Gameweek Guide

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for Triple Gameweek 35

Gameweek 35 of the 2020/21 season will be etched in our memories forevermore – the Fantasy Gods have thrust a mythical Triple Gameweek upon us.

The Premier League’s most successful side, Manchester United, will be playing three times. But the burning question is, with the Red Devils cramming their three fixtures into five days:

Do you let this Treble – which probably will be a Double for most of the players – completely destroy your plans and blinker you to the potential of the Double Gameweek players?

– Mark, FPL BlackBox

Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Leicester City, Liverpool and Southampton all play twice. 

We have a Friday deadline of 18:30 BST to finalise our teams.

The Fixture Ticker

Here’s how the schedule currently looks

Notice that four teams blank in Gameweek 36, including Man United, while five teams play twice in this round of fixtures and also have a match next Gameweek: Liverpool, Southampton, Everton, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa – could these be the sides to target for those without a Free Hit chip or Wildcard?

Recovery times between matches is likely to have a big say in team selection, and arguably performance too. In the past, Pro Pundit Zophar has noted the impact on injuries:

Recent research has shown that muscle injury risk increases by almost 20% when recovery time is reduced from six to three days. It concluded that fixture congestion and insufficient recovery time between matches are two of the major risk factors associated with injuries and suggested that players should have at least 96 hours between matches in order to recover fully. Beyond the 96-hour period, there were no significant gains observed.

– Zophar

With a day’s rest between each of their three fixtures, caution is advised with Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s troops.

Although, as Neale observed, is the silver-lining of playing three matches in a week that there’s a greater chance of two or more starts for most of United’s key players, even allowing for a benching along the way?

Andy certainly thinks so:

It’s unlikely any of them play three times, the only thing I would say is you kind of guarantee two games for most of the main players whereas … Jota for example or or even Mané potentially – and I know not everyone’s really got him in their team right now but some people might be thinking about it – I don’t think anyone will guarantee two games for them whereas Bruno, Luke Shaw they’ll definitely play twice.

The other question to consider is how good are the fixtures for the 13-time Premier League champions?

And given their current position in the table, when they arguably only need three more points to secure Champions League football, how can we expect them to approach their fixture triplet? 

They have, on the whole, been cautious when facing the ‘big six’ teams and Leicester City. Since the 6-1 defeat at Old Trafford to Tottenham Hotspur in early October, they’ve failed to score in six of their nine matches against this elite opposition (Man United’s score first):

  • 0-0 Gameweek 6 v Chelsea (H)
  • 0-1 Gameweek 7 v Arsenal (H)
  • 0-0 Gameweek 12 v Man City (H)
  • 2-2 Gameweek 15 v Leicester (A)
  • 0-0 Gameweek 19 v Liverpool (A)
  • 0-0 Gameweek 21 v Arsenal (A)
  • 0-0 Gameweek 26 v Chelsea (A)
  • 2-0 Gameweek 27 v Man City (A)
  • 3-1 Gameweek 31 v Spurs (A)

Fantasy Football Scout founder Mark declared yesterday on FPL BlackBox:

I’m quite happy having no Bruno.

– Mark, FPL BlackBox

He outlined his reasons across a couple of videos:

Do you United need to risk it? They don’t need to beat Leicester and Liverpool do they? And they probably think they can get something out of Villa with a weakened team … Both Leicester and Liverpool need to get results, so they’re going to be tough games, I think … Even if physically some of the [Man United] players won’t have played three games in five days mentally, as a team, they’ve got to prepare for three games in five days. That’s going to take its toll.

In recent weeks we’d analysed a slump for Bruno Fernandes (£11.5m), and even questioned if he was a viable premium for our FPL squads.

But his underlying stats have improved, as Jan highlighted in his Captain Sensible article:

The Portuguese international has dominated underlying statistics among midfielders in recent weeks. No midfielder has registered a higher figure for expected Goal Involvement (xGI) over the last six matches.

Tom Freeman picked up on the stat, explaining that his expected goal involvement (xGI) delta stands at -1.73 over the last six Gameweeks – no midfielder has underachieved more in front of goal during that time.

For Jan, there’s only one captain option:

Even in the scenario where Fernandes only starts in two of those three games, he is comfortably the most likely player from Manchester United to provide big returns in Triple Gameweek 34 according to his underlying statistics.

– Jan

And, despite having some reservations, Zophar feels that the first Triple Gameweek since 2005/06 is an opportunity that should not be passed up:

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.

– Zophar

Harry Maguire (£5.5m) is widely considered to be the most-nailed of all United players, having failed to miss a single minute of Premier League football since moving to United at the start of 2019/20. 

