As the 2025/2026 EPL season enters its final stretch, Gameweek 36 stands as the most critical window for FPL managers looking to finish strong. This week delivers a massive Double Gameweek (DGW-36) for Manchester City and Crystal Palace, creating a rare opportunity for significant point swings. While title contenders Arsenal and Liverpool play just once, the "doublers" from Manchester City are dominating the conversation. Whether you're protecting a mini-league lead or chasing a late-season differential, your picks for GW-36 will determine if you see a green arrow or a disappointing finish.
Start your squad with a value play in goal: Brighton's Bart Verbruggen. The Seagulls face a relegated Wolves side that has been toothless in attack, scoring only once in their last three games while conceding nine. Wolves' tendency to shoot from distance—averaging nearly 20 shots recently—provides a high floor for save points, making Verbruggen one of the top budget-friendly options for a clean sheet this week.
In defense, Manchester City's breakout star O'Reilly has become a must-own asset. Though listed as a defender, he frequently pushes into aggressive attacking spaces, recording five goals and three assists this season. With City hosting both Brentford and Crystal Palace in DGW-36, O'Reilly offers a dual threat: high clean-sheet probability and elite attacking potential from the left-back position. He's a game-changer for your backline.
Arsenal leads the league by five points and remains laser-focused on the title. Gabriel is the highest-scoring defender in the game with 191 points, and his threat on set pieces is a major weapon against a West Ham side that has struggled to defend their box. With the title potentially coming down to goal difference, expect Arsenal to push for a clean sheet and a high-scoring margin in this London derby.
If you need a budget-friendly defensive pick, Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke is in sensational form. He recently tallied 16 defensive contributions, an assist, and a clean sheet, proving he can deliver points without breaking the bank. As the season winds down, these top targets can help you finish on a high note—so gear up, make your moves, and chase that final green arrow.