Picture this: managers scratching their heads over who to ship in with the clock ticking down to the Gameweek 29 deadline. Do you chase the safe clean sheet merchants or the ones who chip in with bonus points and the odd goal threat? That is the fun of FPL this deep into the 2025/26 season.
Gameweek 29 brings a midweek twist packed with juicy fixtures like Wolves at Liverpool, Fulham hosting West Ham United, Brentford trekking to Bournemouth, Everton welcoming Burnley, and Manchester United facing Newcastle United away. These match-ups scream opportunity for certain stars to rack up those precious points.
We have all been there, staring at our teams, one transfer slot burning a hole, wondering if that punt will pay off or leave us rank-dropping. This piece dives deep into five absolute must-haves: Virgil van Dijk, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kevin Schade, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Benjamin Sesko.
Each one has got the form, the fixture, and that extra spark to boost your mini-league climb. Forget the cookie-cutter picks; these players are primed to deliver hauls that will have rivals checking their phones in panic. But why now, in GW29?
Blank and double gameweeks loom later, but these immediate clashes pit in-form players against shaky defences. Liverpool’s defence is purring, West Ham’s new boy is on fire, Brentford’s speedster loves big stages, Everton’s engine room is buzzing, and Manchester United’s frontman is hitting his stride. Stick around as we break it down player by player, giving the reasons to tap that transfer button before Tuesday’s FPL deadline hits.
Virgil van Dijk has been a beast of late, anchoring a backline that has shipped fewer goals lately while he picks up attacking returns like it is no big deal. In his last three outings alone, he has notched three attacking hauls, including a couple of double-digit scores that have FPL bosses buzzing.
With Wolves, a side that has struggled to fire blanks upfront all year, hosting Liverpool on March 3, van Dijk is set up for another captaincy shout or at least a rock-solid 8+ pointer. Liverpool’s home form under Arne Slot has been immense, conceding just scraps, and the Dutchman’s leadership means he is always in the mix for those extra tackling and clearance bonuses.
His overall points tally this term speaks volumes too. Over 28 games, he has racked up goals from set-pieces, assists from build-up play, and a whopping 9 clean sheets already, turning him from reliable to game-changer.
Wolves’ attack is patchy at best, leaking goals on the road and failing to bully top defences. If you are light on premium defenders, shipping in the Dutch maestro now sets you up for Gameweek 30’s Spurs trip as well. Bringing in van Dijk is a no-brainer for template teams chasing rank rises.
West Ham United’s summer signing El Hadji Malick Diouf has been a revelation down the left flank, especially with Fulham stuttering defensively in recent weeks. Heading into Gameweek 29’s London derby at Craven Cottage on March 4, Diouf has got the green light for crosses, chances created, and maybe even a goal threat from his overlapping runs.
The Hammers have leaned on the Senegalese internatioanl for creativity, and Fulham’s defensive woes make this a dream fixture for a defender who has already bagged assists in bunches. This season, Diouf has been on a tear with hauls in five straight matches before Gameweek 29.
From his Prague days, Diouf was a shot machine with 38 efforts last term, and that has translated to Premier League action where he is winning duels left and right. At Fulham, expect West Ham to dominate, giving Diouf those bonus-laden minutes. Budget enablers do not come hotter; he is your ticket to freeing up cash for midfield firepower while still hauling like a premium.
Kevin Schade has lit up the Premier League for Brentford all 2025/26, blending pace, goals, and assists into hauls that make him a midfield steal, and Gameweek 29’s trip to Bournemouth’s leaky defence is pure gold.
Bournemouth have shipped plenty at home, as they have been vulnerable to counters, where Schade thrives, like his hat-trick masterclass earlier this season in a 4-1 thrashing of Bournemouth. The German winger’s recent form has been explosive, as he has racked up big points from goals either side of the break, headers in stoppage time, and consistent starts under the Bees’ setup.
Schade’s points history screams value: hat-tricks, multi-goal games, and steady returns even in tougher ties, averaging double-digits in key outings. Facing a Bournemouth side that has conceded in bunches, Schade could net 15+ again. Brentford’s form is solid, and facing Bournemouth’s high line, this German flyer is set for fireworks. Punt on him if your midfield needs explosiveness; he is the differential to leapfrog steady Eddies.
Burnley’s away nightmares hand Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall the perfect stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Gameweek 29. Everton’s budget gem has bossed midfield all season, with five goals and five assists in 21 starts, averaging 5.1 points per game and leading the Toffees returns since GW24. The Englishman has been even better in his deeper role lately, with his shots hitting the post and creating returns galore.
Recent hauls tell the tale: 27 points in five games post-injury, being top dog in shots in the box and creativity, making him Everton’s FPL heartbeat. Burnley leak goals relentlessly, and Dewsbury-Hall’s box crashes scream haul potential. At 3% owned, he is the secret weapon for a rank boost, as he is versatile, cheap, and firing under David Moyes.
Benjamin Sesko is clicking for Manchester United, with four goals in five including winners against Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Everton, earning him a starting nod under Carrick at 1.65 goals per 90 and blowing rivals away. Gameweek 29’s trip to Newcastle United, a side with defensive wobbles and bottom-half blues, smells like a big haul for the Slovenian. His headers, late equalisers, and braces show composure; Newcastle’s backline has leaked at home.
Long-term prospect? This form sets him up for the run-in, especially with Manchester United pushing for a top-four finish. Recent sub-to-starter switch has unlocked his price tag, and goals in upcoming games may be on the cards. At St. James’ Park, expect chaos favouring Sesko’s hold-up and finishes. He is a premium striker without the template tag; grab him for GW29 explosion and beyond.
| Player | Club | Opponent | Main Appeal | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | Wolves (A) | Attacking returns + clean sheet prospect | Low |
| El Hadji Malick Diouf | West Ham United | Fulham (A) | Hauls in 5 straight games + offensive output | Medium |
| Kevin Schade | Brentford | Bournemouth (A) | Hat-trick history + counter threat | Medium |
| Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | Everton | Burnley (H) | Goals/assists run + box shots | Low |
| Benjamin Sesko | Manchester United | Newcastle United (A) | 4 goals in 5 + starter role | Medium |
Honourable mentions for your transfer watchlist: Nico O’Reilly, Jurrien Timber, Daniel Munoz, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Cody Gakpo, Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Vitor, Viktor Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitike, and Randal Kolo Muani. These could bubble up depending on team news, but our top five lead the charge for Gameweek 29 glory.
