RADIO
Welcome to Double Gameweek 37, RotoBallers! This is our third year covering FPL, and we are bringing you more coverage than ever. We publish two weekly articles: a staff roundtable preview and our weekly rankings. Then, once a month, we have our newest report, The Watchlist, which reviews the previous month and eagerly looks ahead to the upcoming fixtures.
Thirty-six gameweeks down, two to go. The 2023-24 FPL season is winding down, but there's still time to make up ground on your rivals. Double Gameweek 37 provides the best opportunity, with six teams playing twice. Man City, Chelsea, and Newcastle are the three most popular teams to load up on, but FPL managers could swerve with a few players from Man United, Brighton, or Spurs.
The Fantasy Premier League Double Gameweek 37 deadline is 6:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday, May 11, when Fulham welcomes Man City as they continue their fight for the Premier League title. Also, look out for the rest of our excellent soccer coverage, as the squad gets you all set for every English Premier League, Major League Soccer, and UEFA Champions League slate from a DFS and betting perspective.
I seldom play #EPL #DFS. But when I do, I make sure I check out my @RotoBaller buddies @EuanFPL and @df_solutions
before creating my lineup https://t.co/rmQTeGmSRg pic.twitter.com/b0xGTcSxp4— Jamie Steed (@Baseball_Jimbo) February 10, 2024
Fantasy Premier League Staff Roundtable - Double Gameweek 37 Preview
The Staff Roundtable is an attempt to get you inside the mind of our FPL staff. Our top soccer writers will answer questions each gameweek to give you an idea of how they view the games. So, without further ado, let’s kick off Double Gameweek 37!
Six teams have two fixtures in Double Gameweek 37. What team should FPL managers look to load up on?
- Euan Leith: Man City is charging toward another Premier League title, and FPL managers have the chance to benefit. Erling Haaland is non-negotiable unless you are far behind in your mini-leagues. After the Norwegian, I like Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol as the second and third City picks. However, if you have the money, Kevin De Bruyne loves a double gameweek and is a decent differential for the final three games.
- Tom Bellucco: Man City and Newcastle have the best matchups, motivation to succeed, and players we can count on for production. Newcastle players will be more affordable but could be just as valuable as the City squad.
- Adewale Akin-Adesina (The FPL Manual): I would go with Tottenham for this Double Gameweek. Recently, the performances have not been good enough as they have no wins in their last four games, but playing two home games against Burnley and Manchester City could work in Spurs' favor due to home advantage. A push for a top-four finish and maybe a position in next season's UEFA Champions League could provide extra motivation for Tottenham in the coming games.
What team should FPL managers look to avoid?
- Euan: I wouldn't use my transfers to bring in Brighton assets. Despite beating Aston Villa on Sunday, the Seagulls are firmly on the beach. There's been some mention of Joao Pedro up front as a possibility. Still, there's no room for him with Haaland, Alexander Isak, Nicolas Jackson, Callum Wilson, and Rasmus Hojlund battling for those three forward spots.
- Tom: Fulham is in a tough spot. Man City knows it needs to win to stay clear of Arsenal in the title race. They'll be locked in defensively, and Fulham doesn't have the pieces to break them down, even at Craven Cottage.
- The FPL Manual: First and foremost, any team in the bottom three, which includes Burnley, Luton Town, and Sheffield United, should be avoided. Second, I would suggest Manchester United. It's a bold claim given that the Red Devils have back-to-back home games this double gameweek, but the recent 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace, a lack of identity in United's pattern of play under Erik ten Hag, and the upcoming match against title contenders Arsenal all point to Manchester United not finishing strongly. For the time being, I recommend avoiding United.
The Red Devils are without a clean sheet in their last seven matches 😬
On the latest #OffTheBench podcast, @FPL_Harry says that despite Man Utd playing twice in DGW37 he's tempted to move on one of their defensive assets 👋#FPL
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) May 7, 2024
If you had any remaining chips, is Double Gameweek 37 the better time to play them than the season's final day?
- Euan: Yes, because a double gameweek immediately raises the ceiling of any chip you play. So, whether you've got Free Hit, Bench Boost, or Triple Captain, you should use it this weekend. If you have two chips remaining, I would like to save the Free Hit for the season's final game, as there will be some bizarre lineups for the typical goal-scoring frenzy to wrap up the campaign.
- The FPL Manual: Absolutely. Gameweek 37 appears to be the ideal time for FPL managers to get a strategic advantage with their remaining chips. However you want to play it, especially if someone still has their Triple Captain chip, you have a unique opportunity to outperform your mini-league rivals and finish strong on the final day. Play those chips immediately, mate.
