FPL Blank Gameweek 29: Top Defender Pick – Gabriel to Shine at Home Against Chelsea
With four Premier League teams sitting out this weekend, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are gearing up for an essential Gameweek 29. As the season’s business end approaches, making the right transfer decisions has never been more critical. Leveraging Fantasy Football Hub’s AI-predicted points, here’s why Arsenal centre-back Gabriel is emerging as a top pick for this blank gameweek.
Gabriel vs. Chelsea (H) – Predicted 4.7 Points
Arsenal’s defence remains one of the elite options in FPL. They currently rank third for clean sheets, having secured 10 so far this season, and boast the fewest big chances conceded (38) along with a league-best record of 24 goals conceded. The Gunners have also managed two clean sheets in their last four gameweeks, demonstrating their consistent defensive solidity.
While the reverse fixture between Arsenal and Chelsea ended in a 1-1 draw, the visitors have struggled away from home this season. Chelsea have failed to keep a single clean sheet on the road in 2025, conceding nine goals and scoring just three. This defensive frailty bodes well for Arsenal, who are expected to not only win at home but also maintain their clean sheet potential.
Gabriel is at the heart of Arsenal’s defensive stability. Not only is he pivotal in preventing goals, but his contribution extends to set-piece threats as well. With three goals and two assists this season, Gabriel is also recognized for creating goal-scoring opportunities, ranking third among defenders for big chances with eight and registering 20 shots in the box.
For FPL managers contemplating their transfer moves this weekend, Gabriel’s form, coupled with Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities, makes him a strong candidate to deliver valuable points in Blank Gameweek 29.
Bruno Fernandes: The Midfield Maestro for Gameweek 29
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is proving to be the standout midfielder in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) for Gameweek 29, with AI-predicted points of 5.4. His recent form has been nothing short of impressive, as he’s been directly involved in four goals over the past three gameweeks—scoring two goals and providing two assists. Notably, his proficiency on penalties only adds to his appeal.
The Red Devils are set to travel to Leicester City, a team struggling mightily with form. Leicester have endured a five-game losing streak, during which they’ve conceded 13 goals, and have managed just one clean sheet all season. With the Foxes languishing in the relegation zone, this fixture presents an ideal opportunity for Bruno Fernandes to shine, making him an attractive option for FPL managers—especially those playing the Free Hit chip this week.
Fernandes’s best fantasy return this season came in the reverse fixture against Leicester, where he notched up 17 fantasy points. In that match, his contributions—one goal and two assists—played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s 3-0 victory.
With such a blend of excellent form and a favorable fixture, Fernandes stands out as a prime asset for FPL managers looking to capitalize on his consistent performance. His ability to both create and finish scoring opportunities makes him a strategic choice as we head into the business end of the season.
Forward Pick: Erling Haaland vs Brighton (H) – Predicted 7.1 Points
With Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak sidelined due to postponements related to the League Cup final, Erling Haaland emerges as the top forward pick for Gameweek 29, as per AI predictions. Currently trailing Salah in the Golden Boot race with 20 goals this season, Haaland has already proven his scoring prowess by finding the net in the reverse fixture against Brighton, where the Seagulls secured a 2-1 victory.
Haaland is riding a wave of excellent form, having registered two goals and one assist in his last four league starts. His attacking contributions have been consistent in every home game he’s started in 2025 at the Etihad, underlining his pivotal role in Manchester City’s offensive setup.
For Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, Haaland represents a valuable asset, particularly given his captaincy potential. However, his high price tag of £14.7 million means that managers may need to consider strategic sell-offs of other high-value players to accommodate him in their squad.
Hidden Gem: Antoine Semenyo vs Brentford (H) – Predicted 5.3 Points
For FPL managers eyeing a strategic boost in this blank Gameweek, Bournemouth hosting Brentford offers a promising opportunity. Bournemouth, currently boasting 18 goals in 2025 and ranking fourth in the league for scoring, are set for a crucial fixture that could pay dividends—especially for those deploying the Free Hit chip.
The return of Evanilson from injury has tweaked Bournemouth’s attacking setup, spotlighting midfielder Antoine Semenyo as a standout option during the season’s initial phase. Although Justin Kluivert has become more popular since the turn of the year, Semenyo remains a differential pick, selected by only 8.7% of FPL teams.
Semenyo has been a consistent starter, reliably completing 90 minutes in most matches, and has accumulated 12 goal involvements this season (7 goals and 5 assists). However, potential investors should note that in the last four Gameweeks he has only managed one assist, which might temper expectations.
With these factors in mind, Antoine Semenyo emerges as a compelling hidden gem for managers looking to maximize returns in a challenging blank Gameweek scenario.
