Pro Pundits

Seven-time top 10k finisher Zophar on Man Utd’s best Triple Gameweek 35 players

One of the most consistent FPL managers in the game, Zophar, is on course for his eighth top 10k finish. Here, he takes an in-depth look at Manchester United’s assets ahead of their Triple Gameweek.


It’s been a surreal 12 hours.

My own team, Chelsea, have trounced Real Madrid and progressed to the Champions League final, a scenario that many of us would have deemed impossible midway through the season.

As tempted as I am to wax lyrical for another 1,000 words about the Blues, I cannot ignore the elephant in the room: Manchester United’s TRIPLE Gameweek!

The Manchester United v Liverpool fixture being postponed in Gameweek 34 hit all of us hard and myself included, as I had five players in that fixture. While this immediate, surprise rescheduling gives us an opportunity to get some of those points back, the schedule indicates that it might not be that simple. Let’s get stuck into it.

I’m writing this piece before United have played in the UEFA Europa League, and while the Red Devils carry a four-goal advantage going into the second leg, I don’t see them fielding a weakened team as that would offer Roma a glimmer of hope – which is the last thing they’d want to do. I expect the likes of Bruno Fernandes (£11.5m), Edinson Cavani (£7.9m) and Marcus Rashford (£9.6m) to start, with early substitutions the likely route to rest.

The Red Devils play a total of four games in a space of seven days, a schedule that is largely unprecedented and given that it is at the tail-end of the season, when players are already mentally and physically fatigued from a congested schedule, rotation is inevitable. 

Motivation

Manchester United are in a firm position to clinch UEFA Champions League qualification, sitting nine points clear of fifth placed West Ham. With their superior goal difference, the Red Devils effectively need just three points to seal it. So there’s no real need to flog players and risk injury with such short turnarounds. There is some merit to finishing as high up the table as possible, too, so that has to be factored in as well. 

Scheduling

The turnaround time from the Europa League to the Villa fixture isn’t too bad. After all, it’s the usual Thursday-Sunday schedule that they’ve handled all season. A full rest since their last Europa League game due to the Liverpool postponement would also help in terms of energy levels.

The curveball here is the next two fixtures, against more formidable opposition on Tuesday and Thursday. 

Now, do United consider resting players for Villa to prioritise the Leicester and Liverpool games or do they go for the more ‘winnable’ points? I think they go for the former as the game against Leicester is almost a six-pointer, as it would open up the gap against the Foxes. The Liverpool fixture is always a big one too because of the rivalry. It’s not ideal when you think about captaincy for Fernandes, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he played all three. 

Which players are the most likely to see minutes?

Harry Maguire (£5.5m), Fernandes and Rashford are the only players to feature in every single league match for United this season, while only Maguire has played every minute. 

On this basis, you would assume that the most nailed-on asset in defence is obviously Maguire. I think Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.7m) is also relatively safe for starts but I would worry about Luke Shaw (£5.4m) with Alex Telles (£5.3m) available and the Englishman’s past history with muscle injuries. Victor Lindelof (£4.8m) doesn’t fill me with confidence with Eric Bailly (£4.8m) around, either.

Fernandes is the obvious attacking pick, having seen the most minutes of any of their attackers. For the next best pick, let’s have a closer look at the minutes over the last seven Gameweeks rather than the season.

The likes of Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, Lindelof, Maguire and Dean Henderson (£5.2m) have played the entirety the last seven Gameweeks, with Fernandes missing out by just one minute.

Rashford’s game-time has been managed to an extent due to the niggling injury he has been carrying and he’s struggled to play two games a week, let alone four, so I am not tempted by him there. We have often seen Paul Pogba (£7.6m) play on the left, as well, which reduces the appeal of Rashford on the right.

It is encouraging to see Mason Greenwood (£7.2m) feature in all five of their last league matches for an average of 75 minutes each. At just 19 years of age, the youngster can recover quicker than most in the United squad and should see a decent amount of minutes across the three matches, especially given Rashford’s struggles. 

Attacking stats

My team

I’m sitting with two free transfers and £0.2m in the bank. As it stands, I have four players who will blank in Gameweek 36, and Rhian Brewster (£4.3m). 

My plan is to sell Son Heung-min (£9.6m) for Greenwood this week and roll the other transfer. Then, next week, I plan on reversing that move and bringing Gareth Bale (£9.1m) in for Fernandes. I do think the Red Devils will play a weakened team in Gameweek 38 with the Europa League final in mind, so I might get only the Fulham fixture out of Fernandes. This would also allow me to fund Brewster to Michail Antonio (£6.4m) for a -4. This would allow me to bench Kelechi Iheanacho, Shaw and AntonioRudiger and have a strong squad for any unexpected rotation in the final weeks. 

