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. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How do I delete a comment?! Just realised my comment about Dilva not starting is plain stupid. Sorry guys my bad!

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

      Cover it up by posting about it with the first comment on page 😀

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Can't, but you could just remove your grav. No one notices the gravless

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

      realize that no one cares if you made one comment. Its not even that stupid, the people claiming Silva is nailed to start the last 3 have no idea what they are tlaking about.

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

    Why is everyone going Maherz > D Silva?

    Also anyone going tammy?

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

      Mahrez tipped to be rested by most. DSilvs tipped to start all based on recent minutes

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

        Pepe Roulette seems risky enough.

        Anyone think Willian to be rested? Short turnaround for chelsea

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

          should get early team news

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

      Predicting a rest for Mahrez and a start for Silva. Also likely to start against Norwich in GW38 as it's his last Premier League game.

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

        This is the better game to get him in for. Norwich already down

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

      Because he is likely to play, gets lots of points and is cheap?

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

        I’m potentially going to do Mahrez to dilva for a hit but will see after tonight

        I’ve already done a rage induced Tammy to giroud this week, slightly regretting it but think he will start, he only played 20 minutes last week and can’t imagine frank will give him 40 mins over 2 games then a full 4 day rest before the FA cup

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

          why wouldn't you wait for the early team news!!!???

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

      I’m stuck with Tammy unless I go For the FH chip!
      Actually to get Ings in this week I may rather transfer him out than Vardy who’s scored in last 3 games. Makes sense right

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

    Which 3 to complete the FH puzzle?

    ? (4.0)
    Digne. Azpi. ? (Stephens. Lamptey)
    Bruno. Martial. Pulisic. Sterling. ?
    Ings. Jesus (Greenwood)

    A) Ederson, Doherty, Antonio/Willian
    B) Fabianski, Robbo, Dilva

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

      A but prefer Henderson or Pope

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

    Bottomed

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

      No, Sterling might not even start

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

        bubble burst. Makes sense

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

    How about Auba for the last 2 games?.

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

      I'm definitely having him for my FH in GW38. 37 is a luxury move and I'll be looking to make others, but I think he's a good pick in general.

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

      Definitely on my FH team

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

      I'm considering him for the last 2.

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

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

      C looks good

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

    Would you rather Sterling or Ings for this weekv

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

      Sterling

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

        this

    2. Orion
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling always

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

      sterling without a doubt

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

      Sterling - probably scores 2/3+ goals if he starts (though quite a big if)

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

      Well, this is a tough one. Sterling of course is the answer, but at the same time I'd be wary of buying him now if I didn't have him.

  8. Mayor of Flair
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which transfer to make:

    A. Rashford -> Ings
    B. Jiminez -> Ings
    C. Mahrez -> Pulisic/Willian/Dilva
    D. Richarlison -> one of the above
    E. Take a hit to do two or more of the above

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

      If Rashford blanks tonight, I will do A+C with Pulisic for a hit if that helps...

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

    Mahrez Martial
    To
    Sterling foden
    Yay or nay? Martial away form is patchy

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

      kdb out instead? Martial is cheaper and should start all 3

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

        I'll get him back for 37 is plan
        Kdb is the issue, my ML rival has him & I'm leading by 30 odd points, so want to block kdb

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

      Hmm I don’t think so, Mahrez To Foden could be good.

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

    Vardy to Jesus/ings/Giroud worth a hit?

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

      jesus yes

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

        Oh damn, just realized can't get him
        Triple city with kdb sterling and foden :/

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

      Thinking KdB to Pulisic and Vardy to Jesus -4.

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

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

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

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

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

    Nasty feeling could be some upsets (or at least less of a rout than people expect) in the Chelsea and City games

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

      Of course. That’s just how this all goes. Doesn’t make us stop trying tho 😆

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

      Perfectly possible, I thought the same thing about West Ham and and bottled the Antonio gamble at the last minute, guilty of giving these lower teams to much credit sometime

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

    With Lampard’s comments, who do you Think he’ll rotate?

