FPL DGW34 Free Hit Teams & Players to Target & Free Hit Draft

In this article, we will be taking a look at teams and players to target for those of us playing our Free Hit chip in FPL DGW34. This Gameweek is one of the biggest doubles of the season with 7 teams doubling, including big hitters such as Liverpool and Arsenal. Even if you are not planning to Free Hit in FPL GW34, this post will offer some interesting 1-week punts and differentials (which could prove crucial for your mini-leagues), as well as offering my plans and draft (OR Top 25k).

Link to all our FPL GW34 blogs including Buy, Hold, Sell analysis, Differentials, Captaincy metrics, Scout picks, Wildcard Drafts, Tips, and more. Completely free to access as well!

Teams to target in FPL DGW34

Based on Fantasy Football Hub’s Fixture Analyser tool, we can see that Crystal Palace have the ‘easiest’ DGW fixtures. Clearly we will also be looking to triple up on Arsenal and Liverpool players, as they are by far the best teams playing this week and there is always the possibility that their players will haul regardless of the fixture. Having said this, players from ALL teams on this list will be discussed in this piece; there are many options to consider.

Further Read: FPL GW34 Transfer Targets & Watchlist Based on Eye Test & Stats

FPL GW34 Goalkeepers to target

The obvious choice here is Raya (£5.1). Arsenal have the best defence in the league and you’d fancy them to keep at least 1 clean sheet over the 2 games. However, be aware that if you select Raya, you can only have 2 outfield Arsenal players. Having said this, an Arsenal defensive double-up is better (in my opinion), than an offensive double-up, as they are top of the league for xGA, and only 4th for xG, so perhaps only having just 1 attacker is the better option.

If you are set on having 3 of Arsenal’s outfield players, then the other goalkeeper I would consider is Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson (£4.4). Palace’s defense has not been great this season, but they probably have the best overall fixtures. What’s more, Henderson offers something that Raya doesn’t – save points. In his last 3 starts for Palace, he is averaging close to 5 saves per 90, which bodes well for DGW34. A clean sheet is not guaranteed, but after Palace’s brilliant defence performance, it’s not completely out of the question!

Everton’s Jordan Pickford remains England’s N.1, and despite his teams league position, their defense is one of the best in the league (4th for xGA and 4th for GA). It’s important to remember that Everton have received points deductions this season, and therefore their league position is not reflective of their performance. Yes, they play the best-attacking team in the league in Liverpool in DGW34, but Liverpool often struggle against teams who sit deep and counter, as seen against Palace in GW33, which is exactly what Everton will try to do.

Furthermore, against teams who sit deep, Liverpool often resorts to taking shots from a distance, leading to opposition goalkeepers making lots of saves, something which could land Pickford a number of FPL points. Henderson made 5 saves against Liverpool in GW33, Onana made 6 saves in GW32, Musso (Atalanta’s goalkeeper) made 5 saves, and Grbic (SHU’s goalkeeper) made 6 saves in GW31. My point is, that although it seems unlikely that Everton will keep a clean sheet, Pickford will almost certainly get some save points, and could well keep a clean sheet against Forest in Everton’s other DGW34 fixture – he should not be ignored as an option.

Further Read: FPL GW34 Transfer Targets & Watchlist Based on Eye Test & Stats

FPL DGW34 Defenders to target

As mentioned above, a double up on Arsenal’s defensive assets is the best option, considering the other teams who are doubling this week. We may have a better idea of injuries/rotation following their Champions League game against Bayern Munich, but the usual suspects of White (£6.0), Saliba (£5.9) and Gabriel (£5.4) are all solid choices. Gabriel has by far the best xG/90, while White has the best xA/90, but realistically attacking returns are unlikely, so – take your pick.

Palace do have the best fixtures, but I wouldn’t suggest a defensive double-up, despite their clean sheet against Liverpool, nonetheless, either Mitchell (£4.5) or Munoz (£4.5) can be considered. I’ve sifted through the numbers, and can’t find anything to really separate them in terms of attacking numbers at Palace this season, BUT, if we look at Munoz’s numbers prior to his move to South London in January, a clear winner emerges.

Munoz scored 5 goals and provided 1 assist from Right Back for Gent in the first half of the season, and scored 7 the season before that – he has the ability to get into scoring positions and get shots off, something which cannot be said for Mitchell. Anderson (£4.7) could be an option, but offers less attacking threat than the two wingbacks.

Both teams from Merseyside should also be considered, despite the fact that they play each other in FPL DGW34. BOTH teams are amongst the best in the league for xGA (Liverpool 3rd, Everton 4th) and Goals Against (Liverpool 2nd, Everton 4th). Don’t let Everton’s position in the table fool you, they are one of the best defences in the league. Unfortunately, they are playing the best offensive team in the league in Liverpool FC, meaning a clean sheet is perhaps unlikely.

On the Red side of Liverpool, with Trent (£8.4) returning, but still not 100% fit, and the plethora of options available to Klopp at left-back, rotation is an issue. Having said this, after Robertson’s solid performance against Palace in GW33, I expect him to start one, if not both fixtures in DGW34. Trent could be an insane differential if he plays, but that’s not guaranteed by any stretch, especially considering the outstanding form of Bradley (£4.3). Therefore Virgil (£6.6) is the safest Liverpool option, while Robertson is the more attacking but riskier option.

Further Read: FPL GW34 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More

FPL DGW34 Midfielders to target

Let’s start with the obvious ones… Saka (£9.0) is a must-have, along with Salah (£13.5), they’re both too high in ownership to leave out of your FH teams in DGW34. Beyond that, an Arsenal double-up in midfield is a possibility, with Havertz (£7.4) and Odegaard (£8.6) both decent options, but my preference would be a Liverpool double-up, with the likes of Diaz (£7.7) and the returning Jota (£7.9) both enticing options.

