The title race in our Clash Across the Pond Fantasy Premier League Draft league looks to be going to the wire.
A head-to-head tournament between UK and US Fantasy pundits, the table is currently led by Paul McKinnon.
But he holds just a one-point lead after losing out to second-placed Neal Thurman in Gameweek 33.
Looking ahead to Double Gameweek 34, it could be that Mark Sutherns settles the battle at the top.
Sitting in third, he takes on Thurman’s line-up over the extended set of fixtures knowing that a win could help his UK colleague McKinnon.
We caught up with Mark ahead of his head-to-head to get his tips on exploiting the Double Gameweek fixtures.
Gameweek 33 results
| Team | Score | Team | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Huddersfield Lane (US) | 28 | 36 | Sutherns Comfort (UK) |
| Andy's Allstars (UK) | 57 | 27 | Get on the Snake (US) |
| Jonty's XI (UK) | 39 | 15 | Sean's Super Subs (US) |
| Rotoworld_PL (US) | 37 | 34 | Woody Allen (UK) |
Team name: Sutherns Comfort
Current Squad: Ryan, Begovic; Moses, A Smith, Mee, Vertonghen, Coleman; Ozil, Zaha, Richarlison, Salah, Son; Vardy, Jesus, Austin.
While I count myself out of the title race, I know that my head-to-head fixture over Gameweek 34 could prove decisive.
Like all Draft managers this weekend, then, I’m going all out to make the most of the additional fixtures.
Eight teams play twice, which means they are the obvious teams to sign players from ahead of Friday's 11:30 BST Waiver deadline.
Picking up free agents in defence with the prospect of two fixtures should be easy enough.
But in attacking areas, we need to scan for differentials.
It could mean weighing up a move for players who, until this point have been avoided due to the threat of rotation.
Spurs source
Erik Lamela is a great example.
With Son Heung-min in such outstanding form for Tottenham Hotspur, the Argentinian has struggled to command a starting role.
But with Spurs facing an FA Cup semi-final four days after their second Gameweek 34 fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion, Lamela might just get his chance.
If you have players out of form, injured or even just with a single Gameweek in midfield and attack, this is an opportunity to freshen up.
Players such as Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Pedro could all get the opportunity for at least one start over their two matches.
They may not offer regular minutes until the end of the season, but they can play their part in securing a strong Gameweek 34 points tally.
Gameweek 34 fixtures
Sutherns Comfort v Rotoworld PL*
Woody Allen v Jonty's XI
Sean's Super Subs* v Andy's All Stars
Get on the Snake* v 10 Huddersfield Lane*
*US teams
The FPL Draft GW34 Waiver deadline is Friday, 13 March, 11:30 BST
