FPL GW36 Preview: Manchester City's Double Gameweek Delight
A comprehensive FPL GW36 preview focusing on Manchester City's crucial Double Gameweek, top form players, and hidden differentials to boost your rank.
Welcome to Gameweek 36, FPL managers! The finish line is in sight, and this week brings a massive opportunity to make significant rank gains.
The spotlight is firmly on Manchester City as they enjoy a highly appealing Double Gameweek. Navigating Pep Guardiola's rotation will be tricky, but the upside is simply too big to ignore. Make sure you have playing bench options just in case the dreaded 'Pep Roulette' strikes your team.
With mini-league titles on the line, aggressive plays and smart differentials are more important than ever. Let's dive into the key targets and strategies for GW36.
Key Fixtures
Manchester City are the undisputed kings of GW36, playing twice at the Etihad against Brentford and Crystal Palace. Both opponents have shown defensive vulnerabilities, making City attackers absolute gold dust.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest host Newcastle in a fixture that promises goals. Morgan Gibbs-White is in phenomenal form (9.8) and will be central to everything Forest creates.
West Ham's home clash against Arsenal is also worth monitoring. While Arsenal are tough opponents, the Hammers have players in great rhythm who could surprise the visitors. Jarrod Bowen remains a steady midfield presence with a reliable 7.0 form rating.
Captains
The captaincy conversation this week begins and ends with the reigning champions. With two home fixtures, backing a Manchester City attacker is the optimal strategy.
Jeremy Doku is our standout captaincy pick for GW36. He boasts an impressive form rating of 7.8, and his direct running will terrorize both Brentford and Crystal Palace.
O'Reilly and Cherki are also viable alternatives in the City midfield, both boasting a solid 7.0 form rating. However, Doku's explosive ceiling and low ownership make him the ultimate high-reward armband choice.
Differentials
If you need to close a gap in your mini-leagues, GW36 offers some spectacular hidden gems. Going against the grain with these low-owned players can yield massive green arrows.
Noah Okafor is the most in-form player in the game right now, sitting at a staggering 10.2 form rating. Despite a tricky away fixture at Tottenham, his mere 3.1% ownership makes him a tantalizing punt.
Here is a comparison of the top GW36 differentials:
| Name | Team | Form | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okafor | LEE | 10.2 | 3.1% |
| Doku | MCI | 7.8 | 3.6% |
| Casemiro | MUN | 7.5 | 5.0% |
| Mavropanos | WHU | 7.5 | 2.0% |
| Osula | NEW | 7.0 | 0.8% |
Casemiro is a sneaky midfield addition for Manchester United's trip to Sunderland. Meanwhile, Mavropanos offers immense aerial threat from set-pieces for West Ham.
Summary
To summarize, GW36 is all about maximizing Manchester City's double header. Load up on their premium assets and do not overthink the captaincy.
Balance your City core with high-form differentials like Okafor or Gibbs-White to gain ground on your rivals. Stay flexible, trust the data, and good luck this weekend!