Fantasy Premier League managers are facing a rapid succession of deadlines, with Gameweek 32 kicking off less than two days after GW 31 concluded. Compounding the challenge, pre-match press conferences from managers are scheduled late, leaving managers without the latest injury updates before the deadline.
This time crunch leaves managers with limited time to make informed decisions, especially with a potential double gameweek on the horizon prompting many to consider using their wildcards. For those without this option, there’s a heightened focus on making strategic and unconventional choices, with differentials emerging as crucial assets in their lineups.
Erling Haaland (£14.3m)
Erling Haaland enjoyed a full rest during Manchester City’s recent victory over Villa, positioning the Norwegian international well for a starting role against Palace in the upcoming weekend fixture. His impressive track record includes eight goals scored in away matches this season, with only Watkins surpassing him with nine goals among forwards.
Looking at the statistics, Manchester City has netted nine goals in the last six Gameweeks, ranking seventh, and holds the third position for shots attempted with 89. On the defensive end, Palace has conceded six goals during the same period, placing fourth, and managed just one clean sheet. Notably, the Eagles rank fifth for shots conceded (34) and ‘Expected Goals Conceded’ (xGC) (5.32). What does all that mean? It means that Erling Haaland could score a few goals, at the very least.
Chris Wood (£4.8m)
Say it softly but Chris Wood is currently on fire. The Nottingham Forest forward has netted three goals in as many games for his side with two of those goals proving to be crucial in 1-1 draws. But the more interesting thing is the fact that the forward has scored in three of his last four stars for club. Not only that, Wood has netted 11 goals in just 13 starts for the Tricky Trees, proving to be a lethal option off the bench.
But injuries have meant that the forward has started more games recently and that has helped his cause as Wood has started the last four games for his side. His xG in those games have totalled up to 1.44 which is rather impressive given his recent lack of game time. Still a risky buy as Forest face Spurs next, and then host both Manchester City and Chelsea before the season ends.
Rodrigo Muniz (£4.7m)
Rodrigo Muniz has had some season ever since Fulham brought him in after an injury crisis. The Brazilian has thrived since Gameweek 22 with 8 goals while playing nearly every minute since then. That does include an excellent run of recent form with three goals in his last three games for the Cottagers with an xG of 2.41 even if he did blank in the Cottagers’ last game.
Combine that with an excellent fixture list until the end of the season and it makes Muniz a proper option for anyone looking for a budget friendly option. The Cottagers do, however, face Newcastle United, Liverpool and Manchester City before the season ends which could be tougher than most expect.
Antoine Semenyo (£4.5m)
While Dominic Solanke has won a lot of plaudits for his performances this season, and rightfully so, the performances of other Bournemouth stars have gone under the radar. That includes Antoine Semenyo and the forward has been in fine form lately. Semenyo has already contributed to 11 goals (7 goals and 4 assists) this season but three of those have come in his last three games.
That includes a brace against Luton Town with an assist against Crystal Palace in the Cherries’ last game which has only sent Antoine Semenyo up the form table. Not only that, the forward has had an xG of 0.78 and an xA of just over 0.21.It’s a risky option, don’t get it wrong, but given the fixture list that the Cherries have between now and the end of the season, things may just get interesting.
Michail Antonio (£5.7m)
Yet another risky pick but over the years but Michail Antonio has thrived recently for West Ham and it does make him a decent option to have. The forward has netted twice in his last three games and it has made him an in-form forward for GW 32. He did, however, blank in the game against Tottenham but still managed to end the game with an xG of 0.39.
Not the worst stats for a forward especially given West Ham’s woes this season but Antonio has been a rare good spot over the last few weeks for his side.
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