As we head into Gameweek 34, the margins are getting tighter and every FPL decision feels amplified. With rotation risks, form swings, and key fixtures shaping outcomes, this is the stage where well-managed squads can make serious rank gains. For Gameweek 33, I largely trusted my core while hoping for returns from a few differentials.
Gameweek 33 Review
Gameweek 33 was a mixed bag with one major highlight carrying the team. While a few players delivered solid returns, some of them had a double gameweek, several others
were limited by how their real-life matches unfolded — whether through lack of service, tactical constraints, or simply being on the wrong side of momentum swings.
Goalkeeper
I started Robin Roefs, who returned just 1 point. It was a frustrating outing, as his side struggled defensively and couldn’t cope with sustained pressure. Once the clean sheet was wiped out, there wasn’t much else to gain. He remains a budget option, but performances like this show his limitations when facing stronger attacks.
Defence
My backline of Truffert, Marc Guéhi, and Pascal Struijk produced contrasting returns.
Truffert was the standout with an impressive 13 points. He had a double gameweek. He was heavily involved on both ends of the pitch, contributing defensively while also pushing forward effectively. Performances like this highlight his upside as an attacking fullback.
Guéhi returned 8 points in total from the two games he played. His side gathered the 6 points available for the double gameweek, although they struggled to control key moments and without a clean sheet in one, Guéhi was instrumental in the defense.
Struijk delivered 10 points in a strong defensive display. His team stayed organized throughout, and he played a key role in maintaining structure under pressure, making him one of the best performers in the squad this week.
Midfield
Midfield returns were modest overall, with no explosive haul but a few steady contributions.
Ryan Gravenberch managed 2 points in a quiet performance. He struggled to impose himself in advanced areas as his team lacked attacking fluidity.
Dominik Szoboszlai returned 5 points, showing glimpses of quality. He was involved in transitions and created a few opportunities, but couldn’t convert them into a bigger return.
Antoine Semenyo picked up 5 points in a game where attacking chances were limited. He remained lively but lacked the final product.
Kevin Schade also returned 3 points. His involvement was decent, but his side couldn’t create enough clear-cut chances to boost his output.
Attack
This is where the gameweek was defined.
Erling Haaland delivered a huge 26-point haul as captain — the clear difference-maker. He was clinical, well-positioned, and benefited from strong service throughout the match. Performances like this justify both his price and captaincy.
Igor Thiago returned just 2 points. He struggled to find space and was largely kept quiet by a disciplined defensive setup.
Viktor Gyökeres managed only 1 point in a disappointing outing. He found himself isolated for large periods, with limited quality service reaching him in dangerous positions.
Bench Performance
On the bench, David Raya returned 1 point, mirroring Roefs’ struggles in goal. Bryan Mbeumo picked up 3 points but didn’t do enough to punish his omission from the starting XI. Ousmane Diakité returned 0 points after not featuring, while Trevoh Chalobah added 2 points in a fairly uneventful performance.
Gameweek 34 Preview
For GW34, some of my players do not have an outing, so I activated my Free Hit chip, GW34 is all about maximizing fixtures and short-term upside. The big call this week is captaincy — backing Ollie Watkins looks strong on paper, but Bruno Fernandes offers an equally tempting alternative.
The midfield is clearly fixture-driven, with a double-up on Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch targeting a favorable home game, while Kevin Schade adds a bit of differential risk.
Defensively, Virgil van Dijk stands out as the most reliable pick, with others largely selected for fixtures rather than long-term value.
Up front, there’s some risk attached to Viktor Gyökeres and Thiago Almada, but the Free Hit allows for that kind of aggressive approach.
Gameweek 34 is a one-week gamble — high upside, but dependent on fixtures delivering.
What do you think? Stick or twist ahead of GW34? And who’s getting your captaincy?
