighton team that’s scored just twice in their last five league games. Five players get on the scoresheet as Tottenham and Newcastle play a seven-goal thriller. And Jordan Pickford ends Cole Palmer’s hot streak by saving a penalty on Monday.
• Tom: There are fireworks in our Sunday matches! All three games have at least four goals, and we see 15 goals scored among them.
• FPL Manual: I predict that Burnley will secure another win in 2024 at home against Brighton as they push to leave the bottom three, and Newcastle will win against Spurs, with Isak continuing his goal-scoring streak at St James' Park.

 

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