There are just three Premier League games left this season, meaning FPL players only have a few more chances to win crucial points. One good week could be the difference between finishing top of your league and coming second to a rival with a few more points than you. It could also be pivotal in avoiding a last-placed finish and steering clear of a humiliating forfeit.
Plenty of points will be up for grabs this weekend, with a number of interesting fixtures on the horizon. The standout match will take place on Sunday as newly-crowned champions Liverpool host Arsenal, who are still hurting from their Champions League exit in midweek.
Express Sport provides a helping hand for FPL managers with a list of popular picks who might not be available for Gameweek 36…
Erling Haaland
After returning to the bench against Wolves last weekend, Erling Haaland could be in line to start for Manchester City when they visit Southampton. The prolific forward has been nursing a troublesome ankle injury but is ready to make his comeback this weekend.
Pep Guardiola confirmed the news in Friday’s press conference, saying: “He is ready, he is fit. [If he will] start, we will see tomorrow.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is just about fully fit, having been out for a while before his cameo against Leicester City last month. He remains fully fit, but will not be starting for Liverpool this weekend following the news that he will be leaving Anfield in the summer.
Real Madrid have been sounding out the possibility of landing Alexander-Arnold before this summer’s Club World Cup, which might also influence why he is not playing against Arsenal.
Arne Slot has confirmed that Conor Bradley will be given the nod instead, saying: “Conor will start on Sunday because he needs more games under his belt to prepare for next season. Let’s not compare him with Trent, they are two different types of players.”
James Maddison
Around four per cent of FPL players still have James Maddison in their teams, but it is time to swap him out for another player. He is sidelined for the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury, meaning he will be unable to win any points.
Speaking before the second leg against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, Ange Postecoglou said: “Madders tweaked his knee in the first leg. He’s out, he’ll miss the rest of the season. It’s disappointing for him more than anything else.”
Joao Pedro
Brighton forward Joao Pedro is not injured but will serve the final game of a three-match suspension this weekend. He was shown a straight red card for violent conduct against Brentford last month and has missed the Seagulls’ last two outings.
He remains sidelined for this weekend’s trip to Wolves but will be available to return in Brighton’s penultimate league game against Liverpool.
Kieran Trippier
Eddie Howe delivered a cryptic update on the fitness of Kieran Trippier ahead of Newcastle’s crunch meeting with Chelsea. The defender limped off against Brighton last weekend but could be involved when the Magpies return to action on Sunday.
Quizzed on how Trippier and his team-mate Fabian Schar have been getting on this week, Howe kept his cards close to his chest by stating: “They’re doing pretty good.”