When the full-time whistle sounds in Crystal Palace’s game against Manchester United tonight, rounding off Gameweek 36, we will only have two gameweeks of the season left.
The decisions we are now making in Fantasy Premier League are short-term — it’s time to be more aggressive with our decisions.
Here, as ever, I will highlight the main talking points from the weekend’s action and what it means for the final gameweeks of the 2023-24 season.
Weighing up the merits of keeping Arsenal assets
Arsenal and Manchester City both won again, which means the title race will go down to at least the end of Gameweek 37. Mikel Arteta’s team are looking great and Kai Havertz (£7.5m) and Bukayo Saka (£9.0m) continue to get attacking returns while the defence keeps clean sheets.
If you have Arsenal assets, you might be wondering whether to sell them for double-gameweek players for Gameweek 37.
An away game to Manchester United is a tricky one to call but, despite the flaws of Erik ten Hag’s side, it could be a potential banana skin for Arsenal.
In Gameweek 38, Arsenal also have a plum home game against Everton, who are safe from relegation so could already be ‘on the beach’. We don’t know if the title race will still be on then, but we have to assume it will.
Whether or not you get rid of Arsenal assets this week for double-gameweek players depends on your risk appetite. If you bank on United giving them a tough game, moving on Saka or Arsenal’s key defenders could be wise. The data says it will likely pay off for one double gameweek but over the course of two gameweeks, it’s less certain.
This decision comes down to your end-of-season goals. If you are chasing in your mini-leagues, it’s wise to take the gamble — but if you are ahead or happy with your rank, then Arsenal players provide a good ‘shield’ over the next two weeks.
Wilson’s return and what it means for Isak
Newcastle United ran out 4-1 winners away to Burnley. It was interesting that Eddie Howe decided to play Alexander Isak (£8.4m) and Callum Wilson (£7.8m) in a 4-4-2 formation, with Anthony Gordon (£6.3m) pushed out to left midfield.
Wilson and Isak were on the scoresheet and after a win, you would assume Howe sticks to this formation in the final few games. It was telling, however, that Isak took Newcastle’s penalty, even though Wilson is normally his team’s first-choice taker. Perhaps Isak jumped the queue because he has an outside chance of winning the Premier League Golden Boot but his miss — and Erling Haaland (£14.2m) scoring four against Wolves to go five ahead in the top-scorer race — should mean the responsibility goes back to Wilson.
With another striker on the pitch, Isak is also less likely to receive the majority of Newcastle’s open-play chances, but it was encouraging for owners that Wilson was subbed off first. I don’t think these developments are enough to sell Isak but it’s worth noting.
Gordon got an assist and was unfortunate not to get more returns but playing further back is likely to make him a worse option in FPL. He is by no means a must-sell, but there is a case to sell him for another double-gameweek midfielder if your team allows.
Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak (left) could start Newcastle’s remaining games (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Tottenham’s attackers are still worth it
A four-game losing streak is not ideal for Tottenham Hotspur but they still look like scoring goals in most games.
Son Heung-min (£9.9m) hit a consolation in their 4-2 loss to Liverpool and has scored two goals in the last three matches. Richarlison (£6.8m) came off the bench against Liverpool to grab a goal and assist.
Richarlison being benched means he is probably too risky to buy. If you own him already, he’s fine to hold but I wouldn’t be confident of two starts in the upcoming double gameweek, despite his impressive cameo off the bench.
Tottenham play Burnley (h) and Manchester City (h) and, with two home games, they should score a few goals, especially against Vincent Kompany’s side.
Son is still the best player to own from Ange Postecoglou’s team — he is nailed to start, takes penalties and has been one of the must-have assets in the game for years.
Richarlison is still Tottenham’s second-best attacking option, despite his uncertain minutes, and remains a good buy for those chasing rank. James Maddison (£7.8m) was benched for the second game in a row, so that rules him out. Brennan Johnson (£5.8m) is also a rotation risk.
Richarlison is an intriguing yet risky differential (Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Jackson boosts his prospects
Nicolas Jackson (£6.9m) recorded his joint-biggest haul of the season, with 16 FPL points via two goals and an assist in Chelsea’s 5-0 win over West Ham United. He played 90 minutes again, despite Christopher Nkunku (£7.2m) being back fit and playing around 15 minutes.
He came on for Mykhailo Mudryk (£6.3m), so Jackson’s spot and minutes seem secure. Chelsea double in Gameweek 37 against Nottingham Forest (a) and Brighton & Hove Albion (a), and then their final game of the season is at home to Bournemouth.
Jackson has now scored more non-penalty league goals (13) than Cole Palmer (£6.2m) and Havertz, and the same as Mohamed Salah (£13.4m). He is a great option for the last three gameweeks.
Noni Madueke (£5.3m) also registered a goal and assist as Chelsea mauled West Ham. He has started the last six league games, scoring three goals and two assists.
Madueke is a great differential for the remainder of the season.
GO DEEPER
Fantasy Premier League tips: How to choose your end-of-season differentials
(Top photo: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
