GW24: João Pedro Explosion, Palmer Fitness Doubts & DGW26 Planning

Welcome back to your essential Fantasy Premier League newsletter! With Gameweek 24 kicking off Saturday, we're cutting through the noise to bring you the crucial team news, transfer targets, and captaincy picks you need right now.

The stats: 12 points in GW23 with a goal and assist against Crystal Palace. Now sitting on 8 goals and 4 assists for the season (104 total points).

The buzz: Ownership has exploded to 31.5% after over 560,000 transfers in this week. Chelsea's attack is firing on all cylinders, and at £7.2m, he's offering elite forward value.

This week: Chelsea face West Ham away Saturday evening with 5.8 expected points for Pedro.

Verdict: Good option, but watch for rotation risk after his midweek minutes. The form is undeniable, and Chelsea's favorable fixtures make him a strong hold or buy.

The stats: 8 points in GW23, scoring his 7th goal of the season against Palace. Now on 106 total points with 7 goals and 3 assists.

The buzz: Over 420,000 managers have brought him in. He's in electric form with 6.5 form points and playing as an advanced midfielder under Rosenior.

This week: 6.5 expected points for the West Ham fixture. At this price with Chelsea's fixtures turning favorable, he's a genuine midfield engine.

Verdict: Good buy if you need a Chelsea midfielder with goal threat. His advanced positioning and set-piece involvement make him excellent value.

The stats: Only managed 1 point against Man United in GW23, but has 4 goals and 7 assists this season with 10 clean sheets.

The context: He's been rested in midweek and is fresh for Leeds away. His underlying numbers remain strong, averaging 5.7 points per game.

This week: Arsenal travel to Leeds with 7 expected points for Rice. He's a set-piece threat and midfield anchor for one of the league's best defenses.

Verdict: Hold if you own him, but at £7.4m, there might be better value elsewhere. The rotation rest is positive news for this gameweek.

The problem: Just 2 points in the Bournemouth defeat despite playing the full 90. That's only 3 goals and 2 assists all season.

The reality: Over 112,000 transfers out this week as ownership drops to 12.8%. His £8.3m price tag is not justified by his returns.

Verdict: Sell and reinvest. Liverpool have Newcastle at Anfield next, but Wirtz is consistently underperforming his price point. With better options available in his bracket, he's a luxury you can't afford.

The concern: Just 4 points against Crystal Palace with no clean sheet. Despite 9 clean sheets and 3 goals this season, £5.7m is steep for a defender.

Looking ahead: Chelsea's defensive fixtures are about to toughen up with West Ham, Wolves, and Leeds coming up - clean sheet potential decreases.

Verdict: Hold for now if you own him, but consider downgrading to fund upgrades elsewhere. Over 220,000 brought him in recently, but the fixtures don't inspire confidence.

The slump: Just 1 point against United in GW23 - his second consecutive blank. Form has dipped to 3.5 despite 11 clean sheets this season.

The price issue: At £5.9m, you're paying premium money for a keeper who faces Leeds away, a tricky fixture. 64,000 managers have already shipped him out.

Verdict: Keep if you're set-and-forget, but if you need funds, downgrading to a £4.6m keeper could unlock a big upgrade elsewhere.

The explosion: 11 points in GW23 with a goal against Fulham, playing the full 90. That's 3 goals and 2 assists this season (77 total points).

Why he works: Nailed in midfield for Fabian Hurzeler at just £4.8m. Brighton host Everton on Saturday with 7 expected points projected.

Verdict: At £4.8m, he's the ultimate enabler who can actually score points. Differential gold for those chasing in mini-leagues.

The form: 8 points in GW23 with a goal against Sunderland. Playing as an advanced midfielder under Nuno Espirito Santo with 3 goals this season.

The gamble: West Ham travel to Chelsea, a tough fixture. But if you're chasing in your mini-league, he's a punt with upside.

Verdict: One to watch if you're feeling brave and need a differential to make up ground.

Top choice: João Pedro - Chelsea at West Ham, he's in blistering form with 5.8 expected points suggesting another haul is on the cards.

Safe option: Declan Rice - Arsenal at Leeds looks solid with the squad fresh after rotation. 7 expected points and set-piece threat make him a reliable pick.

Don't blow your transfers now! Double Gameweek 26 is coming with two clubs set to double up. Save flexibility to load up on the doublers in two weeks' time. Plan ahead and don't use unnecessary transfers that could cost you in the double.

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Good luck in GW24, and let's get those points! For more detailed analysis and deadline updates, subscribe at Who Got The Points? for tomorrow's deadline special.