The Race for FPL #1: GW36 – Ibsen Strikes Back!

Welcome back to The Race for FPL #1, where we track the pulse of the top 5 managers in the world as we approach the final stretch of the season. With the dust settling on Gameweek 35, new twists, tactical plays, and captaincy calls have shaken up the standings yet again.

Let’s dive into who gained, who stumbled, and who’s timing their run to perfection.

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🏆 League Table After Gameweek 35

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🔥 GW35 Highlights

1️⃣ Erik Ibsen – “Ibsen” (60 pts)

Chips Remaining: Triple Captain

Another solid week keeps Erik Ibsen top of the table after a composed 60 points led by Haaland (C) scoring 14, Senesi with a huge 14-point haul, and João Pedro’s clinical 8. In what proved to be a clutch call considering how common his benching was this week.

The reliable Gabriel came through with yet another clean sheet, while he was also able to pick up another 6 pointer up top thanks to a Thiago pen.

With his lead now extended back to 24, and his Triple Captain chip still up his sleeve, has Ibsen now done enough to consider himself home and dry?

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2️⃣ Luka Ortulan – “mirinda” (48 pts)

Chips Remaining: Triple Captain

A disappointing week for Luka sees the gap widen to 24 points off the top. Like many others, his faith in Palmer came back to sting him and an underwhelming midfield combo of Semenyo and Tavernier also cost valuable ground.

The pain of which was also compounded given the fact he had a 7 pointer from Hinshelwood and a 7 pointer from Truffert sat on the bench.

While Haaland’s captaincy provided some reprieve, the lack of defensive and midfield returns meant the climb stalled. With others close behind, “mirinda” must recalibrate fast to stay in title contention heading into the DGW.

Like Ibsen, he also has his Triple Captain chip up his sleeve, meaning this would be the perfect opportunity to take on Haaland with a differential captain. Check out our Best Gameweek 36 captains if you are also interested in doing something similar.

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3️⃣ Vladimir Rutman – “SheBK” (58 pts)

Chips remaining: None

Vladimir finds himself level on total points with fourth place after a steady but slightly underwhelming gameweek. Senesi’s 14 points once again proved season-defining for those who owned him. Though he was able to secure a huge 24 points from 2 Bournemouth defenders, much like the others, Palmer, O’Reilly and Struijk were on hand to spoil the party.

But perhaps the main party spoiler was the choice of Nico O’Reilly as captain over Haaland, resulting in a further 6 points left on the table. A season defining stinger.

With no chips left in the bank, Rutman faces an uphill battle to hang onto 3rd, let alone challenge Ibsen.

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4️⃣ Semenyo Magic – “Number One” (64 pts) ⬆️

Chips Remaining: None

A standout week for “Number One” catapults him up to joint third. The faith in Senesi and João Pedro paid off handsomely. Haaland (C) and Gabriel topped up the total, while DCL and Cherki’s returns added some further sauce to an already solid score.

He will naturally be ruing the Hill benching, particularly considering Palmer’s poor efforts. But nonetheless can be happy with a solid score.

However, with no Triple Captain chip in the bank, he may find it tricky to challenge the leaders.

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5️⃣ Ed Jenkinson – “DOC’s Red Devils” (66 pts) ⬆️

Chips Remaining: None

Gameweek 35’s top scorer in the top 5, Ed delivered a commanding 66 points to crash the top five. Senesi’s 14, João Pedro’s 8, and his Arsenal triple-up produced big dividends. Fernandes (10) as captain was solid,and a front 3 all returning was solid work.

Like 3rd, 4th and 5th, he also has no chips remining however, so faces an uphill battle to crack the top 2. Nonetheless, it should make for an entertaining end of season.

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📊 The State of Play

• Just 28 points separate 1st and 5th, meaning the race is well and truly open.
• Ortulan will likely have to go with a differential captain in GW36 if he wants any chance of catching Ibsen. If he goes for Haaland as well it will sadly be a cop out.
• Senesi’s haul dictated the gameweek, swinging green arrows for some and heartbreak for others.
• Haaland (C) remains the safety net across the board—no shocks there, but the big question is whether anyone dares to go differential next week.

GAME ON!

 

Check out our Game Week Tips section for more Game Week 36 Tips.