Fantasy Premier League game week 29 is a blank game week with only eight teams in action, many FPL managers will be scratching heads on how to field 11 players.
The blank game week has been further hampered by injuries to Heung-Min Son and Patrick Bamford (the second and third most-owned players in 2020/21) given the tiny pool of players we have at our disposal. Getting decent points on the board is a premium struggle this week and now would be the perfect time to use your Free Hit chip, if you still have it available.
Football Castle provides the best GW29 differentials and captain picks ahead of the deadline at 18:30 GMT on Friday 19 March.
Goalkeepers
Robert Sanchez (£4.5m) has failed to keep a clean sheet in any of his last four Premier League matches but faces a goal-shy Newcastle. Only Chelsea have a superior total for expected goals conceded (xGC) than the Seagulls in those last four games and they offer the best defensive play in blank game week 29.
Alphonse Areola(£4.6m) would have a big part to play should Fulham upset Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds. The Frenchman has been in inspired form in recent weeks with 24 points from his last five games and should secure bonus points for saves notwithstanding the result.
Defenders
Aaron Cresswell(£5.9m) is the highest-scoring defender in FPL this season with a total of 135 points. His 10 assists and 20 bonus points make him a sure pick for the derby against Arsenal.
Fulham have scored the fewest goals at home this season (eight) and with Stuart Dallas(£5.1m) listed as a defender, the Northern Irishman is a key target for points at both ends of the pitch having been playing in midfield for Leeds in recent weeks.
Lewis Dunk(£4.9m) was a tip for Game week 28 and the Brighton captain duly delivered with a goal against Southampton. In the last four matches, Newcastle rank second-worst for conceding headed attempts on goal, making Dunk a wise pick having scored more goals than Jamie Vardy and Son Heung-min combined over the last 14 Gameweeks. Yes, you read that right.
Midfielders
Leandro Trossard(£5.7m) scored Brighton’s winner at St. Mary’s and could prove vital once again when they host shaky Newcastle.
Raphinha(£5.6m) was unlucky to not find the net in GW 28 due to an immaculate save from ex-teammate Èdouard Mendy. The Brazilian has gone cold somewhat in the last couple of game weeks but could enter another purple patch against Fulham.
Jesse Lingard(£6.1m)
The 28-year-old has accumulated 44 points across just six matches for West Ham and is a prime pick for BGW 29. Lingard has a good personal record against Arsenal and would want to continue his good form having sat out the game against parent club Man United.
Patrick Bamford(£6.7m) is set to return having limped off with a knock to his hip against Chelsea. The Englishman could be set to make up for lost time with a goal.
Captain picks
Gareth Bale(£9.6m) is the most transferred-in player for BGW 29 despite being withdrawn after just 56 minutes at Emirates Stadium. Bale has two double-figure hauls in the last four games and would be keen to continue his best run of form this season.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang(£11.5m) was surprisingly benched in the North London derby for disciplinary reasons and should make a heralded return against West Ham. With 30 points in his last three starts, the Arsenal captain would be keen to fill his scoring boots against the Hammers.
Harry Kane(£11.5m) is a sure pick against Aston Villa after a frustrating outing at Arsenal. The England captain is set to be rested in midweek after a 2-0 cushion in the first leg of their Europa League tie against Dinamo Zagreb.
Kane has registered 29 points in the last four games and is the prime captaincy pick against Aston Villa.
