FPL gameweek 32 is time to get ruthless…
FPL Gameweek 32 isn’t just another set of fixtures; it’s a brutal, high-stakes poker game where the chips are flying faster than a Gabriel Martinelli counter-attack. This is the moment the season truly fractures, separating the strategic maestros from the casual dabblers. With blanks and doubles looming larger than a Virgil van Dijk aerial duel, every single transfer isn’t just a move – it’s a declaration of intent. If you’re wielding that powerful Wildcard, consider this your ultimate tactical briefing. It’s time to shed the deadwood, cut ties with underperformers, and forge a squad built for a blistering run-in. Here are five names, however sentimental their FPL journey may have been, that I’d be confidently ushering towards the exit door this week.
Raúl Jiménez (6.2m) – The Fading Fixture Fighter
On paper, the idea of Raúl Jiménez maintaining a spot in your squad might seem reasonable, especially with his fixture in the coveted Blank Gameweek 34. But let’s peel back the layers of that onion, and you’ll find it brings more tears than joy. His upcoming run is an absolute gauntlet: a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool’s suffocating press, followed by a surprisingly resolute Brentford, a resurgent Aston Villa, and then the defensive steel of Arsenal. That’s a brutal stretch for any forward, let alone one whose underlying data has been screaming “regression” louder than a VAR decision. His Expected Goals (xG) per 90 has been alarmingly low, often hovering below 0.2 in recent weeks, suggesting he’s simply not getting into the quality positions. Add in the constant, gnawing threat of rotation from his manager, and suddenly, that Blank Gameweek 34 appeal wilts. There are simply more explosive, more reliable, and frankly, more exciting ways to allocate your budget up front. Jiménez, once a reliable FPL cog, now feels like a luxury you simply cannot afford on a Wildcard designed for maximum impact.
Bryan Mbeumo (8.6m) – The Overpriced Enigma
Bryan Mbeumo has certainly delivered moments of FPL gold this season, particularly early on when he was carrying his team’s attacking burden. However, for Wildcarders, this feels like the perfect juncture to tactically retreat. While a fixture against Leeds might initially appear enticing, don’t be fooled by past perceptions. Leeds have transformed under their new manager, conceding a mere two goals in their last four league outings – they are proving to be a far tougher nut to crack than many anticipate. Following that, a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge awaits, hardly the ideal scenario when your rivals are lining up players with juicy double gameweeks. Mbeumo’s individual form has also cooled considerably; the explosive returns have dwindled, replaced by frustrating blanks or minimal point hauls. Furthermore, the specter of rotation hangs heavy. With players like Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Amad Diallo all vying for attacking berths, Mbeumo’s minutes and role aren’t guaranteed, especially if Michael Carrick opts for a more dynamic or physically imposing frontline. At 8.6m, that’s simply too much capital tied up in uncertainty. It’s time to sell high (or at least, before he dips lower) and pivot towards a premium midfielder with more defined routes to points and guaranteed starts.
Morgan Rogers (7.4m) – The Perpetual Tease
Morgan Rogers has become FPL’s resident heartbreaker – a player whose talent is undeniably palpable, whose role often promises much, but whose actual FPL output repeatedly leaves managers frustrated. He’s the kind of player who lives on your watchlist, constantly flirting with a breakout, only to deliver another 2-pointer when you finally pull the trigger. That inconsistency is a luxury you cannot afford on a Wildcard, where every single pick must be meticulously calculated for maximum return. Yes, his presence in Blank Gameweek 34 offers a lifeline if you’re not Free-Hitting, but if you’re activating your Wildcard now, you’re looking for immediate, explosive returns. The opportunity cost of holding Rogers, hoping he finally “clicks,” is simply too high. There are superior short-term options available right now – players with clearer paths to goals and assists, stronger ceilings, and a more consistent track record of FPL points. Rogers can absolutely remain a player to monitor for the future, but for a Wildcard squad engineered to dominate the next few pivotal gameweeks, he falls short of being an essential asset. Move him on and invest in proven firepower.
