FPL Focus: Gunners return, and plan those chips! | News

On Saturday, we take to the field in the Premier League for the first time in four weeks – and with that comes Gameweek 32 of Fantasy Premier League.

Our last league outing came against Everton at Emirates Stadium, glossed with a memorable finale as Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman fired in vital goals – and following matches in three different competitions elsewhere, we now prepare to host Bournemouth.

GUNNERS BACK AFTER BGW

Multiple stars in red and white delivered for their owners during the victory over Everton. William Saliba (£6.1m) hauled a leading 11 points courtesy of a clean sheet, DefCon points and a three-point bonus for his rock-solid performance, while not far behind was our serial FPL marksman Gabriel (£7.2m), whose price reflects the magnitude of his contribution this term. Big Gabi added nine more points to his total, which now stands at 173.

Gyokeres (£8.8m) and David Raya (£6.0m) each bagged seven points against the Toffees, while Dowman (£4.2m) and Riccardo Calafiori (£5.6m) grabbed six apiece – the latter is now just seven off joining eight teammates with centurion totals.

Bournemouth played in GW31, but have yet to take to the pitch in any competition since, with a 22-day gap between their visit to Emirates Stadium and their last outing at home to Manchester United on March 20.

Despite Antoine Semenyo (£8.2m) departing in January, Andoni Iraola’s side maintain several strong options at reasonable prices. By far the Cherries’ most popular Fantasy selection since the turn of the year is their now-leading point-scorer, defender Marcos Senesi (£5.1m). The only non-differential in the Cherries’ squad, Senesi is owned by over 20% of managers, with 137 points and huge DefCon dividends.

Another key defensive pick has been bargain buy James Hill (£4.2m). Having previously sunk below the £4.0m mark, many flocked to bring Hill into their squads and are now enjoying a rise in squad value thanks to his displays. Despite a -1 point return last time out after an unfortunate own goal, Hill had blanked just once in eight Gameweeks beforehand.

While intriguing differentials like Adrien Truffert (£4.7m) and Alex Scott (£5.0m) have delivered this term, a hugely valuable asset this year has been Marcus Tavernier (£5.4m). Often deployed in an advanced role despite his FPL registration as a midfielder, Tavernier has weighed in with 109 points and is a potent threat from outside the box.

HEATING UP THE CHIP PLAN

With just seven Gameweeks to go, those with a full quota of chips simply must start using them now – or at the very least have a plan in place.

With a confirmed Double Gameweek taking place in GW33, many have seen the appeal of a Bench Boost for that week with a preceding Wildcard to be played in GW32. Six Premier League sides – Man City, Chelsea, Brighton, Bournemouth, Leeds United and Burnley – are without a league match in GW34 due to the FA Cup semi-finals, and these fixtures will be brought forward to GW33.

If playing a Wildcard in GW32 to maximise a potential Bench Boost in GW33 from the six double-duty clubs, it would be as good as inevitable that a Free Hit would be required in GW34 to insure against the Blank Gameweek for a huge chunk of your Fantasy squad.

While managers hesitate around their strategy for the home straight, there does remain a plethora of exciting Wildcard picks with a view to double points hauls in GW33. Man City begin that Gameweek with their titanic clash against us at the Etihad Stadium on April 19, but then head to Burnley within the same scoring period. Alongside the obvious picks, players such as Nico O’Reilly (£5.0m) – a defender often played further forward – and differential shout Jeremy Doku (£6.4m) are likely to receive minutes.

Chelsea take on Manchester United in GW33 at Stamford Bridge and follow it up with a visit to Brighton. Their attack appears more appealing than their defence at present, with Joao Pedro (£7.8m) leading the charge and Cole Palmer (£10.6m) likely to be more affordable in a fresh Wildcard squad. Brighton’s strong defence keeps Jan Paul van Hecke (£4.5m) a good option, while Danny Welbeck (£6.2m) is enjoying an excellent season in front of goal.

Elsewhere, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.6m) is likely to start twice for Leeds in GW33 and weighs in at a superb price, as his side face Wolves and Bournemouth. Daniel Farke’s squad are fighting for survival and thus have an array of well-priced assets, such as defender Joe Rodon (£3.9m) – subject to fitness – and goalkeeper Karl Darlow (£3.9m).

For competitors with a strong GW32 squad with which they are unwilling to part, a Wildcard in GW33 remains an option – but would rule out the opportunity of a Bench Boost and could be costly heading into GW34.

SAVING YOUR WILDCARD?

Among the FPL community, some are edging towards playing their Wildcard in Gameweek 35, believing that good fixtures and form outweigh the potential of twice as much gametime. But could a late Wildcard limit its full potential?

While we will not discover the overall consensus until later in the season, both approaches carry an element of risk. Wildcarding in GW32 or GW33 to target Double Gameweek stars from six clubs forces a Free Hit in GW34 unless enough free transfers are banked to cover the danger.

Furthermore, stars such as Gabriel and Rice from N5; a talismanic figure such as Bruno Fernandes (£10.3m), or a surprise package who could be a big miss like Harry Wilson (£6.1m) may have to be dispensed with in favour of a DGW player who may yet blank and/or be rotated.

A strong GW32 squad is also likely to be capable in the BGW of GW34, given parallels in certain fixtures. Some smart planners will have enough free transfers banked to cover GW34 without a Free Hit, meaning it could be played earlier in GW33 to still enjoy the fruits of the doublers.

This would undoubtedly be the best approach for someone who has already used their Bench Boost – as GW33 appears to be the clear preference to play this chip if still intact. Due to Man City and Crystal Palace still yet to play their scheduled GW31 fixture, this is likely to be pencilled into Gameweek 36 or 37, meaning a Triple Captain opportunity is still on the horizon for someone like Erling Haaland or Semenyo.

However you decide to pad out your chips between now and May, it promises to remain a rollercoaster campaign with plenty of jaw-dropping moments still in store.

Remember that this week’s transfer and team selection deadline comes a day earlier on Friday at 6:30pm UK time, as West Ham and Wolves kick off the GW32 action later that evening!