FPL: @FPLReaction’ Top Three Picks for Gameweek 36

The new round of Fantasy Premier League is edging closer so we invited regular contributor and fantasy football whizz @FPLReaction to reveal his top three picks for Gameweek 36. His picks are all players he thinks are going under the radar for the round ahead.

Seeing @FPLReaction’ top three picks for Gameweek 36 could be extremely enlightening. As we approach the deadline many within the community may be unsure when it comes to which players to buy. These three picks could help bring clarity around those decisions.

The Obvious Options

Ollie Watkins (£9m)
Cole Palmer (£6.2m)
Nicolas Jackson (£6.9m)
Jordan Pickford (£4.8m)
Jarrad Branthwaite (£4.4m)
Erling Haaland (14.1m)
Kevin De Bruyne (£10.5m)
Phil Foden (£8.4m)
Josko Gvardiol (£5m)
Alexander Isak (£8.3m)
Anthony Gordon (£6.3m)

Arsenal Assets

You’ll notice I didn’t put any Arsenal players amongst the most obvious options above. This is because I think a lot of FPL managers aren’t looking to them this week, mostly because they are planning for Double Gameweek 37.

I think if you look at the fixtures in Gameweek 37, they aren’t great. In fact, I’m not sure it’s worth avoiding Arsenal completely just because they don’t play twice. But, with Bournemouth next up and maintaining some of the best attacking and defensive stats in the league, why not buy an Arsenal asset and just leave them in until the end of the season?

There isn’t really a huge argument to back against the likes of Ben White (£6m) and Gabriel (£5.4m) in the period ahead, especially with the limited defensive options to choose from who double in 37. It’s a little bit different with players like Bukayo Saka (£9m) and Kai Havertz (£7.5m) because there are other options. But when you factor in Bournemouth this week. Manchester United in Gameweek 37 and Everton on the final day, these players could do just as well if not better than the players who play twice.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

As a free hitter in Gameweek 34, it gives me great pleasure to re-introduce my next pick. Crystal Palace became a FPL season defining team that week. Many questioned their ability with two matches at home during the double but after scoring seven goals its fair to say those questions were answered.

Home is where Crystal Palace play this week which is one of the factors contributing to their appeal. Another huge factor is that Manchester United lay ahead. Although it may look like a tough game on paper, no team in the league in the last six matches have conceded more attempts on goal or big chances total.

The above is extremely concerning for the Reds but also very appealing for someone like Jean-Philippe Mateta (£5.1m). Its going to be difficult to forget his four goals, one assist and 29 pointer in Gameweek 34. No player has had more big chances in the last six and with Manchester United next up, I think he could well revisit that form. With that in mind, Mateta was an easy addition to my top three picks for Gameweek 36.

Noni Madueke

Chelsea have got a very interesting schedule ahead. The Blues have been extremely inconsistent this season. However, one thing they have offered both fans and FPL managers is goals. In fact, when compared to all teams in the last six Gameweeks they rank second best for goals (and this was prior to their match against Tottenham.

West Ham lay ahead for Chelsea this week and with seven goals conceded in their last three matches, they appear to be a team to target. Their data also shows that they rank amongst the worst sides in the league recently for total attempts conceded and big chances conceded. Don’t forget that Chelsea also have a double in Gameweek 37 too.

I think Noni Madueke (£5.3m) is going hugely under the radar, or purposely ignored. Many won’t acknowledge Madueke because they have already committed to Nicolas Jackson, ruling out this move. But, for those that haven’t or want to make the switch, a double digit-haul in his latest match could be enough to go for it, after all, he’s also starting every match for Chelsea.