The talk of the FPL World has been the doubles in GW36 and GW37 with managers busy planning for the doubles but the GW35 deadline is coming soon which is a rare single game week over the last few months which has seen so many doubles. In this blog let’s take a look at a few differentials for GW35 also with an eye on the double in GW36 and GW37 that will enable you to push higher in the overall rankings and mini-leagues as we
Note: The TSB mentioned is at the time of writing and is subject to change
FPL GW35 Differential Picks(<10% TSB)
Zaha vs Southampton(A), £6.8, TSB: 5.4%
Zaha is one of those traditional picks who performs really well until picked up by the majority of the FPL managers. But for once, Zaha does not look like an FPL trap due to the amazing run of fixtures they run into till the end of the season- Southampton(A), Watford(H), Villa(A), Everton(A), Manchester United(A). Zaha usually does well against this kind of team which is suggested by returns in the reverse fixtures- A goal against Southampton, 2 goals, and 15 points in the reverse fixture against Watford. He could be in for a massive haul against these teams in GW35 and GW36 who are arguably two of the worst defensive teams in the league at the moment.
Zaha has also seen taking up a more advanced role at the moment which is backed by the below numbers. If you are looking to catch up ranks, look no further than Zaha who is our top differential pick ahead of GW35.
More attacking Zaha- Stats among midfielders since GW26
- Shots- 26(3rd)
- Shots on Target- 13(3rd)
- Shots inside the box- 23(3rd)
- Expected Goals- 4.75(3rd)
- % Goal Involvement- 55%(1st)
Crystal Palace opponents till the end of season defensive numbers and rank(since GW26):
Team | Big chances conceded Rank | Goals conceded Rank |
Southampton | 20th | 18th |
Watford | 16th | 20th |
Villa | 8th | 7th |
Everton | 17th | 14th |
Manchester United | 15th | 18th |
Southampton- Poor Defensive Form(Stat Attack):
Since GW28, Southampton has conceded the biggest chances(31) in the league. Manchester United and Norwich are a distant second with 18 big chances conceded during that time. They are also the worst Expected Goals conceded(xGC)- 18.77 during that time.
Further Read: Teams & Players To Target & Avoid From FPL GW35 To GW38
Matty Cash vs Norwich(H), £5.2, TSB:8.7%
A few weeks back, Matty Cash became an FPL legend scoring 29 points across double game week 28 becoming the defender with the most point in an FPL double game week. Since then Villa and Cash have had a tough run of fixtures, but he’s back on our radar with an amazing fixture in FPL GW35 followed by a double-double in 36 and 37.
Improved Villa Defense– Since GW26, Villa has conceded the 3rd least shots inside the box(45), and has the 4th best xGC(9.86) only behind City, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
Cash has a good attacking threat and has the third most penalty box touches amongst defenders this season. He also makes his presence in the box felt with 21 shots from inside the box coming from 82 touches this season.
He’s up against Norwich in GW35, the double-double in GW36 & 37, Cash is one of the players who have started every single game this season so it’s safe to say he’s nailed to start all of the remaining games for Villa.
Norwich has conceded the second most chances on the left flank(Cash side) in the last six games and this could call for an exciting matchup. At 5.2 Million he is definitely a great option to consider for GW35 and beyond!
Further Read: Free Hit GW36 vs Free Hit GW37 Analyzed With Drafts | FH Guide
Wout Weghorst vs Watford(A), £6.4 TSB: 6.0%
Weghorst and Burnley have been enjoying a new manager bounce with Burnley unbeaten in three games. Weghorst has scored a goal and registered an assist during the period and has been really impressive. Next up for Burnley is Watford and three points is a must for the clarets to strengthen their survival chances, Weghorst and the Burnley boys will be up for it and look to take all three points from this game.
Weghorst in the last three games has had eight shots on goal, seven inside the box, xG of 1.51, three big chances, and even made 5 key passes creating one BC for an xA of 0.85 which all are strong underlying numbers.
