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

    Think I've convinced myself into doing Mahrez -> David Silva -4. Fairly certain Mahrez will be rested so only need one return from Dilva for it to be profitable.

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

      Only good for this game. Dilva won’t play the other two

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

        Well this is just incorrect

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

        What's your reasoning behind that?

        1. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Age vs Youth

      3. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Nonsense

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

        Crazy talk

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

        No way does he not play some part in GW38, his last city game

      6. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        most tip him to start last game also

      7. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Dilva is Triple Captain GW38 for many

        (Myself probably included)

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

          Getting him on FH

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

      Looks a good move. Dsilva likely to start v bou and last game. His last game at the Etihad, Pep will give him a good send off

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

        Won't be his last game at the Etihad - they have CL still

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Which game do you think Pep is going to indulge him more?

          A. Norwich
          B. FA Cup Final
          C. Champions League Quarter Final second leg

          Norwich is basically his testimonial

    3. Cruz88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Personally looking to bring Mahrez in for the last two

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

    Doherty+Sarr to Boly+Pulisic for free?

    The defender can be up to 5.6mil

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yep

  3. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I feel like this GW I can easily either roll my transfer or take a -8... Any advice would be appreciated.

    KDB • Mahrez • Bruno • Martial • Willian
    Vardy • Ings/Greenwood (have both)

    A. Save FT and have the likes of Greenwood & Saiss cover a potential KDB & Mahrez benching
    B. Mahrez > Pulisic
    C. Mahrez + KDB > Pulisic + Sterling (-4)
    D. Mahrez + KDB + Martial > Pulisic + Sterling + Dilva (-8)

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

      E) Mahrez to Dilva or even Antonio, you have Chelsea cover.

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

    Mahrez > Dilva for free?

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Popular choice yes

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

      Yup - this is my move

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Not going for Sterling in the end mate?

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

          I know I'd like to if I could afford it.

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I’m thinking of
            KDB, Mahrez > Sterling, Dilva (-4)

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

    Any thoughts on my WC much appreciated

    Pope
    Saiss TAA Boly
    Sterling Pulisic Dilva Bruno Salah
    Ings Jesus

    Button - Greenwood Taylor Lamptey

    Cheers

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

      Don't like double Wolves defence and I don't understand the Lamptey love?

      Otherwise it's a great team.

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

    Best move? 1FT, 1.4itb 🙂

    A. Vardy >> Jesus
    B. KDB >> Sterling
    C. Martial >> Pulisic
    D. Jimenez >> Ings
    E. Free Hit and get them all?

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

      I want to know the answer too 🙂

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

      E but I’m wary of B

    3. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably E

    4. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Following this tread with interest. Particularly want to know where you land on the A, B, C options 🙂

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

    Salah > Willian/Pulisic for -4 crazy, right?

    1. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not crazy

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

    Thoughts on the following?

    Jimenez + Hayden+ Aurier > Giroud + Dilva + Alonso for -8

  9. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    This is what my team is likely to be if I go ahead with planned moves for a -4. Looks good? No idea who I’ll captain!

    Pope
    TAA, Doherty, Kiko
    Salah, Sterling, Dilva, Bruno, Pulisic
    Vardy, Ings
    (Martin) (Greenwood, Lascelles, Simpson)

    Cheers

  10. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Just contemplating about gw36 - which duo to bring in:

    Son+Jimmy for (-4) to

    a) Sterling+Greenwood
    b) Mahrez+Jesus
    c) Willian+Jesus

    1FT
    0.5 IDB
    My squad

    Pope Reina
    Doherty Targett Lascelles Egan Aurier
    KDB Son Martial Bruno Antonio
    Vardy Jimmy Mcburnie

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

      a or c, think mahrez will be rested before fa cup

  11. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Will there be any team news given short space of time

  12. Blanka
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jim and Rash to Jesus and whatever Chelsea striker starting? For a - 4?

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

    A) Pulisic, TAA (Rotate Egan/Basham*/Lascelles)
    B) Martial, TAA (Rotate Tarkowski/Egan/Lascelles)
    C) Martial, Azpi (Rotate Egan/Basham*/Lascelles)

    Really torn - advice appreciated! No other Chelsea players (have Salah, Fernandes, Greenwood).

    Cheers

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

      A. Help below?

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

        Ta. Done 😉

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

    A) Mane to Sterling
    B) Vardy/Rashford to Jesus

    Why? Also prepared to either do a hit to get Willian/DSilva for Mahrez, or FH to deal with Aurier too

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

      Really tough. Probably A as out of those 5 players mentioned Mane seems the least up for it. But if Rashford blanks tonight/looks off the pace you could do B. Wouldn't transfer out Vardy.

    2. squits
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'm similar. Watching rashford tonight and then will decide based on his chances / positioning

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

    Let's play a game.

    Without looking at stats, name 3 footballers.

    - You will receive 1 point for every time they have hit the woodwork in the PL this season.

    - You will receive 1 point for every time they have scored a winning goal this season.

    Entries will close when I have hung up my washing. I will then give you your scores and announce the winner. Tie break question possible!

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

      Salah
      Jimenez
      KDB

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

        Post
        Salah 2
        Jimenez 2
        KDB 4

        Winner
        Salah 7
        Jimenez 7
        KDB 3

        = 25

        Great score!

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

      I'm going to be boring and go for Auba, Salah and Aguero.

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

        Wood
        Auba 3
        Salah 2
        Kun 3

        Winner
        Auba 6
        Salah 7
        Kun 2

        = 23!

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy, Auba, Salah

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

        Wood
        Vardy 2
        Auba 3
        Salah 2

        Winner
        Vardy 2
        Auba 6
        Salah 7

        = 22!

