Fernandes Leads Key Players for Blank Gameweek 34 in 2026

Fernandes is the top captain pick for blank gameweek 34

Introduction to Blank Gameweek A double gameweek 33 has resulted in six teams not playing in gameweek 34, causing difficulties for many Fantasy Premier League managers. The teams not playing are Bournemouth, Brighton, Burnley, Chelsea, Leeds, and Manchester City. To navigate this challenge, expert Holly Shand and the FPL podcast team have identified key players who can help maximize points during this tricky period. They discuss these players in the FPL podcast, which also covers other topics such as bunk beds, headbutts, and haircuts. ## Bruno Fernandes Holly Shand believes Bruno Fernandes is the best captain pick due to his consistent performance, with goal involvements in seven consecutive games. Since Michael Carrick took over as Manchester United's interim head coach, Fernandes has produced five double-digit hauls at Old Trafford. He leads the league in key passes with 109 and is on track to break the Premier League record for most assists in a season. Statman Dave agrees, stating that Fernandes has earned 93 points since Carrick's appointment, 11 more than any other player, making him the obvious captain choice, especially against Brentford, where he has four goals and an assist in eight matches. ## Gabriel Holly Shand highlights Gabriel as the top-performing defender in the game, with Arsenal having the most clean sheets this season at 15. Gabriel has eight goal involvements, including a goal in the reverse fixture against Newcastle United in gameweek six. He has averaged six points per game over the past four gameweeks. Statman Dave suggests considering Gabriel, along with David Raya and William Saliba, for a free hit this week, as they are currently in his free hit team. ## Igor Thiago Igor Thiago is the most-owned forward with a fixture this week, having scored three goals in the past four gameweeks to reach 21 goals for the campaign, just two behind Erling Haaland. Notably, two of those goals came in the reverse fixture against Manchester United, which Brentford won 3-1. This makes him a significant player to consider for blank gameweek 34. ## Mohamed Salah With Erling Haaland not having a fixture, Mohamed Salah presents an opportunity to redirect funds to midfield. He has scored in consecutive games for Liverpool and remains on penalties. This is a crucial period for Liverpool as they seek to secure Champions League football. Statman Dave views Salah as a differential due to his ownership, but notes that his data might be skewed because many inactive managers still have him as their captain from the start of the season. Former England captain Steph Houghton looks at the Liverpool squad and considers Virgil van Dijk, thinking long-term about the Champions League race and picking from top teams, noting that van Dijk is always a threat from corners and guaranteed to play. ## Ollie Watkins Statman Dave recommends Ollie Watkins as the only player to pick from Aston Villa at the moment, given his recent form with three goals and an assist in his past three games. Villa's rotation in the Premier League, as they prioritize the Europa League, means Watkins is a more reliable choice, expected to start every week and play significant minutes, making him a good option for those chasing points. ## Jarrod Bowen Holly Shand points out that West Ham have a crucial fixture in their fight for survival against Everton. Jarrod Bowen is becoming a popular pick for those on a free hit, with a lack of forwards available. He has produced four assists in the past four gameweeks, making him a key player to consider for blank gameweek 34.