Hello. It’s Gameweek 29 and, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have noticed that there are not a lot of games here. Just four of them, to be exact. So instead of the usual Big Questions format, we’re going to look at the entire slate and try to help you navigate this grim week of blanks.
It goes without saying that one Gameweek isn’t something you should butcher your roster chasing, so if you’re truly in a “can’t win” situation, enjoy a weekend off. Given the teams that are missing, chances are your roster is pretty good. But if you are in a tight matchup, we will talk a little about what we might expect and highlight any of the names that might be available as Free Agents that you may want to consider.
Burnley - Brentford
Key Storylines: Brentford should be safe from the threat of relegation. They’re not, though. They sit only 5 points ahead of Luton. They have Everton and Nottingham Forest (who could be deducted points) below them but they really could do with putting a little more distance between them and 18th place. For Burnley, they saw a 2 goal lead fade against West Ham last weekend but it still represented one of their best recent results. It’s been a long time since they’ve kept an opponent to less than 2 goals. And they average just one goal per game. You can probably see the problem yourself. So can they buck the trend this weekend?
Streamer Potential: If you’re hoping for a streamer this week, you’re likely to have to go deeper than usual. First thing’s first, as this is the first game in the week, we have no issue grabbing Neal Maupay early and just waiting for the team sheet. Were he to start, he’s projected for 10.69 xFpts. You take that all day in a week like this. Assuming he doesn’t though, you’re looking far deeper. One area where the projections model and I don’t see eye to eye is that I’d be a little higher on Mads Roerslev in this specific game than the projection suggests (7.21 xFpts). He has potential for a Clean Sheet, alongside the likelihood that Brentford’s wing-backs will be asked to play more aggressively which adds the chance for attacking involvement. I wouldn’t normally be interested in Roerslev at all but needs must. The “zag” move in this game would be to load up on Burnley but it’s really not obvious who to target if you do so. The obvious forwards will have already gone, so you’re left hoping for rotation and a possible start for the likes of Zeki Amdouni, or you’ll be turning to the midfield. Even in this Gameweek, that’s not something that particularly excites. Look elsewhere first.
Bonus: Though it likely will not make a big difference this week, one thing we will highlight is the imminent return of Bryan Mbeumo. Thomas Frank has confirmed that he is slightly ahead of schedule and could be in the matchday squad as soon as this weekend. Mbeumo was averaging an impressive 13.98 xFpts before his injury and demands a roster spot. While his performance might dip a bit with Ivan Toney back in the fold, he’s still definitely worth a waiver add. At 85% rostered he is not available in many leagues, but be sure to check you waiver wire just to be sure he hasn’t slipped through the cracks.
Top 3 Projected Expected Points (expected starters): Ivan Toney (13.23), Neal Maupay / Yoanne Wissa (10.69 / 10.61), Sergio Reguilon (10)
Luton Town - Nottingham Forest
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