Pro Pundits - Zophar

How each team’s rest periods could affect the final few FPL Gameweeks

We are now in the final few Gameweeks of the season and the minutes have been racking up for players in a congested schedule.

For this article, I look at the rest periods for each team in the final three Gameweeks to see if any match-ups stand out in particular.

I have outlined my methodology for the colour coding in my earlier piece.

The first thing that stands out to me is that most teams have a good recovery period for Gameweek 38+, which makes it ideal for the Free Hit chip.

We can, for example, expect Pep Guardiola to put out his strongest team as he would have had nearly five days after the Watford game in Gameweek 37+.

It also means that the final column (F) of total recovery period is a bit distorted, as certain teams have over a week off to prepare for Gameweek 38+. It’s just the FA Cup teams that are in the red in terms of the total recovery period, so let’s instead look at the recovery period for Gameweeks 36+ and 37+ (Column E).

Naturally, the teams with FA Cup involvement have the lowest recovery period – Arsenal (145), Chelsea (145), Man Utd (140) and Man City (160). The turnaround between the FA Cup fixture and Watford in Gameweek 37+ is particularly short for City (68) so it would be a surprise to see many players from the FA Cup semi-final start their league fixture against the Hornets.

Apart from the aforementioned four, Southampton (134) have a harsh schedule as well, something for us to keep in mind as owners of Danny Ings (£7.4m).

Now let’s have a look at the individual match-ups for Gameweek 36:

The teams at a disadvantage are highlighted in red.

Wolves, Arsenal, Spurs and Bournemouth have nearly a day’s less rest than their opponents.

Manchester United and Southampton (who play each other in Gameweek 35+) are particularly disadvantaged in terms of rest periods with their opponents having significantly more time to recover. If that match on Monday is as high energy as we expect, it could have a bearing on their performances and team selection in Gameweek 36+.

The Cherries are likely to find it difficult to go to the Etihad with less than 72 hours of recovery as well. City assets could once again be great picks if you can predict who Guardiola will start.

Now we move on to Gameweek 37+, which is in my opinion the trickiest week with the FA Cup ties preceding the league fixtures:

As mentioned earlier, Manchester City’s recovery period of 68 hours from their FA Cup fixture stands out. Maybe whoever starts against Bournemouth in Gameweek 36+ starts this one as well? I really don’t see Guardiola giving the likes of Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m) a start against Watford with him likely to feature for 90 minutes against Arsenal in the cup.

Southampton have a recovery period of just 64 hours from the Brighton game, which might affect their high-intensity style – something to watch out for if you’re looking to possibly captain Ings that week.

Liverpool have over double the amount of recovery time as Chelsea and will be looking to end their last home game on a high. Selecting Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) as captain looks a legitimate shout that week given the Blues’ defensive woes.

The likes of Eddie Nketiah (£4.4m) will probably get a start against Villa given the short turnaround and his unavailability for the FA Cup semi-final due to suspension.

It will be interesting to see how much Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tinkers with his line-up with the short recovery period, too. We might need our benches in Gameweek 37+.

In terms of my own team, I was originally thinking of doing the Jamie Vardy (£9.8m) to Ings move but the Saints’ congested schedule has me a bit worried. Ings has been a machine of late but his fitness issues in the past are well documented and will they possibly flare up again with matches so close? The Saints’ pressing style could suffer too with low recovery periods. Something to ponder.

Good luck and stay safe.


An FPL veteran of 10 seasons, Utkarsh Dalmia has been a member of the site right since 2009 and has finished in the top 5k in six of those campaigns, with a best finish of 17th in 2010. A Chelsea fan based in India, he relies heavily on statistics for his FPL decision-making process.

FPL LESSONS LEARNED FROM GAMEWEEK 35+

1,206 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Keep faith against Norwich, or boot the miserable Chelsea defensive players? 0.5 ITB - 1 FT

    Kepa
    Azpi-Doherty-Aurier
    Sterling-KDB-Bruno-Martial-Pulisic
    Ings(C)-Rashford

    Martinez, Justin, Connolly, Taylor

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think your keep situation is set for the season. Kepa next week & Martinez for the last 2.

