The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 2024/25 season is in full swing, with just nine gameweeks left to navigate. As the competition heats up, managers are evaluating player performance and making critical decisions that could either propel them to the top of their leagues or leave them scrambling at the bottom. In this regard, the recent Gameweek 29 brought some outstanding individual performances while setting the stage for strategic shifts in Gameweek 30.
Following Gameweek 29, our FPL expert noted a remarkable score of 79 points, nearly doubling the average of 40 points, which significantly boosted their overall rank. This surge was buoyed by key players stepping up at crucial moments. Milenkovic, for instance, achieved an impressive double-digit score of 11 points, while Bowen and Mbeumo each contributed 5 points with assists, setting a respectable foundation for the team.
The standout performer of the week was undoubtedly Bruno Fernandes, whose substantial contribution of 17 points (34 as captain) included a goal, two assists, a clean sheet, and three bonus points. Intriguingly, Fernandes replicated the same points tally he scored during the reverse fixture earlier in the season. While some members of the squad fell short, it was a week of triumph nonetheless; the strategy to captivate Fernandes paid off handsomely.
Looking ahead, the transfer strategy for Gameweek 30 is critical. Our expert has identified three key players to bring in, most notably Erling Haaland from Manchester City, whose current form shines brightly. Priced at £14.8 million and currently owned by about 30.7% of managers, Haaland has netted seven goals in his last ten games, reinforcing his reputation as a must-have forward. With two goals in his last three outings and an expected goals (xG) statistic of 0.75 per 90 minutes, Haaland's next fixture against a defensively weak Leicester City could yield even greater returns. The stats don’t lie: Leicester has conceded 35 goals away from home this season, averaging 2.5 per game.
In addition to Haaland, Daniel Munoz from Crystal Palace is highlighted as an essential transfer, particularly due to his attacking prowess from the back. Priced at £5.1 million and currently owned by only 15.5% of FPL managers, Munoz's numbers reveal three goals and five assists this season. His positioning has enabled him to contribute significantly to offensive play, suggesting that he could thrive against similarly struggling teams.
Lastly, another transfer option presented is Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, consistently one of the highest-scoring players in FPL history. With a price tag of £13.7 million and owned by 69.2% of managers, he is proving to be a peril for those who might overlook him. Despite some transfer strategies that might tempt managers to drop him, especially nearing two double-game weeks, Salah remains a key figure in Liverpool’s attempt to secure the title, particularly with Everton looming on the horizon.
On the flip side, the transfer out section features some big names who have lost their appeal. Chelsea's Cole Palmer, currently priced at £10.8 million and owned by 51.8% of teams, faces increasing pressure as he has delivered just one return in eight games—hardly enough for a player of his caliber. His recent injury and no-show against Arsenal underscore the decline in confidence among FPL managers, with 310,000 already opting to transfer him out.
Furthermore, Everton's Beto, priced at £5.1 million, demonstrated promising returns earlier in the season, but three consecutive blank scores have made it clear he is now a passenger on the roster. Lastly, Vitalii Mykolenko, also struggling at £4.4 million, is expected to falter against formidable opponents in upcoming fixtures, causing many managers to cut their losses.
As for the captaincy selections for Gameweek 30, Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland lead the candidates, both poised for excellent point hauls against favorable opposition. Yet, the landscape might shift, with potential differential picks like Isak of Newcastle also showcasing strong statistical performance, making for an intriguing tactical choice.
Notably, managers are navigating an upcoming international break, a time fraught with risks of injury concerns among returning players. With many teams set to play back-to-back fixtures upon their return, strategic planning during this period is crucial to avoid being caught off guard by injuries.
In a concluding note, as FPL managers gear up for another round of matches, strategic foresight and data-driven decisions will prove vital as we enter the final, pivotal stretch of the season. With several teams fighting for their league standings and others pushing for survival, the thrill of the game continues to captivate football fans and enthusiasts alike.
