Premier League Gameweek Fantasy Football Picks – Round 30

03/12/2026 1452

All 6 Premier League teams in the Champions League had a rather unfortunate week, as they head into Gameweek 30 in the Prem. With GW31 around the corner too and numerous big names expected not to feature, many fantasy football players are keeping their Wildcards for GW31, while most others have already started shifting their FPL squads to an Arsenal-less and Man City-less state for GW31.

With the above in mind, we've prepared a FPL 15-player squad for GW30 that doesn't feature any of the players set to miss out next round, as we don't want to recommend players who'd be losing you points next week. Instead, the 15-man team below is built with the mindset of: budget-friendly goalkeeper pair, defenders who collect points even in low-scoring matches, midfielders with either set-piece involvement or steady final-third usage, forwards who keep getting chances in the box, and all 15 of them being available and with green fixtures in the near future.

The 15-man Squad (4–4–2)

Goalkeepers

Caoimhín Kelleher (GK, BRE)

Kelleher is valuable because he can deliver clean-sheet points without costing “top-tier” goalkeeper money. When his team controls possession, he benefits from calmer game states: fewer high-quality shots, more catchable deliveries, and fewer scramble moments that ruin bonus. Even if the shut-out doesn’t arrive, he’s capable of padding totals with routine saves, which helps prevent the dreaded two-pointer. Additionally, Brentford's upcoming opponents aren’t relentless chance creators, which should allow Kelleher to become a comfortable starter who lets you spend elsewhere while still carrying genuine upside.

Verbruggen (GK, BHA)

Brighton don't have "the greenest" fixture in the next few rounds, with a trip to Sunderland and a game against Liverpool. However, with Raya, Henderson and Donnarumma set to miss out GW31, with Pickford, Martinez, Sanchez and Petrovic expecting much more red fixtures in the next few gameweeks, and with Roefs injured, Verbruggen is the next best back-up for Kelleher right now. And, with a very modest price and the ability to pick up points even when he doesn't keep a clean sheet, he's not a bad pick on any other day of the season regardless.

Defenders

Dan Ballard (DEF, SUN)

Ballard’s appeal is simple: reliable defensive work can be Fantasy gold when matches stay tight. If he’s getting regular minutes, he benefits from clearances, blocks and first contacts, all of which are actions that often translate into steady points and occasional bonus when his side grind out results. He’s also a useful presence at set plays, so there’s always the possibility of a headed chance across a short run of fixtures. On value, he’s the sort of defender who protects squad structure: cheap enough to bench in tough weeks, startable in neutral fixtures, and never a disaster if you need an emergency auto-sub.

Trevoh Chalobah (DEF, CHE)

Chalobah is a strong “money-saving” defender who still offers realistic upside. His game suits the FPL scoring system too, as his interceptions and clearances build a baseline in close matches, and he can add a spike from an attacking set play when he’s a target in the box. Versatility helps his minutes prospects, which matters late in the season when rotation and injuries hit squads hard. In favourable fixtures, he’s the type you can start without fear because he doesn’t need an assist to score well. As a budget enabler, he keeps room for premium midfielders or a stronger third forward.

Omar Alderete (DEF, SUN)

Alderete is an underrated pick for managers who like defenders with a repeatable points profile. He’s typically involved in the “dirty work” by providing aerial duels, blocks and clearances every game, which can push him toward bonus if the match finishes 1–0 or 0–0. He also carries modest threat on corners, so you get an occasional return without needing him to play like a wing-back. His price usually sits in the rotation-friendly bracket, so you can start him in better fixtures and bench him in rough ones without losing value. Over several gameweeks, that predictability can outscore flashier picks who rotate or rely on assists.

Virgil van Dijk (DEF, LIV)

Van Dijk and Ekitike were the most-transfered in players last week against Wolves and we also had them in our FPL squad alongside Gravenberch, just as we do this week. The entire Liverpool trio disappointed us last time, but the numbers do suggest that they are still worthy the inclusion this week and likely throughout the rest of March and April. The reason is simple - Liverpool do have a lot of green fixtures ahead of them, while many other of the top teams are either missing weeks or are facing tough H2Hs against each other. Are Virgin and Co. going to make the most out of their upcoming green fixtures? It's all but impossible to predict this season. But if the reasonable approach is to add quality players with upcoming green fixtures to your fantasy football squad, than van Dijk is a player worth adding.

Jan Paul van Hecke (DEF, BHA)

Van Hecke is a smart value defender when Brighton’s fixtures are kind. He’s heavily involved in defensive phases, such as clearances, blocks and recoveries. So, he can score even when the game isn’t a clean-sheet parade. He also benefits from Brighton’s ability to control stretches of matches, which helps keep the back line in bonus contention during narrow wins. While he won’t match premium wing-backs for explosive attacking returns, he can still chip in from set pieces and second balls in the box. At a modest price, he’s ideal as a rotating starter: dependable minutes, reasonable clean-sheet potential, and a baseline that avoids weekly disasters.