However, that run is likely to come to an end:

But there have been encouraging quotes from Bruno Fernandes, even if he’s unlikely to play all three, his words give hope to his backers:

Advantage Liverpool and Leicester

Given the rotation we expect for Man United, could the real winners be Liverpool and Leicester?

Unlike many of the teams around them in the Premier League table, Liverpool have neither FA Cup, Europa League or Champions League involvement as a sideshow distraction. The sole focus is on securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, which would likely reduce the risk of rotation from now until Gameweek 38.

– Neale

The risk with Liverpool’s attacking quartet is that, following a very open game against Newcastle, Klopp may be unwilling to start all four again. So we could see Diogo Jota (£7.0m), Mohamed Salah (£12.7m), Roberto Firmimo (£9.0m) and Sadio Mané (£11.7m) eat into each other’s game-time during the run-in.

Perhaps Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.6m) could be a safer option, David even mooted him as an option for the armband on the Captaincy Video:

The assist potential of Alexander-Arnold was very high, so in the last six matches he’s created 16 chances … but also the quality of it as well, so he’s created four big chances.

Finally, Everton were tipped by Lateriser in his latest column piece:

I looked into the numbers and 46% of the big chances that they have created this season have fallen to him. Despite their perceived lack of form, only five teams have created more big chances than Everton in the last six matches (2.33 per game). It is also worth noting that Everton’s next four opponents conceded 2.45 big chances per game on average in their last six matches, which bodes well for Calvert-Lewin. He could have easily had a brace against Aston Villa in Gameweek 34, as well.

Community Competitions and Head-to-Head Fixtures

Elsewhere, Neale previewed finals of both the FFS Open Cup and FFS Members Cup, and RedLightning brought us his regular update on the community competitions.

The Head-to-Head fixtures for Gameweek 35 can be found below. 

The scores and tables update every night on the Head-to-Head Leagues main page so you can keep track of the action as the Gameweek unfolds. 

May your arrows be green!

TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

1,069 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pep bites Kun
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Son -> Pogba
    Gundo -> Zaha

    Done! I'm hoping the god's smile brightly. Thought I'd have a bit of fun for the last few gws 🙂

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

      oh boy

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I know! Lets wait & see 🙂

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

          Wishing you the best! At lease you're going for it 🙂

          1. Pep bites Kun
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Thank you! Best of luck back to you 🙂

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cheeky Pogba pick, good luck

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        It's make or break time. I really liked the Pogba pick over the triple. Key players will miss minutes. Pogba may be the impact sub or sure starter. Let's see. Certainly a gamble I'll enjoy 🙂

    3. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Also went Pogba good luck sir!

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers! I hope it works out for both of us.

  2. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Chasing in ML and everyone will C Bruno and not everyone has Salah, is it worth TC'ing Salah and go for broke or TC Bruno and hope he'll still get me some much needed points?

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

      How much you chasing by?

      I am going captain salah chasing 18 point deficit

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        60 after disaster week last week

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

      High risk high reward but with only 3 gws you have to make a big move and this seems a calculated risk. C Salah.

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Leaning this way, thanks!

    3. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Depends how far back you are. If it’s only 10-20 points then TC Bruno anything more and go for Salah

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thinking this also it's a big margin now but if Salah comes through it'll be close

    4. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm capping Salah for the Sou game alone. Everything else is gravy

  3. West Hammered
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Evening guys, undecided on my transfer this week. Have 2FT and 0.6itb team is

    Mendy/Forster
    TAA Shaw Holding
    Salah Bruno (C) Son Lingard Jota
    Vardy Inacho
    Dallas Brewster Masuaku

    My original thought was to transfer Mendy to Pickford/Guaita so I have a playing keeper for GW36 but just seems a very boring move. Any suggestions? (I only have 6 playing for next GW + Brewster)

  4. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Yay or nay?

    This week:
    Son to Greenwood

    Next week:
    Greenwood to Bale
    Iheanacho to DCL
    Davis to Antonio -4

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

      I bet next week it'll be greenwood to son after a son hattrick:)

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

      I'm doing the Son > Greenwood > Bale move

    3. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Greenwood put in 90 yesterday, while many Utd players will face rotation, surely he’s first up

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        He'll have to play more mins than Cavani and Rashford, who are old and injured respectively. Also happy if he comes off the bench in one of the games.

  5. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best 5.5mid for run in?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Saka

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raph if he ever comes back, Soucek if no Lingard. perieras fixtures are garbage but he would've beeen good otherwise

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

      El Ghazi

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

    Who to transfer in?

    A Shaw
    B maguire

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      B

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    4. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Is b likely to get most minutes?

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

        Not sure now after solskjaers comments.

        1. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          did he speculate lots of rotation?

