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The FPL Manual presents a comprehensive overview of Gameweek 36, highlighting top captain picks and outstanding picks for the weekly FPL Challenge game.
Newcastle's five-star performance buried Sheffield United and Kevin De Bruyne's two assists aided the defending champions to a big victory, while Liverpool dropped points in the title race to West Ham, placing Manchester City and Arsenal ahead of them.
The FPL Challenge continues to captivate, with the 'London Derbies' presenting managers with players from Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Fulham, and Crystal Palace scoring double points the previous gameweek. As we shift our attention to the upcoming 'Shooting Stars' FPL challenge, players are slated to receive two points per shot this gameweek.
The Premier League run-in has been a joy to watch as a plethora of FPL assets have picked up form approaching the end of the season. With the next FPL deadline approaching rapidly, join me, the FPL Manual, as I analyze the top fantasy players to target for Gameweek 36.
Matchweek 35 ✅
Matchweek 36 🔜 pic.twitter.com/g9ARMPD6ta— Premier League (@premierleague) May 3, 2024
Double Gameweek 36 FPL Tips
Home Advantage - Invest in Manchester City and Arsenal attack
According to statistics, Manchester City and Arsenal are anticipated to generate 3.30 xG and 3.00 xG against their opponents in Gameweek 36. It is also worth mentioning that both teams are also projected to earn a clean sheet in the upcoming encounter, with a high likelihood of 44% and 55%, for Arsenal and Manchester City, respectively.
Following Arsenal's thrilling 3-2 victory over Spurs in Gameweek 35, Bukayo Saka surpassed his own Premier League goal-scoring record, reaching a total of 15 goals. Meanwhile, his German teammate Kai Havertz has also been instrumental, netting eight goals and providing five assists for the Gunners in 2024.
Arsenal's defensive prowess has been remarkable this season, boasting the most clean sheets in the league and conceding a mere 28 goals. Additionally, the Gunners have equaled the Premier League record for most goals scored from corners in a single season. With this impressive set-piece proficiency, players like Gabriel and William Saliba are set to capitalize on scoring opportunities in their upcoming home fixture against Bournemouth.
#FPL GW36 matchups
Goals and clean sheet projections for the upcoming round of Premier League games, via spread betting markets pic.twitter.com/ynizv9gsW0
— Rob T (@robtFPL) May 1, 2024
The King of Assists - Kevin De Bruyne
Even after sitting out the first half of the Premier League season, the Belgian midfielder has made a remarkable impact on the Manchester City team. Kevin De Bruyne's performance in the previous match elevated his tally to 15 assists this season, placing him at the top of the assist charts across all competitions.
With an impressive 40 FPL points accumulated in his last four matches, Gameweek 36 would appear to be a good opportunity to bring in the midfield maestro. As Manchester City prepare to face Wolves in their next matchup, Kevin De Bruyne will be pivot in creating goal scoring opportunities to help the reigning champions win another Premier League title.
Kevin De Bruyne has found his groove 🕺
With a Double Gameweek to come, is the @ManCity midfielder flying under the radar? 📡 pic.twitter.com/3pTrkBZTux
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) May 1, 2024
Double Gameweek 36 Top Captain Picks
Erling Haaland (£14.1m) - Manchester City
Among Manchester City's 82 Premier League goals this season, the 21-year-old Norwegian leads the scoring charts with 21 goals. Erling Haaland reassured FPL managers with a goal off the bench against Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 36. Set to start the upcoming clash against Wolves and with teammates Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne in form, Erling Haaland is expected to generate significant FPL returns and is highly recommended as the main candidate to hand over the armband this week.
Erling Haaland goes ahead of Cole Palmer in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot. It's 21 goals now for the Norwegian, and that was just his second with his right foot in the league this season. ⚽️#NFOMCI pic.twitter.com/blP3fcmc5l
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) April 28, 2024
Bukayo Saka (£9m) - Arsenal
With 15 goals and 12 assists to his name, Saka is experiencing his most prolific season in an Arsenal jersey. Similar to Manchester City, Arsenal has netted 85 goals this season, showcasing their offensive prowess in both home and away fixtures. Facing Bournemouth next, Arsenal's standout forward, Bukayo Saka, will be keen to enhance his goal tally and propel his team to victory. The 'Star Boy' emerges as a strong contender for the captaincy pick this week.
