Gameweek 32 could be a pivotal week in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season with several top sides blanking and in this blog the top players to bring in are identified.

A look at the Custom Stats table sorted by xFPL for the last six gameweeks sees Watkins (47.7) on top with six goals. The forward is facing his former club Brentford in gameweek 32 and should still be included in a Free Hit squad despite his high ownership. Toney is an interesting one, he is second for xFPL (47.16) but he faces one of the league's form teams in Villa and with the competition for forward spots so tight it will be a tough decision to select or leave him out. Salah's numbers are on the up, only Solanke (20) and Watkins (23) have taken more shots in the box (SiB) than his 18. Billing is a name that is going under the radar, the midfielder has outscored Solanke for FPL points (38 vs 34) but has done so with half the shot volume (10 shots vs 20). Villa's defence is also worth considering, both Mings and Moreno feature in the top eight for xFPL across all positions over the last six gameweeks. Martinelli (35.79) is top amongst the Arsenal assets for xFPL with Ødegaard in second (28.02). White has upped his attacking output and is third (27.66) ahead of Jesus (27.52) and Saka (26.77).

Which defences are the leakiest?

Fulham (11.3) and Leeds (10.8) have been the leakiest defences as per our Stats Sandbox feature sorted by 'Expected Goals Conceded' (xGC), the two teams face each other in what should be a high-scoring encounter. Picking attackers from either side for a Free Hit could be a great play. Bournemouth (10.6) and West Ham (7.7) are also in the bottom seven, so that game could be another one to target for attackers. Forest are fourth-bottom (10.3), so at least two Liverpool attackers seems essential. Despite their struggles, Southampton have not been that bad defensively, they are ranked ninth for xGC (6.4). Arsenal assets are still a good play but the matchup may not be as great as it seems on paper for goals.

Which defenders to target?

Looking at the other end of the table, Liverpool (3.4), Palace (3.7) and Villa (4.2) are in the top four best teams for xGC, so including defenders or goalkeepers from these three sides seems like a sound play. Only Trippier and Chilwell (16 each) have attempted more assists than Moreno (13) over the last six gameweeks and the Villa left-back could be a great pick. Trippier‘s individual numbers are great, but Newcastle are ranked 11th for xGC (6.7) over the aforementioned period. At home though, they are one of the strongest defences over the season. A Palace defender also looks to be a sound plan, with their numbers improving even further under Hodgson over the short-term.

What do the projections say?

It comes as no surprise to see Arsenal and Liverpool players dominate the Algorithm projections with favourable home matchups this week. Picking three out of Jesus, Saka, Martinelli and Ødegaard is a tricky decision for managers, considering that Arsenal's defence appeals as well. Salah and Alexander-Arnold are likely to be locks in most Free Hit teams, but the third Liverpool spot is open for debate especially after the performance against Leeds.

Who are the best differentials?

When looking at projections for players at under 5% ownership, Olise (4.6) comes out on top with the Algorithm favouring him over Eze (2.2). Gakpo (4.5) is also likely to be a popular asset, after notching a goal and assist against Leeds. Solanke's (4.4) numbers have already been mentioned, but he too is a great differential pick with a home game against West Ham.