This week's Fantasy Challenge allows managers to pick a 7-a-side team using an unlimited budget.
Gameweek 29 is a challenging one because Liverpool, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace DON'T have a Premier League fixture, with this round of matches is therefore known as "Blank Gameweek 29".
But there are still stars such as Erling Haaland (£14.7m) and Cole Palmer (£10.9m) in action this weekend.
Here, FPL expert Tom Johnson identifies his favourite picks for BGW29.
Pick your Fantasy Challenge team NOW!
Goalkeeper
In goal, I’ve opted for Jordan Pickford (£5.1m). Since David Moyes took charge of Everton in Gameweek 21, their defensive data has been mightily impressive. Despite playing a game more than most clubs, the Toffees rank fifth for both Expected Goals Against (xGA), with 8.4, and shots on target conceded (29) during that time.
Matz Sels (£5.1m) is someone I strongly considered following Nottingham Forest keeping clean sheets against Arsenal and Manchester City in consecutive Gameweeks. However, Forest's recent away form is slightly concerning. They have lost their last three matches on the road, conceding 11 goals.
Defenders
Josko Gvardiol (£5.9m) was the first defender on my teamsheet. No defender has scored more goals in Fantasy this season. His underlying offensive data in home matches is particularly impressive. The Croat sits top for both Expected Goal Involvement (xGI), with 4.24, and penalty-area touches (54) among defenders, while his 19 shots are only bettered by Pedro Porro (£5.3m). Meanwhile, over the last six Gameweeks, Man City have shown signs of rediscovering their defensive solidity. Only Fulham and Arsenal have conceded fewer big chances. Finally, the injury to Nathan Ake (£5.3m) means Gvardiol’s minutes should be secure.
Partnering Gvardiol in defence is Rayan Ait-Nouri (£4.8m). Only Antonee Robinson (£5.0m) has picked up more attacking returns among defenders than the eight of the Wolves left-back. His Gameweek 29 opponents, Southampton, rank bottom for xGA (16.63) and second bottom for xG (3.67) across the last six Gameweeks. This points to potential returns at both ends of the pitch for the attack-minded Algerian.
Other defenders worth considering include Ola Aina (£5.3m) and Milos Kerkez (£5.1m), who face Ipswich and Brentford respectively, while Gabriel (£6.3m) is never a bad option, especially against a Chelsea side without an away win in their six matches on the road.
Midfielders
For the first midfield slot, I’ve opted for Justin Kluivert (£6.2m), one of four penalty-takers in my team. Since Gameweek 21, only Salah has picked up more attacking returns among midfielders than the 10 of the Cherries’ star. The Dutchman leads his Bournemouth team-mates, including Dango Ouattara (£5.1m) and Antoine Semenyo (£5.7m), for xGI over the last six Gameweeks. Kluivert’s appeal has been further enhanced by the return of forward Evanilson (£5.6m), with Ouattara dropping to the bench in Gameweek 28.
Bruno Fernandes (£8.4m) joins Kluivert in midfield. The Manchester United talisman has been in good form of late, picking up 29 points over the last three Gameweeks. In that time, Fernandes has registered two goals and two assists, along with seven bonus points. Leicester City look set to be obliging opponents for the Red Devils given the Foxes are without a clean sheet since Gameweek 7 and have lost 12 of their last 13 matches.
Kluivert and Fernandes are currently the top two highest-owned midfielders. Alternative options with less than five per cent ownership at the time of writing include Jarrod Bowen (£7.5m) and Anthony Elanga (£5.3m).
Forwards
Haaland is a straightforward selection. Despite a poor season by Man City’s high standards, Haaland has managed to find the back of the net 20 times, a tally only bettered by Mohamed Salah (£13.8m). His underlying data is extremely encouraging. Among forwards, the Norwegian is top for big chances (37), goal attempts (99) and xGI (21.65) across the season. Furthermore, Haaland comes into Saturday's fixture against Brighton on the back of two double-digit hauls in his last three home starts. I’m hoping this becomes three in four as the Norwegian will also be my captain!
Finally, Chris Wood (£7.3m) completes my team. The New Zealand international has enjoyed playing promoted opposition this season, picking up double-digit hauls against both Southampton and Leicester, while scoring and returning three bonus points in the reverse fixture against Ipswich Town. The Tractor Boys come in Gameweek 29 with the third-worst defensive record, conceding 58 goals. Only Southampton have allowed more big chances than Ipswich’s 99. Not that Wood will need many chances to score, boasting a conversion rate of 35.3 per cent, better than any other forward.
For FPL Challenge managers looking to go a little different with their forward line, Raul Jimenez (£5.5m) and Evanilson provide tempting alternatives.