I know there’s talk – and justifiably so – about this Triple Gameweek being a trap and whatnot, but this is only the second time I’ve seen it happen in my 12 years of playing FPL and I just cannot bring myself not to max out on it. In five years’ time, I don’t want to be saying that I had only two players when Manchester United had a Triple Gameweek, irrespective of the outcome. 

Enjoy the chaos. One thing is for sure, there will never be a season like this again.

Thanks for reading. 

THE FPL WIRE PODCAST WITH ZOPHAR, LATERISER AND TOM FREEMAN


Pro Pundits 20
1,947 Comments Post a Comment
  1. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Coady/Lingard to Phillips/Greenwood

    yay or nay?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably yes but be aware you are blocking yourself to to get a good Liverpool player if going with Phillips

  2. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on Son and Periera to Jota and Greenwood? I want to use both FTs before FH36 and set the team for 37 & 38

    2FT 1.7ITB FH36
    Mendy
    TAA Rudiger Shaw
    Salah Bruno Son Lingard Pereira
    Kane Nacho
    (Forster Holding Davis Dallas)

  3. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Playing Bench boost

    Thoughts on son + vydra + coady + Mendy to Greenwood + Watkins + digne + guiata (-8)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not sure on Mendy out but the other moves in isolation look good

  4. MadeinIreland
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone think DCL outscores Wood by more than 4 points this gameweek?

    Thanks...

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      He does have an extra game over Wood....

      1. MadeinIreland
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I know but I can see a 4 point return from DCL and a 6 point return from Wood against Fulham

  5. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which one has better prospects of starting all 3 matches?

    A) Greenwood
    B) Bruno

    Please help

    1. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Aster
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      bruno

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bruno

  6. PoldervogelsUit
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Does anybody know whether the '6 GW projections' (which would be '4 GW projections) will come back online?
    Right now I only see projections till the end of the season but I'd like to see them split into GW's.

  7. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    G2G?

    Took -4 to get to...

    Martinez
    Maguire, TAA, Holding
    (B)runo, Salah, Jota, JWP
    Kane, Benteke, Nacho

    Forster, Targett, Lingard, Dallas

    TIA

  8. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Rashford (C), DCL
    2) Fernandes (C), Benteke

    Rashford got a rest in Europa League which is nice and Bruno hasn't been producing the crazy numbers as before...

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I've gone for A but I do have Bruno as well.

    2. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mmm don’t bet against Bruno, he’s class. I would never bench Bruno

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  9. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who is crystal palaces most nailed defender?

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      ward

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Doorman you mean?

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably Ward but I have seen a few post mentioning Clyne could get some mins. Just back from injury

  10. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Shaw or AWB?
    With the hope that one of them would start all 3
    Please help

    1. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would go AWB as he got subbed at 45 last night.

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        So did Shaw

        1. Booked4Dissent
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Ah right. Shaw has bigger upside and AWB has had back problems this season

          1. The Knights Template
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Wow you flipped quick!

    2. PlayPercentage
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mitchell may be worth a punt. See my post below.

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Shaw

  11. Booked4Dissent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Holding (double but rested last week) or Lingard?

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Lingz

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Lingard

    3. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Lingard

  12. PlayPercentage
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Tyrick Mitchell worth a punt? Started last game for Palace.
    PvA's contract expires in June and he is linked with other clubs.

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably not. Would push for Nat Phillips or Ward if on a tight budget.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mitchell did just sign a new contract. Difficult one as dropping PvA and starting Mitchell vs City was tactical. Now that they are playing SHU and SOU, they could go with PvA for more attacking threat

    3. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thinking he probably only starts one

    4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have transferred in and I am playing him. If there is a cheap punt that can be afforded this week it's him.

  13. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts
    Son to
    A Greenwood tgw then blank
    B zaha dgw no blank
    Then vydra to Watkins dgw no blank-4

    If want dcl, son to 6.8 would be needed
    Cheers

  14. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Latest FH draft:

    Guaita
    Shaw / TAA / Digne
    Salah / Mane / Bruno / Havertz
    Cavani / DCL / Nacho

    Fabri / ASM / Mitchell / Fodder.

    Thoughts?

    1. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Solid. Not so sure on Mane with his form.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cavani and league game time is the question for me.

      1. Herman Toothrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        True but his form his hard to ignore

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah.

          I've made my mind up, reckon he starts against both Leicester and Fulham with some time v Liverpool or benched for Leicester to start against Liverpool.

  15. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hey guys. 1 FT and 0.1 ITB. Struggling to think of transfer options and would appreciate any help.

    A - Coady > Lindelof
    Other suggestion?

