RADIO
Gameweek 31 provided FPL managers with a moment of euphoria as reigning champion Manchester City defeated Aston Villa 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick from Phil Foden. Alexander Isak also scored a goal for Newcastle, continuing his trend of reliable play. It was on the verge of perfection but was slightly marred by team rotation, which kept Erling Haaland and Bukayo Saka from being featured and devastated their FPL owners.
The FPL Challenge continues to captivate, with the 'Forward Focus' presenting managers with forwards who scored double points the previous gameweek. This weekend's Northwest Derby just became much more fascinating as we turn our focus to the forthcoming 'Red Rivalry,' where double points await Liverpool and Manchester United assets.
With only seven gameweeks left and the next FPL deadline approaching rapidly, join me, The FPL Manual, as I look at ideal player targets and uncover top differentials for Gameweek 32.
3 - Phil Foden has scored his third Premier League hat-trick, aged just 23; the only players to score more hat-tricks in the competition before turning 24 are Robbie Fowler (7), Michael Owen (7), Harry Kane (6), and Erling Haaland (5). Magician. pic.twitter.com/i0yqKBof0J
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 3, 2024
Gameweek 32 Tips
Invest in Chelsea and Tottenham Attack
According to statistics, Chelsea and Tottenham are anticipated to generate 2.50 xG and 2.45 xG against their opponents in Gameweek 32. It is also worth mentioning that both top clubs have been projected to earn a clean sheet in the upcoming encounter, with a high likelihood of 34% for both teams, behind only Manchester City's greater possibility of 46%.
Personally, I wouldn't advocate for either defense, given that both Chelsea and Tottenham have failed to keep a clean sheet in recent matches. However, key players to consider for attacking FPL returns include Cole Palmer, Son Heung-min, Nicolas Jackson, James Maddison, and Brennan Johnson.
#FPL GW32 matchups
Goals and clean sheet projections for the upcoming round of Premier League games, via spread betting markets pic.twitter.com/4wWJqoO6m8
— Rob T (@robtFPL) April 4, 2024
Keeping an Eye on the Relegation Battle
It is natural to focus on the elite clubs competing for the Premier League title as the run-in to the league draws near, but as Fantasy Premier League managers, we cannot overlook the fierce competition taking place at the bottom of the table.
With a 3-1 victory over Fulham, Nottingham Forest moved three points clear of the bottom three. Luton Town, despite losing to Arsenal once more, can take pride in having set an 18-game scoring streak in its first Premier League season. Burnley, on the other hand, is unbeaten in its last four league games, having won one and drawn three. In the last gameweeks, keep a watch out for any breakout player that might provide points down the line.
In their first Premier League season @LutonTown have the second-longest scoring streak for a newly promoted team! pic.twitter.com/rJAb8K79Zn
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 4, 2024
Gameweek 32 Top Captain Picks
The weekend fixtures present a solid pack of fascinating options for your captaincy choice. Players like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both facing Crystal Palace and a fully fit Bukayo Saka against Brighton all present strong cases. However, my top-two picks would be:
Cole Palmer (£5.9m) - Chelsea
A hat-trick from Cole Palmer in Gameweek 31 further solidifies his position as Chelsea's standout performer this season, with an impressive tally of 16 goals and nine assists in the Premier League. His outstanding performance against Manchester United in Gameweek 31 resulted in his third consecutive double-digit haul, amassing 48 FPL points in that run for managers.
The English international showcased his prowess by amassing an expected goal involvement of 2.28 xGI against the Red Devils and will be eager to replicate such an electrifying performance against relegation favorites Sheffield United in the upcoming weekend.
Selected by 4,405,458 🤝
Captained by 196,576 🔥
Triple-captained by 486 😮No player has delivered more double-digit returns than Cole Palmer's nine this season 🥶#FPL #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/3xUrUeVtKY
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 4, 2024
Mohamed Salah (£13.4m) - Liverpool
Despite being unlucky not to find the net against Sheffield United, Mohamed Salah is poised to enhance his goal-scoring prowess against a familiar opponent. The 31-year-old boasts an impressive record in the Northwest Derby, having scored 13 goals and providing four assists in his last 14 appearances against Manchester United.
The Egyptian international holds significant leverage for FPL managers as the designated penalty taker for the Reds. With Liverpool eager to avenge its recent defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup tie, Mohamed Salah emerges as a compelling choice for the captain's armband.
13 - Mo Salah has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances against Manchester United for Liverpool; no player has scored more goals against a current Premier League club since Salah joined the Reds than this (Harry Kane also 13 v Everton). Guarantee. pic.twitter.com/IqDqM50gWN
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 17, 2024
FPL Challenge - Red Rivalry
As we enter the third week of the FPL Challenge, our focus shifts squarely onto the Liverpool and Manchester United assets, as each player is set to earn double points in this gameweek. RotoBaller is here to offer valuable insights into which assets are poised to shine in the upcoming weekend.
Alejandro Garnacho (£4.9m) - Manchester United
With seven goals and five assists in the Premier League, accumulating a total of 107 FPL points, Alejandro Garnacho is enjoying a remarkable breakout season with Manchester United. His standout performance against Chelsea, where he played a pivotal role in securing a comeback victory for the Red Devils, particularly highlighted his influence within the team.
Now, Alejandro Garnacho looks set to lead United once more as they face title contenders Liverpool at the Theater of Dreams. Considering his recent form and impact, he is undoubtedly a must-have option when assembling your FPL Challenge team.
3 - Alejandro Garnacho has scored three braces in the Premier League for Manchester United this season, becoming the first teenager to score 2+ goals in three Premier League games in a season since Michael Owen in 1998-99. Generational. pic.twitter.com/RsHbWAgb0V
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 4, 2024
Darwin Nunez (£7.6m) - Liverpool
The recent goal by the Uruguayan international has elevated his Premier League goal tally to 11, with him also notching up 10 assists for Liverpool so far. Darwin Nunez displayed his attacking prowess by unleashing seven shots in the previous encounter against Sheffield United, resulting in an expected goals differential of 0.62 xG against the Blades.
Facing their archrivals Manchester United, who recently allowed Chelsea to take 28 shots and conceded four goals, Darwin Nunez emerges as an appealing option for the upcoming FPL challenge this weekend.
10 goals and 5 assists for Darwin in 2024 🫶🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/0SLnZxEktK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 4, 2024
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