Welcome to my top picks for Gameweek 30. After the blanks in 29 we are back up to a full fixture list with 10 games in total, including some crucial ones which will have a big impact on where the title goes, who will secure European qualification and who will survive the relegation battle. From an FPL perspective though, there are some key fixtures to be targeting to maximise your points.
Fulham visit Bramall Lane to take on the league’s worst defence in Sheffield United and Chelsea host the next worst defence when Burnley visit Stamford Bridge. While Man City and Arsenal take each other on, Liverpool could steal a march in the title race when they host mid-table Brighton.
But don’t be fooled into thinking these are one week punts, all my shortlisted players should provide good value for the rest of the season and I’m a strong believer in bringing in players for the medium to long term. Hence the inclusion of a Newcastle player; their fixture against West Ham doesn’t jump out given both teams have been so inconsistent but the fixture run looks favourable beyond this week as well.
Malo Gusto
Aa bargain defender who has good attacking upside and with Chelsea’s defensive injuries means his minutes should be good. Gusto has great fixtures (Burnley at home in GW 30) and 2 double gameweeks coming up. Could be a great addition to last the rest of the season and at such a low price should be a good addition whatever your strategy and current chip used.However, Chelsea have been poor defensively (Gusto’s xG Conceded so far this season has been 1.34 per game) so you’d be relying on attacking returns. To add to the mix is that he’s currently yellow flagged due to illness so hold off until nearer the deadline.
Antonee Robinson
This might seem like a kneejerk as he’s just hauled in GW 29 but Fulham’s fixtures look good and he’s fairly cheap. His attacking potential based on underlying data is low so you’re really bringing him in for clean sheet potential. He’s an enabler and is nailed on so even if you bench him for his tougher upcoming fixures he pretty much guarantees a start and could allow other moves within your team. He’s already been brought in by over 82,000 managers for this gameweek which suggests a lot are reacting to his GW 29 performance (I’m never one for chasing points from previous weeks) and he’s not the only bargain defender if you need one.
Over 350k other FPL managers agree, it’s Salah time. An FPL legend who we know is capable of big hauls. Liverpool are going for a title push so lots to play for especially in Klopp’s last season (it’s also possibly Salah’s last season if rumors are to be believed) which may mean a final FPL flourish. Fixtures are decent and favourable double gameweek is confirmed for GW34 (Fulham and Everton away) which, chip strategy dependant, could be time for Triple Captain. Ownership is relatively low at 25% (but rising!) making him a great differential and a potential captain pick for many of the remaining gameweeks, this combination could really propel some brave managers up the rankings and their mini league. It’s all a question of whether you can afford him and is chip strategy dependant – if you’re playing your last wildcard soon you could potentially wait but don’t leave it too late because price rises could price you out!
Anthony Gordon
Newcastle’s fixtures look great to the end of the season and Gordon has been a key attacking player for them this season. He’s remained fit while so many of his teammates have succumbed to injury. Gordon has been a consistent returner of points in a side struggling for form and has barely missed a premier league match. The run-in for Newcastle looks good, Gordon is fighting to get into the England Euro 2024 squad all of which suggests a good run of form and he’s unlikely to take his foot off the gas until he’s confirmed to be on the plane.
Rodrigo Muniz
A bargain striker having scored 57 points in his last 7 games, he is one of the in-form forwards. Fulham’s next two fixtures are away to Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest who are both in relegation scraps and home fans that will demand they seek 3 points. This could play into Fulham’s hands and allow Muniz to continue his great form. The biggest question is who’s place does he take in your forward line but if you can fit him in then it could really free up funds to spend elsewhere.
Nicolas Jackson
Another relative bargain striker who’s hit some great form having scored 19 points in his last 3 matches. Chelsea are at home to Burnley so returns are expected, it’s just whether Jackson can be the one to get them. It’s clear he initially struggled to adapt to the Premier League and didn’t repay the faith many had at the start of the season but with confidence high and a good fixture run, he could be a great differential. He also has the added upside of 2 double gameweeks before the end of the season and is Chelsea’s only recognised striker meaning guaranteed minutes if he stays fit.
Conclusion
My top pick has to be Salah – I can see some big scores coming given Liverpool’s title push and I feel they’ll have extra motivation knowing it’s Klopp’s last season – would you be surprised if Salah was the one to spearhead the attacking returns? I know he’s expensive and there’ll be compromises to make to your team but if you can’t get him this week, you really should be planning a way to get him in sooner rather than later.
If you have two free transfers or you just simply can’t afford Salah then I would be focusing on getting Muniz in. His form and price makes it hard to resist and Fulham’s next few fixtures look great. Form + fixtures should result in FPL points. His price point also has the added bonus that he could form part of the route to getting Salah by freeing up funds.
