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. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Son vs Palace GW38 anyone?

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Others I'm more tempted by like Antonio, Salah, Mané, Sterling, Dilva, Foden and on and on.

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I have Salah, Sterling Martial, Fernandes and will have Dilva from GW37.

        Was thinking Martial to Son for GW38 but will see how he does GW36 and GW37.

        Palace are shipping goals left right and centre.

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

      Yes for me
      Might get him in 37. Leicester look vulnerable to runs in behind

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

    Bench headache, choose 1:

    Mane,Foden,Pulisic,KDB,Fernandes
    Vardy,Rashford,Greenwood

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I would honestly bench Vardy. LEI are going to drop out of the top 4 IMO and I would shift him to Auba if money allows or Ings.

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

    Captaincy is difficult this week. Norwich are terrible and relegated but I don't know if I trust Chelsea enough to put the armband on Pulisic. They've disappointed in quite a few plum fixtures this season. Think Sterling starts but won't get 90 so not too keen on him either. Bruno might be the safest option.

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

      Boring Bruno, will be hard to move the armband if he gets double digits again tonight.

    2. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Villa beating Palace 2-0 makes it easier to just go with Fernandes.

    3. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ings, Bruno or evening Dilva

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Or even*

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I’ve got Willian giroud and puli in my team so thinking I’ll captain one of them, great if it pays off.

  4. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who do you think will be next seasons Pukki?

    A) Bamford
    B) Mitro
    C) Ollie Watkins
    D) Other

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

      Bamford if he gets 25 chances a game.

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Watkins

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

      Don't think I'd be interested in another Pukki. He's blanked so many times.

    4. Larnell
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mitro was last season's Pukki, but Fulham aren't going up. Watkins could be a decent option

  5. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

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

      Lampard: "As much as we would like a settled team... I would love to pick certain partnerships, certain units of the team and keep going and keep going, but, that hasn't always been easy and we're striving for that. We'll see for tomorrow."

      #FFScout #FPL #GW36 #ChelseaFC

      Hold them transfers!

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

        Transfers ??
        Man I'm Pulisic ©
        😮

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

        Man U win tonight Frank will have no choice but to play his strongest team............

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

          He's playing his strongest team then 😉

      3. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He’ll have to play is best line up, Manu will win tonight

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          So much guf being talked about rotation, Chelsea have zero luxuries to take, they’ll play their best side V Norwich

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

    Looking to utilise my 2FT but also have a very strong front 8 with:

    Salah Fernandes KDB Mahrez Foden
    Greenwood Rashford (Jimi)

    a) Jimi > Ings
    b) Mahrez > Dilva
    c) Mahrez & Rashford > Pulisic & Jesus
    d) KDB & Jimi > Sterling & Giroud
    e) None of the above

    (a or d would mean benching Greenwood or Rash)

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

      B

  7. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who to bench here? Absolute headache. Guessing Foden or Vardy.

    A) Vardy (SHU h)
    B) Foden (BOU h)
    C) Greenwood (CRY a)
    D) KDB (BOU h)
    E) Jesus (BOU h)

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

      Foden would probably be the last I’d bench.

      Enjoy the headache of 8 attackers.

      1. Dybala10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I thought that before and brought me a lovely 2 and 1 points!

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

          This has to be his week surely.

          Expected to start, whatever happens after that is out of your control.

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Has to be A crazy enough but I wouldn't do it easily

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

      I hope pep makes decision for you.
      Greenwood out of that. Be prepared to see a hat-trick though 😀
      Thanks for posting. This article & your post have made me realise no point in getting Ings atm for a hit. Will have to bench Greenwood myself

      1. Dybala10
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Wasn’t me buddy??

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

        Hi Amey..........what are the chances of Rashy going big tonight. Has been mildly disappointing compared to other MUFC assets, however there were signs last game he was back on form.........??

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

          He's lacking confidence atm mate.
          Getting ample chances in the games. But failing to convert them. Looked tired in last 2 games too.
          I hope he fires for you. Good chance Bruno donates another pen to him to get confidence back too 😉

          1. Klaren
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            They are rotating penalties so Rashford has the next penalty anyway.

            Ole always favours rotating penalty takers (including his previous teams) and even if we assume Bournemouth one was to just give Rashford a chance to score, Rashford was also going to take the penalty in Spurs game when it was still 1-1, so pretty sure they are rotating.

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

      D

  8. grennans2
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Vardy > Jesus the best option here with 1FT (and bench Mahrez)?

    Could do Mahrez > Foden also as I have my doubts that Mahrez starts.

    Martinez
    TAA - Doherty - Saiss
    Salah - KDB - Mahrez - Fernandes - Pulisic
    Ings - Greenwood - Vardy

  9. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone else captaining Salah??

    Have martinez in goal too just to provide some insurance

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

      Salah doesn't shoot at GK

      Net or stands !!
      No In between 😀

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

        He nearly gave Pope 3 bonus, if Pope wasn’t booked 😆

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

          Thank god i missed the game 😀

      2. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Pretty sure he shot 1 or 2 at Pope on Saturday.

