The Hard Tackle lists the five best options to consider to bring into your team heading into FPL Gameweek 36 of the 2025/26 season.
Gameweek 36 brings some exciting choices for FPL managers looking to boost their ranks. With a Double Gameweek (DGW36) confirmed for Manchester City and Crystal Palace, certain players stand out as smart transfers right now. This piece dives into the top five recommendations: Nico O’Reilly, Patrick Dorgu, Rayan Cherki, Ismaila Sarr, and Viktor Gyokeres. These picks mix safe bets with clever punts, all tailored to the upcoming fixtures.
The Premier League schedule for Gameweek 36 includes Manchester City hosting Brentford and then facing Crystal Palace at home, while Palace welcome Everton before their trip to City. This double-up gives City and Palace assets double the chance to rack up points through goals, assists, clean sheets, and bonuses.
Managers chasing big hauls cannot ignore these match-ups, especially as the season nears its end and every point counts toward mini-leagues or overall rankings. Other teams enter the fray too, like Arsenal at West Ham and Manchester United versus Sunderland, adding variety to transfer strategies.
Whether you need defensive solidity, creative sparks, or goal threats, these players align perfectly with the run-in. The key is balancing price, form, and fixture appeal without blowing your budget. FPL success often hinges on timing transfers around such doubles, as they can swing weekly scores dramatically. History shows DGW players frequently deliver explosive returns, making Gameweek 36 a pivotal moment. Let us break down why each of these five deserves a spot in your squad.
Nico O’Reilly
Nico O’Reilly has turned heads this season as Manchester City’s left-sided defender, thriving in a free role that lets him bomb forward and contribute offensively. In the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, the academy product has already notched five goals and four assists from 32 appearances, starting 27 times for a total of 2,463 minutes. His recent form shines, boosted by goals and assists that left-backs rarely match.
That attacking license pays dividends in FPL terms, where bonus points, clean sheet potential, and attacking returns add up fast. City’s DGW36 against Brentford and Crystal Palace amplifies everything: two home games mean higher clean sheet odds and more chances to exploit flanks. If Pep Guardiola keeps him in that roving position, O’Reilly could post 20+ points across the double.
Patrick Dorgu
Patrick Dorgu offers a high-upside gamble for Manchester United fans in FPL, even if starts are not guaranteed this week. The young Dane dazzled in an advanced role before a hamstring injury sidelined him back in January, scoring screamers like his long-range stunner in United’s 3-2 win at Arsenal.
That injury, a tear needing up to 10 weeks to heal, kept him away until recently. However, his pre-injury exploits made him a points machine. Sunderland’s defence has leaked goals lately, with inconsistencies leaving them vulnerable to United’s attacks. Dorgu’s overall haul this term reflects his potential: solid returns from tackles, interceptions, and those rare attacking pops before the layoff.
The youngster might rotate in Gameweek 36, but as a punt for the final three matches, including softer ties, he fits teams eyeing value over immediate bangs. Risky? Yes, but rewarding if he regains that advanced slot.
Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki has become Manchester City’s midfield heartbeat in recent months, dazzling with vision and creativity that unlock defenses. The Frenchman leads with 12 Premier League assists already, pulling off audacious flicks and pinpoint passes. Priced at a bargain £6.6m, he is the best-value midfielder right now, turning average City displays into hauls.
City’s DGW36 pits them against Brentford and Crystal Palace, who concede plenty. Cherki thrives here, roaming wide or central to rack up assists and shots. His recent form promises double-digit points over two matches. As Manchester City’s wildcard, he is essential for managers chasing ranks.
Ismaila Sarr
Ismaila Sarr has lit up Crystal Palace’s attack as a second attacking midfielder in Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-2-1, appearing with 20 goal contributions, nearly matching Eberechi Eze. His recent points history sparkles, as he has produced steady returns from goals, assists, and bonuses. That makes Sarr a DGW36 must-have despite Palace’s tough City tie. Everton’s form is shaky, offering Sarr clean shots in his first outing.
Defensive frailties in both Everton and City’s backlines justify his inclusion. Everton leak from wide areas, while City’s press leaves gaps for counters. Sarr’s pace and time on the ball should translate to FPL gold: 10+ pointers loom large over the double. Ahead of pricier options, he is the smart Palace pick for an explosive upside.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is firing on all cylinders for Arsenal, fresh off a brace that showcased his clinical finishing. He now has 21 goals across competitions in his debut season. The Swede’s timing and movement tore Fulham apart, heading home and slotting coolly to put Arsenal six points clear. West Ham’s defensive wobbles and recent big derby losses open the door for another haul.
The Swedish striker’s recent form screams big points: bonuses, shots, and goals galore against inconsistent backlines. Gameweek 36 at West Ham suits his predatory style perfectly. While he has no DGW, his single-game potential rivals some DGW stars. Gyokeres is the forward upgrade every team needs.
FPL Transfer Recommendations at a Glance
Player Club Opponent(s) Main Appeal Risk Level
Nico O’Reilly Manchester City Brentford (H), Crystal Palace (H) DGW + attacking returns Low
Patrick Dorgu Manchester United Sunderland (A) Advanced role, final run-in High
Rayan Cherki Manchester City Brentford (H), Crystal Palace (H) Creative genius + DGW Low
Ismaila Sarr Crystal Palace Everton (H), Manchester City (A) 14 G/A, DGW value Medium
Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal West Ham (A) 20 goals, form vs weak defence Low
Honourable Mentions
Honourable mentions go to James Hill, Ferdi Kadioglu, Daniel Munoz, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Dominik Szoboszlai, Morgan Rogers, Jack Hinshelwood, Igor Jesus, Will Osula, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Richarlison. These could shine in the run-in too.