GW36 -- Preview

TLDR:

  • Both models captain Haaland and agree on 7/11 starting XI picks including O’Reilly (V) and Semenyo
  • v2 edges v1 on XI expected points (76.2 vs 73.8) despite similar core selections
  • Transfer strategies diverge: v1 brings in Tavernier, v2 opts for Ndiaye upgrade
  • Defensive swaps see v2 prefer Virgil over Struijk in starting lineup
  • No chips deployed by either model for GW36

Squad Picks (GW36)

Both models converge on premium picks with Haaland captaincy and O’Reilly vice-captaincy forming the backbone. The 7/11 agreement includes key differentials like Semenyo (10.18/9.77 xP) and consistent performers like Gabriel and Bruno Fernandes. Main divergence occurs in midfield depth where v1 fields Tavernier and Scott while v2 prefers Groß and Ndiaye. Defensive reshuffling sees v2 promote Virgil (3.68 xP) to starting XI over Struijk (3.28 xP), suggesting different confidence thresholds in their projection adjustments.

Slotv1_Playerv1_xPv2_Playerv2_xPMatch
XIRaya3.62Raya3.48=
XIO’Reilly (V)11.75O’Reilly (V)11.75=
XIGabriel5.38Gabriel5.27=
XIStruijk3.28Virgil3.68~
XISemenyo10.18Semenyo9.77=
XIB.Fernandes6.67B.Fernandes6.67=
XITavernier5.08Groß4.87DIFF
XIScott3.26Ndiaye4.73DIFF
XIEnzo3.23Scott3.95DIFF
XIHaaland (C)16.88Haaland (C)16.88=
XIWelbeck4.42Welbeck5.13=
B0Darlow3.31Darlow3.31=
B2Virgil2.94Bijol3.48~
B3Bijol2.87Struijk3.20~
B1Thiago3.01Thiago3.14=

Transfer Plan

Transfer strategies reveal philosophical differences in targeting value picks. v1’s Groß -> Tavernier move (5.08 xP) suggests chasing form or fixtures, while v2’s Enzo -> Ndiaye upgrade (4.73 xP) indicates prioritizing higher ceiling players. Both models then roll transfers through GW37-38, suggesting these GW36 moves are tactical rather than structural. The single transfer approach from both models indicates squad satisfaction and likely preparation for final gameweeks without major overhauls.

GWv1_Transfersv1_Chipv2_Transfersv2_ChipMatch
36Groß -> TavernierEnzo -> NdiayeDIFF
37RollRoll=
38RollRoll=

Model Divergence

Projection divergences cluster heavily around Man City assets, with v1’s z-score heuristic significantly downgrading players like Doku (8.18 -> 6.54 xP) and Khusanov (6.98 -> 5.58 xP) due to zero elite ownership. The confidence-gated v2 model maintains baseline projections for these low-signal players, creating 1.3-1.6 point gaps. Crystal Palace assets like Guéhi and Lacroix show similar patterns, indicating v1’s aggressive adjustment of non-elite-owned players while v2’s conservative approach preserves original projections when confidence is lacking.

NamePosTeamv1_xPv2_xPdelta
Jérémy DokuMIDMan City6.548.181.64
Abdukodir KhusanovDEFMan City5.586.981.40
Marc GuéhiDEFMan City7.368.741.38
Matheus NunesDEFMan City6.718.081.37
ID:736GKMan City5.476.841.37
Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e SilvaMIDMan City5.456.811.36
Maxence LacroixDEFCrystal Palace5.426.701.28
Ismaïla SarrMIDCrystal Palace4.685.851.17
Cody GakpoMIDLiverpool4.215.261.05
ID:723DEFCrystal Palace4.775.821.05

Charts

xP Comparison: v1 vs v2 lineup expected points by gameweek

Projection Scatter: v1 vs v2 player-level projections

v1 Squad Timeline

v2 Squad Timeline