FPL Challenge Gameweek 35 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 35 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 ‘Brighton v Newcastle’.
Players from Brighton v Newcastle earn double points.
Challengers can pick five players, with an unlimited budget.
Top Picks
Goalkeepers
Brighton have failed to keep a single clean sheet in their previous six matches, and this week they come up against a more than capable Newcastle frontline. However, even three points would double to six, which is what you would likely get from a goalkeeper who keeps a clean sheet. Because of this Bart Verbruggen is still an excellent option this week.
The other side earning double points for their assets this week is of course Newcastle. The Magpies have shown significantly more defensive strength than their upcoming opposition – picking up three clean sheets in their last six games. Between the sticks is Nick Pope, who could compete with Verbruggen as the standout pick for Challengers this week.
There are several great options for those who aren’t convinced by Brighton v Newcastle. Some of those include Aston Villa’ Emiliano Martinez v Fulham and Arsenal’ David Raya against Bournemouth.
Defenders
As well as clean sheet potential this week, Newcastle also have several defender options with attacking threat. Of their picks full-back Kieran Trippier could be the most exciting, after registering two assists in his most recent match. Challengers should also consider centre-back Dan Burn who scored in the same game. Arguments could also be made for centre-back Fabian Schar and full-back Tino Livramento.
Brighton defenders lack the same attacking threat that the Newcastle defenders offer, but they could still have potential. Full-back Pervis Estupinan has historically shown offensive impetus, and he also scored against Brighton recently. Along with Estupinan, centre-back Lewis Dunk has some appeal. Dunk’ main goal threat comes from set-plays, so we could see that this week.
A home match for Manchester City’ Josko Gvardiol against Wolves could also see success. As well as it being a good opportunity to keep a clean sheet, the Croatian could also display his attacking qualities – something he showed with his goal in the cup recently.
Other non-double point player picks you could consider include Arsenal’ William Saliba, and Crystal Palace’ Daniel Munoz.
Want to boost to boost your rank? Discover our best differentials for Gameweek 35!
Midfielders
Newcastle are in fantastic scoring form going into their game against Brighton. As well as winning four of their previous five matches, they also scored a huge 16 goals. With that in mind and taking into account Brighton’ poor defensive record, bringing in a Newcastle midfielder could be crucial. Three goals and four assists in his last six matches makes Jacob Murphy an excellent choice. Challengers could even double with whoever starts between Harvey Barnes or Anthony Gordon.
Brighton may not be consistent defensively, but they have scored at least twice in each of their previous three games. Because of that and the fact they earn double points this week, investing could be rewarding. Providing he starts, Kaoru Mitoma may have potential. Mitoma heads into the game after scoring in back-to-back matches, so confidence will be high.
There is a solid pool of midfielders who don’t earn double points this week, including Manchester City’ Kevin De Bruyne, Brentford’ Bryan Mbeumo v Manchester United, West Ham’ Jarrod Bowen v Tottenham, and Liverpool’ Mohamed Salah for his match against Chelsea.
Forwards
Arguably the most essential pick for Challengers heading into the round is Newcastle’ Alexander Isak. Isak has returned in three of his previous five matches and faces a leaky Brighton defence. Many may even have him at the top of their lists for captaincy this week.
For those playing with two up front, then Danny Welbeck is probably the next best forward option. Welbeck has been hit and miss this season, but he has scored in two of his previous four league matches, so form is on his side.
Wolves rank as one of the worst sides in the league for goals conceded, so Manchester City’ Omar Marmoush could be one of the best non double point forwards of the round. Challengers could also think about the likes of Everton’ Iliman Ndiaye v Ipswich, Leicester’ Jamie Vardy up against Southampton, and Brentford’ Yoane Wissa.
Team Reveal
- I’m not hugely keen on picking any players outside of the Brighton v Newcastle game. I know that Nottingham Forest v Brentford didn’t go to plan last week, but can’t bring myself to back non double point players.
- I’m also going super aggressive this week. Usually I’d go for a couple of players from each side, but I think Newcastle win this week in their push for top five.
- Everyone will likely captain Isak, and it makes sense to. Unless you need to make major gains, you could probably captain Trippier or Murphy.
Gameweek 34 Review
- I’m on a bit of a downward spiral at the moment. Last week saw me end the round with 30 points, with a rank of 77k. This pushed me just outside the top 1k.
- I was hugely disappointed with Nottingham Forest actually, and expected them to at least score. Wood really hampered my week.
- My only saving grace was Wissa, who apparently had high ownership, but that’s no major surprise.
- Good luck this week! Big push needed!
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