Jota is seemingly back to full fitness after playing 30 minutes against Palace, so should definitely be considered, although rotation with the likes of Gakpo and Nunez is a risk. He is Liverpool’s most clinical player, and the one thing they’ve been lacking recently is finishing ability, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Klopp throws him back into the starting 11. Havertz is probably the best Arsenal option after Saka, with better xG than Odegaard, and tends to pick up more advanced positions on the pitch, whether he’s playing as an N.9 or as one of the 8s.

Outside of Liverpool and Arsenal, the Palace pair of Olise (£5.6) and Eze (£6.0) should both be in our thoughts. Eze is in great form, scoring against Liverpool in GW33, while Olise played well in his first start since his injury. Fantasy Football Hub’s predicted points tool tells us that Eze is the better option, the Englishman is predicted 12.0 points compared to only 8.0 for Olise.

The expected data is fairly similar for both players, Eze is averaging 0.37xG and Olise 0.35xG, however, Olise is way out in front for xA with 0.36xA compared to Eze’s 0.27xA. Furthermore, if we look beyond the underlying stats, Olise is averaging over a goal or assist per 90 minutes, whereas Eze is only averaging 0.46, so in both the underlying numbers and real-term output Olise seems like the better choice.

Other options to consider:

• Brereton-Diaz (£5.0) – Differential at 0.2% ownership. Fixtures are decent from an attacking perspective. Sheffield United’s best FPL asset.
• Hwang (£5.4) – Back from injury. Low ownership (2%). 2nd in the Wolves squad for xG/90 and goals scored.

Further Read: FPL GW34 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More

FPL DGW34 Forwards to target

Based on fixtures and form, Mateta (£5.0) looks like a great option for those of us playing our Free Hit chip in DGW34. He has been Glasner’s first choice since coming in, and has the 2nd best xG in the squad, second only to Edouard (£5.4) (who hasn’t started a game since February), and has 4 more assists than his French teammate. As mentioned, Palace have the best fixtures and played exceptionally well against Liverpool – Mateta is a must-have.

Solanke (£7.2) and Cunha (£5.6) are both excellent FPL options, but their fixtures are not great for DGW34. Solanke’s 0.67xGA/90 is far greater than Cunha’s 0.56xGA/90, and the Englishman arguably has the better fixtures, despite them both being away from home. It’s a coin toss, Bournemouth and Solanke have been in better form recently, so I’d maybe lean towards Solanke, but both should be considered, especially when taking into account the dearth of alternatives.

Latest Update(04/19/2024): Cunha ruled out of the first game of DGW34 vs Arsenal due to an injury. So it is not a great option to consider him on Free Hit.

Finally, Nunez (£7.7). The Uruguayan’s form has fluctuated in recent weeks, as he continues to underperform his xG and disappoint FPL managers. Despite this, I’d still recommend him to all FPL managers on a Free Hit this week. His minutes could be a concern, with Jota back from injury and Gakpo in great form, but I’d back him to start at least one of the games in FPL DGW34, possibly both due to how important he is to how Liverpool play.

My Current FPL DGW34 Draft

My Free Hit is already active, as my plan since around GW25 has always been to WC in 30/31, Free Hit in FPL DGW34 and then to Bench Boost in GW37. This strategy caused me immense pain and suffering as my rank dropped from around 20k to 50k OR around the double/blank in GW28/29, and more importantly dropped me down to 2nd in my family’s mini-league. I have since bounced back and am currently sat at around 25k OR (but still 2nd in my mini-league).

I like Pickford in goal, as it allows me to triple up on outfield players from the 3 best teams, ie. Liverpool, Palace and Arsenal. I’m happy with Saliba, White and Saka, I can’t see any of them leaving my team before the deadline bar any injury against Bayern, whereas I am far less convinced by my current combination of Liverpool players. I plan to see how many minutes the Liverpool forwards play in Bergamo on Thursday before I make a final decision. As I mentioned previously, Mateta is a must-have for me, it’s the position(s) in the forward line that I’m less sure on. I’m 50/50 on Cunha and Solanke, and Solanke is a better player in my opinion so that’s why he is there at the moment.

Despite his recent form, Salah will likely take the armband for this week, but again, I am not set on this!… Good luck!

All expected data is taken from understat.com unless stated otherwise

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Further reads from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL GW34

Confirmed FPL Double Gameweeks | 23/24 Season
FPL GW34 Scout Selection- Top Picks based on Stats and Matchups
FPL GW34 Free Hit Guide- Pros, Cons, Best Drafts along with Key Notes
Top FPL Gameweek 34 Captain Picks Based on Analysis & Metrics
FPL Gameweek 34 Transfer Tips: Two Players To Buy, Hold & Sell
Top FPL GW34 Differential Picks to Consider Ahead of Deadline
FPL DGW34 Free Hit Teams & Players to Target & Free Hit Draft
FPL GW34 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More
FPL GW34 Transfer Targets & Watchlist Based on Eye Test & Stats
2023/24 FPL Chip Strategy Guide – Best Windows and Analysis (Must read)

Link to all our FPL GW34 blogs including buy, hold, sell analysis, differentials, captaincy metrics, transfer targets, and more. Completely free to access as well!

What’s next from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL Gameweek 34 of the 2023/24 FPL Season?

We’ll be covering differential picks, transfer targets, Buy, Hold, Sell analysis, scout picks, gameweek preview, captaincy metrics, FPL GW34 tips, and more. Keep checking allaboutfpl.com for all our blogs. We’ll also be posting regularly about the same on our social media accounts so follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and keep our notification ON.

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