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. Hitthewall
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which option?

    A) Coady - Son - Vydra -> Shaw - Zaha - Watkins (-4 and no playing gk in 36)
    B) Mendy - Coady - Son - Vydra -> Guaita - Shaw - Zaha - DCL (-8)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A and reassess next week

  2. andrewrichter
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which Man U defender should we include this week? And would you play Watkins or Digne?

    1. Phlajo
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd pick AWB, and play Watkins

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Maguire or Wan Biss for gametime. Shaw for points.

      Watkins

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

        What points? Shaw has only returned twice in the last 7 weeks.

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mags and Watkins

  3. Jonny HOW SON?
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who'd you get:

    A) JWP
    B) Zaha

    1. Phlajo
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Zaha, but not keen on any of them

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Wilf

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

      JWP without a doubt.

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Zaha

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

      JWP easy

    6. Maddamotha
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Zaha

    7. justaguy9
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      JWP

  4. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    0 FT 0 ITB

    Martinez
    Digne TAA Shaw xxx
    Bruno (C) Salah Jota Lingard xxx
    Nacho Kane xxx

    Almost settled on my team, just need to decide who fills the last slot:

    A) Targett
    B) ESR
    C) Mitchell
    D) Bamford

  5. Vae
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which is likely to score more over the next 2 game weeks:
    Kane (lee, WOL)
    Son (lee, WOL)
    +12 points
    vs
    Fernandes (avl, LEI, LIV),
    DCL (whu, avl, SHU),
    Bale (WOL)

  6. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thanks for input above. One more q;

    A. Greenwood (7 players next week plus 1FT)

    B. Zaha (8 players next week plus 1FT)

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

      Wondering the same...leaning toward GW.

  7. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    too many captain choices!

  8. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Reasons to go for Castagne over Digne on FH?

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably more chance of a cleanie with the Newcastle game

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

        Agree. Although Eve have WHU and AVL away

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Not ideal really. I can see them conceding in both
          I personally think Castagne for the FH and Digne long term (well the last few games)

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

            Thanks!

            1. John Nerdelbaum
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              How's the FH going?
              It's almost as draining as a WC

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

                Agree.

                Guaita
                TAA, AWB, Castagne
                Salah, Bruno, Greenwood, Zaha
                Dcl, Vardy, Nacho

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

                  Forster, Phillips, Mitchell, Saka subs and still 1.9 mill to spend...

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

                    And your FH, John?

                    1. John Nerdelbaum
                      • 11 Years
                      2 years, 10 months ago

                      Pretty much the same apart from Watkins for DCL.
                      Maybe Maguire over AWB but I'm quite liking the AWB pick.
                      Good luck

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

                        Cheers, GL!

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

      better clean sheet odds.
      having said that, I now leaning towards Digne.
      which may change. again.

      :/

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

        Tough one! Heard that Castagne was very unlucky not getting any attacking returns the last matches.

        And that Digne playing advanced depends on other players available or not?

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          He did score tbf

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

          Castagnes output also depends on whether Ricardo plays. Castagne prefers to play on the right side, this is where he gets all his assists and goals from.

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

      Currently at Castagne. What's your choice

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

        On Digne, but about to change to Castagne. Will he keep his offensive role this week?

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

          Guess we have to see whether we get more info.
          Ricardo might be back but it is all speculation.

        2. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Sean from Enderby is a bit of a tit but he's good for early Leicester team news.
          Keep an eye on him

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

            Thanks

  9. langov
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Please rate my team after transfers:

    Alisson
    Ward-Digne-Wan-Bissaka
    Salah-Jota-Fernandes-Greenwod
    Vardy-Icheanacho-Watkins

    any obvious drawbacks?

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

    Do we actually think Maguire will play all 3? Or if any of the United defenders will?

    1. KAALI_DAAL
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

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

      Him and maby AWB are mentioned. AWB slightly more attacking, so considering him.

      Shaw most attacking, but will probably sit out A match for Telles

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        After last night I’m not so sure. Telles was horrific

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd be surprised if they didn't play at least 2, I'm seeing playing all 3 as a bonus if they do.

  11. thebizzle
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    V.Guaita & L.Shaw

    Or

    D.Henderson & J.Ward

    ?

    1. KAALI_DAAL
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1

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

      First one

      Two upside choices. Guaita makes saves and Shaw gets attacking returns.

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

      First one. Thanks for including initials to help avoid identification errors.

    4. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      G and S

  12. KAALI_DAAL
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best 5M defender for this GW?

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Joel Ward

  13. Hitthewall
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who scores the most points for the rest og the season?

    A) Mendy + Watkins
    B) Guaita + DCL (-4)

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

      A

  14. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Quietly planning to get ASM at 37.

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

      Not that quiet, you just told everyone!

  15. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How does this lot look for a -4?

    Mendy
    Taa, Shaw, Castagne
    Salah, Bruno(c), Greenwood, Jota
    Vardy, Iheanacho, Wood

    Martinez, Mitchell, Lingard, Struijk

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

      Needs Fred.

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks 😆 any serious replies?

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          That was serious

    2. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You have your free hit left right?

