FPL Challenge Gameweek 34 Best Picks and Team Reveal
As Challengers around the world struggle to put together an entry for the round ahead, we share our FPL Challenge Gameweek 34 Best Picks and Team Reveal to give you an edge.
As well as highlighting the Challenge framework, and the best players in each position, we also bring in fantasy whiz @FPLReaction to reveal his own team and look back on his previous round.
What is the Challenge this Week?
As we can see, the Challenge is ‘Nottingham Forest v Brentford’.
Players from Nottingham Forest v Brentford earn double points.
Challengers can pick five players, with an unlimited budget.
Blank Gameweek 34
Before we take a look at some of the best picks in each position, it could be worth noting that some teams do not play this week. Teams with a Blank Gameweek include Arsenal, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester City.
Not sure whether to play the free hit or not this week, we take a look at the pros and cons.
Best Picks
Goalkeepers
There are two options that stand out this week, one in particular. As well as playing at home, Nottingham Forest earn double points, which makes them the most appealing side to invest in arguably. Between the sticks for them is Matz Sels, who has helped them sit second best overall for total clean sheets in the league.
Brentford also earn double points, but the Bees have been far less convincing from a defensive perspective. Those looking to go different though, or aiming save points, could opt for Mark Flekken.
There isn’t much need to pick a goalkeeper outside of the two mentioned above. But, for those that still want to look elsewhere then Fulham’ Bernd Leno has a matchup against the poor Southampton attack. Newcastle’ Nick Pope could also have potential at home against Ipswich.
Defenders
13 clean sheets thus far makes Nottingham Forest one of the best defences of the entire season. Add in double points potential and it could be difficult to resist the Nottingham Forest defence against Brentford. Doubts around Ola Aina’ fitness, and Nikola Milenković‘ goal threat could make the latter a shoo-in for many. The Serbian has managed two goals and one assist in his previous eight league games.
Challengers looking to go aggressive with two or even three defenders could go for full-back Neco Williams, who recently registered an assist against Aston Villa in Gameweek 31.
We can’t rule out Brentford defenders this week, especially as they also earn double points. The best of the bunch appears to be centre-back Nathan Collins. As well as edging his defender teammates for minutes played, Collins also dominates in terms of attacking returns with eight. Some could also look to Sepp van den Berg.
Non double point players with potential this week include Fulham’ Ryan Sessegnon who continues to play out of position, and should once more against Southampton, Wolves’ Rayan Ait Nouri who sits joint top among defenders for total attacking returns for his game against Leicester, and Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier against Ipswich.
Midfielders
Nottingham Forest may be preferred to Brentford this week, but when it comes to midfield options, Brentford edge their upcoming opposition. Penalty taker Bryan Mbeumo has become one of the best performing assets in the game this season – with an impressive 18 goals and six assists already. He goes into the next round after bagging two goals and one assist in his previous outing.
The Brentford defence could be targeted this week based on their poor underlying data. Of the Nottingham Forest midfield picks, Morgan Gibbs-White is the best overall – being one of the most reliable for gametime and having banked 12 attacking returns this campaign. Anthony Elanga could also be a consideration, he has scored and assisted in his last four matches.
There are plenty of midfield options for Challengers to choose from if ignoring the Nottingham Forest v Brentford fixture. Some of them include Liverpool’ Mohamed Salah against Tottenham, Newcastle’ Harvey Barnes for his clash with Ipswich, and Chelsea’ Cole Palmer up against Everton.
Forwards
Brentford have conceded the second most shots on target this season, so backing main man and penalty taker Chris Wood could be an easy decision for many Challengers. Wood has amassed a huge 19 goals, along with three assists, in 31 matches this season.
With just one clean sheet in their last four games, Nottingham Forest have been shipping goals, so Brentford’ Yoane Wissa could be another strong consideration. Wissa scored and assisted in his last match, so heads into the round in good form.
Newcastle’ Alexander Isak, Fulham’ Raul Jimenez, and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha are also fantastic options for Challengers wanting to look outside of the Nottingham Forest v Brentford game.
Team Reveal
- I’m not entirely sure what approach I want to take this week. My recent rank change makes me think I should go more aggressive than I have here.
- I would say this draft is fairly safe, most will have at least two Nottingham Forest defenders, probably Mbeumo and Wood.
- I may change Wissa and go with a midfield two, maybe bring in Morgan Gibbs White.
- Captaincy I think will be split with Mbeumo and Wood, I think Wood could do well this week.
- I’m not really considering any no double point players, so maybe I should.
Gameweek 33 Review
- I ended the last round on just 29 points, which meant a round rank of 64k, and a drop overall to 914th.
- The red arrows keep coming at the moment and this weeks was ultimately due to Manchester City assets. They just didn’t perform at all, and my captain was poor.
- Even my Arsenal assets didn’t do much either.
- Hopefully I can get some green arrows soon.
- Good luck!
If you enjoyed our FPL Challenge Gameweek 34 Best Picks and Team Reveal, you should take a look at our best free hit team.