Bukayo Saka is having his best-ever goalscoring Premier League season 👏
How many will the @Arsenal star finish on in 2023/24? 🔢 pic.twitter.com/Q7f7CL5Ahr
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 29, 2024
FPL Challenge - Shooting Stars
Another FPL Challenge is on the horizon; this week's task requires managers to carefully select goal-threatening assets, as players will score two points per shot this gameweek. RotoBaller provides strategic insights on which assets to target for the upcoming matches.
A new Gameweek, a new Fantasy Challenge 🥁
'Shooting Stars' means that all players will receive TWO points per shot 💫#FPL
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) May 3, 2024
Navigating the challenge can appear stressful, yet it can also be straightforward. Thanks to the aid of statistics, these stats help us identify high-scoring teams and players who take numerous shots, as well as opponents who are prone to shooting frequently.
Arsenal and Manchester City stand atop the goal-scoring charts this season, each tallying over 80 goals so far. On the defensive end, Sheffield United leads with 97 goals conceded followed closely by Luton Town and Burnley, with 77 and 70 goals conceded, respectively.
FPL Players Ranking by Shooting - Forwards
Liverpool's Darwin Nunez is one to watch, as he leads with 104 shots taken and a shot per 90 of 4.69. Ollie Watkins is close behind with 103 shots taken and a shot per 90 of 3.12, while Erling Haaland and Dominic Solanke are tied at 99 shots taken and a shot per 90 of 4.03 and 2.86, respectively.
| Ranking | Name | Team | Total Shots | Shots Per 90 |
| 1 | Nunez | LIV | 104 | 4.69 |
| 2 | Watkins | AVL | 103 | 3.12 |
| 3 | Haaland | MCI | 99 | 4.03 |
| 4 | Solanke | BOU | 99 | 2.86 |
| 5 | Alvarez | MCI | 95 | 3.25 |
| 6 | Muniz | FUL | 77 | 4.37 |
| 7 | Cunha | WOL | 67 | 2.74 |
| 8 | Jackson | CHE | 65 | 2.40 |
| 9 | Calvert-Lewin | EVE | 64 | 2.97 |
| 10 | Semenyo | BOU | 63 | 3.09 |
FPL Players Ranking by Shooting - Midfielders
Moving to the midfield position, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is one to consider, as he leads with 94 shots taken and a shot per 90 of 3.07. Mohamed Salah and Phil Foden are close behind, with 93 shots and shot per 90 ratios of 3.70 and 3.32. It is unexpected that Son and Eze have both taken 71 shots, but the Crystal Palace talisman's shot per 90 of 3.50 makes him an appealing choice against Manchester United, who are famed for conceding a lot of shots with their loose pattern of defending.
| Ranking | Name | Team | Total Shots | Shots Per 90 |
| 1 | Saka | ARS | 94 | 3.07 |
| 2 | Salah | LIV | 93 | 3.70 |
| 3 | Foden | MCI | 93 | 3.32 |
| 4 | Diaz | LIV | 88 | 3.29 |
| 5 | Fernandes | MUN | 87 | 2.64 |
| 6 | Garnacho | MUN | 86 | 3.50 |
| 7 | Palmer | CHE | 80 | 3.20 |
| 8 | Bowen | WHU | 73 | 2.31 |
| 9 | Eze | CRY | 71 | 3.56 |
| 10 | Heung-min | TOT | 71 | 2.48 |
FPL Players Ranking by Shooting - Defenders
In terms of shots taken by defenders, Spurs right wingback Pedro Porro leads with 45, while Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are second and third. Newcastle's Fabian Schar leads the shot per 90 ratio table with 2.17; however, he would not be an option as it was recently announced that Schar will miss the rest of the season due to injury. Josko Gvardiol could be an intriguing choice given his recent goal contributions for Manchester City.
| Ranking | Name | Team | Total Shots | Shots Per 90 |
| 1 | Porro | TOT | 45 | 1.48 |
| 2 | Van Dijk | LIV | 38 | 1.44 |
| 3 | Trent | LIV | 37 | 1.75 |
| 4 | Schar | NEW | 33 | 2.17 |
| 5 | Cash | AVL | 32 | 1.39 |
| 6 | Dunk | BRI | 32 | 1.09 |
| 7 | Bogle | SHE | 28 | 0.39 |
| 8 | Gabriel | ARS | 28 | 0.90 |
| 9 | Dalot | MUN | 27 | 0.86 |
| 10 | Gvardiol | MCI | 26 | 1.19 |
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!
