Double Gameweek 34 was one of historic hauls and infuriating blanks. Those who boasted assets from the likes of Arsenal and Crystal Palace were celebrating, whilst those who banked on Liverpool assets coming good were left frustrated. However, just around the corner there is another opportunity to capitalise on an extended round of fixtures with Double Gameweek 35. We’ve singled out three premium captain choices along with a differential pick ahead of Saturday’s 11:00 deadline.
PREMIUM OPTIONS
Cole Palmer (£6.2m) vs AVL (a), TOT (H)
After missing Double Gameweek 34 through illness, the expectation is that Cole Palmer will be fit in time to play for Chelsea in both of their Double Gameweek 35 fixtures against Aston Villa and Spurs respectively. He has been seen back in training, so signs are good that the attacking midfielder, who has been a revelation for the Blues this season is set to feature from the start.
Cole Palmer is off Chelsea’s injury list after recovering from illness.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) April 26, 2024
Mauricio Pochettino: “He’s training well. We assume he’ll be available [for Aston Villa].” pic.twitter.com/bVbCwvGa67
Palmer’s numbers from an offensive perspective in 2023-24 have been truly remarkable, with 20 goals and ten assists in the Premier League so far. He is also the highest scoring midfielder from an FPL perspective, having racked up 208 points, despite not even starting for Chelsea until Gameweek 7.
Heung-Min Son (£9.8m) vs ARS (H), CHE (a)
Although Heung-Min Son has perhaps not been at his best over the past few weeks, he is one of those players capable of going nuclear in a Double Gameweek when considering his attacking prowess and the importance of these next couple of Spurs fixtures. Fighting to finish inside the top four, Ange Postecoglou’s side desperately need to win their two Double Gameweek 35 matches against London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea respectively.
Heung-min Son on Arsenal match:
— AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) April 26, 2024
"I think it's very important the way we play: stick to our [style of] play, stick to our game. I think it's a very, very good test.
As I said, it's against one of the best teams in the world so it's perfect." [Standard]
In the Premier League Son has accumulated 15 goals and nine assists, successfully gaining an attacking return in each of his last three home fixtures. The reverse fixture vs Arsenal saw Son back a brace and the onus will likely be on him to be the one who breaches the Gunners’ defences again this time around. Chelsea’s defensive struggles are notable and could also play into Son’s favour.
Phil Foden (£8.2m) vs NFO (a)
Even though he didn’t have two fixtures to feast upon last time out, Phil Foden still managed to pile up a big haul with another outstanding performance. The England international extended his Premier League goal tally to 16 this past Thursday night with a brace in Man City’s resounding 0-4 win over Brighton. It’s now 199 FPL points on the board for Foden following his 16-point-score against the Seagulls.
Despite having just one fixture again across Double Gameweek 35, that shouldn’t put fantasy managers off potentially placing the armband on the midfielder who has been among the stars for Pep Guardiola this season. Nottingham Forest away is a favourable fixture on paper and it would be no surprise to see Foden right in-among the points once again.
DIFFERENTIAL OPTION
Jean-Philippe Mateta (£5.1m) vs FUL (a)
Double Gameweek 34 will go into the history books for those who owned Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and his name is surely now etched into FPL history after his monster haul of 29 points. Mateta backed up his two goals, assist and 16 points vs West Ham, with a further two goals against Newcastle in midweek, adding another 13 points to his overall Double Gameweek 34 score.
Mateta on for 29 points as it stands
— ALLABOUTFPL (@allaboutfpl) April 24, 2024
FPL Cult Hero pic.twitter.com/J2Jd2d0zBV
It was a small number of managers who profited from this with Mateta’s ownership still very low, just above 5% to be accurate. With that in mind, those who own the in-form forward should certainly consider naming him their skipper for the weekend. Five goals and an assist in his last four games cannot be ignored.
