90min

FPL Gameweek 32: Top replacements for injury doubt Bukayo Saka

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By Holly Shand

Palmer and Foden could help FPL players replace Saka
Palmer and Foden could help FPL players replace Saka / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista / Contributor / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Contributor / PAUL ELLIS / Contributor
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Bukayo Saka's absence from the Arsenal squad against Luton Town in midweek has raised some concerns for FPL players.

The England winger wasn't at his influential best in the goalless draw with title rivals Manchester City and didn't make the bench for the 2-0 victory over the Hatters on Wednesday. Saka has been hampered by muscle injuries while still playing regularly, but whether he'll be fit to face Brighton remains to be seen.

So who are the best replacements? I've picked out the top midfield alternatives in conjunction with Fantasy Football Hub's powerful AI Points Predictions tool to show their predicted points for FPL Gameweek 32.

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer
Palmer's treble helped Chelsea beat Man Utd / Marc Atkins/GettyImages
  • Fixture: Sheffield United (A); Predicted Points: 5.1

Chelsea's Cole Palmer could be an excellent addition to help free up funds in your squad and boasts an impressive record, with two goals and four assists from his last five away trips.

He registered 14 points in the reverse fixture against Sheffield United, with the Blades having a worse defensive record at home. They've conceded 45 goals at Bramall Lane this season.

Palmer has one of the leading points per 90 minutes metrics of any player this season and, after his hat-trick led the Blues to victory over Manchester United on Thursday night, he is also in the captaincy conversation for this weekend.

Phil Foden

Phil Foden
Foden also bagged a hat-trick / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
  • Fixture: Crystal Palace (A); Predicted Points: 5.1

In the absence of both Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, it was Phil Foden who stole the show in Man City's midweek win against Aston Villa, scoring his second hat-trick of the season. That haul helped him overtake Saka and Son Heung-min as the highest scoring midfielder in the game.

Pep Guardiola's team selection showed no City player is immune from rotation, but with a leading 47 shots on goal in 2024, Foden cannot be ignored on current form.

He registered an assist in the reverse fixture, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz
Can Havertz thrive in Saka's absence? / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages
  • Fixture: Brighton (A); Predicted Points: 4.2

Arsenal have had the standout attack this calendar year, scoring a leading 35 goals, ten more than their nearest rivals. Selling Saka due to his injury doubts is a scary proposition, but staying invested in the Gunners attack with Kai Havertz is a worthy compromise.

Havertz has been in sensational form, with four goals and four assists in his last six games alone. He's started eight consecutive league games, showcasing how vital he is to this in-form Gunners attack, and could take on penalty duties in Saka's absence.

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