Haaland boost as Cherki tops Semenyo by 19 FPL points

Haaland may grab the headlines, but the clearest midfield edge for Double Gameweek 36 is Rayan Cherki. He has outscored Antoine Semenyo by 19 points since Gameweek 32, and that gap comes with a £1.5m price advantage and a safer minutes profile.

Cherki over Semenyo

Cherki is the Manchester City midfielder to want right now. He has 28 points since Gameweek 32, while Semenyo has nine, and the City double strengthens the case further because Cherki is more central and has a role on set pieces.

The comparison is not just about recent returns. Cherki has been safer for minutes than Semenyo, which matters when Double Gameweek 36 offers one of the final major chances to climb rank this season.

Saka, Palmer and Joao Pedro

Bukayo Saka is a straightforward hold if already owned, but he is not an essential buy this week if he is not. He was substituted early in the Champions League semi-final, and an early exit in Gameweek 36 would not be a surprise. If Arsenal wrap up the title before Gameweek 37 or 38, his minutes could still be managed, even if Burnley in Gameweek 37 looks the fixture that really appeals.

Cole Palmer is worth holding for one more week and is likely to get 90 minutes while staying on penalties. Joao Pedro also remains a hold, and he still feels like the best Chelsea attacker to own with Spurs at home next week.

Gabriel and the back line

At the back, Gabriel is the priority defender to buy this week, even ahead of the Palace double Gameweek defenders. Liverpool's defence has looked vulnerable, and West Ham have conceded the second most goals from corners this season, with Gabriel next facing Burnley.

That leaves managers with a clear split: Cherki for the midfield move, Saka and Palmer as holds, Joao Pedro as another hold, and Gabriel as the defender to target if the transfer goes to the back line instead of the attack.