🚨 Early Deadline Alert: GW24 Palmer Captaincy & Matheus N's 3.3% Differential Gold

Welcome back to your daily FPL briefing! Thanks for being a subscriber - in today's newsletter, we're covering everything you need to dominate Gameweek 24, including a critical early deadline warning, the standout defensive assets from GW23, essential transfer targets, and your captaincy pick. Let's get straight into it.

Don't get caught out: Gameweek 24 has an early Saturday deadline at 13:30, not the usual later kickoff time. Set your team by Friday night to avoid missing the deadline. Several template players could haul this week, so don't get locked out of potential points.

Here's what you need to know before the deadline:

These defenders dominated the defensive charts last gameweek with attacking returns and clean sheets:

Price: £5.4m | Ownership: 3.3% | Total Points: 105

The Man City defender topped the defensive charts in GW23, delivering a clean sheet, an assist, and maximum bonus points in the 2-0 victory over Wolves. His 11-point haul takes him to 105 total points for the season.

Why he's essential: Matheus N. combines defensive security with genuine attacking threat. He now has 5 assists this season to go with his solid defensive record. City face Spurs this Sunday in a challenging fixture, but their schedule improves dramatically from GW25 onwards. At just 3.3% ownership, he's flying completely under the radar as a differential option who can deliver points at both ends of the pitch.

Verdict: A smart early move before his price rises and managers catch on. Exceptional value at £5.4m.

Price: £5.0m | Ownership: 4.2% | Total Points: 92

Romero bagged 11 points in GW23, scoring in the 2-2 draw with Burnley. The Spurs defender now has 4 goals this season, making him one of the most attacking centre-backs in the league.

Why he's interesting: His set-piece threat is genuine, and he's not just about goals - he has 5 clean sheets to his name as well. Spurs face City this weekend (tough), but then play Newcastle and Arsenal in consecutive weeks. At 4.2% ownership, Romero offers differential appeal with genuine upside. His ability to pop up with goals makes him more than just a defensive asset.

Verdict: One to watch for the brave. His attacking returns can offset tough fixtures.

Price: £3.9m | Ownership: 0.3% | Total Points: 36

Justin delivered 9 points in GW23, scoring and picking up a bonus point in the 1-1 draw with Everton. At just £3.9m, he's one of the cheapest attacking defenders in the game.

Why he's valuable: Leeds face Arsenal at home in GW24 (difficult), but their fixtures turn green from GW25 onwards. With over 6,000 transfers in this week, managers are starting to catch on. If you need a budget enabler who can contribute points beyond clean sheets, Justin is your man. At 0.3% ownership, almost nobody has him yet.

Verdict: Perfect budget enabler with attacking upside. Get ahead of the curve.

Transfers In: 43,000+ | Goals This Season: 5

The Sunderland forward has picked up over 43,000 transfers in ahead of Monday's fixture against Burnley. He scored again in GW23, making it 5 goals this season despite limited minutes. His explosiveness and eye for goal make him worth a punt.

The plan: Sunderland face Arsenal and Liverpool in GW25 and GW26 (tough), making Brobbey a short-term option who can deliver goals at a budget price over the next two gameweeks.

Verdict: Good short-term option for the next two weeks if you need a budget forward.

Transfers In: 43,000+ | Ownership: 1.4%

The Wolves forward has attracted over 43,000 transfers in. He's playing regularly, has 2 goals and 2 assists this season, and is dirt cheap at £4.5m. Wolves face Bournemouth at home in GW24 (winnable), then Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the following weeks.

The catch: He doesn't always start, which is the risk. But at this price, you're getting value that could free up funds elsewhere in your squad. At 1.4% ownership, he's a differential option worth considering.

Verdict: Great enabler if you need funds for premium assets elsewhere.

Transfers In: 28,000+ | Ownership: 4.7% | Total Points: 97

The Forest midfielder kept another clean sheet in GW23 and now has 5 clean sheets this season. Forest face Crystal Palace at home in GW24, which is an excellent fixture for defensive returns.

Why he works: With 3 assists to his name, Anderson contributes more than just clean sheet points. At 97 total points, he's been quietly consistent all season, making him essential for defensive midfield coverage at just £5.3m.

Verdict: Essential for managers looking for reliable defensive midfield coverage.

Transfers Out: 31,000+

The Brentford defender is hemorrhaging ownership for good reason. He failed to keep a clean sheet in the 2-0 defeat at Forest and now faces Aston Villa away (tough). Brentford have conceded 31 goals this season, and their defensive record is poor. Collins managed just 1 point in GW23 and looks overpriced at £5.0m.

Verdict: Sell immediately. Better options exist at this price point.

Transfers Out: 10,000+

Over 10,000 managers have moved him on, and it's understandable. The Arsenal midfielder managed just 4 points in GW23, picking up an assist but being substituted after 57 minutes. At £7.8m, you need more consistent returns.

The concern: Arsenal face Leeds away in GW24 (should be good), but Ødegaard's form rating suggests he's not firing on all cylinders. With better midfield options available at similar price points, he's expendable.

Verdict: Sell for better value elsewhere in midfield.

Transfers Out: 6,000+

The Arsenal midfielder came off after 57 minutes in GW23, managing just 1 point. While he has 11 clean sheets this season, his attacking output is minimal with 3 goals and 1 assist. Arsenal's midfield is crowded, and at £5.2m you need more than occasional clean sheet points.

Verdict: Hold if you need a defensive midfielder, otherwise sell for more attacking returns.

Ownership: 0.2% | GW23: 8 points

The West Ham midfielder scored 8 points in GW23, netting a goal and picking up 2 bonus points. At just 0.2% ownership, he's flying completely under the radar. West Ham face Chelsea away (tough), but then play Burnley at home in GW25 (excellent fixture). His attacking threat makes him a genuine differential option if you want to be bold.

We've already covered him in detail, but at 3.3% ownership he absolutely qualifies as a differential. That 11-point haul in GW23 combined with City's improving fixtures makes him a smart early move before his price rises and ownership increases.

Team: Chelsea | Fixture: West Ham (H) | Saturday evening kickoff

It's got to be Cole Palmer for Gameweek 24. The Chelsea talisman faces West Ham at home on Saturday evening, and Palmer is their main man. He's fit, he's trained fully, and he's firing on all cylinders.

Why Palmer: West Ham have conceded 30 goals this season, making them vulnerable defensively. Palmer delivered consistently before his brief absence, and this is the perfect fixture for his return to peak form. Chelsea have favorable fixtures coming up, so Palmer remains essential in your squad anyway. This captaincy pick is safe, sensible, and likely to deliver.

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That's your comprehensive briefing for Gameweek 24! Remember to set your team before that early Saturday deadline. Every point counts, and with the right transfers and captaincy choice, you can climb those mini-league rankings.

Good luck this gameweek!