FA Cup results: What do we know about Blank Gameweek 30?
As eight of the nine Premier League sides have played their FA Cup Fifth Round match, Blank Gameweek 30 is almost set.
FA Cup Fifth Round
Two matches are still to take place. Firstly, Everton host non-league Boreham Wood on Thursday. Then Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield square off next Monday.
So far, the only surprise elimination has been Tottenham losing to Middlesbrough and becoming their second Premier League scalp. Chelsea went behind to Luton on two occasions but emerged victorious. They join Liverpool, Man City, Southampton and Crystal Palace in the next round.
Gameweek 30 takes place alongside the FA Cup Quarter Finals
We already knew that three matches were definitely taking place in Blank Gameweek 30. All six participants of Aston Villa v Arsenal, Leicester v Brentford and Wolves v Leeds are already out of the cup.
Additionally, Tottenham v West Ham will now also happen.
If Everton defeat Boreham Wood, their league meeting with Watford is also off.
FPL managers can look at their current squad and decide whether or not they have enough players to get through that week. Perhaps a Wildcard gets played in the meantime, covering the key players.
Free Hit chips will also be popular. Many have targeted Gameweek 30 for it since all managers were awarded a second one due to Covid cancellations.
Blank Gameweek 30 targets
Aston Villa v Arsenal
The majority already own a defensive asset from the Gunners via either Aaron Ramdale, Ben White or Kieran Tierney. Arsenal also play twice in Double Gameweek 29, so a midfielder like Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli could be useful. Meanwhile, Villa’s double is in Gameweek 28, making Philippe Coutinho and Jacob Ramsey prime transfer targets. Some will already have Lucas Digne or Ollie Watkins.
Leicester v Brentford
Neither side has much ownership but the midweek return of Jamie Vardy could tempt free hitters. James Maddison has started the previous two league games from the bench, which restricts an otherwise brilliant FPL target.
All Brentford can offer is Ivan Toney or possibly Bryan Mbeumo.
Tottenham v West Ham
Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are highly-coveted right now, with Spurs facing out-of-form Everton next Monday and playing twice in Gameweek 29. New signing Dejan Kulusevski offers a maverick choice.
A defender such as Eric Dier or Ben Davies may not keep a clean sheet, as West Ham have scored in 22 of their 27 league games. It’s be interesting to see what managers do with Jarrod Bowen, whose upcoming fixtures are poor but he is having a brilliant season. Michail Antonio is in horrific league form.
Wolves v Leeds
Wolves’ defence has slipped in recent weeks. However, they face a Leeds side in freefall and with new manager uncertainty. Keep the likes of Jose Sa, Conor Coady and Max Kilman.
Elsewhere, forward Raul Jimenez was benched last weekend but the prospect of Double Gameweek 28 and soon after being against the defence that just conceded 20 goals in a month? That’s too good to ignore. Leeds’ back line is a no-go but Raphinha is a strong choice, especially with Double Gameweek 28 followed by Norwich (H).
