As FPL Gameweek 28 approaches, managers face growing frustration after the FA Cup 5th round, where Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta suffered a head injury and Wolverhampton’s Matheus Cunha received a red card. These setbacks force a reassessment of lineups. As the deadline nears, managers must monitor injury updates, consider key transfers, and leverage bench strength to maximize points during this challenging period.
How does this affect managers?
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) £7.5m and Matheus Santos Carneiro Da Cunha (Wolverhampton Wanderers) £7.5m, before the FA Cup 5th round, were the most transfer-in forwards ahead of gameweek 28, with Cunha being the most transfer-in player of gameweek 27. This leaves managers at the edge of their screens scratching their heads over what to do considering 4 teams will blank in gameweek 29, and just 3 gameweeks after (gameweek 32) is a double game week for Crystal Palace and Newcastle United and gameweek 34 coming with major blanks.
How long will Cunha be suspended?
After the Cunha and Kerkez incident in the FA Cup fifth round that led Cunha to a straight red card and Kerkez a yellow card, Cunha is suspended until April 5th and is set to miss 3 Premier League fixtures, the games against Everton (H) GW28, Southamptom (A) GW29, and Westham (H) GW30, all with a fixture difficulty rating (FDR) of 2.
How long will Mateta be suspended?
Crystal Palace has provided a grim update on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s injury after he suffered a severe laceration to his ear during a FA Cup match against Millwall, following a reckless challenge from Millwall’s goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who was subsequently sent off. Mateta, who received 25 stitches and was discharged from the hospital, is recovering, but his return date to Premier League action remains unknown while the injury is being monitored.
What’s Next Ahead of FPL Gameweek 28?
FPL managers must act swiftly to adapt their strategies. As FPL Gameweek 28 approaches, it’s essential to explore alternative forward options, particularly those with favorable fixtures or forms. Managers should also consider players from teams that will not blank in Gameweek 29 and be mindful of potential double gameweeks in Gameweek 32. Keeping an eye on injury updates and fixture difficulty ratings will be crucial for making informed transfers. Additionally, utilizing bench strength effectively can help navigate this challenging period, allowing managers to maximize their points as they prepare for an unpredictable few weeks ahead.
