A widespread, FA Cup-induced blank gameweek made the weekend of Premier League action incredibly boring. The same can be said for Fantasy Premier League.
Here’s what you need to be across, as we build up to FPL Gameweek 30.
When does FPL Gameweek 30 start?
Saturday 30 March, 10:00 pm AEDT
After a few weeks off, the Premier League will return in a clash that could have European qualification implications come the end of the season. Newcastle host West Ham. Both side’s form’s been indifferent in recent months, meaning this one is hard to predict.
West Ham’s attack trident of Muhammed Kudus (£6.9 I 4.5%), Jarrod Bowen (£8.0 I 25.4%) and Lucas Paqueta (£6.0 I 1.6%) are all having fine seasons and could capitalise on a leaky Newcastle defence that shipped three goals against Chelsea last time out.
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FPL Gameweek 30 notes
Blank gameweek reaps blank results
Any sane FPL player would’ve played their ‘free hit’ in gameweek 29, which saw just four matches take place. And, in reality, any sane FPL player would’ve loaded up on Tottenham and Aston Villa assets. How fruitless those moves proved.
Spurs were held scoreless for the first time under Ange Postecoglou by Fulham while Villa and West Ham played out a stalemate. It’s no surprise that the average FPL score in gameweek 29 was a measly 12 points.
Two in two for Fofana
Many questioned Chelsea’s decision to recall David Datro Fofana from his loan at Union Berlin and send him to Burnley, essentially migrating the Ivorian from one struggling club to another. However, in recent weeks Fofana’s fortunes have transformed.
His strike in the 62nd minute of Burnley’s win over 10-man Brentford proved to be the match-winner. At times, this match was calamitous. Burnley was inches from conceding an embarrassing own goal scored an own goal, Fofana missed an absolute sitter prior half time before remaining composed to score his goal after an hour.
It’s dangerous territory now for Brentford, who find themselves without a win in their last five Premier League games and uncomfortably close to the relegation zone.
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Muniz’s delight brings about Tottenham’s demise
In his last seven Premier League games, Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz (£4.6 I 3.8%) has found the net seven times, including twice against Tottenham as his side ran away 3-0 winners. Spurs were behind the eight ball from minute one, with only good fortune, and goalkeeping, preventing Fulham from securing the opener.
42 minutes in, Fulham’s form was rewarded when their Brazilian striker composed his feet quickly to sweep his first home. A kneed finish from Sasa Lukic, before Muniz was quick to react to a corner scramble to make it 3-0. Had it not been for Guglielmo Vicario (£5.3 I 8.2%), this could’ve been 6-0.
Controvery defines West Ham v Aston Villa
Villa thought they had a clear penalty shout. West Ham thought they had a second goal. In the end, both sides claims went unrewarded as the game ended in a stalemate. After half an hour, Michail Antonio scored his third goal of the season, and first since gameweek 3.
With 10 minutes to play, Nicolo Zaniolo, on for Morgan Rogers in the 63rd minute to rescue a point for Aston Villa and keep Unai Emery’s men in fourth, three points clear of Spurs. Victory here would’ve gone a long way in securing Villa’s Champions League status next season. With eight games to play, there’s still all to play for in the hunt for European football.
Transfer targets under 15% ownership
DEFENDER: Ben White (£5.7 I 12.4%)
MIDFIELDER: James Maddison (£8.0 I 14.9%)
FORWARD: Rodrigo Muniz (£4.6 I 3.8%)
