3 Players to pick and drop for Gameweek 30

What was supposed to be a Double Gameweek 29 ended up being a damp squib, as Manchester City's clash against Arsenal was postponed amid Coronavirus fears. As it stands, all fixtures are expected to go ahead this weekend and it’s now time for managers to decide how they’re going to deal with Blank Gameweek 31, where only eight teams play (Wolves, Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Watford, Burnley, Liverpool and Crystal Palace).

If you’re going to Free Hit in Gameweek 31, then you can afford to buy players from teams such as Chelsea and Manchester United but if you’re not planning on deploying a chip, then your transfer in has to be a player from the aforementioned eight sides.

On that note, here are 3 players to pick and drop for Gameweek 30 of Fantasy Premier League.

3 Players to pick

1. Kevin De Bruyne (BUR)

Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season

Kevin De Bruyne is back in training and is expected to be available for the visit of Burnley this weekend. The Belgian has registered a goal and an assist over the last four gameweeks, despite making just three appearances. He landed three shots on target (SoT) and created eight chances over this period, only James Maddison and Bruno Fernandes (both 11) created more amongst midfielders with two of these deemed ‘big chances’.

Manchester City have only scored four goals over the last three gameweeks, creating eight ‘big chances’. They are ranked seventh for SoT (18) despite playing a game less. Their opponents Burnley have conceded just two goals over the same period but the underlying numbers indicate they have been fortunate. Only five teams allowed opponents more shots than the Clarets’ 56.

2. Mohamed Salah (EVE)

Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool's talisman once again this season

Mohamed Salah scored his second goal in the last four gameweeks with his strike against Bournemouth in gameweek 29, only Sadio Mané and Anthony Martial (both three) have scored more amongst midfielders over that period. He leads the way for shots in the box (SiB) and SoT (six). Liverpool have scored six goals over the last four gameweeks, only Spurs (seven), Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal (all eight) have been more prolific.

Their total of 63 shots is beaten only by Chelsea (74) and only Manchester United (22), Burnley (24) and Chelsea (25) have landed more SoT than their 20. Their local rivals Everton have conceded nine goals over the same period, the worst in the league. Only Villa (26) and Bournemouth (27) allowed opponents more SoT than their 22.

3. Bruno Fernandes (TOT)

Bruno Fernandes has slotted in seamlessly in the Premier League

With two goals and three assists in the last four gameweeks, Bruno Fernandes has wasted no time in adapting to the rigours of the Premier League with only Anthony Martial and Sadio Mané (three) scoring more goals amongst midfielders over that period. Only Richarlison (15) has taken more shots than his 14 and he is top for chances created (11). No midfielder registered more assists than his three over the aforementioned period.

Manchester United are top for goals scored (eight) over the last four gameweeks and only Wolves (59), Liverpool (63), Chelsea (74) have taken more shots than their 56. Only Burnley (24) and Chelsea (25) landed more SoT than their 22.

Spurs have been woeful of late with only Bournemouth, Everton, Villa (all nine) conceding more goals than their eight. No team allowed opponents more shots than their 70 and only Southampton, Bournemouth (both 13) and Aston Villa (16) conceded more ‘big chances’ than their 12.

3 Players to drop

1. Andrew Robertson (EVE)

Andy Robertson has not delivered attacking returns consistently

Alisson Becker was injured in training before Liverpool’s game against Bournemouth last weekend and the Reds have looked very shaky since. Adrian was unimpressive against the Cherries and even worse against Atletico midweek, with his poor pass leading to Marcos Llorente’s first goal.

Clean sheet prospects for the Reds are dramatically reduced without their Brazilian shot-stopper and unlike Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson is not providing the attacking returns needed to justify his inclusion. If you’re looking for an alternative with a fixture in Gameweek 31, Matt Doherty is your man.

2. Ayoze Perez (WAT)

Ayoze Perez has been off-colour in recent weeks

Ayoze Perez was an unused substitute for Leicester’s 4-0 rout of Aston Villa and his replacement Marc Albrighton was very impressive, notching two assists.

It’s back to back benchings now for the Spaniard after missing their midweek cup game as well and he looks to have fallen out of favour with Brendan Rodgers. Managers should consider discarding him for someone like Ismaila Sarr, who has a fixture in gameweek 31.

3. Jack Grealish (CHE)

Jack Grealish and Aston Villa have struggled for form and consistency

Aston Villa are in a bit of a rut at the moment and have lost their last four league games, failing to score in the last two. The fixture run ahead does not bode well for their survival prospects – Chelsea, Wolves, Liverpool and Man. Utd are their next four league opponents.

They also have a blank in gameweek 31 after their fixture against Newcastle was postponed due to the Magpies’ FA Cup involvement. Grealish himself has suffered a dip in form, with just one attacking involvement in the last five games which was an assist against Spurs.

Edited by Vishal Subramanian

3 Players to pick and drop for Gameweek 30 | FPL Tips 2020