Mohamed Salah faces possible final FPL captaincy in GW34 2026

FPL managers face a blank gameweek with Salah potentially his last captaincy chance.

From double to blank gameweek FPL transitions straight from a double gameweek into a blank gameweek, eliminating several highly owned assets. Manchester City, Bournemouth, and Chelsea contributors will not feature this week, forcing managers to pivot their strategies. Popular choices like United and Liverpool, with home fixtures against Brentford and Crystal Palace respectively, become key focal points. The challenge lies in balancing the number of selections from these two teams. ## United and Liverpool under scrutiny Manchester United suffered a home loss to a relegation-threatened side last time out, raising questions about their defensive resilience. Liverpool, despite Hugo Ekitike’s absence, have struggled to produce consistent FPL-performing assets this term. Both teams present gamble-worthy options, particularly for free-hit strategies in a blank week. The absence of multiple top-owned teams leaves room for calculated risks. ## Constraints of a £100m budget The FPL team of the week is constructed based on current prices, adhering to a £100 million budget as if deploying a Free Hit chip. Previous selections faltered due to missing key assets like Diego Gomez and Cole Palmer, resulting in just 95 points when others surpassed 100. This week’s lineup aims to maximize output within strict financial limits. Budget gems and differential picks become essential in navigating the blank gameweek. ## Underrated goalkeeper option Freddie Woodman at £3.9 million offers exceptional value for a Free Hit, stepping in as Liverpool’s keeper against Crystal Palace at home. With Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili likely unavailable, Woodman provides budget-friendly defensive coverage. His price point under £4 million makes him an irresistible bargain in a week devoid of top-owned teams. Liverpool’s defensive unit presents a viable route to points. ## Van Dijk stands out at defence Virgil van Dijk, priced at £6.2 million, represents a straightforward defensive pick against Crystal Palace, who may prioritize their European semi-final. Oliver Glasner’s side faces an uphill battle against Shakhtar Donetsk just days later, increasing the likelihood of squad rotation. Van Dijk, despite occasional defensive lapses for Liverpool, remains the season’s second-highest scoring defender. His fixture against a potentially distracted Palace makes him a low-risk choice. ## Arsenal’s defensive duo Gabriel at £7.1 million and William Saliba at £6.1 million both start for Arsenal against Newcastle at home in a bid to rebound from four consecutive domestic losses. Newcastle’s own struggles provide an opportunity to shore up Arsenal’s defensive assets. With no current attacking standouts in the Gunners’ ranks, trusting their backline becomes a pragmatic approach. Their defensive solidity could yield returns in a low-scoring clash. ## Captain Salah’s potential swansong Mohamed Salah, priced at £14 million, is highlighted as a must-pick captaincy option, possibly his final chance to captain a Liverpool player this season. Crystal Palace’s potential distraction due to their European fixture could work in Liverpool’s favor. Salah has scored in three of his last four starts, with four shots on target and three big chances in that span. His penalty duties further enhance his appeal as a high-return captaincy pick. ## Bruno Fernandes’ consistent involvement Bruno Fernandes at £10.3 million remains a reliable asset for Manchester United against Brentford at home, despite a recent 2-1 loss to Leeds. Fernandes contributed an assist in that game, maintaining his presence in the lineup. His ongoing season involvement, coupled with United’s attacking strength at home, positions him as a strong captain option. Brentford’s defensive record suggests a favorable attacking return. ## Harry Wilson’s attacking return Harry Wilson at £6 million delivers high involvement in Fulham’s goals, with a 43% stake in his side’s total this season. Aston Villa’s recent defensive frailties, conceding 13 goals in six games, indicate a potential goal-fest against Fulham. Wilson’s creativity and Villa’s susceptibility to attacks make him a shrewd selection. His attacking threat aligns perfectly with a high-scoring fixture. ## United’s set-piece specialist Casemiro contributes three goals in his last five starts for Manchester United, excelling in set-piece situations. United have scored 16 set-piece goals this season, second only to Arsenal’s 19. Brentford’s home defense, conceding 1.11 goals per game compared to 1.56 away, presents an exploitable weakness. The Brazilian’s attacking contributions and United’s home advantage make him a compelling pick. ## Bowen’s pivotal role for West Ham Jarrod Bowen at £7.7 million is West Ham’s talismanic figure, involved in 45% of their goals this season. His standout performance against Wolves, with three assists and 14 FPL points, underscores his importance. West Ham’s relegation battle adds urgency to their home clash against Everton. Bowen’s influence makes him a cornerstone for attacking strategies. ## Watkins’ hot streak for Villa Ollie Watkins at £8.6 million has netted three goals and provided an assist in his last three outings. Aston Villa’s seven-goal thriller against Sunderland signals attacking intent against Fulham. The potential for a high-scoring match at Craven Cottage positions Watkins as a high-reward differential. Seasoned FPL managers recognize his recent form as a prime opportunity. ## Solanke emerges as a punt Dominic Solanke is Roberto de Zerbi’s first-choice striker, providing a punting opportunity in FPL. Wolves have conceded nine goals in their last three league games, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. This week’s fixture against Tottenham offers a chance to capitalize on Wolverhampton’s frailties. Solanke’s starting role and Wolves’ defensive lapses make him a calculated risk worth taking. ## Bench reinforcements for flexibility Antonin Kinsky at £3.9 million, the Tottenham goalkeeper, is a budget keeper option against Wolves away. Ayden Heaven at £3.7 million offers defensive cover for Manchester United against Brentford. El Hadji Malick Diouf at £4.1 million, West Ham’s defender, provides budget defensive depth against Everton. Joao Gomes at £5.3 million, Wolves’ midfielder, is a viable alternative against Tottenham.