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. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Do we think Mitchell starts?
    A) Holding to Mitchell
    B) Kane to DCL

    Mendy
    TAA Shaw Castagne
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Jota Lingard
    Kane Nacho
    (Forster Holding Vydra Veltman)

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You've got a great team - I would hold

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers. Got 2fts and reluctant to burn one!

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Hmmm that's tough

          I wouldn't want to bench any of that team for Mitchell that's for sure!

          Anything you can do to prep bench for GW36?

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

      Mendy to Guaita/Pickford?

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

    I have WC and BB left.... Which one to use this week?? Or -4 for a playing keeper and replacement for Dias?

    Sanchez
    Phillips, Maguire, Robertson
    Bruno, Saka, Bale, Son
    Iheanacho, Vardy, Bamford

    Steer, Soucek, Dias

  3. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    a) Bowen, Son >>> Zaha, Greenwood
    b) Bamford, Son >>> Watkins/Cavani, Zaha/Greenwood
    c) Son, Kane >>> Salah/Mane, Watkins/Cavani

    And who? Mane or Salah, Watkins or cavani, Zaha or Greenwood?

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      That's tough .... as I think you need Salah but I wouldn't want to be losing both Kane and Son unless you have a plan to get one back.

      On balance maybe B with Watkins and Greenwood if you can stomach not having Salah!

  4. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Lost on a previous page.
    Morning all. Am I G2G here? Have doubts around who to bench tbh!

    0itb -4. No chips left
    Mendy
    TAA, Shaw, Coleman
    Bruno (C), Salah (v), Greenwood, Jota
    Kane, DCL, Iheanacho
    (Forster) (Rudiger, Lingard, Masuaku)

    I am currently on 8 starters for GW36 so will either use FT for 9 or stretch to 10 with a -4.

    Cheers and GL!

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Looks great!

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers mate!

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

      Very solid of course

      Not tempted to switch C and VC? Bruno is safe of course but looking at form, fixtures and schedule there's a really good case for either Mo or Nacho.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks mate

        I'm definitely torn on the armband decision. Head vs Heart. I think it will be tight between him and Salah.

        Both are trolls in their own right!

  5. cianoc1999
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Lingard to Greenwood or Zaha for a -4, or leave as is?

    Current Team:
    Martinez
    Rudiger James TAA Maguire
    Salah Bruno Jota Lingard
    DCL Iheanacho

    Bench: Forster Dunk Bamford Raphinha

    1. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      depends if you need Lingard next week?

      1. cianoc1999
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        That's the thing, getting Greenwood would require another hit next week to be close to a full XI, Zaha wouldn't have the same problem. Lingard has gone quiet in the last two but he's probably the most unpredictable player in FPL so losing him would be a risk.

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

      Youll need Lingard for the last 3 GWs.

  6. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you go?

    a) Coleman & DCL
    b) Keane & DCL
    c) Digne & Watkins

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      C

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I went A

      But it was close in my mind with C

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

    Phillips, Ward or Mitchell for this GW?

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

      This would be for a hit.

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

      Not for a hit I don't think

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

      Phillips

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

      Ward

    5. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd be wary for a hit - who is being removed?

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

        A non playing Lewis from Newcastle.

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

    Martinez
    TAA Castagne Lindelof
    Jota Salah Bruno JWP
    Watkins Nacho Kane

    TC Bruno?

  9. Jack Burton
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi all just a quick one Mane or Vardy have Salah and ineacho thanks in advance

    1. cianoc1999
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd go with Vardy

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

        Cheers mate

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

    Bench boosting with Regulion, Kane, Lingard, Forster on the bench......
    First team all playing at least twice....

    Come on 100 points 😐

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

      Great BB to be fair, mine is Lloris Lingard Pereira Coufal 🙁

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

    Extra cash left on FH, would you consider Alisson instead of Guaita?

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

      Have you looked at Mendy?

      I assume he gets both and Chelsea Arsenal is as good a chance for a cs as any this week probs. Should rack up a few saves v City and the cs there is hardly impossible. His last DGW went ok versus Liverpool United.

      Just distrust Liverpool and Palace too of course 😉

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

        Thanks and GL!

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

    Will Mitchell play for Palace this DGW?

    1. Ligdon
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

  13. BrutalLogiC
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play FT?

    Martinez
    Shaw Rudiger Konsa
    Bruno Salah Son Lingard
    Kane Nacho Bamford

    1. BrutalLogiC
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I mean play FH? I got 2 FT

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

        Nah, use 2FTs

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

    Current draft:

    Guaita
    Trent, Robertson, Wan Biss
    Salah, Bruno, Rashford, Zaha
    Dominic. Iheanacho, benteke

    Thoughts? Probably the most balanced I'm able to get. Will go Digne if Zaha looks doubtful

  15. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Capt salah gtg?

  16. JelliedSpark968
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I still have TC and BB; what are others doing with them? United TGW feels like a trap imo

  17. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA, Shaw, Coleman, Fofana
    Salah, Bruno, Greenwood, Jota
    Kane, Iheanacho

    (Forster, Lingard, Wood, Coufal)

    G2G in terms of bench order?

  18. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Predicted pts for
    A - Areola BUR (H)
    B- Gauita SHU (A), SOU (A)

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

    BB or not?

    Johnstone
    Lingard
    Dallas
    Aina

    1. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not

  20. ELMEO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play two out of:

    A. Holding
    B. Rudiger
    C. Lingard
    D. Gundogan
    E. Wood

    Cheers

  21. Nedvěd11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone considering benching Son or Kane this GW?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I've sold one and benched the other.

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

    FH team:

    Guaita
    TAA Casta Maguire
    Ferdy Salah Greenwood Zaha
    Watkins Nacho DCL

    Don't know if shoukd gi for Digne instead of Watkins? Also not set on which Man U defender? Interested in thoughts. Thanks!

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

    My guess on the lineups:

    vs AVL
    Hendo
    AWB Lindelof Maguire Shaw
    McTom Matic
    Rash Bruno Pogba
    Cavani

    vs LEI
    De Gea
    AWB Tuanzebe Bailly Maguire Telles
    Fred VDB Bruno
    Greenwood Rash

    vs LIV
    Hendo
    AWB Lindelof Maguire Shaw
    Fred McTom
    Greenwood Bruno Pogba
    Cavani

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bruno probably starts on bench in one

  24. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Pereira (ars) to El Ghazi (MAN, EVE) -4 worth it?

  25. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Kane to Vardy a stupid move?

  26. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Greenwood is a trap isn’t he....

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think so.

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

      Yes

  27. MannionUK
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone wildcarding this week?

    1. Ligdon
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I am !

  28. Ligdon
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Not talk of siggy ? On pens and surely starts with James injury nighle

    1. KuttiBunja
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      James/iwobi rotation

      1. Ligdon
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        He seems relatively nailed to me

    2. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Got him!

      1. Ligdon
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Im deciding between two of Siggy, JWP and Zaha

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Brought in Rashford and Siggy. Sheff Utd in BGW36 too.

      1. Ligdon
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Its the BGWK fixture thats attracting me to him I believe. That and pens

  29. KuttiBunja
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Emi
    Victor Trent Timothy
    Bruno Jota Mo JamesWP
    Harry Kelechi Ollie

    TC on Bruno>=?

  30. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is there merit in triple-captaining Salah over Bruno? Even with the extra game we could see similar minutes for both and then arguably liverpool fixtures are better with saints rather then villa / leicester with reduced mins

    or is that just pure overthinking!?

    1. KuttiBunja
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      GOing with bruno

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        sorry, just seen your reply to me on page 14 and have replied back.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Absolutely there’s merit.