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

      The back line accpet Azpi, Ross Barkley, Tammy, Mount

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

        You think Tammy plays this one?

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

          no

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

            I know he won't. I'm just asking him and the reason why he thinks so!

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

    Henderson, McCarthy
    Wan Bisakka, Azpilcueta, Egan, Lundstram, Lascelles
    KDB, Fernandes,Martial, Foden, Luiz
    Kane, Jimenez, Aubameyang

    With 3 free transfers and £0.9 in the bank, how would you improve this team?

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

      Sorry 2 free transfers

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

    Would you take a -8 to bring in City and Chelsea players so you could save your FH for HW38?

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

      What are your transfers?

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

        Saka--> Willian
        Vardy--> Jesus
        Martial-->Foden

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

          I don't have Martial. But if I had I would surely not sell him. Saka & Vardy to Foden & Giroud? Or maybe even DSilva instead of Foden? Looks good for -4.

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

    RP lost on last page

    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

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

      looks awesome! Well jealous. Captain Puli if he starts

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

        Thanks man. Looks awesome until you hear what moves I’m thinking of making that could so easily backfire but I fancy a punt!

        Mahrez, KDB > Sterling, Dilva (-4)

        Eek

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

          Risqué! Go big or go home though. Not sure I have the balls to replace KDB even with Sterling, but strongly considering Mahrez out. And potentially getting Sterling for Mane, or Jesus for Rashford

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

            You see if I had Mané (rather than Salah), id prob take him out for Sterling instead of KDB. I expect Kev to do well.... just hoping Sterling does better!!

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

      Looks very nice bro.

      If you could only have one of Willian/Pulisic/DSilva in for Mahrez (for -4 most likely) who would it be? I’ll have KDB and likely one of Sterling/Jesus too

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

        Puli for me if you’ll have 2 other MCI.

        I’m hoping 2 will be enough!
        Fancy holding Vardy and see if he’s hungry enough for goals!

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

          Yeahh exactly, hear he should’ve got more yesterday and he wants golden boot surely. I rly wanna get Ings too but if I hold Vardy and end up getting Jesus not sure where to fit him

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

            I benched Ings this GW and played Greenwood. Planning to do opposite this coming week

  17. 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.

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

      DCL to Giroud if it sounds like he’s playing and bench Greenwood

      If not then maybe KDB out for Pulisic but that sounds a bit sickening!!

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

      I’m thinking maybe KdB and Vardy to Pulisic and Jesus for -4. But -8 is to much.....or is it?

  18. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jimmy to Ings -4?

  19. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who is the safest chelsea def? Or buy tarkowski?

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

      Wait for early team news. If Alonso starts, get him!

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

    What to do with Aurier?

    Lascelles is my only backup this week with a bad fixture, and transfers feel like they need to be focused getting at least a few of Sterling/Jesus/DSilva/Willian/Pulisic/Ings this week (for any number of Vardy Rashford Mane Mahrez...)

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

      If you got the money maybe get Alonso, could be the one that hauls for Chelsea.

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

    Martial 🙁 and Vardy/Jimenez ➡️Sterling and Ings for -8?

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

      Why would you sell Martial?

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

        Poor away form!

        Have him ever since he came back from his injury too,

        You think it’s worth it Pep?

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

          I could sell Willian if CHO starts in his place

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

          I don't think it's a good idea. Keep Martial.

  22. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    This week only:

    Salah (Ars away)
    Foden (BOU home)

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

      Foden

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

      Punt on Phil

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

      Salah

  23. Teror
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this FH team? 0.5 ITB. Keen to fit Dilva in there, not sure about Salah or Mane...

    Ederson
    TAA - Azpi - Doherty
    Pulisic - Willian - Bruno - KdB - Salah/Mane
    Greenwood - Jesus

    (Button - Egan - Connolly - Lamptey)

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Solid. I left Bruno out of mine. Just couldnt fit him in with all the options available. Though there is an even stronger argument to leave out Salah or Mane and leave Bruno there.

