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Welcome to the Gameweek 13 FPL Staff Roundtable, RotoBallers! It's pretty much non-stop action between now and 2025, with Champions League, Premier League, and Carabao Cup action every weekend and midweek for the remainder of the year.
The most significant talking point of the weekend is the Goliath versus Goliath battle on Sunday afternoon when Liverpool host Man City. It could revitalize or end the Cityzen's chances of claiming a fifth Premier League title in a row.
The Gameweek 13 deadline of the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League season is Friday, November 29, at 1:30 p.m. ET, when Brighton and Southampton have a coastal battle. Also, check out the rest of our excellent soccer coverage as the squad gets you all set for every EPL and UCL slate with our DFS lineup picks and betting picks.
Fantasy Premier League Staff Roundtable - Gameweek 13 Preview
The Staff Roundtable is an attempt to get you inside the minds of our FPL writers. 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 13!
Spurs Stay Spursy
Tottenham racked up a HUGE win over Man City this weekend. Is Spurs back on the menu in FPL?
Euan Leith: I don't feel great about Tottenham, but I have two of them, Brennan Johnson (£6.7m) and Dominic Solanke (£7.6m), in my FPL squad. I don't have any reason to remove them before the games with Fulham and Bournemouth. I wouldn't transfer any Spurs players in, but there's also no need to get rid of them.
Jamie Steed: I don’t think they were ever off the menu. The last few weeks have been very “Tottenham-like”. Beat City twice and beat Aston Villa 4-1. Yet, they let Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town beat them for their first EPL wins. You have to expect inconsistency from Spurs.
The FPL Manual (Wale): Tottenham, in my opinion, ought to always be on the menu, especially given their outstanding attacking prowess. The main issue is Spurs' inconsistent results, but I believe their FPL assets will become more consistent in the future.
Spurs hand Man City their heaviest Premier League defeat in seven years 😱 pic.twitter.com/aCqx6ooJhH
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 23, 2024
First Impressions from Ruben Amorim
Was there anything to learn from his first game in charge of Man United?
Euan: Things will get better, but not for everyone. The new manager will take a while to determine where everyone should play in his system. As a result, only Bruno Fernandes (£8.5m) and Andre Onana (£5.1m) are in my thoughts regarding Manchester United in FPL.
Jamie: The main thing is that this won’t be a quick fix. From a personal standpoint, it was disappointing to see Rasmus Højlund (£6.9m) starting on the bench, as I had hoped he could be a productive forward in this new system. Instead, he’s out the door.
Wale: I learnt that we will need to be more patient with our Man United assets as they get use to life under Ruben Amorim's new shape and tactics. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo (£4.9m) looks like an exciting FPL pick to watch out for.
The most transferred in player for Gameweek 12
🤝
No attacking return #FPL pic.twitter.com/m2fWowVnzQ
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) November 24, 2024
Gunning for Clean Sheets
Arsenal finally kept a clean sheet again. So, who is the best defensive asset from the Gunners?
Euan: With Ben White (knee) expected to miss months, Jurrien Timber (£5.5m) could be a steal. David Raya, Gabriel (£6.2m), and William Saliba (£6.0m) all cost more than the Dutch defender, and he provides more attacking upside than the center backs or goalkeeper.
Jamie: It’s between the two full-backs, and I’ll go with Jurriën Timber as the cheaper option. Timber was denied a goal by a contentious VAR decision last weekend. That was frustrating, given how I mentioned him as my defender to provide an attacking return last week. But with their skipper back, I expect Arsenal to create and score plenty of goals from that right side.
Wale: Jurriën Timber (£5.5m) is my go-to Arsenal defensive asset. Since his comeback, the Dutch international's minutes, progressive carries, and touches in the box have significantly improved. Timber price tag also offers a more affordable route into Arsenal's backline.
Brighton Forward Bagging Goals
Joao Pedro keeps returning. Where does he rank among the sub-£8.0m forwards?