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Keeper**

      2. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Also keep Azpi this week for sure

        1. Salarrivederci
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          You’re right about the keeper - Thanks!
          Then Azpi and Pulisic out for free next week for Mahrez + some defender with nice last 2 fixtures

    2. Patron
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Keep forshaw.

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

    3. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think you have to keep for that fixture

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ye - thanks!

    4. redsallstars
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yep keep for this week, then possibly city player for pulisic. keep an eye on citys lineups this gameweek and fa cup before deciding. good chance dsilva and foden start both league games and benched for fa cup

  2. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Foden captain anyone???

    I'm sure ake is out...so this is most likely going to be a bloodbath

    1. Greek Freak
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden was my first thought for the armband - but I'm not sure how City will line up and whether they'll be their usual free-scoring selves if they rotate a lot so I'm having second thoughts.

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        They have rotated most games but more in the defence and midfield.

        The front 4 have all featured in some point in most games

        1. Greek Freak
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Oh I'm reasonably sure that Foden will start, but the problem is who starts with him. I'd be amazed if KDB saw a lot of minutes so City's creativity would suffer. Also Jesus, for all the chances he misses, seems to be good for other attackers like Sterling and Foden. That was my concern.

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'd be happy just owning him and captaining a more proven fpl goalscorer like Sterling vs Bou

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Question is will sterling start

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Don’t see why not, he’s had his rests recently and is one of the least rotated City forwards historically

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I was going Bruno, not sure after this article.

    4. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      All are fair arguments....seems like foden sterling and jesus could be an interesting blend

    5. redsallstars
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      from past few starting lineups my guess is kdb and mahrez will be rested. front 3 of foden, jesus, sterling

  3. x.jim.x
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    First draft - looks pretty template:

    De Gea - (Fabianski)
    Azpi - Wan-Bissaka - Digne - (Doherty) - (Cresswell)
    Bruno - Pulisic - Willian - D Silva - Sterling (c)
    Jesus (v) - Ings - (Deeney)

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      FH or WC?

      1. x.jim.x
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah forgot to mention that, didn't I?

        It's a FH.

        1. BERGKOP
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Looks good. I'm similar to Ramborn with Antonio vs Willian.

    2. RamboRN
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty much identical to my fh team. I can't decide on Antonio or Willian though

  4. willevete
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    You guys who only have Mahrez and KDB, what’s your plan this GW?
    Bring out Mahrez? Add another City asset like Sterling or Jesus? Foden?
    I’m actually thinking of a hit and bring either Jesus/Sterling and give one of the captaincy.

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes for u jus bring out mahrez and get sterling/dsilva. Got money jus go for sterling capt

    2. InvertedWinger
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably FHing

    3. BigCoupes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm in your situation and I'm considering a -4 to bring in sterling for martial while downgrading rashford to greenwood.

  5. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Zophar really ruining Ings for me there

  6. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone keeping kdb? And why?

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No, I dont have him anyway

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pep is for Saturday!

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes he will play most minutes between now and end of season and luck will turn as unfortunate to miss out on a number of assists and is on penalties

      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        What makes you think he’ll play most minutes and not get rotated to keep fit for their bigger battles ahead?!

  7. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which score more this GW:

    A) Sterling (c) -4
    B) KDB and Pulisic

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. Letsgo!
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Why B? Is kdb gonna even play?

        1. antis0cial
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I think he starts yeah, came off after 60 will prob get 60 again. I’d say sterling is also uncertain of starting so seems strange to take a -4 for potentially a benching.

    2. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Tough one but i think sterling(C)

    3. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Basically Pulisic vs - 4

  8. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA Doherty Holgate
    Salah KDB Mahrez Bruno Foden
    Rashford Greenwood
    (Jimi Saiss Lascelles)

    2FT + 0.5ITB

    a) Holgate > Egan
    b) Jimi > Ings
    c) Mahrez > Dilva
    d) KDB & Jimi > Sterling & Giroud

    (b/d means benching Rash or Greenwood)

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

  9. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is it worth me taking another -4 hit here as Aurier won’t play now (already have done to bring in Antonio)

    Henderson
    TAA Aurier AWB
    KDB Bruno Foden Sterling Antonio
    Vardy Ings

    Bench: Greenwood and 3.9m
    Money: £0.3m

    I’m 4 points ahead of ML rival who has Pulisic and Azpilicueta... If I make a transfer has to be defender to replace Aurier or a playing defender up to £4.2m. Or do I ride it out?

