Fantasy Draft Gameweek 36: The final push!

With three Gameweeks to go in Fantasy Draft my team’s excellent form has come to an end. 

Over the last three rounds I’ve suffered two defeats including an agonising one-point loss to Glen Meadowcroft in GW35. I’ve slipped to third in my mini-league on points difference.

While Mat Flynn has an unassailable lead at the top, I find myself in a three-way tussle for second spot. It will be a tense finish as I face both my rivals over the three remaining head-to-head matches. My destiny is in my hands!

I’m going to start with a Team Review before looking at the season ticker week-by-week to identify areas I can strengthen my squad.

My next opponent is Khalid Ameen, we are tied on 60 points apiece and separated by just ten FPL points. I simply must win this encounter.

Fantasy Draft Team Review

In goal I have Kasper Schmeichel, who enjoys back-to-back Double Gameweeks and a final round match versus Southampton.

As we will see later on, Leicester City top the season ticker until the end of the season. Arguably Schmeichel is the one player who won’t get rotated, so that’s one position I don’t need to worry about.

My defence looks in decent nick and I’m delighted to own Alexander-Arnold, Dias and Alonso.

The other two positions are potentially up for grabs depending on who is available. 

But Nuno Tavares offers some attacking threat, as the new match-by-match breakdown on Fantasy Football Scout shows. The home game against Leeds United is particularly appealing. 

Nuno Tavares match-by-match breakdown in Player Profiles from the Fantasy Football Scout members area

Team Review – Attack

My midfield, however, is a bit of a mess.

Pulisic was a short-term punt ahead of GW34 as I expected Thomas Tuchel to rotate his troops – he didn’t. He’s one player who will be removed on waivers.

Ismaila Sarr hasn’t lived up to expectations, providing just a single assist in five matches. But he’s a certain starter and has two games, so he looks like staying for now.

Ilkay Gündogan has begun two of Manchester City’s last three Premier League games, and I expect him to start one of the two Double GW fixtures. Looking at his recent outings, he’s getting into the opposition box – and we know he can get goals.

I just have to hope that he has one of his better GWs and converts any chances that come his way. The question, though, is how will Man City react to their dramatic defeat in Madrid?

Ilkay Gündogan match-by-match breakdown in Player Profiles from the Fantasy Football Scout members area

Brentford’s form has improved of late, hence the inclusion of Bryan Mbeumo. But with no Doubles remaining for the Bees, he’s another who could make way if there are better options available.

Things look a little rosier among the forwards with Richarlison and Teemu Pukki excellent inclusions for the upcoming round. 

Romelu Lukaku hasn’t featured regularly for Chelsea and he could be shipped out if there’s a decent alternative. It’s hard to predict that he will start either of their two games in GW36. Despite the FA Cup final immediately before GW37, it’s far from certain that Tuchel will rotate his squad.  

Ticker – The Final Three Gameweeks

While Leicester top the season ticker, they have nothing to play for in the Premier League, safe on 42 points. 

Rotation is also likely to be a factor having travelled to Roma in midweek for their Europa Conference League semi-final.

Everton are more appealing as they battle relegation and we can anticipate full commitment from their players. So while ordinarily they are not ones to target, their value is increased given their perilous situation. Just look at their 1-0 win over Chelsea as evidence. 

Back-to-back Double Gameweeks also helps.

Vitalii Mykolenko could be a canny pick if available on waivers. And listen out for news on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who returned to the bench in GW35 following injury.

He may not be fully fit, but given Everton’s plight and the dearth of good forwards in Fantasy Draft this season, he should be considered.

Ticker – Gameweek-by-Gameweek

Leicester and Everton both feature among the top three sides for GW36, while there’s encouragement that I should stick with Ismaila Sarr as Watford place second.

Otherwise a one-week punt on a player from the Premier League top three could pay off. 

Moving to GW37, Everton and Leicester still rank highly but it’s Aston Villa who are the main team to target. 

Lucas Digne made an early return from injury and could be snapped up on waivers. Crystal Palace also benefit from two fixtures. 

So if you can’t get the players you want for GW36, moving early on a player from Patrick Viera’s team might be an idea.

Equally you may want to consider Tottenham and Arsenal players, who are currently vying for a Champions League berth. The North London rivals have enticing fixtures on the final day.

Gabriel Martinelli returned to the starting XI against West Ham and provided an assist. The Brazilian could be an under-the-radar pick and enjoys two matches in Double GW36. He’s certainly one I’m hoping to add to my squad.

Good luck as you set your waivers and navigate the final three rounds in Fantasy Draft.