FPL Gameweek 30: Wildcard Strategies, Top Picks & Captaincy Dilemmas

In-Depth Analysis

## Wildcard Strategy: Why Gameweek 30?

FPL expert Az Phillips has activated his Wildcard for Gameweek 30, citing several strategic advantages. This timing allows for building a squad focused on teams with confirmed Double Gameweek fixtures in GW32 (Newcastle and Crystal Palace). It also facilitates setting up for a Bench Boost chip during that DGW32. Furthermore, by wildcarding now, managers can load up on assets without worrying about Blank Gameweek 34, planning instead to use the Free Hit chip for that reduced round of matches.

## Az Phillips' GW30 Wildcard Picks:

• **Goalkeepers:** David Raya (£5.5m - Arsenal), Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m - Brighton)
• **Defenders:** Gabriel (£6.4m - Arsenal), Josko Gvardiol (£6.0m - Man City), Milos Kerkez (£5.2m - Bournemouth), Murillo (£4.7m - Nottingham Forest), Tino Livramento (£4.5m - Newcastle)
• **Midfielders:** Mohamed Salah (£13.7m - Liverpool), Anthony Gordon (£7.4m - Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (£6.7m - Crystal Palace), Justin Kluivert (£6.3m - Bournemouth), Ismaila Sarr (£5.7m - Crystal Palace)
• **Forwards:** Alexander Isak (£9.3m - Newcastle), Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m - Crystal Palace), Omar Marmoush (£7.3m - Man City)

## The Captaincy Conundrum: Marmoush vs. Salah

While Mohamed Salah's consistent high scores make him a default captaincy option for many, especially in a home Merseyside derby, Gameweek 30 offers a compelling alternative. With Erling Haaland potentially sidelined through injury, Manchester City face Leicester City at home. Omar Marmoush, who has impressed since joining City, is tipped by some experts (like BBC Sport's Thomas Woods) as a strong captaincy candidate due to the favourable fixture and his likely role leading the line. This presents a calculated risk against the highly-owned Salah.

## Other Expert Considerations:

• **BBC Sport's Team of the Week:** Also favours Marmoush (C) and includes Raya, Gvardiol, Dias, Quansah, Kerkez, Salah, Kluivert, Sarr, Nkunku, and Joao Pedro.
• **Scout Squad:** Highlights similar targets, focusing on assets from City, Palace, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Bournemouth.
• **Value Picks:** Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi (£5.5m) is mentioned as one to watch if Chris Wood's injury is serious, potentially offering value upfront.

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FAQ

Takeaways

• **Assess Your Chip Strategy:** Decide if using the Wildcard now suits your team structure and plans for DGW32/BGW34.
• **Target Key Teams:** Prioritize bringing in players from Newcastle and Crystal Palace ahead of their DGW32.
• **Monitor Injury News:** Keep a close eye on updates for players like Erling Haaland and Chris Wood, as this impacts potential replacements like Marmoush and Awoniyi.
• **Make Informed Captaincy Choices:** Weigh the pros and cons of captaining Salah versus a differential like Marmoush based on the fixtures and potential team news.

Discussion

The captaincy debate between Salah and Marmoush is heating up! Who are you trusting with the armband this week? And are you using your Wildcard now or holding off?

*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*

Sources

Disclaimer

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