Cianan’s Column: GW36: The final double

We are officially entering the last double gameweek of the FPL 25/26 season, which means it’s smooth sailing from here on out. Man City and Crystal Palace double this week, the former against Brentford (H), the latter against Everton (H), before the pair face each other at the Etihad. This leaves the big question of who the best doublers are to own, particularly given the likelihood of squad rotation for the Eagles.

Starting off easy, the GW36 checklist begins with Haaland and O’Reilly. Several City players, including Haaland, but also Cherki and Doku, all of whom performed well from an FPL perspective last time out, even if they dropped points in their title charge. One bad game does not a bad asset make, and it seems unwise to go without a triple up on the Citizens. Haaland remains the pre-eminent forward, having scored in all three of his previous matches, and remaining the league’s top goal-scorer, and a single one-pointer has by no means dampened the appeal of O’Reilly. Semeneyo is very highly owned, with one in two managers boasting the £8.1m Ghanaian, yet hasn’t hauled since GW29. Many managers, myself included, have begun to lose faith, and with Cherki seemingly unable to stop hauling, the switch (which will net you £1.5m) seems primed. However, I’d only do it if you have a spare transfer lying around, though the Frenchman is the easy choice for new buyers.

Palace are comparatively far harder to place, primarily because of their European commitments. They are highly likely to reach the Conference League final, and, unsurprisingly, this will take far higher priority than the league. The likes of Sarr and Larsen seem likely not to play in one of the doubles, so unless you’re confident in their minutes, it might not be worth gravitating towards the more obvious picks. Lacroix is the most assured outfielder to play in both matches and is surprisingly the eighth-highest scoring defender this season. Great DEFCONs, about a 40% chance of keeping a clean sheet, and aerial threat, make him the optimal Palace asset, with Henderson too offering utility solely because he’s unlikely to miss a minute. Elsewhere, you can consider Muñoz, Richards, or Canvot, but it’s simply hard to tell how they’ll fare amid the squad’s rotation.

The other big talking point this week surrounds Arsenal, with two of their most expensive attackers, Gyökeres and Saka, having more than 200k transfers in this gameweek at the time of writing. A combined 27 points last time out has evidently sent the train out of the station, and with managers eager not to miss it, I can see the appeal of bringing them in, particularly for floundering Chelsea assets (Palmer/Pedro). The fixtures look fruitful for the Gunners, although early subs are on the cards, especially if they see off Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.  Gyökeres also faces the return of Havertz, who, at the very least, is likely to come off the bench in his stead. It’s for that reason I prefer Saka, and with Arsenal needing to ensure no points are dropped from here until the end of the season, there is certainly potential. Of course, if you don’t already, owning at least one Arsenal defender (Gabriel above all) is essential.

Rapid recommendations

● While some managers have begun to fret over bringing in Palace players because of the rotation risk, this, in part, offers an opportunity for those willing to take it. The upside will be relatively greater.
● That being said, I wouldn’t go anywhere near Mateta. His involvement is far too erratic even for a punt.
● Bournemouth’s fixtures are fairly tough from here on out. Feel free to sell their assets (Senesi, Hill, Tavernier) to the likes of Palace assets.
● Thiago faces both Man City and Liverpool away from home in the next three weeks. He’s such a high-flying forward you don’t have to sell him, but you certainly don’t have to keep him, either.
● If you’re looking for assets to play over solely the next two gameweeks, look at Brighton, who face Wolves (H) and Leeds (A). Verbruggen, Van Hecke, Groß, and Welbeck all offer value.

The Boar Standings

1st: Dwight Club (2128) – managed by Cianan Sheekey
2nd: Meganerd FC (2086) – managed by Megan Green
3rd: parths11 (2051) – managed by Parth Malik