Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 24 has arrived, and it brings with it the excitement of being labeled as Double Gameweek (DGW), where teams like Liverpool and Everton are set to play twice within this match period. This situation opens up various strategic opportunities for FPL managers to capitalize on the unique scenario presented by the fixtures.
With the deadline for transfers and team selections set for 11:00 GMT on Saturday, February 1, 2025, FPL enthusiasts are feeling the urgency. Managers are particularly focused on key players from Liverpool and Everton, including influential figures like Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Iliman Ndiaye. These players are at the forefront of many strategies this week, as they can lead to significant points accumulation.
The standout captaincy option this week is undoubtedly Mo Salah, who has been performing remarkably well and is the leading choice among the Fantasy community. According to recent analyses, "Salah tops the captaincy metrics with a CRF of 4 which is the least possible CRF in our metrics, Gakpo is 2nd with a CRF of 6." This ranking indicates Salah’s potential for returns against Bournemouth and Everton, making him the ideal candidate for the captaincy often touted by many experts.
Following Salah, Gakpo is also making wave after bagging two goals and assisting another during the recent DGW 23. These performances have led him to be named as vice-captain for many teams, pushing him higher on the polling, albeit there remains skepticism around his match fitness due to back-to-back matches for Liverpool.
The captaincy poll reflects this sentiment with Salah garnering 81% of the votes, leaving Gakpo with 9% after fresh concerns about his stamina following UEFA Champions League involvement. Trent Alexander-Arnold also holds steady as one of the top three picks, considering his attacking contributions and prospect for clean sheets, thanks to their matches against less potent offenses.
The chip strategy this week will play a major role. With managers deliberated over which options to activate, the use of the Assistant Manager (AM) chip and Triple Captain (TC) chip takes center stage. This dynamic has been emphasized due to the double fixtures, as activating the TC chip on players like Salah could lead to substantial point gains if the stars align correctly. The rationale is simple: double the opportunities, double the potential rewards.
Comparatively, if you opt to play the AM chip, strategy dictates waiting for optimal matchups. Using the AM on high-performing managers or clubs could yield dividends later on if Liverpool continues to dominate. Liverpool currently boasts 98% odds of scoring at least one goal during this Double Gameweek, with 61% of scoring more than two goals, placing them at high leverage for managers hopefully seeking maximum points.
For the less favored Everton squad, their odds remain decent with 84.8% for at least one goal but lagging behind Liverpool. This makes the selections from Everton slightly risky, yet players like Iliman Ndiaye are becoming popular due to his recent scoring form and the potential for bonus points.
Transitioning to underlying player metrics, Liverpool’s recent displays have showcased Salah leading with standout numbers, including 4.29 xG and recording 26 shots inside the box over the last six matches. Meanwhile, Gakpo's performance metrics echo his efficiency with similar averages, making the duo irresistible for Fantasy squads.
Certainly, when discussing fixtures, the match against Bournemouth looks favorable. Liverpool’s prolific scoring ability and strong attack against the recently struggling defense of Bournemouth poses high hopes for impactful FPL performances. For managers pulling the trigger on these investments, Liverpool could provide all the fireworks they need.
The uncertainty surrounding player rotations and injuries also brings complexity as clubs adjust their strategies this week. Managers should remain alert to updates from the League Cup semi-finals as the outcomes may influence the player selection and chip strategies for the following Gameweek (GW25). The anticipated announcement will clarify potential upcoming DGWs, especially concerning Arsenal and Chelsea’s positioning, providing additional tactical adjustments and opportunities.
Given the trends and predictions now, Salah stands as the highest probability captaincy selection along with projected ranks for players. The final analysis includes the fact Salah has garnered over 621,000 managers activating their Triple Captain chip this season, reflecting the widespread belief of his ability to deliver during these decisive moments.
With only hours to finalize selections before the deadline, the excitement among FPL managers is palpable. By leveraging strategies involving optimal fixtures, genuine player performance metrics, and strategic chip deployment, managers are set to face the thrilling challenges of Gameweek 24. Each move could potentially decide the season's narrative, making this DGW even sharper and more strategic than usual.
Good luck to all Fantasy Premier League players this Gameweek, and may your picks bring the most coveted points!