From picking the best Triple Captain to tackling Phil Foden’s dilemma, revered FPL expert Big Man Bakar returns this week to answer all your burning questions ahead of Gameweek 32. 

Big Man Bakar’s Best Gameweek 32 FPL Tips 5r4i5n

Q) Bench Boost or Triple (C) this week? 3c365u

I don’t think there is a right or wrong strategy here. It completely comes down to how your team is set up.

For example, if you have two double Gameweek keepers this week (Pope + Henderson), or the likes of Dunk, Estupinan, Joao Pedro or Neco Williams, your team would look set for a good BB this week but not so well set up for it in Gameweek 33. In that case, I would BB this week and look to Triple (c) next week.

However, if you have a flexible hybrid structure that would allow you to pivot to either Bench Boost or Triple Captain in Gameweek 32 or Gameweek 33, it is a trickier decision.

For instance, if you’ve got players like Martinez, Konsa, and Evanilson this week, it would make for a good Bench Boost in both Gameweek 32 and 33.

In that case, I would lean towards using the Triple captain this week and Bench Boosting in the next:

Big Man Bakar’s Gameweek 32 Pro Tip: Use Triple Captain on Alexander Isak i3s35

Isak stands out as the best Triple Captain for those who have the chip available.

He’ll be well-rested, has a favourable double at home, and his minutes look locked in. His 71-minute outing in a match effectively settled by the 34th minute is an encouraging sign for his minutes. When you consider the alternatives, Gameweek 33 comes right after Arsenal’s trip to the Bernabeu, so Saka’s minutes may not be as good as Isak’s.

With the league now a lesser priority for Arsenal, there are valid concerns over how much effort they’ll put into fixtures. Ideally, a Triple Captain should be used on someone with a higher ceiling, and I’m not convinced Arsenal offer that.

Marmoush is a potential pick for Gameweek 33, but there’s still uncertainty over whether he’s on penalties. The away trip to Everton isn’t the most appealing either. Marmoush is another candidate in Gameweek 33, but at the moment, we’re not sure whether he’s on penalties. The fixture away to Everton in Gameweek 33 isn’t amazing either. Gameweek 36 is another potential window, but by then, Haaland might be back.

• Triple Captaining this Gameweek would give you the flexibility to save your transfer. Saving a transfer now would let you approach Gameweek 33 with more firepower. Another week will give you more information on crucial decisions, like who’s the best Gabriel replacement, the third City option to go for, and whether to pick Rogers or Watkins.
• If you were Bench Boosting this week, you’d probably get Estupinan or Kiwior as your Gabriel replacement. However, if you decide to sell Gabriel next week, you could bring in Ruben, which would give you an additional doubler not just for next week, but also for the potential double in Gameweek 36. There’s also a greater chance of Arsenal and Villa players missing out this week, which also makes Bench Boosting less appealing.
• I realize that a few injuries could scupper plans to Bench Boost in Gameweek 33, but with multiple free transfers, that’s a risk I think I’d be happy to run. I also know that Bench Boosting a few Newcastle players in Gameweek 33 isn’t ideal, but Villa players will automatically earn you extra appearance points as a result of their double.

Q) Who is the best Gabriel replacement to buy this week? 6in2r

In isolation, I still think Saliba is the best one to get, as he offers reliability for minutes.

However, if you are Bench Boosting and strictly looking for a replacement for this week alone, Estupiñán is worth a serious look. Brighton’s fixture against Leicester is a strong opportunity for a clean sheet, especially considering Leicester have failed to score in each of their last eight Premier League matches.

Estupiñán also adds value in attack, with his involvement in set-pieces and occasional overlapping runs down the left flank. At just 1.2% ownership, he represents one of the best low-owned defenders with upside at both ends of the pitch.

Q) Who is the best third City player to own for double GW33? 1d2n22

The likes of Gvardiol and Marmoush seem obvious to own, but the third one is still tricky at this point. With minutes for the City’s midfielders up in the air, Dias is emerging as a reliable City outfielder of choice as we head into the double.

Injuries in the City defence mean that Dias should offer steady game time for the time being.

Q) What to do with Foden? 4ih18

It’s fair to say that Foden is going to be a minute risk as we head into the double. The good thing is that Man City have an early kickoff this week, so we might get pre-deadline leaks.

If we get a leak that Foden is starting, I’d keep. Else, I’d bench.

Q) Should we start Saka this week? 3yr37

I personally expect Arteta to rotate, as Arsenal will prioritize the Champions League fixture against Madrid. I would be reluctant to start or Bench Boost Saka this week due to minutes concerns.

Q) Is Palmer a worry? 4i15

Maresca mentioned that his half-time substitution against Legia was pre-planned. I’d give him the game vs. Ipswich before potentially moving him on for Saka next Gameweek.

Q) When to use the Free Hit? c434p

I think holding the Free Hit for now with the intention of using it in blank Gameweek 34 should be the strategy for most teams.

As most teams have set up for the doubles in Gameweek 33, it would naturally make sense for them to use the chip in Gameweek 34 as the teams doubling in 33 are scheduled to blank in 34.