FPL Challenge Top Picks + Team Reveal – Gameweek 23

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

It is very rare for a goalkeeper to make a successful dribble past an opponent, so focusing on the clean sheet potential should be the priority for challengers.

With that in mind, and while on paper we’re in for an arguably tough match, Arsenal’s David Raya could be a solid option. The Gunners are the best team in the league from a defensive perspective.

Alternatively, Everton have kept three clean sheets in their previous five league matches, and next in line is Leeds United. This could be a good opportunity for Jordan Pickford to preserve another shutout.

I should also emphasize Willem Vicaris. Spurs have been far from consistent, but Burnley are one of the worst teams in the league, so we could see back-to-back clean sheets in all competitions.

Brentfords Kevin Kelleher at home against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City Gianluigi Donnarumma against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea Robert Sanchez for his away match against Crystal Palace are also good options.

DEFENDERS

Liverpool take on Bournemouth away from home this week and they go into the match on a thirteen-match unbeaten run. Flying on the flank Jeremy Frimpong could catch the eye this week as he leads the way among all defenders for successful dribbles.

Outside of Frimpong, there aren’t many people dominating the challenge stat. That’s why you choose Gabriel could be a wise move. Arsenal’s home game could be a great opportunity for the Brazilian to both keep a clean sheet and demonstrate his attacking threat.

It might also be worth keeping an eye on the Tottenham teamsheet. DJ Spence Played 90 minutes fullback/left midweek. If that is the case against Burnley, he could be a fantastic option for the match against promoted Burnley.

Traces’ Pedro PorroBrentfords Nathan Collinsand Everton’s James Tarkowski are three more choices you might consider.

MIDFIELDERS

No side has scored more goals than Manchester City this season, making them a favorite attack this week, with Wolves next. However, team sheets will be valuable for rotation purposes, as no midfielder has produced more successful dribbles than Jeremy Dokubut his playing time was inconsistent.

The same could be said of teammate Rayan Cherkialthough. The Frenchman has had more playing time and ranks second among midfielders in terms of successful deployment, but it is crucial he starts before he is selected.

Mathijs Tel is also among the top five midfielders for successful dribbles. Spurs have been very inconsistent but they are coming up against Burnley’s very poor backline, which Tel could potentially offer this week.

In addition to successful dribbling, there are plenty of options with a good match and attacking threat, such as Chelsea’s penalty taker Cole PalmerLiverpool Florian Wirtz, Brentfords Kevin Damage and Arsenal duo Declan Rice And Bukayo Saka.

FORWARD

Dominant for most statistics among attackers outside of goals, shots and big chances, due to his hard work and constant running, Jarrod Bowen leads the way in his position for successful dribbling. A match against Sunderland won’t be easy, but home advantage could be crucial.

The open play output was somewhat slow from Erling Haaland. However, it may be unwise to avoid him for a match against Wolves. The Norwegian has the potential to add to the 20 goals and four assists he has already racked up this season.

Brentford’s home match against Forest continues to offer potential. Leading the deadly front line and helping them maintain their position as the fourth best home team in the league is Igor Thiagowho has been one of the best strikers in the game.

TEAM REVEAL

• I’m quite happy with this, to be honest. It’s the first time this season that I’m playing with a 2-1-2 formation.
• Pickford comes in because other Everton options are not attractive.
• I’ll make sure Spence plays fullback again before I pick him. Frimpong also comes in because he doesn’t like other Liverpool choices.
• The only midfielder I can fit in and be convinced of is Bukayo Saka, who should do well with dribbling against Manchester United. He might even get a puff.
• Up front, the omission of Haaland could be a major problem. He could be big, so I captained him. Thiago could also do very well against Nottingham Forest.

GAME WEEK 22 REVIEW

• The playmaker challenge was very disappointing last week.
• I finished on 43 points, which meant a lap ranking of 13k, but an overall jump to 349th from 378th.
• While Palmer did well, and Bruno Fernandes even better, I botched the captaincy. You may remember that I had the bracelet on Saka. But since he wasn’t in the lineup, I moved to Odegaard. The late kick-off on Saturday also meant I had limited options to move the captaincy!
• Anyway, it was a green arrow, so I have to be happy with that. Good luck this week!