With just two weeks remaining in the FPL season, now is the perfect time to take a calculated risk that could pay off big. And this week, one fixture stands out above the rest: champions-elect Arsenal, playing at home, hungry for goals against a Burnley defense that has been anything but airtight.
Our team of the week is built to fit within a strict £100m budget, just like a Free Hit chip. Let's break down the picks that could give you the edge in your mini-leagues.
Goalkeeper & Defense
Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford, £4.8m) vs Crystal Palace (H)
Since Gameweek 29, Kelleher has delivered a clean sheet every other week. While strong defensive options are scarce outside of Arsenal this week, Crystal Palace may not be at full strength for their trip to the Gtech Community Stadium. With their minds on the Europa Conference League final, manager Oliver Glasner is expected to rotate and protect his key players—making Kelleher a solid pick for another potential shutout.
Gabriel (Arsenal) vs Burnley (H)
If you're not picking the best defender in the game at home against a relegated team, something has gone wrong. Gabriel racked up 11 points last week including defensive contribution (defcon) points. In fact, he's only failed to return once in the past eight gameweeks—and that was away at Manchester City. This week's matchup is a dream scenario.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal) vs Burnley (H)
Doubling up on Arsenal defense feels like a no-brainer, but this time we're going with Lewis-Skelly. He could feature in midfield for the Gunners, and with Burnley visiting the Emirates, a clean sheet feels almost guaranteed. A central midfield role would give him more defcon potential and a greater attacking threat.
James Tarkowski (Everton) vs Sunderland (H)
Another 15-point haul would be welcome after his impressive return at Crystal Palace last time out. Tarkowski is the fourth-highest scoring defender in the game and has earned defcon points in 20 of his 35 appearances—plus the attacking threat he showed last week. With Sunderland scoring just once in their last three games, this is a prime opportunity.
Malick Thiaw (Newcastle United, £4.9m) vs West Ham (H)
Thiaw offers another reliable defcon option at a budget-friendly price. Newcastle at home against a West Ham side that can be vulnerable makes this a strong play for those looking to differentiate their squad.
Captain Pick: Viktor Gyökeres
This is the week to go big on a captain who can deliver a Burnley bonanza. With Arsenal's attacking firepower and Burnley's defensive struggles, Gyökeres has the fixture and form to produce a monster haul. Don't overthink it—back the in-form forward in the best fixture of the week.
Don't miss our FPL special Q&A with expert Holly Shand, live on the BBC Sport website on Friday at 15:30 BST.