LAGOS, Nigeria – Fantasy Premier League returns this week with the much-anticipated Gameweek 30, where managers must select a team of seven players only from midfielders and forwards. This unique challenge, dubbed ‘Fortified Front,’ allows an unlimited budget, ensuring players like Erling Haaland (£14.8m) and Mohamed Salah (£13.7m) can all feature together.
The deadline for Gameweek 30 is set for April 1 at 1:15 p.m. EDT. Managers are advised to take advantage of this week’s opportunity to maximize their points with a mandatory formation of 0-4-3, meaning four midfielders and three forwards must be selected.
Despite the challenge of the Merseyside derby, Salah remains a top choice, having proven his scoring prowess against Everton with four goals and an assist in their last four Premier League encounters. His impressive tally makes him a key asset to include this week, especially given his historical performance this season, where he has set new records.
While I opted against pairing Salah with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer due to uncertainties regarding Palmer’s fitness, I’ll be watching the press conference for updates. If coach Enzo Maresca clears him to play, I might include him, given Palmer’s production of three goals and three assists against their Thursday opponent, Spurs.
In midfield, Crystal Palace offers favorable fixtures, making players like Ismaila Sarr (£5.7m) and Eberechi Eze (£6.7m) strong considerations. Sarr recently recorded back-to-back double-digit hauls, amassing 11 points against Ipswich and 15 points versus Aston Villa. Currently, I’ve prioritized Sarr due to his form, though Eze’s set-piece responsibilities cannot be overlooked as they increase potential scoring opportunities.
Regarding the Hammers, Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m) is vital as West Ham faces a struggling Wolves squad in Gameweek 30. Bowen has consistently contributed for the Hammers, returning points in three of the past four matches and solidifying his place as the seventh highest-scoring midfielder with a total of 125 points this season.
The competition among Bournemouth‘s midfielders presents another dilemma. Justin Kluivert (£6.3m) holds a statistical edge over teammate Antoine Semenyo (£5.7m) in terms of goals and overall Points. Kluivert’s goal tally of 12 versus Semenyo’s seven highlights his potential as a point-scorer, although Kluivert is also dealing with injury concerns ahead of their matchup with Ipswich.
In addition, Manchester City faces Leicester City in a promising fixture for forward Omar Marmoush (£7.4m) following Haaland’s injury. Morrison has shone in recent matches, scoring in critical moments after coming on as a substitute, which solidifies his role as a strong fantasy pick.
Furthermore, the strategy for Gameweek 30 demands a keen eye on team sheets, especially as speculative picks like Alexander Isak (£9.4m) and Cody Gakpo (£7.4m) may emerge in the lineup for their respective teams, making them interesting alternatives for forward slots.
With the Reigning Egyptian King, Salah, wearing the captain’s armband, it’s important for managers to maximize returns from key players in this pivotal Gameweek. The competition is fierce, with several teams fighting for league positions, making this week essential for fantasy managers to optimize their selections.