Watford is all but relegated and has been poor defensively. Interestingly Watford has conceded the second most header attempts(21) in the last six games and Weghorst is a pretty good aerial this could potentially be an opportunity for Weghorst to grab a header or two.
If you’re Free hitting in GW36 Weghorst is an even better option as you can get him in your team for GW35, ignore him for GW36 if you wish, and have him in your GW37 team when they double.
Further Read: FPL GW35 Wildcard Team & Drafts to Consider | Wildcard Guide
Eddie Nketiah vs West Ham(A), £5.5, TSB:2.4%
After losing three games on the bounce Arsenal has registered back-to-back high-profile wins in the past two Gameweeks. Eddie Nketiah has been at the forefront of the Arsenal attack. For the first time this season, the youngster has started three games in a row. He has scored two goals and has completed 90 minutes in two of the three games.
As we can see, Nketiah has been among the best performers in the league. Arsenal takes on West Ham this week, a team whose defense is standing on one leg almost. Indeed, this fixture is sandwiched between their Europa League semi-final games. On top of that, the Hammers will be without each of their senior center halves. This means that it will be Declan Rice along with a player playing out of position at the heart of the defense. Therefore it is the striker of the opposition who would benefit the most in this situation. Nketiah would be licking his lips to make the most of weakened opposition to help his team win yet another London derby on the road.
For the first time in his Arsenal career, Nketiah is showing promise. With Lacazette’s contract expiring, now is the time for the youngster to show up. From an FPL manager’s perspective, Arsenal is one of the teams who have something to play for, plus Arteta’s men have a double game week coming up next week. Therefore, it is worth investing in their assets. Nketiah offers a cheap route into our forwards, the position where we managers are short of options.
Quick fact
Eddie Nketiah has 7 Premier League goals in his career. One of them was a winner against this week’s opponent West Ham.
Further Read: FPL Budget Forwards Analysis- Pukki Vs Mateta Vs Nketiah Vs Dennis
Sterling vs Leeds United(A), TSB: 2.5%
Given the form City are in it is worthy to take punts on players just for a few weeks based on who is sure to start. Even though City has the Madrid game on Wednesday, City can’t afford any slipups in the league with Liverpool right behind. With Sterling having the skill to play anywhere in the front 3, he should start this game given that Mahrez, Bernado, KDB, Foden, and Jesus are all starting the UCL game and are expected to start again in the UCL game midweek. City scored 7 goals in the reverse fixture and a similar score could be on cards as City are chasing goal difference too. Sterling usually enjoys playing this kind of team.
Even though Sterling did not get any returns in the 5-1 thumping against Watford, it is worth the punt on a City attacker knowing he is nailed to start.
Sterling’s record against the current bottom 5 this season:
6 goals, 2 assists, 59 points from 8 games(645 minutes) averaging an FPL return every 80 minutes.
Stat Attack- Raheem Sterling
4- Rank for xGI/90 among midfielders only behind Salah, Mahrez, and Jota this season.
Anthony Gordon vs Chelsea(H), £4.6, TSB:3.0%
Everton has had a horrendous season so far. The change in management hasn’t done them much favors either. However, if there is one positive they can have from the season or for that matter even hope, it is young Anthony Gordon. The Evertonian has 4 goals and 3 assists so far this season.
Gordon has been a standout performer ever since Frank Lampard took over. As we can see from the above stats, the midfielder has been getting chances as well as creating them. He is top for big chances created and xA and Key passes among his compatriots since FPL GW23. He is 20th for xA overall in the league in that time, which is more than decent for a player from a team that is desperately struggling for points.
Everton’s home form is of stark contrast to their away form. They have picked up 23 points at Goodison Park when compared to a mere 6 on the road. Much like the team, Gordon too has done much better at home. In fact, he has been involved in five goals( 4 G 1 A) in his last seven starts in front of his home fans.
Everton is another one of the teams that have something to play for. They have multiple double game weeks coming with favorable fixtures. As a result, it is the right time to invest in their assets, and Gordon by far is their best player and the best FPL asset.