Before the chaos of the double gameweek expected in 33, there is a set of fixtures for managers to navigate, including the blank in gameweek 31. The popular strategy is to ‘dead-end’ into gameweek 31, before a wildcard in gameweek 32.
We select the teams and players worth targeting for this upcoming run. Managers who have already used their wildcard will want to consider these options, but must also keep gameweek 33 and beyond in mind.
Liverpool
A team that should be on everyone’s radar is Liverpool. They have a good match-up in blank gameweek 31, and very kind fixtures either side of this. They are also expected to double in gameweek 33.
They have been improving at both ends of the pitch following their tough start. They now sit 5th for both expected goals (xG) and expected goals conceded (xGC).
At the back, both Virgil Van Dijk (£5.9m) and Ibrahima Konate (£5.4m) are strong options for this run. Van Dijk has pulled ahead of Konate for total points following his 17-pointer in gameweek 26, but until then, they had been even across the season. Van Dijk has a slightly higher goal threat, but they are well matched in terms of defensive contributions (defcon) and bonus.
Florian Wirtz (£8.4m) has settled into the league now and is posing a big threat every time he steps on the pitch. 2.93 expected goal involvements (xGI) in his last six put him third among midfielders. This is a blend of both xA and xG, showing he has creativity but also the goal threat required to be a great FPL asset. He was excellent without returning in gameweek 26, recording five shots and creating two chances.
For those with less spending money, Dominik Szoboszlai (£6.7m) comes back from suspension ahead of gameweek 27. His return to right back has meant an increase in defcon, hitting the threshold in his last two appearances. He lacks much open play threat, but has been delivering consistently from set pieces. He has a share of corners and has scored three incredible direct free kicks.
After crunch talks with Slot and his trip to AFCON, Mohamed Salah (£14.0m) has returned a new man. All his key metrics are up. In the last four, he leads the league for non-penalty xGI, and shots in the box. The issue with Salah will be fitting him into a team that owns Haaland. For those willing to go against the Norwegian, Salah is trending in the right direction to provide an alternative premium option.
Up top, Hugo Ekitike (£8.9m) is leading Haaland for shots, shots in the box and big chances over the last six. He also leads the way in terms of non-penalty xGI. The young Frenchman looks extremely lively and hungry to build on his ten goals so far this campaign. He is an ideal target for those with three starting forwards who are maybe looking to move one on. The risk with Ekitike is his fitness; in gameweek 23, he suffered from some minutes management, and with the Champions League around the corner, it would not be a huge surprise to see him start one from the bench or come off early.
Brentford
Like Liverpool, Brentford are a team that all managers should be looking at, regardless of wildcard status. They benefit from an excellent run to gameweek 35. Whilst they will not benefit from a double gameweek, they will also not suffer a blank.
Brentford are having an unbelievable season, sitting 6th in the league for xG. This makes their three key attackers very interesting prospects.
The standout for the Bees is top scorer Igor Thiago (£7.0m). Not much needs to be said about the main man, who has 17 goals to his name. His minutes are assured, he takes penalties (very well), puts up strong xG numbers and takes lots of shots. For those who do not own the Brazilian, it is a great window to jump on.
Dango Outtara (£5.8m) and Kevin Schade (£6.9m) may have a difference of over a million between them in cost, but they are split by just one point in total. Their underlying data is very close as well. They both take almost exactly two shots per 90, and Schade leads by just 0.07 xGI per 90. Considering that Dango has played almost 500 minutes less, it is quite surprising that they are so level on points until you realise that Dango has won four penalties this season. Dango has also been in great form of late, picking up two goals and an assist in his last three. All this, plus the savings, makes us lean his way.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s fixtures cater perfectly to those ‘dead-ending’ their teams into gameweek 31. The Cherries are unbeaten in their last six and have options in both defence and midfield.
James Hill (£4.0m) has been a revelation for Iraola since coming into the side in gameweek 19. In that time, he has chipped in with three assists and hit the defcon threshold on all but one occasion. Hill is already providing excellent value, and if they can mix in a few more clean sheets for this run, his owners will be laughing all the way to gameweek 32.
Bournemouth’s midfield has a plethora of options, making minutes slightly less secure. The standouts are a returning Marcus Tavernier (£5.3m) and new signing Rayan (£5.5m). If Tavernier slots back into the ‘10’ on his return from injury, he assumes a talisman status for the Cherries. His minutes are usually strong, and he takes some set pieces as well as penalties. Rayan is a lesser-known quantity but has hit the ground running. The teenager has two goals and an assist in his first three appearances, and his shot numbers and chance creation bode well for future returns.