    Thanks everyone

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Tbh i think antonio will be a trap for watford...

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Do you know how MANY people posted exactly this last week !!!. Im just glad I ignored them all.....

  10. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A, B or C?

    A. Vardy > Jesus
    B. KDB > Sterling
    C. Davis > Foden

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

  11. fridge
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    With too much time on my hands I drew up my teams for GWs 36,37,38 with my current players, and reverting back to my current squad on GW37/38 feels better (I have no Chelsea which doesnt help!)

    How does the below look for a FH team?

    Ederson (4.0)
    Digne. Azpi. Doherty (Stephens. Lamptey)
    Bruno. Martial. Pulisic. Sterling. Antonio
    Ings. Jesus (Greenwood)

    1. InvertedWinger
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I've got a very similar FH team except AWB in for Digne

  12. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Mahrez to Dilva
    B) Mahrez to Antonio
    C) Mahrez to Willian/Pulisic
    D) other

    Pope
    TAA AWB Boly
    Salah KDB Sterling Bruno Mahrez
    Greenwood Jime

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Since ubgot kdb and ster jus do mahrez to pulisic

    3. radawson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm doing A I think as already have Chelsea cover with Willian.

  13. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    If Giroud's starting, would you do one of the As or Bs? One of the 1s, 2s or 3s? 😀

    A1) TAA ➡ Lamptey
    A2) TAA + KDB ➡ Lamptey + Sterling
    A3) TAA + Mahrez ➡ Lamptey + Sterling*

    B1) Kane ➡ Giroud
    B2) Kane + KDB ➡ Giroud + Sterling
    B3) Kane + Mahrez ➡ Giroud + Sterling*

    *Who to bench?

    McCarthy (BHA)
    Digne (AVL) | Doherty (bur) | Aurier (new)
    Pulisic | Fernandes | KDB, Foden (BOU)
    Kane (new) | Rashford, Greenwood (cpl)

    Martinez (LIV) | Mahrez | TAA (ars) | Saiss

    2FT. 0.6 ITB.

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B1

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B1

    3. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks both

  14. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys thoughts on FH below? 1.3 still in the bank

    1. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Fabianski / McCarthy

      Alonso, TAA, Bertrand / Cresswell, Taylor

      Sterling, Foden, David Silva, Salah, Pulisic (C)

      Vardy, Ings / Greenwood

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Wouldn’t have Vardy

        1. Ziyech on the Bench
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          cheers mate, was on Giroud originally, maybe switching to him again?

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Jesus

            1. Ziyech on the Bench
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Already 3 city don’t want to exchange any except maybe D silva but hes gtd 90mins

  15. wildnothing
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have this squad right now and FH left. Would you use it or wait until GW38? There aren't too many players missing from the squad that I think I would have in my FH team.

    0 ft 1.9 itb

    Patricio
    TAA Doherty Maguire
    Pulisic Fernandes Sterling Willian
    Jesus Rashford Ings

    Martinez Aurier Ritchie Saka

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

  16. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    a) Vardy to Ings -4
    b) Vardy to Jesus -4
    c) Hold

    1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hold. Do Vardy to Jesus next GW

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      After seeing how many minutes Ings plays tonight the decision could be a lot easier

    3. PowerSink
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thinking of Vardy to Jesus, but wouldn't pay a -4 for it.

      Leicester need to win & golden boot, but Jesus has better fixtures..

  17. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    For GW36 - BB?;
    Patricio, Button
    TAA, Doherty, AWB, Cresswell, Egan
    Mane, KDB, Bruno, Saka, Hayden
    Rashford, Jimi, Ings

    A) Rashford, Saka, Hayden > Greenwood, Foden, Antonio (-8) with 0.8M ITB
    B) Mane, Hayden, Rashford > Sterling, Foden, Greenwood (-8) with 3.6M ITB for GW37
    C) What you thinking?

    *Note:
    Prior to this evenings games;
    ML1 - Chasing 59 points - 1st = £300, 2nd = £150 (currently 2nd)
    ML2 - Leading 10 points - 1st = £240, 2nd = nothing (currently 1st)

  18. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who would you sell for Jesus?

    a) Rashford

    b) Jimmy

    I own Greenwood and Bruno already

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      See if rash do good later first?