    Mendy
    Fofana - Dallas - Rudiger
    Bruno - Greenwood - Salah - Son
    Nacho - Kane

    Forster - Wood - Holding - Coady

    1. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Plus Lingard as starter

  16. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play one.

    1. Lingard
    2. Mitchell
    3. Saka

    Thx in advance!

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1

      1. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        1

    2. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Will Mitchell start?

      1. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Prob 1 game. Otherwise Id go with him if he was nailed for 2. Not so sure.

  17. OLD Rafiki
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Greenwood technically not play all 3

  18. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Coady, Dias & Vydra to Coleman, Philips & Antonio worth a -4?

    1. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      For 3rd striker Id look more for nacho, watkins, dcl this week

      1. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Already own Nacho, and I can't afford DCL. Think for the run in I'd rather have Antonio than Watkins

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not a fan. I don't think Colemans mins are nailed with Ancelotti having all defs back and he likes to chop and change

      1. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Is Holgate any more nailed?

  19. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Saving FH for gw36, but doing 3 transfers for -4 this week.
    What combo would you prefer out of these guys:
    1) Any 4.7 def, Greenwood
    2) Digne, Lingard
    3) Maguire, El ghazi
    4) Maguire, Coleman (play 4-3-3)

    Martinez
    Taa Shaw XXX
    Salah Bruno Jota XXX
    Nacho Dcl Kane

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      3

  20. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play one:

    A Rudiger
    B Holgate
    C Holding

    Cheers

    1. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not sure on Holgate 2x so Rudi

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  21. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    2FT, 0.1 ITB, thoughts?

    Meslier / Guaita

    TAA / Castagne / Rudiger / Coady / Coufal

    Salah / Fernandes / Son / Jota / Lingard

    Kane / Iheanacho / Vydra

    Thoughts on Rudiger & Son to Maguire & Zaha?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Fitness news on Zaha?

  22. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    9 DGWers, 11 players for the BGW. All set. Let the games begin.

  23. las90855
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Allison,
    TAA, Digne, Shaw
    Mane, Rashford(c), Maddison, Lingard
    Kane, Watkins, Iheanacho

    (Forster, ESR, Dallas, Amartey)

    How does it look? Good to go?

  24. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Yeah got rid of Bruno last week for -4 now getting him back for -8 love it!!

  25. Friday Press conference times
    Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Friday Press conference times

    Arteta - 9am
    Mason - 9am
    Smith - 9.30am
    Klopp - 12.30pm
    Tuchel - 1pm
    Nuno - 1pm
    Parker - 1pm
    Hodgson - 1.15pm
    Ancelotti - 1.30pm
    Pep - 1:30pm
    Moves - 1.30pm
    Potter - 1.30pm
    Allardyce - 1.30pm

    https://twitter.com/ffscout/status/1390564753228062720

  26. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Martinez
    Shaw, Saiss, Coufal
    Salah, Bruno, Bale, Jota, Lingard
    Kane, Iheanacho

    Bench: Forster, Bamford, Dallas, Rudiger

    1FT, 0.3 in bank

    Worth a -4 to get DCL?

  27. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Maddison > Greenwood or Zaha (-4) until end of season

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Zaha

    2. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm not sure getting rid of Maddison is a good idea. He's got 2 fixtures which are fairly far apart. He's likely to play both and we know what he's capable of. He's part of my WC team and I've not got Zaha. That being said I've Captained Greenwood.

  28. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Controversial but I picked Macca for the midfield. 'Rested' for the cancelled game, rested last night, that's 270 minutes right there.
    I also chose Shaw, because Telles has often played higher up on the left and would be seen more as an alternative for Greenwood or Rasherz if needed. Not that I think Telles plays more than 90 total, but I don't think Shaw is affected so much.
    Picking less costly players has allowed me to spend 4 points to upgrade Brewster (watch his HT this weekend) to DCL. Happy with that, as Everton have something to play for.

    1. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Who is Macca? McSauce?

      1. CroatianHammer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yes, Jorge McSauce, plucky box to box maestro. .

  29. RedJive79
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is this GTG? Or would you -4 for Bam to Watkins and drop Lingz to bench??

    Martinez
    Shaw / TAA / Dallas
    Jota / Salah / Greenwood / Lingz / Bruno (c)
    Kane / Nacho

    Areola / Bam / Veltman / Struijk

  30. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    It’s looking like a few hits needed to get anything from GW36 but I think I manage to get in all the big picks.

    35:
    James Bale to Maguire Pogba (-4)

    Mendy
    Coleman Phillips Maguire
    Bruno (c) Pogba Salah Jota
    Kane Vardy Nacho

    36:
    Pogba Vardy Holding to Son DCL Dallas (-8)

    Forster
    Coleman Dallas Phillips
    Salah Jota Son
    Kane DCL