By Caroly Kipkoech
After the FA Cup 5th round in midweek, Gameweek 27 will have huge implications on your chip strategy. The FA Cup 5th round results have determined which teams have advanced to the quarterfinals which are scheduled at the same time as Gameweek 29.
Therefore, Gameweek 29 blank fixtures are: Burnley v Brentford, Fulham v Spurs, Luton v Nottingham Forest, and West Ham v Aston Villa. As managers make key transfers to earn the best points in their mini-leagues, they must plan to ensure they don’t misuse their chips.
FPL experts are providing managers with everything they need to know ahead of the GW27 whose deadline is on Saturday, 2 March at 16:30 (EAT).
Eleven of the best players have been chosen for GW 27.
BEST FPL TEAM AHEAD OF GAME WEEK 27
FORMATION: 3:5:2
GOALKEEPER: David Raya (Arsenal)
The Spanish shot-stopper faces Sheffield United away at Bramall Lane, the Blades have had a blunt attack this season, scoring only 22 premier goals. That statistic makes Raya a favourite choice for most managers given that he is an affordable asset playing for a very solid Arsenal defence. To add to that, Arsenal has the lowest xG (expected goals) conceded this season and many favourable fixtures on the horizon.
DEF: Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
The Gunner’s centre-back has risen to over 26 percent ownership thanks to his recent impact at both ends of the pitch. Gabriel visits Sheffield United on the back of three goals, an assist, and three clean sheets in his last nine outings to his name, including three double-figure returns. He is also the heart of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
DEF: Marco Senesi (AFC Bournemouth)
The Argentine defender has an undeniable attacking threat, thanks to his three goals and two assists this season. Senesi has a great fixture in this Gameweek, away at Turf Moor Grounds (Burnley). He has been tipped to have great returns with a Double Gameweek 28 against Sheffield United and Luton Town. With that in mind, he could be a good option for managers who aim to free-hit in GW29.
DEF: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)
The English right-back is the top-scoring defender in home matches in Fantasy this season. Trippier has collected 66 points in 12 outings, with one goal, four assists, five clean sheets, and a bonus point magnet earning 13 bonus points, highlighting his many routes to returns against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He is also a key man for the magpies in set-pieces and corners.
MID: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – CAPTAIN CHOICE
Bukayo Saka is having his best season by far for Arsenal. The Gunners have another very kind fixture this week against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United. The Blades have conceded the most goals (66), this doesn’t look like a good time to play the Gunners who have scored 25 goals (first) in the last six fixtures. The Arsenal sensation has scored eight goals in his last seven league games, with four double-digit hauls in his last five. He will be among the best captain options this week for sure.
MID: Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
The South Korean has delivered six double-figure hauls this season, including a 10-point return against the Eagles in the reverse fixture in Gameweek 10. Spurs have a good fixture this week, as they welcome Crystal Palace to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Eagles have conceded 44 goals, a worrying trend. Ange Postecoglu’s side also has key supplier, James Maddison back into contention. Son is nailed to start, and he is also the first-choice penalty taker.
MID: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
The Magpies star has scored seven goals and eight assists at St. James Park this season, with only Aston Villa’s Douglas. Luiz (nine) and Salah (11) are more prolific among midfielders in home fixtures. Newcastle welcomes Gary O’Neil’s side (Wolves) who have conceded nine goals in the last six game weeks, keeping two clean sheets over that period.
MID: Phil Foden (Man City)
The English starlet has been in fine form for the Cityzens with four goals over the last six Gameweeks, only Saka (seven) has performed better amongst midfielders. Pep Guardiola’s side host city rivals Manchester United who are ranked 18th for shots conceded. Foden is tipped to start in the tight fixture after being rested from FA Cup midweek duties against Luton Town. Foden enters this fixture with his head high having scored a hattrick in last season’s Manchester derby, this makes him among the most transferred-in players by most managers.
MID: Luiz Diaz (Liverpool)
With Diogo Jota ruled out and fitness concerns for Salah and Nunez, Luiz Diaz has been the main attacker for Liverpool making things work out for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Diaz has three goals, and three assists from the last five games. Only Haaland has more Shots inside the box than Diaz since GW22 and Haaland has played a game more than the Liverpool man. Diaz is also top for big chances among midfielders during this run despite not being on penalties.
FWD: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Ollie Watkins is having a ridiculously good season. He is now the highest-scoring player in the Fantasy Premier League, with 14 goals and 15 assists, amassing 170 points and he doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Unai Emery’s side have one of the best fixtures of the season against newly promoted Luton. The Hatters have conceded 51 goals and have the worst xGC (Expected goals conceded) in the league. The Villa talisman is also among the top contenders for the armband, with a lot of managers having faith in him.
FWD: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
The Norwegian’s five-star performance against Luton in the FA Cup in midweek has brought a lot of hope in managers. He is nailed to start on penalties and is the clear talisman for Manchester City. Haaland is fond of this fixture having scored a hattrick in last year’s game at the Etihad Stadium, a match that ended 6-3 in favour of Pep Guardiola’s side.