Euan: After spending a few months in the injury room, Joao Pedro returned with a bang. However, Matheus Cunha (£7.0m), Dominic Solanke, and Cody Gakpo (£7.1m) would all be preferred under £8.0m in the striker's bracket.
Jamie: Due to injury, Saturday was his first start since Matchday 3, so I’m not going too overboard with Joao Pedro. That said, I did bring him in for Højlund, which gave me some financial flexibility. I don’t think he should be overlooked if you are stacking multiple high-priced options.
Wale: At that price tag, the Brazilian international has made his way into my Top five forward picks, however this is likely due to recent form and a great set of fixtures ahead. Personally, I still prefer to have other FPL forwards like Dominic Solanke (£7.6m), Matheus Cunha (£7.0m) or Yoane Wissa (£6.1m) ahead of Joao Pedro.
Joao Pedro has shone in his limited minutes this season 🌟
Are you tempted to bring the Brighton forward into your squad?#FPL pic.twitter.com/9Q1nZsLnEc
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) November 25, 2024
Battle at the Top
It’s a huge title clash between Liverpool and Man City this weekend. Do you get nervous when big teams and their FPL assets face each other?
Euan: There are a lot of top-of-the-table clashes that can end in tight 1-1 affairs. Under Jurgen Klopp, that wasn't usually the case, as this fixture produced some fireworks in the past. However, under Arne Slot, I expect a more defensive approach from Liverpool. I don't see more than three goals being scored in this game.
As a result, I wouldn't bring anyone in for this fixture, but I wouldn't sit anyone either. These teams have some of the best and most expensive FPL assets in their squads for a reason. Don't get cute, so shoot for some upside, especially if you have Mohamed Salah (£13.1m) on your side.
Jamie: Nervous, no. But I certainly temper expectations. I seldom captain a player involved in this type of game, although the way City plays, Mo Salah is still a great option. I live by the saying, “You start your stars,” regardless of the opponent.
Wale: Nervous? Not precisely. These kinds of games frequently result in two outcomes: your favorite FPL asset steps up and produces a massive return, or blanks. For me, I simply re-think how I can gain FPL points from other easier fixtures and prepare myself for an enjoyable night of football. What will be, will be!
At the time of writing, 482,953 #FPL managers have transferred out Erling Haaland ahead of Gameweek 13 👀
He's just scored in Man City's midweek Champions League match. Is he in your plans for when they face Liverpool on Sunday? pic.twitter.com/GJIwLdcCia
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) November 26, 2024
Who is Keeping a Clean Sheet in Gameweek 13?
Euan: It took a bit of a wonder strike for Ipswich Town to put one past Manchester United and Andre Onana on Sunday. Lightning won't strike twice in Ruben Amorim's first game at Old Trafford. The Red Devils keep the Toffees off the scoresheet in Gameweek 13.
Jamie: I’m backing Nottingham Forest to return to winning ways and with a clean sheet. They’ve conceded three goals in each of their last two games. They had kept back-to-back clean sheets at home before losing 3-1 against Newcastle. Ipswich won’t be pushovers, but this is more about Forest rediscovering its early-season form.
Wale: This week, I'll be backing Nottingham Forest to keep a clean sheet. I believe Nuno Espirito Santos will implement a much stricter system to limit the excess number of goals conceded in recent games. A home matchup against Ipswich should improve Forest clean sheet odds for Gameweek 13.
What Defensive Player is Providing Attacking Returns?
Euan: With Brentford playing at home, the buzz around their attacking output is sweeping FPL. Nathan Collins (£4.5m) averages 0.57 xGI over his last three home games and has a goal and an assist. I fancy him grabbing another attacking return versus Leicester over the weekend.
Jamie: Wolves have scored 10 goals in their last four games, finding the net at least twice in each of those games. Rayan Aït-Nouri (£4.8m) continues to be a threat for them despite just one attacking return in those four matches. Only four teams have conceded more goals on their travels than Bournemouth (11) this season. Wolves could fill their boots again this weekend.
