Cianan’s Column: GW35: The calm amongst the storm

Although it is by no means fascinating, there is only one way to start this article: you should probably roll your transfer. Most managers wildcarded in GW32, bench-boosted in GW33, and free-hit last week, and the trajectory of that strategy means you likely have a strong side this week. We only have a few weeks left, and you’ll want to keep some spare transfers for late-season differentials, so if you have a strong XI, don’t overthink it and roll.

Some will, however, be wildcarding this week (and for those who still want to make a move, these are the assets to consider). You’ll be looking to bring in several assets that the wildcarders already have, including Leeds budget-savers like Darlow, Struijk, Justin, Okafor (if passed fit), and/or Calvert-Lewin. Across the FPL player base, these assets still have low ownership and free up funds for other areas, with their match against already-relegated Burnley (H) a promising prospect. One of the teams you’ll want to save funds for is Arsenal. With the title race very much in the balance, and the Gunners’ defence returning to the status quo (keeping clean sheets) last time out, you’ll want Gabriel, this season’s highest scoring defender, and Saliba. Both offer high clean sheet potential and goal threat. Raya works too, but Darlow is solid this week, and you can fill up your other goalkeeper with Crystal Palace’s Henderson, solely so you can have him between the sticks next week for the Eagles’ double gameweek.

That’s right, it has finally been confirmed, Man City and Crystal Palace will double in GW36, the former facing Brentford and Palace at home, while the latter spar with Everton (H) and City (A). The Eagles have Bournemouth (A) this week, which is far from easy, and with European silverware still on the cards, you can imagine it will be a weakened squad. So, for wildcarders, get their non-rotation assets (the aforementioned Henderson and also Lacroix) while adding in a higher ceiling attacker, such as Muñoz, who scored last time out, or Sarr, who has nine goal contributions this campaign, and bench them this week. For everyone else, you can of course just hold off for now.

When it comes to the Cityzens, Haaland is obviously essential, as is O’Reilly at this point. The defender is averaging nine points per week over the last three gameweeks (including an early sub in GW32), and is the classic attacking defender (though he’s really a mislabelled midfielder) of a long-gone FPL era. The other slot is between two players: Semenyo and Cherki. Minutes security versus form; higher floor versus higher ceiling, take your pick, it’s one of those you-can’t-go-too-wrong dilemmas.

Elsewhere, there are lesser-spotted but equally fruitful options. Bowen is a mightily consistent attacking asset, averaging five points per game this season, grabbing above five points thrice since mid-March. West Ham are also in the midst of a relegation scrap, so they will leave everything on the pitch, and if they are to score, it’s more likely the Englishman is involved than not. Gibbs-White is also turning heads, with five goal contributions in his past two games. The same logic for West Ham applies to Forest, though they are slightly more secure. Still, they face Chelsea (A), Newcastle (H), followed by United (A) in their next three, and while he could easily haul in any of these matches, these sides are far stronger than the likes of Burnley he’s done so well against recently. The ship seems to have sailed.

Rapid recommendations

● Is it worth bringing in Gabriel this week, even if you have a strong defence? Yes, but it isn’t an outright requirement.
● Don’t make the mistake of benching Fernandes this week. Liverpool (H) may not be a dream fixture, but he is an assist machine, with 20 (yes, 20) under his belt already this season.
● It’s probably the last week to hold onto your Chelsea assets. They can be sold to bring in Palace players next week.
● Villa’s fixtures are extremely good over the next two weeks (Spurs (H) and Burnley (A)), though they do get rather tough after that. If you don’t need them on in the pitch in the final two gameweeks of the season, you could look at Watkins or Rogers (it isn’t worth doubling up).
● Avoid Rice. His offensive output has dried up, as have his DEFCON points.

The Boar Standings

1st: Dwight Club (2073) – managed by Cianan Sheekey
2nd: Meganerd FC (2016) – managed by Megan Green
3rd: parths11 (1999) – managed by Parth Malik