    3. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B unless you plan to get Martial

  19. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    KDB and Jimmy to sterling and Ings for -4?

    1. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jimi to Ings for free

  20. LeicesterA
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    So, what’s the general consensus on the best front 7 on a FH, money no object?

    Bruno Martial
    Jesus Dilva
    Willian Pulisic
    Ings

    Or is Antonio a better option?

  21. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you FH this team to the team below?

    Martinez
    TAA • Doherty • Holgate
    Salah • Martial • KDB • Bruno • Foden
    Vardy • Greeny
    (3.9, Jimmy, Lascelles, Kiko)

    Kepa
    TAA • Azpi • AWB
    Sterling • Pulisic • Dilva • Bruno • Antonio
    Jesus • Ings
    (3.9, Digne, Egan, Greenwood)

    1. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I like both teams.

      Exisiting team is close to my own, having no Chelsea atm may come back and bite me 🙁

    2. Oldie99
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sexy week for a free hit, would probably downgrade sterling to foden and upgrade to 3 big man united hitters

  22. Tomas_brolin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Was going to bench boost this week but I have Aurier KdB and Mahrez who all might not feature

    Would you take hits or use BB in 37. I’m boosting fabianski Lascelles Jack Stephens and Foden

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Can't use in GW38? Probably better to avoid BB this week if possible

  23. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Front 8:
    KDB Sterling Foden Pogba Bruno
    Greenwood Vardy
    Bench: Jimenez
    Captain: KDB or Foden

    Gtg and save transfer?

    1. Park the bus
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      like Foden captain shout, think he could get 90 mins!

  24. Park the bus
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    my plan this week until Sterling's heroics was to bring in Pulisic for Luiz. this will give me a benching headache. if i go ahead with it, would you bench:

    Salah KDB Martial Greenwood Jiminez or Ings (excluded Pulisic as not bringing in to bench vs NOR!)

    Common sense says Greenwood given price and their recovery time after FA Cup as think his minutes may be limited. Or for similar argument, Martial. Just frustrating we won't see how many minutes they get before the deadline.

    Alternatively, I can do Salah to Sterling (c) OR both of the above transfers for a -4.

    thoughts?

  25. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bruno, Foden, xxx, xxx, xxx
    Jesus, xxx

    Salah > Willian
    Martial > Pulisic
    KDB > Sterling
    Greenwood > Ings

    Worth using FH for those moves or keep FH for GW 38?

  26. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Ings, Greenwood, Salah, Pulisic, TAA (Egan)
    B) Vardy, Greenwood, Salah, Antonio, TAA (Egan)
    C) Vardy, Greenwood, Martial, Pulisic, TAA (Egan)
    D) Vardy, Jimenez, Martial, Antonio, TAA (Greenwood)
    E) Ings, Greenwood, Salah, Martial, TAA (Tarkowski)
    F) Ings, Greenwood,Salah, Martial, Azpi (Egan)

    Edging towards E (Burnley defence/fixtures) or F (Chelsea home to Norwich) as I don't really want to lose Salah or Martial, but I have no Chelsea players for (NOR)!

    Cheers

  27. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Was unsure of whether to FH this week or in 38. Now fully set on 38 as there is just far too much uncertainty this week to be sure the FH team all play. In 38 you’d think it will be much more predictable.

    1. Park the bus
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      agree. in any normal year, a FH in 38 would be unthinkable but this year i think we will know a lot more on who will play, particularly with City.

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Doubt GW 38 will be more predictable

  28. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any Sterling + KDB + Mahrez owners out there? Worried that both KDB and Mahrez will be benched. Strongly considering Mahrez -> Dilva for a hit.

    Thoughts?

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Me but I just free hitted. Would definitely do Mahrez to Dilva, could go wrong of course.

    2. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm considering willian/Pulisic too

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I have all 3 and considering Mahrez to Dilva using ft. I can see D.Silva playing in the BOU game, missing the Arsenal FA cup and playing the Watford and Norwich game. Could be my captain if I transfer him in

  29. Fishy
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any chance we will here from jose before their game?

  30. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who is the most likely City asset to get a rest against Bournemouth?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez I think. Started three in a row and played 90 last time out.

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Played less minutes than Sterling and Jesus tho in the last 4

    3. Rover
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Walker