The Gameweek 27 landscape in Fantasy Premier League is taking shape, and while chasing points is always the goal, identifying players with both current form and favorable upcoming fixtures is paramount. Several players are emerging as strong contenders, but navigating the potential for rotation and assessing risk will be key to success.
Salah Showing Signs of Life
Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool talisman, has endured a surprisingly quiet season by his lofty standards. Currently priced at £14m, he ranks only 41st among FPL midfielders. However, recent performances suggest a potential return to form. Since returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty, Salah has demonstrated an attacking intent, registering 14 shots in his last four appearances – more than any other player in the league. Crucially, 12 of those shots have come from within the penalty area, and he’s created three big chances, despite failing to find the back of the net.
Liverpool’s improving form, coupled with a tricky but potentially exploitable fixture against Nottingham Forest, makes Salah a viable option. Forest’s inconsistency this season, highlighted by a recent 3-0 defeat at Anfield in November, could provide the platform for Salah to rediscover his scoring touch.
Fernandes Remains a Fantasy Staple
At £9.8m, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes continues to be a highly sought-after asset. Despite a recent blank against West Ham, Fernandes has amassed an impressive 44 points in his last six games, remarkably without benefiting from a single penalty. This contrasts sharply with Cole Palmer, who has also accumulated 44 points in the same timeframe but with the aid of four penalties.
Fernandes’ potential remains exceptionally high, and Everton’s defensive vulnerabilities – having secured only one clean sheet in their past seven matches – present a favorable opportunity for the Portuguese playmaker. His consistent creativity and attacking threat make him a reliable FPL performer.
Palmer: The Penalty King
Cole Palmer, priced at £10.6m, has emerged as a potent FPL asset, largely due to his penalty-taking duties for Chelsea. While his recent form is heavily reliant on spot-kicks, this doesn’t diminish his value. For managers actively chasing points in their mini-leagues, Palmer represents a strong differential, currently owned by only 15% of FPL players.
Chelsea’s home fixture against Burnley further enhances Palmer’s appeal. Burnley’s struggles on the road make them a particularly attractive opponent for attacking players.
Semenyo Settling in at City
Concerns that Antoine Semenyo’s move to Manchester City might limit his playing time and production have proven unfounded. The forward has scored in both of his home matches and now faces a Newcastle side that has conceded eight goals in their past three games. Priced at £8.0m, Semenyo offers a compelling blend of affordability, and potential.
Looking Ahead: Gameweeks 27-32
Beyond Gameweek 27, focusing on teams with favorable fixture runs is crucial. Liverpool currently sits atop the fixture ticker for the six-game stretch between Gameweeks 27-32. While a potential “new manager bounce” for Nottingham Forest following the appointment of Vitor Pereira is a consideration, Liverpool’s subsequent fixtures against struggling sides like West Ham, Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur, and Brighton present significant opportunities for attacking returns.
The upcoming Gameweeks offer a complex puzzle for FPL managers. Balancing current form, fixture difficulty, and the ever-present risk of rotation will be essential to maximizing points and climbing the ranks. Players like Salah, Fernandes, and Palmer offer immediate potential, while Semenyo provides an intriguing budget option. However, a data-driven approach, utilizing tools like the Season Ticker, will be vital for making informed transfer decisions and navigating the challenges ahead.