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

      I’d personally risk sterling instead of Salah/mane as favourable fixture... just hold up on news with rotation

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

        I definitely want one of Salah or Mane against a hapless Arsenal. Salah appeals because of his record v Arsenal and he's clearly chasing the golden boot. But of course I'm concerned about his minutes. I might go for Sterling but in that case it'll be in place of KdB. Right now I just feel Sterling is more of a rotation risk.

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

          In that case I’d be swaying towards salah (due to the points you mentioned)

  24. Mattc
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Free hit 36 or 38?!

    Is my current team good enough to get through this week, with 1ft. Currently 1st In 2 leagues and close 2nd on another.

    Pope (wol)
    AWB (cry) - Doherty (bur) - TAA (ars)
    Pulsic (nor) - mane (ars) - KDB (bou) - Fernandez (cry)
    Vardy (shu) - Greenwood (cry) - DCL (avl)

    Button - Saka (liv) - lascellas (tot) - Taylor (wol)

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

      I was going to FH in 38 but have changed my mind and am going to do it in 36 and TC in 38. The main thing that swung it for me is that I think it's safest to play TC on a City player in 38. The FA cup semi final falls between GW36 and 37, so there'll be a real danger of Pep Roulette. In 38 they have a week's rest until the FA cup final and another week until the CL starts again. No need for rotation, dress rehearsal for the FA cup final.

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

    Please help me out boys and girls.

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

    A) Aurier to Alonso
    B) KdB to Pulisic and Vardy to Jesus (-4)
    C) Vardy to Giroud/Ings

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

  26. Leppamaki
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Gonna upgrade Saka and I have 3.0 itb.

    So...

    A) Willian/Pulisic
    B) Dilva
    C) Antonio???

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

      All good picks and fixtures.

      I prefer B and C.

      1. Leppamaki
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Probably gonna bench boost in gw37. Maybe Dilva plays 0 in 37? He Will probably start in 38, his last game.

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

    Should I take a -4 hit to either replace Aurier or upgrade 3.9m defender? I have 0.3 in the bank. Rival has Azpilicueta but I cannot afford him. I have already done a -4 before the Aurier news to bring in Antonio and now I’m stuck. Leading ML rival by 5 points as it stands

  28. DandyDon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Same Utd lineup so nothing to talk about there! Would love it if someone answered though will be a bit of a slog! Should be interesting for anyone with FH chip left.

    FH 36 Team or FH 38 Team??

    36 - 7 mil leftover(!) so could switch in Sterling or Son for DSilva.

    Ederson BOU(H) -
    Alonso NOR(H) Digne VILLA(H) Soy SHU(H)
    Foden DSilva Pulisic Richarlison Antonio WAT(H)
    Abraham/Giroud Ings BRI(H)
    Bench - Rash PAL(A) Alderweireld NEW(A) -

    38 - Tight for budget, defence quite cheap but more settled lineups and villa/bou likely relegated by then. I could switch in Firmino or Antonio for a city midfielder and pick Laporte/Mendy (as nailed a CS as I’ve seen in a while!)

    Martínez WAT(H) -
    VVD NEW(A) Holgate BOU(H) Taylor BRI(H)
    Salah De Bryune D.Silva Sterling NOR(H) Richarlison
    Lacazette DCL
    Bench - Wood/Rodriguez Egan SOU(A)

    It all hangs on how well City play against Bournemouth who have cost spurs and Leicester points in last two games. Will City B just scrape a win. Wk 38 I’m sure they will turn Norwich over easily and A team players guaranteed to start.

  29. Bushyzor
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I would appreciate some advice. Looking to make the following transfer:

    KDB + Grealish + Jimenez -> DSilva + Pulisic + Vardy

    Should I rather just leave Jimenez so that I have some cash in bank to get DSilva out next game week?