An array of mouth-watering results played out in the previous weekend as current champions Manchester City delivered a five-star performance against Luton Town, climbing the table over title contenders Liverpool and Arsenal, who both lost at home to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, respectively. Gameweek 33 provided plenty of entertainment, with standout moments including Cole Palmer's impressive four-goal performance for Chelsea, bringing his debut season Premier League goal tally to 20.
The FPL Challenge continues to captivate, with the 'Sportmanship' presenting managers with yellow cards deducting five points, while red cards deducted eight points the previous gameweek. As we shift our focus to the upcoming 'Promoted Punt' FPL challenge, players from Burnley, Luton, and Sheffield United are slated for double points this gameweek.
With only 5-6 gameweeks left and the next FPL deadline approaching rapidly, join me, The FPL Manual, as I analyze the top players to target for Double Gameweek 34.
Cole Palmer's four goals against Everton 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/oM5fc7hSxa
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 18, 2024
Double Gameweek 34 FPL Tips
Home Advantage - Invest in Crystal and Wolves attack
Wolves and Crystal Palace are the only teams with back-to-back home games for Double Gameweek 34, so there is a room of opportunity to invest in their attacking options, especially in the forward position. Making his first Premier League start since Gameweek 24, Matheus Cunha got a brace for Wolves against Nottingham Forest over the past weekend, taking his goal tally to 11 Premier league goals for the side.
On the other end, since the appointment of Crystal Palace boss, Oliver Glasner, Eagles striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has gradually improved in form, netting five goals in his past seven games.
FPL managers should prioritize bringing in a few key players from any of these teams to capitalize on the favorable fixtures. My top picks for the forthcoming gameweek include Wolves' Rayan Ait-Nouri, Jose Sa, and Pablo Sarabia, as well as Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, Tyrick Mitchell, Daniel Munoz, and Dean Henderson.
Looking to add a forward to your team ahead of Double Gameweek 34? 💥
The Scout has highlighted Matheus Cunha and Jean-Philippe Mateta as potential options. Will either earn a space in your #FPL attack? 👇
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 18, 2024
Chip O'Clock - Time to Activate the Free Hit Chip
With seven clubs set to feature twice in Gameweek 34, FPL managers have a prime opportunity to utilize their valuable chips. This juncture in the season could prove pivotal in determining a manager's success in their mini-league against rivals.
The Free Hit Chip emerges as the optimal choice for maximizing player participation in this double gameweek, while also allowing for strategic differentials. While other chips like Triple Captain and Bench Boost might be tempting, it's worth considering their potential impact in upcoming Double Gameweeks 35 and 37.
However, the best course of action depends on each team's individual circumstances. For managers who have already used their Free Hit Chip, it's essential to assess which remaining chips could be most effectively deployed in the upcoming gameweek.
Double Gameweek 34 Top Captain Picks
Mohamed Salah (£13.5m) - Liverpool
Despite being unlucky not to find the net against Crystal Palace, Mohamed Salah is set to return on the scoresheet for Liverpool. Statistical projections indicate that the 31-year-old is on track to finish among the top-three goal scorers by the end of the season, as Salah currently boasts of 17 goals scored and nine assists to his name this season.
With Liverpool now focusing solely on the Premier League after being eliminated from UEFA Europa league, Salah's guaranteed minutes and determination will be crucial as Liverpool faces a challenging journey ahead, including an away match against an in-form Fulham followed by a derby clash at home against neighborhood rivals Everton.
#FPL: rest of season player goal projections
The top projected scorers for the remainder of the Premier League season, via spread betting markets pic.twitter.com/nwf6bPdQAe
— Rob T (@robtFPL) April 18, 2024
Bukayo Saka (£9m) - Arsenal
Following two back-to-back defeats for Arsenal in all competitions, it is natural to assume that Arsenal has lost its cutting-edge in getting the big results. However, it's essential not to underestimate Bukayo Saka, Arsenal's standout player, as we approach the upcoming double gameweek.
In Arsenal's recent loss to Aston Villa, Saka showcased his attacking prowess, accumulating an expected goal involvement of 0.76 xGI and posing a constant threat in the final third. Taking on Wolves and fellow London rivals Chelsea in Double Gameweek 34, the Arsenal forward will be eager to contribute once more for the Gunners as the club continue its aspirations for a Premier League title.
FPL Challenge - Promoted Punt
As we enter the fourth week of the FPL Challenge, the focus shifts to teams occupying the bottom three spots in the table. Players from these teams are set to earn double points in the upcoming gameweek, adding a new dimension to the game. RotoBaller provides insights on which assets to target for the upcoming weekend, considering this new aspect of fair play.
Alfie Doughty, Carlton Morris and Oli McBurnie are currently the most selected assets from promoted clubs ahead of the next Fantasy Challenge 👥
Players from Burnley, Luton and Sheffield Utd earn double points in 'Promoted Punt' 👇#FPLChallengeAccepted
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 18, 2024
Relegation Scrap Battle - The Blades Set To Knives Out
With the FPL Challenge rules allowing for managers to select up to five players in a team, Sheffield United appears to be of more interest to those participating in the Promoted Punt theme game. The Blades have a double gameweek against Burnley and Manchester United, and a few options to consider for your potential fantasy team include:
Ben Brereton Diaz (£5m) - Since joining the club back in January, the former Blackburn Rovers forward has broken into the first team, adding four goals and contributing one assist for the club. A favorable home tie against Burnley would be one the striker would relish to help his club escape relegation. Also classified as a midfielder, Brereton Diaz could be a favorite for points this gameweek.
Oliver McBurnie (£5.4m) - Despite initial struggles for minutes, McBurnie has become a reliable figure for the Blades, scoring six goals and contributing three assists. As the club's top scorer in all competitions, he's an excellent choice for this week's FPL challenge.
Other recommendations for Sheffield United include Ivo Grbic, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Gustavo Hamer, and James McAtee.
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