    4. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Rashford
      Auba
      Salah

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

        Wood
        Rashford 5
        Auba 3
        Salah 2

        Winner
        Rashford 5
        Auba 6
        Salah 7

        = 28!!!!!

    5. gers23
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kdb Vardy and Salah

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

        Auba, Son, Ings

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

          Wood
          Auba 3
          Son 2
          Ings 4

          Winner
          Auba 6
          Son 3
          Ings 4

          = 22!

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

        Wood
        Kdb 4
        Vardy 2
        Salah 2

        Winner
        Kdb 3
        Vardy 2
        Salah 7

        = 20! Do we have a booby prize?

    6. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Martial
      Rashford
      Salah

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

        Wood
        Martial 2
        Rashford 5
        Salah 2

        Winner
        Martial 6
        Rashford 5
        Salah 7

        = 27!! So close!

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

      Vardy, Auba, Mané

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

        Wood
        Vardy 2
        Auba 3
        Mané 2

        Winner
        Vardy 2
        Auba 6
        Mané 7

        = 22!

    8. squits
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      mane vardy ings

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

        Wood
        mane 2
        vardy 2
        ings 4

        Winner
        mane 7
        vardy 2
        ings 4

        = 21! Nice Ings shout.

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

      Entries closed! I will give scores now!

    10. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ings
      Aguero
      Kdb

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

        Wood
        Ings 4
        Aguero 3
        Kdb 4

        Winner
        Ings 4
        Aguero 2
        Kdb 3

        = 20! Oh dear! 😀

        1. Garlana
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Aguero pick was a bit rogue.. ultimately my downfall.

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

            And Ings and KDB!

  16. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope.
    Azpi, TAA, AWB.
    Pulisic, Fernandes, KDB, Sterling, Mahrez.
    Vardy, Greenwood.
    Martinez, Saiss, Holgate, Nketiah.
    1ft, 2.2m ITB. BB in 37/38.

    1. Save the FT or 2. Vardy -> Ings?
    May save next GW then and 2 ft's going into GW 38.

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

    Rather DSilva or Willian/Puli in for Mahrez?

    Have KDB and no other Chelsea currently

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

      same boat ser below. Think Dsilva but tough. Might even do KDB to Pulisic for a -4

    2. squits
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I really don't think kdb starts. He is overdue a rest and fa cup semi to come

  18. gers23
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    2 fts and 0.9 in bank.Any thoughts?

    Ederson

    Taa Seiss Maguire

    Bruno Kdb Traore Foden

    Jiminez Auba Rashford

    Leno Lascelles Cantwell Lund

  19. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On FH, do you think Tarkowski (WOL) could be a better option than Digne (AVL)?

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yep

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

      Nope

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The fact that the answer is "Very possibly yes" is a sad indictment of what Lucas Digne has become

      Burney are just built & bred for cleansheets - limited footballing abilities, but they play to their strengths & my word they take it personally when someone scores against them

  20. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Please help me out with my transfers!
    Have alot ITB

    McCarthy
    Trent Doherty C.Taylor
    KDB Bruno Martial Willian Foden
    Greenwood Jimenez

    Allison,Vardy,Lascelles,Justin

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

      Jesus for Jiménez or Sterling for KDB. Can see KDB rested for this gameweek before fa cup. Mahrez played alot of mins recently and sterling’s had his rest so my guess city will start with sterling jesus foden v Bournemouth

  21. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH36

    Ederson
    Azpi AWB Digne
    Sterling Pulisic Bruno Willian Antonio
    Ings Jesus

    Sterling should start?

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

    Mane kdb saka to dsilva sterling and antonio for -8?

  23. Pinturicchio10
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Start Jimenez or Greenwood?

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Mason

      2. Hits from the Bong
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Greenwood

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

        Greenwood

    • Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Anything worth a hit? Millions in the bank..

      Pope
      TAA Doherty Taylor
      Salah Pulisic Bruno Martial Foden
      Ings Greenwood

      Martin Jimenez Fernandez Simpson

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Nothing worth a hit to me GTG nice team man

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

        Great team, no hits needed

      3. squits
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Want this team. I have to take a hit to get similar

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

        1

    • Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Current team with my FT used.
      Would you take a -4 to get any Chelsea?
      KDB/Salah/Martial to Pullisic or DCL/Vardy to Giroud?
      benching headache with the latter.

      Pope
      Diop TAA Doherty
      KDB Dsilva Martial Bruno Salah
      Greenwood Vardy
      Martinez DCL Fernandez Aurier

    • Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      How about Auba for the last 2 games?

      1. Ain't No Holebas Girl
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Certainly looking to get him on FH38 and possibly Ings - Greenwood - Auba frontline for the last two. Depends how tempting Jesus becomes.

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

        For sure, that’s the move I’m planning too. Especially if he’s still in with a shout for golden boot

    • Garlana
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Early FH thoughts?

      McCarthy
      Digne, azpi, awb
      Salah, Willian, Pulisic, Fernandes, sterling
      Jesus, Ings

      Martinez - Greenwood, kiko, fodder.

      1. Test Eagles
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Looks awesome if all start

        1. Garlana
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks. Fingers crossed I guess

    • Ian Davis
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Which 3 to get in (just with this gameweek in mind) ?

      A) Ings
      B) Jesus
      C) Foden
      D) KDB
      E) D Silva

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        City lads. Take your pick

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

        BCE

    • KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      -8 for this insanity?

      Doherty, TAA, Saka > 4.0, Egan, Sterling

      Current team
      Pope,
      TAA, Doherty, AWB
      Salah, Pulisic KDB, Bruno,
      Vardy, Ings, Greenwood

      Button, Saka, Saiss, Robinson

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Or just play it safer with Saka > Foden and have a benching headache?