      1. b91jh
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe he has the free hit in the middle.

  16. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hello guys. What would you do with this lot?

    Mendy
    Rüdiger, TAA, Holding
    Salah, Son, Jota, Maddison
    Nacho, Kane, DCL

    Subs: Forster --- Lingard, Dias, Veltman --- 2 FT, 0.4 itb

    A) Son and Maddison -> Bruno and max 5.6 mid
    B) Son, Dias and Maddison -> Bruno, Digne and max 5.3 mid
    C) Something else, what?

  17. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Azpi/Fabri -> Philips/Henderson (-4)would leave me with this. BB will be activated. Look good?

    Henderson Martinez
    Digne Konsa Philips Dallas Reguilon
    Bruno (c) Salah Saka Son Lingard
    Nacho Kane Brewster

  18. PattBrofield
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is Phillips going to play for Liverpool this dgw?

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

      Bloody well hope so got him in on a -12 BB, with WC next week in mind.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Doubt it.

    3. MHG
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes - he has to play to get Fabinho back in midfield.

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

    On FH35, Play 4-4-2
    Team:
    Martinez - Button
    TAA - AWB - Castagne - Shaw - Mitchell
    Mane - Salah - Bruno - Zaha - Burke
    Vardy - Nacho - Davis

    (1). AWB + Zaha > Digne + Greenwood, Any good?
    (2) No change
    Worried about Greenwood played 90 mins last night and rested the easiest game against Villa out of the three. Cheers

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No way you sell AWB in triple gameweek. Zaha also a good pick this gameweek...

      1. George James
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        hes on FH mate

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

        Cheers, On FH , transfer not an issue
        Just thinking AWB is better or Greenwood is better for the third ManU spot.
        I could do Castagne +AWB +Zaha > J. Evans +Digne + Greenwood.

    2. Arsene_Glenger
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      (2)

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

    Mitchell or Ward?

    Playing BB and need funds for next week

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

      Mitchell only 3.8m

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

        Less nailed though?

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

          Yep, but more $$$ next week.

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

            I don't really need it though....

            1. Volley127
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              Definitely Ward then for guaranteed mins.

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

                He ain't garanteed nothing by the sound of it

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

              Your post said you need funds for next week. Is this a scam?

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

                Ha I do but either player leaves me enough ITB for Kane and Son!

  21. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Will Mitchell start both?

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

      I'd love to know this!

  22. DAVESAVES
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mikel Arteta: "We know that we have four games to play, which still have things to define, and the best way to do that is on Sunday go out there and show how much we care, how painful that was and win the football match."

    Leno plays vs WBA?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ha

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

      What makes you think that?

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

        Playing for EL qualification? Looks very unlikely but still.

  23. tommo-uk-
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Most nailed Palace defender?

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

      Ward I think

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

      They're called doormen, not defenders.

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

      None by the sound of it, Clyne back from injury is annoying!

  24. andrewrichter
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which Man U defender this week?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Maguire

    2. 1895Reds
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Maguire

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

      AWB

    4. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      AWB maby also A chance for 3 games and more attacking?

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

      I can’t make my mind up at all. Maguire most likely to play all 3, Shaw most likely for attacking returns and AWB is in between for both.
      I’ve changed my mind about 5 times already today.

  25. 1895Reds
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Rashford TC? 800k OR, not much to lose

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Nah.

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Morning mate. Talk me out of Pogba ahead of Rashy and Greenwood ?? .........Seriously think its a good move.

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          It’s a nice punt and he’s found a bit of form but he gets benched quite randomly.

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

      Why not. If it comes off you can boast and gloat your heart out. Go for it.

  26. MHG
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who to bench:
    A) Kane (New)
    B) Rudiger (MC/Ars)?

    Thanks

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

      Rudiger

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

        Yes - I think so as it's unlikely Rudiger will play twice

    2. Arsene_Glenger
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Kane is playing defensively improved Leeds away. Never bench Kane

  27. Arsene_Glenger
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Please help:

    I'm 3rd in my mini league chasing, hard. Need a maverick captain pick in midfield for GW36 please:
    Mane - uber differential
    Salah - Salah
    Bruno - TGW Bruno
    Any other suggestions?

    (Enough funds and transfers)

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

      Mane is the only maverick here.

  28. Lfcni1986
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Why is there no mention of Cavani in comments, am I missing something?

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

      Ageism

  29. built_this_city
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Was Philips in the Liverpool team that should have played Man U?

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

      Yes, he was

  30. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Martinez, Areola
    Shaw, TAA, Burn, Struijk, Castagne
    Jota, Bruno, Gundo, Son, Lingard
    Bamford, Kane, Iheanacho

    2 FT, 1.8 ITB

    A) Lingard + Kane -> Watkins + Salah
    B) Lingard + Kane -> DCL + Mane
    C) Son -> Greenwood (get in Salah next week)
    D) Other?

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

      A

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

      A. but shift out Gundo rather than Lingard,
      Lin is more nailed and more to fight at the rest 4 GW

      1. abaalan
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks, would like to but funds dont stretch to that (got on Lingard late)