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

          Or it was because of the master, Pope 🙂

      3. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Also for penos

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

          That can be saved yeah 😉

  10. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    Taa, Doherty, Saiss
    Kdb, Mahrez, Salah, Bruno, Martial
    Greenwood, Vardy

    Martin, Lascales, Connolly, Holgate

    A. Save
    B. Salah to Sterling
    C. Mahtez to D Silva

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

      C

  11. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pick one out of these for C in GW36+ :
    1) Dilva
    2) Foden
    3) Jesus

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

      Dsilva

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

        Cheers

    2. momomaimai
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden

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

    Pope
    TAA AWB Doh
    KDB Sterling Bruno Pulisic
    Vardy Jimmy Greenwood

    1FT

    A) Jimmy to
    1) Ings
    2) Jesus
    B) Vardy, Jimmy to Ings and Jesus (-4)

    Thanks all.

    1. The Reptile
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'd say B - do you have FH?

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

        Yes, still got FH.

  13. The Reptile
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    HELP - can't decide whether to FH this week and get 3x City and Chelsea or wait until the last week to FH which was my original plan

    Pope

    Doc - TAA - C Taylor

    Salah - Pulisic- KDB - Martial - Fernandes

    Vardy - Rashford

    Martin/ Nketiah /Femenia/ Robinson

    0.1 ITB

    Any help to decide appreciated -sorry for the re-post tit got lost on an another topic

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

      Save FH.Strong team

      Not sure about KDB will start this GW so may be

      KDB > Foden / Dilva

      or

      Vardy > Jesus / Giroud

  14. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Rash KDB to Jesus Willian -4 ? Something else ?

    Current team:
    Ederson
    TAA/Doherty/Kiko
    Salah/Sterling/KDB/Bruno/Puli
    Rash/Green

    Martin/Lasc/Holgate/Connolly

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

      KDB to Foden / Dilva

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

    Kdb and jimmy to dsilva jesus?

    Have pope so do not want jimmy! Hoping burnley clean sheet!

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

      Go for it

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

        Really? Will jesus and dsilva start for gw37?

  16. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    TAA, Doherty, Saiss
    Salah, Bruno, KDB, Son, Foden
    Jimi, Greenwood Rashford.

    Do i a) leave as is
    b) use ft
    c) use FH

    Thanks

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

      B....KDB + Son to Pulisic + Willian

  17. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sell Aurier? Who for?

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

      Do you have playing subs?

  18. Mattious8
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Doh, Jonny, Lasc, Rob
    KDB, Ster, Fern, Mart, Will
    Var, Green, DCL

    I have FH and triple C left
    1 free transfer for the week

    Free hit this week or wait? Triple C (Sterling this week) or wait? Just make 1 transfe? Any ideas?

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

    Can I get some love please? 🙂 GW36 - BB?;

    Patricio, Button
    TAA, Doherty, AWB, Cresswell, Egan
    Mane, KDB, Bruno, Saka, Hayden
    Rashford, Jimi, Ings

    A) Rashford, Saka, Hayden > Greenwood, Antonio, Foden (-8) with 0.8M ITB
    B) Rashford, Mane, Hayden > Greenwood, Sterling, Foden (-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)

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

    Will you guys do a minus 8 for kdb mane saka to dsilva sterling antonio?

  21. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    PEP TO LEAVE CITY BY MUTUAL CONSENT!!!

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

      What?

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

        Pep of Birmingham City. Nothing to see here

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Link or get out

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        lol

      2. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I knew it.

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

          Okay. Why did u ask "what"?!?

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

      Pep CLOTET.
      BIRMINGHAM City.

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      10/10

    5. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Correct, but no need to shout.

  22. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Guys need a defender for Aurier replacement. Digne? Or Southampton defender?

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

    What to do with this team? 1FT, 2.3 ITB

    A) Aurier to Alonso
    B) KdB to Pulisic and Vardy to Jesus (-4)
    C) Something else

    Patricio
    TAA Doherty Aurier Holgate Kiko
    Sterling Foden KdB Bruno Martial
    Vardy Jimenez Greenwood

  24. Baked baines
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Has the scout picks GW35 the most successful pick ever! Every player scored apart from GK

    1. Baked baines
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      And Salah*

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      & Dawson & Salah.

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

      Dawson? And 3 players yet to play.

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wobble head*

  25. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Keep FH for GW38 and take a -8 to bring in Willian, Jesus and Foden. Already have KDB and Azpi.

  26. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Best combo to see season out

    (A) Salah Jesus

    (B) Sterling Vardy

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

      A

  27. Aseel
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys..
    What do you think is a better combo for the remaining GWs..
    D Silva & Ings or Pulisic & Jesus?

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

      A

  28. E25
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Original plan was to get Ings in this week but City are looking like they'll batter everyone 5-0, thoughts?

    A) Vardy -> Ings
    B) Mane -> Sterling
    C) both for a hit

    Martinez
    TAA Doherty Magure
    KDB Mane Mahrez Willian Fernandes
    Vardy Greenwood

    Martin Saiss Robinson NKetiah
    1FT 0.8ITB

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

      A

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Save

  29. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Gtg? Anything worth a hit

    Martinez
    Doherty • Digne • Lamptey
    Mo • Sterling • KDB • Bruno • Foden
    Rashford • Greenwood
    (3.9 / Jiménez / Lascelles / 3.9)

    Might punt on Foden(C)

  30. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Salah to Sterling for free?

    Trying to block rival and fancy his Raz v my Salah