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

            Yes. Mentioned Maguire specifically.

            1. Thomas Magnum
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              Damn just saw then, maybe AWB or Shaw the way to go and hope

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

                I've gone for Shaw now.

    5. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Shaw, more attacking

    6. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B for the triple, but I'd go Shaw or the run-in. Short-term view vs longer-term. It's essentially a triple with a gw miss in 36 - so a double. Depending on who you're transferring out, I'd try to capitalise on a fixture

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

    Kane to Vardy for -4 on a fh?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No chance
      I wouldn’t anyway.

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Only for free

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

      It wouldn't be -4 if on a free hit

    4. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      How does that work? The -4 would be Vardy to Kane in 36. Why Kane?

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

    Capt bruno or salah?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      Chasing - salah
      Leading - Bruno

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

        This

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

      It’s a tough one currently on Salah but could change

  9. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    (A) Lindelof
    (B) Coleman

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

  10. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bruno EO above 200% do we think?

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

      Too many people have used their triple captains by now.

      190%

      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, my guess is just under. Salah probably just over 100% EO. So both will be pointless in FPL terms if you cap Bruno...

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          How does that work?

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

      Could do - still some TC around

  11. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi.....who to start?

    A....konsa (United, Everton)

    B...holding (wba chelsea)

    Thanks

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

  12. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I really can't decide on captain. So I'm going to let my girlfriend decide 🙂
    GL everyone!

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Good luck back! 🙂 You do know that if it works out, she may want to pick your cap every week and then question why you didn't? Be aware of choppy waters ahead .. Joking, but seriously 😉

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

    Vydra to Benteke-4 and play ahead of Fofana?

    A Yes
    B No

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Only for free

  14. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Burn an FT cos no idea what to do with thos BB?

    Mendy*
    Shaw* Phillips* Rudi* Castagne *
    Salah* Bruno* Jota* Son
    Kane Nacho*
    Forster* Lingard Vydra Coufal

    2fts 0.5itb.

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

      I might do Rudi out. Not a fan of the double or his upcoming fixtures. Could be a chance to punt on another defender.

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

        Yeah was thinking Coleman or Godfrey maybe.

  15. ATXHorn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Cant afford TAA. Need protection. Kabak or Phillips?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      You can't protect yourself from TAA with Kabak or Philips.

  16. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play:

    A) Wood
    B) Lingard

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

  17. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best goalkeeper this week? Can’t get Henderson! On FH by the way.

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

      Perhaps Guaita as only this gw

  18. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I've got Bruno

    Want an extra united player

    1. Son to Rashford
    2. Coady to Shaw
    3. Son and Vydra to Greenwood and DCL (no hits)

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      2

  19. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    best 5m defender for this GW ONLY please?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Coleman

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers, iis he likely to play both games?

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

    a) Ward
    b) Mitchell

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    4. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Is Mitchell gonna play both games?

  21. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    2FT
    Really tempted by:
    Kane + Saka to DCL + Rashford (c)

    Saka probably wont get 2 games and also blanks next week, so Im essentially getting 2 or 3 extra fixtures.

    Thoughts?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You won't want Kane back next week?

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Nope

  22. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    G2G? TC Salah?

    Mendy
    TAA Shaw Holding
    Salah Son JWP Greenwood
    Nacho Kane Richa

    Forster Lingard Rudi Strujik

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      TC greenwood is saucy

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Would be ballsy

  23. Neves say Neves
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    START HOLDING OR SON

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      Son

    3. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Same question but Rudi for Holding

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

      Son. High chance Holding plays one in which case it's a no brainer

    5. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thank youuuuuu

    6. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Son

    7. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Son

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

    Nat Phillips or Joel Ward? 

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Nat

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

      Fixtures say Ward for once in a season.

  25. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A or B ?

    A : DCL
    B : Siggy + 4 points

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      B

    4. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cheerssss

  26. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Need help guys

    Guaita or Henderson? Rashford or Vardy?

    ?
    TAA / Digne / Castagne
    Salah / Bruno / Greenwood / Zaha
    DCL / Iheanacho / ?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

  27. thepirates
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Targett or Coleman?

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

      Targett don't trust Coleman's minutes

  28. adey70
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Son to Rashford for free (but will then need -4 to get a team out next week)?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      only for free

      1. adey70
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, but it’s -4 overall. Really torn - Son more explosive, great fixtures for rest of season, but Rashford could play two or even three times.

  29. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Godfrey or Coleman?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. A. PRISE
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Godfrey due to being more nailed

  30. Felix Navidad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What would be the reason to start Jota ahead of Bale?
    Talk me into sense

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would

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

      More minutes played.

      Easier fixture in first game.
      Tired opponent in second game.