After a frantic Double Gameweek 26 and a battle against Pep Guardiola’s rotation in Gameweek 27, Gameweek 28 is here to pose more problems and questions for FPL managers.
With Blank Gameweek 29 in mind, Gameweek 28 should be navigated cautiously in terms of transfers. Some will focus on Gameweek 28 alone, others will have an eye on Gameweek 29.
Here are five recommendations, keeping Gameweek 29 in mind but ensuring that Gameweek 28 isn’t dismissed as a possibility for heavy points hauls.
Joachim Andersen – Defender – Fulham – 4.5m
Joachim Andersen has been outstanding for Fulham since his loan move at the end of the summer transfer window. Scott Parker has made Andersen his captain, which demonstrates how highly he is thought of within the club.
Last time out, Andersen produced a Man of the Match display in Fulham’s impressive 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. Two tackles and four interceptions highlight Andersen’s defensive excellence and leadership.
Andersen’s qualities have been proven with Fulham’s recent defensive record. They’ve kept four clean sheets in seven matches, a record which has flown under the radar following Fulham’s appalling first few weeks. Since then, they have been a difficult unit to break down, with Andersen at the heart of it.
At 4.5m and just 0.3% ownership, he could be a nice asset to own for the rest of the season. Fulham play Manchester City in Gameweek 28 and Leeds in Gameweek 29, so he could be a player to bring in, leave on the bench for GW28 and start in the Blank GW29.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Midfielder – Arsenal – 11.4m
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be hitting form at the business end of Arsenal’s season. Having finally been deployed as a central striker by Mikel Arteta, Aubameyang has flourished after a difficult season.
Four goals in four matches represents a return to form for the Gabonese star. Despite difficult upcoming fixtures, there is potential for Aubameyang to be an explosive differential. With premium Manchester City assets at risk of Pep roulette and Liverpool’s stars struggling for form, Aubameyang is an alternative option.
While his 11.4m presents a risk, a fixture in Gameweek 29, plus a North London derby outing in Gameweek 28, Aubameyang will look to capitalise on his recent resurgence in form. As a short-term punt, Aubameyang is an interesting choice but at 11.4m, does represent a real differential.
Gareth Bale – Midfielder – Tottenham – 9.4m
If Aubameyang doesn’t quite inspire you then it could be worth looking for to the other half of North London. While Heung-Min Son is highly owned, his teammate Gareth Bale is owned by 6.5% of FPL managers.
As a result, Bale is another potentially explosive differential. The Welsh superstar has four goals in three appearances, returning 35 points from those three matches. Despite a difficult season, it is difficult to ignore that recent form.
Having been left on the bench for the Europa League in midweek, Bale seems a certainty to start the North London Derby in Gameweek 28. Jose Mourinho appears to trust the Welshman at the moment. If Bale can repay that trust, he can be a snip at 9.4m.
Adam Lallana – Midfielder – Brighton – 6.2m
Adam Lallana is the type of player that often flatters to deceive. This makes him highly frustrating for FPL managers. With so much talent, Lallana could and should deliver far more than he does.
However, with a goal in his last outing, Lallana can look to build on that. Southampton’s porous defence is next up in Gameweek 28 and the former Liverpool man must fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet.
Additionally, Lallana plays Newcastle in Gameweek 29, thus he becomes more desirable in the short to medium term. At 6.2m, he is on the pricy end of the budget options. However, at 0.3% ownership, there is incredible differential potential worth tapping into.
Michail Antonio – Forward – West Ham – 6.6m
Michail Antonio is the forward who should be high on priority list ahead of Gameweek 28. West Ham’s terrific form sees them fifth and right in contention for Champions League football.
A trip to Manchester United will not fear Antonio. The 30 year-old has scored past Manchester City, Tottenham, Leicester and Arsenal this season. A big-game player, Antonio’s unorthodox style makes him a handful and perfect for David Moyes’ workmanlike side.
At 12.5% ownership, Antonio is relatively low-owned in a saturated pool of strikers. Antonio could be ready to feast on a rotated defence in Gameweek 29. Arsenal are West Ham’s opponents. They play in Europe three days before their visit to the London Stadium. Should the Gunners be rusty, there is no doubt that Michail Antonio can return a significant points haul.
