Premier League 35 Review: Arsenal Stars, Spurs Surge & Palace Gamble
As thePremier League enters its final stretch, every managerial decision carries amplified significance for the remaining gameweeks.
With only a handful of fixtures left, FPL owners must weigh form, upcoming opponents, player motivation and projected minutes with unprecedented precision.
Gameweek 35 features two matches that have not yet been played: Chelsea host Nottingham Forest on a Monday afternoon public holiday, and Manchester City travel to Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium later that day.
The eight fixtures already completed this round have already generated a wealth of discussion points ranging from Crystal Palace’s rotation policy to Arsenal’s title‑driven momentum and Tottenham Hotspur’s late‑season resurgence.
Crystal Palace entered the week under the spotlight as potential double‑gameweek assets for Gameweek 36, yet manager Oliver Glasner has introduced a substantial degree of uncertainty.
Prior to the Bournemouth match, Glasner announced that Daniel Muñoz (£5.9 m) and Yeremy Pino (£5.8 m) would be withdrawn at half‑time, while Chris Richards (£4.4 m), Ismaila Sarr (£6.4 m) and Jean‑Philippe Mateta (£7.6 m) were to be rested entirely.
Glasner’s rationale centers on managing player workloads ahead of Palace’s UEFA Europa Conference League semi‑final second leg against Shakhtar Donetsk on 7 May.
The emphasis on conserving fitness for the European fixture has resulted in a rotation strategy that leaves many attacking assets on the bench, a scenario FPL managers typically avoid during a double‑gameweek.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson (£5.1 m) emerges as the most reliable Palace option for the upcoming double‑gameweek.
Goalkeepers are less prone to rotation, and Henderson adds the prospect of both save points and clean‑sheet potential, making him a comparatively safe pick.
In defence, Maxence Lacroix (£5.2 m) and Jay Dee Canvot (£4.5 m) appear to have secured minutes, though their upcoming schedule warrants caution.
Palace’s next four fixtures comprise a home Conference League semi‑final, a home Premier League clash with Everton, an away game at Manchester City and an away encounter with Brentford.
The Palace attack, however, is best avoided in the short term.
Uncertainty surrounding starts, substitutions and overall involvement makes forwards such as Sarr and Mateta unsuitable for a double‑gameweek where expected minutes are paramount.
Arsenal’s 3‑0 victory over Fulham on Saturday reinforced the Gunners’ attacking potency and underscored their title ambitions.
With Manchester City leading the title race, every goal for Arsenal could prove decisive, especially as goal difference and goals scored may act as tie‑breakers.
Arsenal’s remaining Premier League fixtures – away at West Ham, home versus Burnley and away at Crystal Palace – are all highly favorable.
The Gunners boast the league’s most reliable defence, presenting a compelling case for a double‑up or even triple‑up of defensive assets.
In attack, Bukayo Saka (£9.8 m) has re‑emerged as a premium differential, delivering a goal and an assist in just 45 minutes after returning from injury.
His involvement in both scoring and creating chances makes him an attractive option for managers seeking high‑upside picks.
Viktor Gyökeres (£8.8 m) recorded his best statistical output of the season with two goals and an assist, positioning him as a viable late‑season punt.
The Swedish striker could see increased minutes if Kai Havertz (£7.3 m) remains sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Eberechi Eze (£7.3 m) offers a slightly cheaper alternative to Saka while still providing attacking threat and midfield creativity.
All three Arsenal forwards are under‑owned, which enhances their differential value in the closing weeks.
Arsenal’s Champions League semi‑final second leg at home against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday could influence domestic rotation policies.
If Arsenal advance to the final, which is scheduled for 30 May—six days after the Premier League season ends—there is little incentive for Arteta to rest key players in the final three league matches.
Tottenham Hotspur’s 2‑1 win over Aston Villa lifted them out of the relegation zone and signaled a resurgence in form.
With three games remaining—home to Leeds, away at Chelsea and home versus Everton—Spurs possess a realistic chance of securing safety.
Motivation will be a critical factor for Tottenham, as each of the remaining fixtures represents a must‑win scenario in the battle against relegation.
Richarlison (£6.3 m) featured the full 90 minutes against Villa, scored, and now stands as the primary striker following Dominic Solanke’s (£7.1 m) injury.
At the time of writing, Richarlison’s FPL ownership sits at 5.7 per cent, marking him as a valuable differential for managers seeking to climb the mini‑league rankings.
His proven goal‑scoring ability and guaranteed minutes make him a focal point of Tottenham’s attacking options.
In defence, Pedro Porro (£5.2 m) remains Tottenham’s standout option, offering attacking threat from the full‑back position, set‑piece duties and regular minutes.
Kevin Danso (£4.2 m) also appears set to start consistently and contributes attacking throw‑ins, providing a cheaper route into the Spurs back line.
Despite the potential upside, Tottenham’s defensive record has been inconsistent, and clean‑sheet returns are not guaranteed.
Nevertheless, with improved form, favourable fixtures and heightened motivation, Spurs’ players represent bold picks that could yield significant points.
The overarching strategy for the final phase of the FPL season hinges on three pillars: secure minutes, attractive fixtures and player motivation.
Crystal Palace, despite the double‑gameweek, appear less appealing due to extensive rotation, whereas Arsenal’s title push suggests minimal squad rotation.
Arsenal’s defensive solidity and attacking firepower position their assets near the top of most managers’ priority lists for the run‑in.
Tottenham, while riskier, offer differential potential that could differentiate a manager’s rank in the final weeks.
Below is a summary of the key players highlighted for Gameweek 35 and the upcoming double‑gameweek, including price, position and primary FPL appeal.
| Player | Price (£m) | Primary FPL Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Dean Henderson (Palace) | 5.1 | Save points & clean‑sheet potential |
| Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) | 9.8 | Goal & assist differential |
| Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) | 8.8 | Form and potential increased minutes |
| Richarlison (Tottenham) | 6.3 | Starter and goal threat |
| Pedro Porro (Tottenham) | 5.2 | Attacking full‑back with set‑piece duties |
In conclusion, the final three Premier League gameweeks will likely determine the ultimate fate of many FPL teams.
Managers who combine safe, high‑minute selections with calculated differentials stand the best chance of converting a respectable finish into a top‑ten result.