Wale: Pedro Porro (£5.5m) gained 14 points last time out against Man City and was pivotal to Spurs’ success in Gameweek 12. Coming up with a home tie against Fulham, I will be backing the Spaniard to deliver a goal or assist this weekend.
Best Midfielder or Forward Who Isn't Rostered
Who is rostered in 10 percent of teams or less who can grab those FPL points?
Euan: Gabriel Martinelli (£6.9m) scored the equalizer versus Chelsea two weeks ago and opened the scoring in a 5-1 romp over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday evening in the Champions League. He seems to be making that left forward spot his own again, and I won't be surprised to see him on the scoresheet come Saturday evening versus West Ham.
Jamie: Brentford have a home fixture. This means Yoane Wissa (£6.1m) will have a big game (8.5%). In the four home games Wissa has played, he has five goals and two assists. Wissa is averaging 10.5 points per game at home. This week, he just so happens to face a team that’s conceded 14 goals in six away games (joint most) and sacked their manager last weekend.
Wale: Brentford's home tie can only imply one thing: a goal from Yoane Wissa (£6.1m) is almost inevitable. The Congolese international has scored five goals in six games at Gtech Community Stadium, and his 8.5% ownership feels almost criminal. Wissa will ultimately be my top differential for Gameweek 13.
Arsenal put on a show 🔥#UCL pic.twitter.com/QDOwuJkX1X
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 26, 2024
Who is a Player You Want but Can’t Get for Gameweek 13 in FPL?
Euan: Bukayo Saka (£10.2m) has put his hand up again as a premier FPL option. He never really left the discussion but seems freer when Martin Odegaard (£8.2m) is in the starting XI. I don't see myself bringing him in over Mohamed Salah or Cole Palmer (yet), so Saka won't be in my FPL squad for Gameweek 13.
Jamie: Sadly, after hyping up Wissa, he’s also someone I can’t bring in. I have had to use all three transfers on players who are hurt or have lost their starting role. After this weekend, Brentford’s fixtures are as tough as they come, so I couldn’t justify transferring in a forward just for this weekend.
Wale: Matheus Cunha (£7.0m) has provided an attacking return for Wolves in their last four games; however, it appears I missed out on the Cunha train and quite unsure if I should buy him in now or take a point hit to join the bandwagon. As it stands, I'm afraid I still don't have room for Cunha in my team.
Who’s Getting the Captain’s Armband?
Euan: Bryan Mbeumo (£7.9m) has a tough run coming up, so I'll give him the chance to give my squad an early Christmas present with some FPL points versus Leicester. Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland aren't bad options either, but they play each other in a tight title clash after challenging Champions League games earlier this week.
Jamie: For all the reasons I love Wissa this week, Bryan Mbeumo (£7.9m) will be my captain. He’s got a goal involvement in every home game so far. Mbeumo is also averaging 10 points per home game, and another big haul is on the cards this weekend.
Wale: With Man City’s overall poor form and recent defensive struggles, Mohamed Salah (£13.1m) is my optimal pick for the captain’s armband this week. You can always rely on the Egyptian King, even in the big games, to deliver at the Anfield.
What’s your Bold Prediction for Gameweek 13?
Euan: Crystal Palace take advantage of a still-stunned Newcastle after their Monday night debacle versus West Ham. Chelsea tightens its grip on fourth place with a win over Aston Villa. And Liverpool finds itself 11 points clear of Man City after a 2-1 win on Sunday.
Jamie: Sticking with the theme of the week from me, Wolves and Brentford score seven goals between them. And Cole Palmer (£10.9m) gets back into fantasy managers’ good books with a double-digit performance against Aston Villa.
Wale: I predict a wave of home victories all around. Liverpool get a 3-0 victory against Man City, Ruben Amorim secures his first Premier league win at Old Trafford. For FPL returns, Yoane Wissa scores a brace for Brentford, and Pedro Porro produce an attacking return for Tottenham.
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— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) July 18, 2024
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