01 Apr, 2025

Game Week 30: SamFPL’s Key Questions

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The final international break of the season is over, and it’s time for the most critical period of the season.

WC in Game Week 30 or 31

First of all, it’s team-dependent. You can simply create your favourite draft and compare it to your current team. Do you need to make many changes to get it? Are these changes urgent? I believe GW31 will bring some updates and more information about Saka, Haaland, or fixture rescheduling. It’s going to be a better call if your team permits.

I think if you have some assets from Liverpool, Palace, Bournemouth, or Newcastle, it’s enough to delay the WC for GW31. You can just add Marmoush or a Palace mid. On the other hand, some managers need to sell Haaland, are missing Salah, or have many injuries—they will have to activate the chip today!

For me, it’s always BB33 and Free Hit 34. Wildcard will be prior to it—30 vs. 31 is my current dilemma, but I think 31 is the plan.

Keep or Sell? Wood

Wood’s injury has ruled him out of this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final and likely for the next Premier League match. Santo wasn’t optimistic about him, and this may result in another blank in GW31 due to the quick turnaround.

He may be back for DGW32 and 33, but I prefer forwards with doubles over him. So basically, he isn’t essential for me anymore and can be sold easily. My strategy is Free Hit activation in BGW34, and I’ll get him back against BRE (H) if he is fit!

On the other hand, Haaland has sustained a longer injury to his ankle and is an easy sell! It hasn’t been optimal to keep a £15m asset on the bench. Marmoush should be the obvious replacement.

Wood Replacements

Apart from the most-owned forward, Isak (55%), I consider only two picks at this stage:

• Marmoush: Especially after Haaland’s long-term injury, with Leicester up next and a possible DGW33 to come, I think he is going to be an essential pick in all our wildcard drafts. The Egyptian international has been in good form for a while. He recorded a 12-point score last GW for me and should reward all his new owners.

• Mateta: The Frenchman will face SOU tomorrow and has a likely back-to-back DGW in 32 and 33. He has attacking returns in seven out of his last eight league games. Mateta started for 70 minutes in the FA Cup, which enhances his fitness after his recent injury, and should start again in GW31. Mateta has been phenomenal under Glasner, is on penalties, and is my second-best replacement for Wood and Haaland.

Palmer to Saka? Or Wait?

Arteta has announced that Saka is back and available for selection in GW30, but we aren’t sure about his minutes. On the other hand, Palmer is in very bad form but is back from his recent injury and available too. Tottenham will be a good chance for patient managers who kept Palmer until now to be rewarded, as Spurs have struggled defensively this season.

Saka is a good move, to be honest, and a great differential to target on Wildcard, but I wouldn’t make it for a free transfer, as I believe Marmoush and Mateta are the priority. Their minutes and opponents are much more tempting.

Eze or Sarr? Alongside Mateta

No one can ignore that Mateta is the best pick from CRY for his consistency and penalties, with attacking returns in seven out of his last eight league appearances.

Personally, I don’t mind tripling up on their attack and getting both Eze and Sarr. If you have to pick only one midfielder, I prefer Sarr over Eze. Sarr has a cheaper price and better stats. He looks more direct and has a higher goal threat than the creative Eze. A goal for a midfielder brings 5 points, while an assist earns only 3.

On the other hand, there are no more penalties for Eze, as Mateta is the main taker now, and I don’t see any reason to pay the extra money for Eze over Sarr, especially for managers preparing to activate the Bench Boost and spread funds accordingly.

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For more Game Week 30 Tips click here.

By: SamFPL

Last Updated: 01/04