There’s a midweek round of Premier League action so make sure you have this quintet in your FPL side
What a Gameweek 28 that was in FPL – 36 goals spread across 35 different scorers and, if you followed last week’s picks, a very satisfying set of green arrows. With blank Gameweek 31 creeping ever closer, every move now needs to balance short-term upside with medium-term planning. Gameweek 29 is a midweek round too, so nailed starters are gold. Here are five players to consider bringing in who can help you navigate 29, cover 31, and keep momentum going.
Virgil van Dijk (6.1m)
Van Dijk’s redemption arc continues. Three attacking returns in his last three games, including two double‑digit hauls for Liverpool, have transformed him from ‘solid pick’ to genuine game‑changer at the back. That level of attacking output probably isn’t sustainable, but Wolves at home this week followed by Spurs next is still an excellent entry point. With GW29 being a midweek round, his nailed 90 minutes are huge, and the bonus of a confirmed fixture in blank GW31 plus a potential double in 33 makes him a very tidy medium‑term hold. If you’re upgrading in defence, he’s high on the list.
Hugo Ekitike (9.0m)
Back‑to‑back appearances on the buy list and it’s fully deserved. If you jumped early last week, you were rewarded with a monster 15‑pointer. This isn’t about chasing last week’s score though – Ekitike’s process remains excellent. He’s taking plenty of shots, consistently posting strong xG, and looks central to everything Liverpool do in and around the box. Wolves next, then a meeting with a depleted Spurs side, gives him a great platform to keep the run going. With form, fixtures and underlying numbers all pointing the same way, there’s still time to get on board.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (5.7m)
Differential of the week is a familiar FPL villain: Dominic Calvert‑Lewin. If you’ve played the game long enough, you’ve likely been burned by him before – but the fixtures and numbers make him hard to ignore. Sunderland at home, a weakened Crystal Palace and Brentford in the next three is a very friendly run. He’s back on penalties, getting regular minutes and putting up decent shot volume, even if the conversion hasn’t fully clicked yet. He won’t be anything like template in your mini‑leagues, which makes him ideal if you’re trying to make up ground. Risky, yes – but the upside is very real.
Dango Ouattara (5.9m)
Ouattara owners can feel a bit short‑changed after just a single assist against Burnley, because he easily could’ve come away with more. The underlying involvement was there, and that’s what matters going into Bournemouth this week. This fixture should suit him better, with more space to break into and opportunities to counter, similar to the patches earlier in the season where he looked electric. His role remains important, his minutes are strong, and the fixtures over the next few remain very appealing. If you’re looking for a mid‑priced midfielder with both upside and nice fixtures through the blank period, Ouattara stays firmly on the buy list.
Bruno Fernandes (9.9m)
Fernandes reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most important FPL assets this season. Despite everything, his ownership sits at around 38%, which feels low for someone with so many routes to points. Goals, assists, penalties, set pieces – and crucially, a very strong baseline for bonus, meaning even one attacking return for Manchester United often comes with extra points attached. Newcastle in 29, then Aston Villa and Bournemouth, gives him a great three‑game platform, and United will be desperate to keep their unbeaten run going. If you’re without Bruno at this stage, you’re playing a dangerous game but it’s not too late to rectify the situation.