Callum Wilson returned to Newcastle's starting lineup and grabbed a goal. Would you rather roster him or Alexander Isak for the double gameweek?
- Euan: We had this puzzle last year, and Callum Wilson came out on top. However, this year will be different, and Alexander Isak will continue his excellent run of form. Even though he missed a penalty over the weekend, I'm still banking on the Swede to be the tip of the spear for Newcastle's attack and get at least 140 minutes over the two fixtures against Brighton and Man United.
- Tom: Isak provides both the higher floor and ceiling. It's great to have Wilson back in the fold for many reasons, and he may find a goal or two in this double gameweek. Still, Isak is the guy right now, and he'll continue to be the best offensive producer for the Magpies, barring an injury (please, no!).
- The FPL Manual: Callum Wilson makes himself an enticing option for the double. However, returning from a long-term injury, I cannot guarantee Wilson will play 180 minutes across both games. Alexander Isak has more appeal; despite missing the last penalty in the previous game, stepping up to take it ahead of Wilson provides him an advantage as he has converted more penalties than any other Newcastle player. Not to be forgotten, the Swede striker has 20 goals for the Geordies and is still in contention for the Golden Boot. Isak is the optimal choice.
Elite company ✨
Alexander Isak is the first @NUFC player to hit 20 goals in one PL season since @alanshearer 21 years ago 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DBz5YkdprG
— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) May 7, 2024
Who is your favorite player with one fixture this week?
- Euan: Any Arsenal attacker. The Gunners are firing on all cylinders as they head into Old Trafford for a battle with Manchester United. Meanwhile, the Red Devils want the season to end. Even with European football at stake, anything short of a multiple-goal defeat will be considered a moral victory for the faltering Manchester side. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Leandro Trossard will have plenty of chances for FPL points on Sunday afternoon.
- Tom: Jarrod Bowen is in a tremendous spot against a desperate Luton squad who will be pushing forward all match. It should leave plenty of opportunities for Bowen to attack in space.
- The FPL Manual: Everton versus Sheffield United is my favorite single fixture. The Blades have conceded 100 goals this season, setting a record for most goals conceded in a 38-game season. With Everton considered safe from the relegation fight, this game would be an opportunity for the Toffees to improve their goal difference, while United is still in the hunt for a battle and might yet bark. It is indeed a game worth watching.
Over the last five games, Man United has conceded 12 goals to Bournemouth, Coventry, Sheffield United, Burnley, and Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils own the fourth-worst xGA (27.9) at home this season.
Arsenal's attack on Sunday... pic.twitter.com/K43MitJleA
— Euan Leith (@EuanFPL) May 7, 2024
Who is keeping a clean sheet in Double Gameweek 37?
- Euan: Jordan Pickford's kept a clean sheet in four straight fixtures at Goodison Park. A home contest versus Sheffield United will help the Toffees end their season on a high note at home as they stick around in the Premier League for another season.
- Tom: Everton has been very strong at home recently. It would surprise no one if they shut out Sheffield United here.
- The FPL Manual: Among the teams with a single fixture, my bet is on Everton to secure a clean sheet in Gameweek 37. They've maintained three clean sheets in their last four matches and have a strong chance of repeating this feat. As for the six teams with a double, either Newcastle or Tottenham might secure a clean sheet in their initial matches against Brighton and Burnley, respectively. However, facing Manchester United and Manchester City in the subsequent fixtures could pose a more formidable challenge.
What defensive player is providing attacking returns?
- Euan: Since coming off at halftime in Gameweek 32, Man City's Josko Gvardiol has been out to prove he was worth his hefty transfer fee last summer. Over the previous four games, the Croatian defender averages 9.75 FPL points per game. He's grabbed two goals, two assists, and two clean sheets in this run and can add at least one to every category in Double Gameweek 37.
- Tom: Thiago Silva gets two strong matchups in this double gameweek at Forest and Brighton and has a chance to provide some offensive production as well. He is an excellent lower-owned option at defense.
- The FPL Manual: Pedro Porro's strong attacking performances, running into the box, and shots per 90 ratio, combined with set-piece delivery and back-to-back home games this double gameweek, make him an exciting defensive pick. The Spanish wingback is projected to score 8.3 points in this double gameweek, and if there is one attacking defender I can rely on, it's him.
FPL points from Gameweek 11-32 = 28 😬
FPL points from Gameweek 33-36 = 39 🤯Josko Gvardiol is finding form at both ends of the pitch at just the right time 🥶#FPL pic.twitter.com/mhOLehaAIz
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) May 8, 2024
Who's a midfielder or forward rostered on less than 10 percent of teams that will grab us those FPL points?