Enzo Fernández (6.5m) – The Chelsea Conundrum
Enzo Fernández is, without question, a footballer of immense quality and technical prowess. From a pure footballing perspective, he’s a joy to watch. From an FPL perspective, however, Chelsea’s current chaotic landscape renders him a precarious proposition. The pervasive “internal noise” swirling around Stamford Bridge – managerial uncertainty, dressing room dynamics, and inconsistent performances – directly impacts FPL viability. Players in such an environment often struggle for consistency, and Fernández is no exception. The most immediate red flag? He’s been explicitly banned from the crucial Manchester City match by head coach Liam Rosenior, a disciplinary measure that sends shockwaves through FPL planning. The critical question now becomes: does he walk straight back into the starting XI for their potential double gameweek? That level of uncertainty, especially when you’re leveraging a Wildcard, is simply unacceptable. If you’re seeking Chelsea coverage – and with their attacking talent, you often should be – Cole Palmer and João Pedro are the only two players currently offering the consistent minutes, defined attacking roles, and explosive upside worth prioritising. Fernández, for all his quality, carries too much baggage and too many question marks to be a Wildcard pick right now. This is a cold, hard FPL decision, not an emotional one.
Jurriën Timber (6.3m) – The Defensive Divergence
The logic here is as clear as a clean sheet bonus: sell Timber, keep Gabriel. Arsenal’s unexpected and frankly devastating exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton wasn’t just a sporting disappointment; it was an FPL gut punch. It dramatically reshapes their defensive appeal by removing the possibility of a highly anticipated double gameweek. While Arsenal remain a formidable defensive unit capable of shutting out any opponent, the inherent upside for their defenders has diminished significantly. Next week’s colossal clash against Manchester City is primed to be a cagey affair, tight and tactical rather than an open goalfest. In such a scenario, the consistent aerial threat and set-piece presence of Gabriel are far more valuable than a more expensive, less certain right-back punt like Timber, whose attacking returns can be sporadic. When building a Wildcard defence, every penny counts. You should be aggressively targeting teams with guaranteed double gameweeks – the likes of Brighton or Crystal Palace defenders suddenly become far more attractive propositions, offering clearer pathways to points and greater potential for explosive hauls. Timber, in this new FPL landscape, simply doesn’t offer the necessary bang for your buck.
Game Highlights: Gameweek 32’s Unforgettable Moments
Gameweek 32 proved to be a rollercoaster of FPL emotions, validating some ruthless decisions while punishing others. The headlines were dominated by:
- The Differential Defender’s Delight: Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey (£4.5m), owned by less than 1% of managers, emerged as the shock hero. A perfectly weighted cross for a Solly March header, followed by a resolute clean sheet against Fulham, saw him rack up an incredible 12 points. For those who pivoted from Timber to a budget enabler like Lamptey, it was pure genius.
- Captain Calamity for Haaland Holders: Erling Haaland (£14.3m), the runaway Golden Boot leader, blanked spectacularly against Arsenal. Despite 10 shots, none found the back of the net, and he was even booked for dissent, delivering a paltry 1 point for the overwhelming majority of FPL managers who entrusted him with the armband. The agony was palpable across mini-leagues.
- Mbeumo’s Late Consolation: Bryan Mbeumo (£8.6m), a popular Wildcard sale, did manage to bag a late consolation goal against Chelsea. His smart finish from outside the box gave him 6 points, enough to sting a few managers who had moved him on, proving that even a “sell” can still twist the knife.
- The Budget Forward’s Brace: Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins (£8.9m) absolutely exploded. His two clinical finishes and an assist against Nottingham Forest saw him bag a monumental 16 points, instantly justifying his inclusion in many Wildcard teams looking for a reliable, in-form striker.
- Palace’s Defensive Masterclass: Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi (£4.5m) anchored a rock-solid defence that held Manchester United to a goalless draw. A clean sheet and maximum bonus points propelled him to 9 points, highlighting the wisdom of investing in doubling defenders.
The Final Whistle: Prediction for the Run-In
As the dust settles on Gameweek 32, the strategic lines are drawn. My bold prediction for the crucial next three gameweeks (GW33-35) is that the mid-priced midfielder, particularly those with strong home fixtures and confirmed Double Gameweeks, will be the true kingmakers. Forget chasing the ultra-premium outliers; the value lies in players priced between £7.0m and £9.5m who are integral to their team’s attacking play. Specifically, I foresee Jarrod Bowen (£7.7m) becoming an absolute must-have. With West Ham’s fixtures easing, his knack for goal-scoring, and his expected prominence in penalty duties, he is perfectly poised for a run of explosive returns. He will outscore more expensive alternatives and be the differential engine that propels top managers up the ranks. Those who back the reliable, mid-tier workhorses over the boom-or-bust lottery picks will emerge victorious in this ruthless FPL sprint to the finish line.