Midfielders

Bruno Fernandes (MID, MUN)

United face a 3rd-vs-4th clash against Villa. However, the Villans are in such a poor form as of late and United have favorable fixtures after them, so adding a few United players to your FPL squad certainly doesn't sound like a bad idea. And the first United player to consider should obviously be Bruno Fernandes. Even if Manchester United’s overall performance is inconsistent, Bruno’s output can remain steady because the ball keeps finding him in decisive zones. He also plays big minutes, which becomes increasingly valuable as rotation increases later in the season. In friendlier fixtures, he’s a genuine vice-captain candidate; in neutral ones, he’s still hard to bench because a single moment, be it a through ball, penalty, or edge-of-box shot, can swing your week. He’s not cheap, but the role is exactly what you pay for.

Enzo Fernández (MID, CHE)

Enzo is a useful mid-price option when you want minutes security and multiple routes to points. He’s involved in build-up, but he also appears around second phases at the top of the box where loose balls and rebounds create assist or goal chances. He contributes defensive actions too, which can help in tight results, especially if his team win by one goal. He won’t haul every week, but he’s the sort of midfielder who quietly delivers steady totals across a reasonable run of fixtures. Price-wise, he helps you keep premium attackers without turning your midfield into dead weight, which matters a lot when you’re juggling form and fixtures.

Bryan Mbeumo (MID, MUN)

Mbeumo is a high-value midfield pick because his routes to points are clear: penalty-area touches, set-piece involvement, and direct running behind the defensive line. When United face opponents who leave space in wide channels, he becomes a major threat for both goals and assists. He also tends to play substantial minutes, which boosts floor and ceiling. In a stretch of favourable fixtures, Mbeumo is the kind of player who can deliver consistent returns while still being priced below the most expensive midfielders. If you’re trying to build a squad that doesn’t rely solely on one premium captain, Mbeumo is an excellent secondary source of weekly points.

Ryan Gravenberch (MID, LIV)

Gravenberch is a clever “value access” pick, even when Liverpool aren't playing great and when their attackers and defenders are failing to score us high fantasy points. When Liverpool dominate possession, however, he gets even better, as he offers repeated touches between the lines, combining around the box and arriving late for chances. He’s also active in the press, which can boost baseline points and occasionally bonus when matches are controlled. If his minutes have been steady recently, that’s a big green flag; his Fantasy usefulness rises sharply when he’s a reliable starter. Against mid-table opponents who struggle to defend runners from deep, Gravenberch becomes a genuine threat for assists and goals at a manageable cost.

Casemiro (MID, MUN)

Casemiro is the third Man Utd midfielder we'd pick for the foreseeable future. He racks up recoveries, tackles and interceptions, all of which are actions that keep his baseline respectable in tight games. He also has a habit of arriving late for second balls at the edge of the box and getting on the end of set-piece scraps, which creates occasional attacking returns. United’s upcoming fixtures after Villa involve opponents who allow midfield space, which should make Casemiro even more appealing because he can do both jobs: win the ball and join attacks.

Forwards

Igor Thiago (FWD, BRE)

Igor Thiago is attractive because his chances tend to come from simple, repeatable patterns: crosses, cut-backs and box chaos. He’s physical, attacks the six-yard corridor, and is difficult for defenders to handle when deliveries arrive early. That style is Fantasy-friendly too, as he doesn’t need low-percentage long shots to score. In fixtures where his team can produce consistent wide service, he becomes a strong starter with realistic multi-return potential. His price typically helps squad structure too: you can pair him with a premium captain elsewhere without making your midfield threadbare. He’s the kind of forward you start in green fixtures and happily keep as a rotation striker.

Hugo Ekitike (FWD, LIV)

Ekitike’s appeal comes from movement and shot quality rather than volume. He runs across centre-backs, attacks the near-post lane, and stays alert for rebounds. These actions generate higher-probability chances in the box. If his recent minutes and involvement have been trending up, he can deliver returns in the right fixtures. His price isn't low, but it's much easier on the budget than Haaland's and that keeps you flexible, allowing upgrades elsewhere without taking hits.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (FWD, LEE)

Calvert-Lewin remains a classic No. 9 profile that can be very effective in Fantasy when fixtures align. He attacks the near post, dominates aerially, and benefits from early crosses and set-piece situations. Leeds' upcoming schedule includes some green and some red fixtures, so, Calvert-Lewin should likely be used as a third striker that's occasionally rotated for a midfielder with a more favorable matchup. When Leeds face manageable opposition, however, Calvert-Lewin is very likely to score high points for your FPL squad.

Suggested XI for GW30 (3–4–3)

Kelleher

Van Dijk – Chalobah – Tarkowski

Bruno Fernandes (VC) – Mbeumo – Gravenberch – Enzo

Igor Thiago – Ekitike – Calvert-Lewin

Bench: Verbruggen, Ballard, Alderete, Casemiro (rotate the bench based on opponent difficulty and any late fitness updates).

Captaincy note

If you want safety, back your most central attacker with the most consistent involvement. If you want upside, Bruno Fernandes is a strong vice option when his fixture looks soft enough for sustained pressure and set-piece opportunities.

Final Notes

We haven't skipped on including players like Haaland, Semenyo and Rice in quite a while, but we're guaranteed to do so next week, so we thought we'd start early to give you some suggestions if you're working on slowly reshuffling your squad ahead of GW31 instead of keeping a Wildcard. Regardless, even without that consideration, the above 15-men squad is full of quality, in-form and affordable players, almost all of whom expect green or manageable fixtures in GW30, which promises a lot of points for Fantasy Premier League managers.