fpl gameweek 29-differentials tips: Haaland leads the way

By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 6 min read

fpl gameweek 29-differentials tips focus on a single player whose upside outweighs the risk. The best candidate this week is a forward from a fixture that pairs a solid defence with an attacking threat. In the upcoming clash between Man City and Newcastle, the goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland offers the highest return potential.

The fixtures table

Home Away Kickoff Venue
Bournemouth Newcastle 15:00 Vitality Stadium
Chelsea Arsenal 15:00 Stamford Bridge
Coventry City Man City 15:00 Coventry Building Society Arena
Crystal Palace Fulham 15:00 Selhurst Park
Leeds Brighton 15:00 Elland Road
Liverpool Ipswich Town 15:00 Anfield
Man Utd Everton 15:00 Old Trafford
Spurs Nottm Forest 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Sunderland Brentford 15:00 Stadium of Light
Aston Villa Hull City 15:00 Villa Park

Captain picks (3 ranked)

1. Erling Haaland - 6.8 PPG, 155 m (cost 15.5)

Haaland's 27 goals and 8 assists have pushed his points per game to 6.8. The 28‑year‑old also enjoys a high selection percentage of 74.8 %. His recent form is steady, with a goal every 109 minutes. The Man City-Newcastle fixture offers a defensive side that has given up only 1.2 goals per game, giving Haaland a clear path to a double‑digit haul.

2. Bruno Fernandes - 6.7 PPG, 120 m (cost 12.0)

Fernandes sits just behind Haaland in points per game. With 9 goals and 24 assists, he remains a reliable source of points from the midfield. His cost of 12.0 places him in the mid‑range bracket, and the game against Arsenal provides a match where Chelsea's defence has conceded 1.3 goals per game on average, while the attack is in fine form.

3. Antoine Semenyo - 5.5 PPG, 85 m (cost 8.5)

Semenyo has proven to be a consistent scorer for Man City, with 17 goals and 6 assists. His 5.5 points per game make him a solid value pick, especially given his low cost. He also benefits from a high selection percentage of 22.6 % and a fixture against Manchester United that offers a balanced defensive challenge.

Players to bring in (4-5)

1. Bryan Mbeumo - 4.5 PPG, 80 m (cost 8.0)

Mbeumo's 11 goals and 3 assists have given him a points per game of 4.5. The 27‑year‑old is a cheap source of upside, and Man United’s defensive record of 1.4 goals per game is solid. His recent form shows a goal every 238 minutes, making him a low‑risk addition.

2. Igor Thiago - 4.8 PPG, 80 m (cost 8.0)

Thiago’s 22 goals have driven his points per game to 4.8. He has a high selection percentage of 16.0 % and a cost of 80 m. Brentford’s defensive record of 1.5 goals per game and his own penalty prowess make him a viable differential.

3. Elliot Anderson - 4.7 PPG, 65 m (cost 6.5)

Anderson’s 4 goals and 5 assists translate into 4.7 points per game. At a cost of 6.5, he offers good value. He has been pivotal in Man City’s midfield, and the upcoming fixture against Spurs will test his creativity.

4. Morgan Gibbs‑White - 5.1 PPG, 80 m (cost 8.0)

Gibbs‑White's 15 goals and 4 assists give him 5.1 points per game. He is a high‑risk, high‑reward option that has been involved in many of Nottm Forest’s attacking plays. His cost of 8.0 and selection percentage of 11.6 % make him an enticing differential.

5. Nico O’Reilly - 4.7 PPG, 65 m (cost 6.5)

O’Reilly’s 5 goals and 5 assists lead to 4.7 points per game. He offers a defensive solidity from Man City and a chance to rack up bonus points. With a cost of 6.5, he is a budget‑friendly pick for the 29th.

Players to move on (2-3)

1. James Garner - 159 points, 0 % chance of playing

Garner’s injury status means he will not feature in the upcoming fixture. His total points of 159 and 7 assists would have been valuable, but the risk of a zero‑point week outweighs the potential reward.

2. Caoimhín Kelleher - 143 points, 5.6 % chance of playing

Kelleher’s selection percentage is only 5.6 % and he has a low points per game of 3.9. His recent form is uneven, and his cost of 5.0 makes him a less attractive option compared to other available goalkeepers.

fpl gameweek 29-differentials tips

The differential: Erling Haaland

Haaland’s combination of high goal tally, high selection percentage, and a fixture against a defensively sound side makes him the smartest differential for this week. He is the only player who has scored 27 goals, a points per game of 6.8, and a cost of 15.5 that still leaves room for other budget picks. While the differential risk is non‑zero, the upside of a potential 10‑point haul outweighs the downside.

Key takeaways

  • Haaland’s 27 goals and 6.8 points per game make him the top differential for gameweek 29.
  • Mbeumo, Thiago, Anderson, Gibbs‑White, and O’Reilly provide budget‑friendly upside for the next few weeks.
  • Moving on Garner and Kelleher removes low‑chance players from your squad without sacrificing potential points.
  • The Man City-Newcastle fixture offers a balanced defensive environment, amplifying Haaland’s scoring chances.

FAQ

Q: Which fixture offers the best differential opportunity? A: The clash between Man City and Newcastle is the most attractive. Man City’s attack has scored 1.8 goals per game, while Newcastle’s defence concedes 1.2, giving a high likelihood of a goal‑heavy match.

Q: Why is Haaland the top differential pick? A: Haaland’s 27 goals, 6.8 points per game, and 74.8 % selection percentage make him a low‑risk, high‑reward option. He also has the highest points per game among all forwards.

Q: Are there any other differential options? A: Gibbs‑White and O’Reilly are potential differentials, but their selection percentages of 11.6 % and 12.7 % respectively make them riskier. Haaland remains the safest bet.

Q: Which captain should I pick for gameweek 29? A: Haaland tops the captain list, followed by Fernandes and Semenyo. Their high points per game and strong fixtures justify the captaincy role.

fpl gameweek 29-differentials tips close the day with a clear recommendation: secure Haaland as your differential and captain, keep a tight budget for other positions, and watch the fixtures for any late changes that might affect your squad.