- Euan: With two gameweeks to go, FPL managers are looking for those in-form players. There isn't a more under-the-radar pick than Bruno Guimaraes (3.1 percent) at Newcastle. Over the last five gameweeks, the Brazilian midfielder has had three goals and one assist. Bruno's started 34 of the Toon Army's 35 Premier League games this season and has already set new career highs for expected Goals (4.0) and expected assists (5.4). Another return is in the cards for Double Gameweek 37.
- Tom: Elijah Adebayo is back! The talented forward didn't take long to get back on the score sheet. He goes to West Ham in hopes of helping his squad stay up with three big away points. Adebayo should get plenty of chances in this one.
- The FPL Manual: Dominic Calvert-Lewin is an excellent differential pick for this week. While he won't be participating twice in the double gameweek, the Englishman has been very impressive for Everton in recent encounters. The next showdown against Sheffield United, whose defense has been particularly porous, increases the appeal for the Everton striker. With just 1% ownership, Calvert-Lewin is the ideal man to get as a differential.
Who is one player you want to have but can’t for the Double Gameweek 37 fixtures in Fantasy Premier League?
- Euan: I'm already tripled up on Chelsea (Petrovic, Palmer, Jackson), so there's no room at the inn for another Stamford Bridge player. However, if I could grab a fourth, it would be Noni Madueke. The English midfielder is in some sensational form and needs to be on our FPL radars for the 2024-25 campaign. Since Gameweek 32, Madueke has started all six games for the Blues and produced five attacking returns (three goals, two assists).
- Tom: Kieran Trippier sounds close to playing, and I'd bet he comes off the bench in the second match of this gameweek. If he were 100%, he'd be a fantastic defensive option. For now, we should probably look elsewhere.
- The FPL Manual: That will be Bruno Fernandes. Despite Manchester United's poor form, Fernandes stands out for the Red Devils, scoring 54 FPL points in his previous five appearances. Missing the recent encounter against Crystal Palace demonstrated his importance in the team, as United was thrashed 4-0 last Monday. If I were to be terrified about not having one FPL asset, it would be the Portuguese Magnifico and United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Which of these in-form @ChelseaFC midfield assets will you be backing for big returns in Double Gameweek 37? 🔵#FPL pic.twitter.com/JF6EW9YNMw
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) May 8, 2024
Who’s getting the Captain’s armband?
- Euan: If you are trying to protect a lead in your mini-league or overall rank, Erling Haaland is the simple choice. However, if you are chasing a fellow FPL manager, Alexander Isak or Cole Palmer are strong shouts to get the armband.
- Tom: It's tough to go anywhere other than Erling Haaland. Isak provides the only possible pivot, but unless you're looking to be super contrarian, Haaland is the play with two strong matchups on the road in must-win situations.
- The FPL Manual: It's a tough call this week as there are many good options to give the armband. However, I will be backing Alexander Isak this time. The Swede's present form, combined with Newcastle's pursuit for a top-six finish and a spot in European competition next season, is my main reason for backing Alexander Isak.
Gameweek 36 - transferred out by 55,492 managers 😬
DGW37 - transferred in by 421,976 managers and counting 😱Will you be reinstating, captaining, or even triple-captaining @ManCity's Erling Haaland ahead of the penultimate Gameweek? pic.twitter.com/zNTw7PIJJh
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) May 8, 2024
Finally, what’s your bold prediction for Double Gameweek 37?
- Euan: Man United will be eliminated from European contention by the end of Gameweek 37 as Newcastle and Chelsea put enough distance between themselves and the Red Devils before the final day. On the FPL side, Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak, and Callum Wilson all grab two returns in the double gameweek. And Luton and Burnley are officially relegated to avoid any last-day drama.
- Tom: With the pressure of giving up European football breathing down its neck and a string of poor play coming in, Tottenham allows two goals to Burnley in what ends up being a crazy match on Saturday morning. Ultimately, I'll predict a 2-2 draw.
- The FPL Manual: My prediction for this Double Gameweek would be Manchester United will struggle to secure two wins at Old Trafford against Arsenal and Newcastle, but Bruno Fernandes will still provide attacking returns for FPL managers. Additionally, I foresee Aston Villa defeating Liverpool at Villa Park as they aim for a top-four finish to secure a UEFA Champions League spot.
Is there a question you would like to have answered every week? Hit us up on X @RotoBaller. We would love to hear your feedback and ideas!
