FPL Challenge Top Picks + Team Reveal – Gameweek 12

If you’ve never played FPL Challenge before, it offers Fantasy managers something different than the standard game mode.

Every week brings a new twist, so identifying the right players for this challenge is crucial.

In this article, Louis (aka FPL Reactions) breaks down the top picks for this week’s Challenge format – and then reveals the team he’s joining to try and push the leaderboard up.

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE THIS WEEK?

TOP CHOICES

GOALKEEPS

Alisson Becker is in the rankings top four goalies for BPS pass completionand he looks set to return to Liverpool’s starting XI this week. Liverpool faces Nottingham Forest joint second worst for goals scoredwhich gives the Brazilian a strong platform for zero points.

In the meantime, Robert Sanchez has less of an advantage when it comes to completing a pass this Gameweek, but Chelsea’s game against Burnley still offers a great chance to keep a clean sheet. Burnley remains bottom of the league for expected goals (xG)which highlights how ineffective they have been for the purpose.

Emiliano Martínez sits joint third for BPS pass completion among the goalkeepers, and Aston Villa’s defense has tightened considerably. Unai Emery’s side recorded three clean sheets in their last four gamesand their match against Leeds United offers another promising opportunity to extend that run.

DEFENDERS

Of Gabriel sidelinedcentral defender William Saliba will be Arsenal’s standout defensive option for this week’s Challenge. The Frenchman delivered 94% passing accuracy this season and sits fourth among defensemen for completed passes. Combined with the fact that Arsenal have kept it more clean sheets than any other teamSaliba offers reliable routes to points at both ends of the field.

Liverpool’s home match also jumps off the screen. Despite their limited zero record to date, Arne Slot’s side now face a Nottingham Forest attack who have struggled in front of goal this season. Virgil van Dijk seems the best route to the back line; only Lewis Dunk has recorded more completed passes among defenders.

Burnley’s lack of attacking threat adds another attractive angle. Chelsea have rotated heavily at the back, but Trevo Chalobah becomes an excellent option as he starts. He ranks top five among defenders for both completed passes and passing accuracy, giving challengers multiple ways to rack up points.

There are also several other viable defensive picks this week. Mark Senesi has a favorable match against West Ham, Daniel Munoz And Chris Richards both offer value for Crystal Palace against Wolves, and Lewis Dunk remains a reliable option as Brighton prepares to face Brentford.

MIDFIELDERS

Finding the right balance between Scoring challenge And offensively upwards is essential in the selection of midfielders this week. One standout that offers multiple paths to points is Bruno Fernandes. He generated more xG than any other midfielder and belongs to the top eight for both total defensive contributions and successful passes. With a home game against Everton, this could be an ideal round for him to turn that underlying data into returns.

Chelsea have scored more goals than almost any team this season, beaten only by Manchester City. Their match against a vulnerable Burnley defense strengthens the case for midfield cover. Enzo Fernandez sit second in his position for expected goal involvement without penaltiesand if he starts, he could be an excellent option with significant upside.

Nottingham Forest remain an excellent team to target after their poor start. Another asset of Liverpool that is worth highlighting is Dominik Szoboszlai. He shares fixed duties, averages 12 defensive contributions per gameand ranks third among midfielders in terms of total passes – giving this fixture both floor and ceiling potential.

In addition to the main choices, there is no shortage of strong alternatives this week. Options include Chelsea’s Moses CaicedoBournemouth Antoine Semenyo (if fit) against West Ham, Liverpool Mohammed Salahfrom Arsenal Bukayo Saka in the North London derby and Manchester United form Bryan Mbeumo.

FORWARD

Although passing stats are less important to attackers due to their lower volume, Chelsea’s Joao Pedro still deserves recognition. He ranks above any other attacker for both total passes and successful passes, and he poses a significant attacking threat ahead of the game against Burnley.

In the meantime, Newcastle’s strong defensive numbers at home will be put to the test with the in-form Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker was unstoppable and produced 14 goals and one assist in just 11 Premier League gamesand remains one of the most dangerous players in the league.

For those looking for alternatives, Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Evanilson (Bournemouth)And Thiago (Brentford) also offer interesting routes to the forward position this week.

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TEAM REVEAL

NOTES

• The goalkeeper had a difficult time this week, mainly due to the rule of one player per team. For this and the fact that he is above every other goalkeeper in terms of passing bonus, I’ll take a point on Verburggen.
• Saliba and Van Dijk were simple this week in terms of passing, clean sheets and defensive contribution potential.
• I support Enzo because I expect Chelsea to score goals this week, along with Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes takes the armband because I think he has more routes to points than any other player this week.
• Haaland takes his place up front, largely thanks to predicted ownership. I think quite a few challengers will still lead him.

GAME WEEK 11 REVIEW

NOTES

• Last week felt like a bad week for me. I only got 30 points, which was a round rank of 31k. Surprisingly, however, I managed to get a green arrow to 852nd place.
• The only players who helped my green arrow were Munoz and Pickford, both of whom kept a clean sheet.