With four gameweeks left, Gameweek 35 demands careful moves. Managers still chasing mini-league gains should prioritise reliable returns and inexpensive enablers that free funds for captains in the final stretch.

Goalkeepers: David Raya (£6.0m) remains the standout option among keepers after a 10-point haul last weekend and offers value alongside Arsenal’s defence. Fulham have blanked in four of their last six league games, making a home clean sheet plausible. At the other end of the budget spectrum, Karl Darlow (£3.9m) has accrued 24 points across his last five games and faces relegated Burnley at home, serving as a low-cost enabler. For managers planning ahead to double Gameweek 36, Dean Henderson (£5.1m) is an alternative given Crystal Palace’s two fixtures next round, despite a tricky away match with Bournemouth this Sunday.

Defenders: Gabriel (£7.2m) is a must, while Nico O’Reilly (£5.1m) has become increasingly attractive for managers preparing for City’s double in the next round; he has returned 27 points from his past three fixtures and faces low-scoring Everton away on Monday. Crystal Palace options include Jaydee Canvot (£4.5m) and Chris Richards (£4.4m) as budget routes into their backline, and Daniel Muñoz (£5.8m) offers more attacking upside after scoring in the defeat at Liverpool. Leeds defensive targets such as James Justin (£3.9m), Jayden Bogle (£4.4m) and Pascal Struijk (£4.3m) are also useful given a favourable fixture.

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (£10.4m) stands alone as the essential midfield pick; he is chasing the Premier League assist record for a single season and has delivered returns in each of his past seven matches, even ahead of Manchester United’s home game with Liverpool. Other options highlighted are Eberechi Eze (£7.2m), who made an impact after being brought off the bench in Europe, Rayan Cherki (£6.5m) with 23 points across his last three matches, Ismaïla Sarr (£6.3m) ahead of a double, Noah Okafor (£5.6m) despite a slight injury concern, and Enzo Fernández (£6.5m) under Calum McFarlane.

Forwards: Erling Haaland (£14.5m) is essential following recent goalscoring exploits. Support options include Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.7m), who could benefit from Burnley’s struggles after Scott Parker’s dismissal, and Jarrod Bowen (£7.8m), who has produced 24 points across his past two home games for West Ham ahead of a trip to Brentford.

Manchester United are understood to have identified Andoni Iraola as the clearest external option should they decide not to appoint Michael Carrick permanently. The Telegraph reports Iraola is regarded as the “strongest” alternative to Carrick, and his confirmed departure from Bournemouth at the end of the season has placed him on the market.

United remain likely to favour Carrick, with the interim boss still the frontrunner, but the club are not ruling out at least speaking to other candidates. That approach reflects a caution born of past experience; the club are wary of repeating the decision to hand Ole Gunnar Solskjær a full-time contract while the season was still ongoing. Solskjaer produced United’s most consistent Premier League finishes in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, but results dipped after he was given a permanent deal in March 2019.

Iraola’s appeal at Old Trafford is said to rest on his attacking style, a philosophy that aligns with what decision makers at the club are seeking. Yet there is a clear counterargument: Iraola lacks experience at the elite level. After more than 500 appearances for Athletic Club as a player, the Basque coach has managed Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth, roles in which his remit was to build modest clubs into outfits that punch above their weight.

That background is both a strength and a limitation. His record suggests he can instil a coherent style and get strong performances from limited resources, but Manchester United are an organisation with different expectations and a demand for immediate, high-level success rather than a long-term development project.

Meanwhile, competition for Iraola’s services is reportedly present, with Chelsea linked to interest following the sacking of Liam Rosenior. Carrick could still be handed the job, particularly if Champions League qualification for next season is secured, but United appear intent on weighing options before reaching a final decision.

Andoni Iraola confirmed he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, a decision announced in mid-April. A coach formed in the Marcelo Bielsa school, Iraola is defined more by principles than a rigid formation, but his sides have typically set up in a 4-2-3-1. That framework, plus his appetite for aggressive man-to-man pressing and a direct approach in possession, explains why he has emerged as a candidate for clubs seeking intensity and structure.

Iraola’s Bournemouth teams press to suffocate opponents in wide areas and to produce moments in transition. In possession they are direct: strikers run channels, a chief progressive passer is charged with turning defence around, and ball-carrying is encouraged so play moves forward quickly. A young Chelsea squad could suit that high-octane model, though the club are also keen to add more experienced star talent this summer.

Goalkeeper: James Trafford is set to leave Manchester City this summer with several clubs interested. Robert Sánchez remains upgradeable, and Chelsea are unlikely to pursue Mike Maignan again after he penned a contract extension with Milan earlier this year. If Chelsea can promise Trafford a starting role they may win a competitive race.

Right-back: Reece James, the club captain, offers versatility and an impressive passing range. He could be used in midfield, but Iraola may value him at right-back to release his passing from deeper positions.

Centre-backs: Trevoh Chalobah has been Chelsea’s most reliable defensive option this season and could be retained while the club looks to improve the position. Marcos Senesi is available on a free transfer and stands out as an experienced, left-footed passer from the back who impressed under Iraola at Bournemouth.

Left-back: Levi Colwill is close to a full recovery from the ACL tear he suffered last summer and might make a handful of appearances during Calum McFarlane’s interim spell. Mauricio Pochettino used Colwill as a left-back, and Iraola is not drastically different stylistically, especially in possession. If Marc Cucurella leaves, Colwill could emerge as an option.

Midfield and attack: Moisés Caicedo would provide the tone in midfield Iraola values, while Alex Scott’s energy fits that midfield profile. On the right, Pedro Neto offers enthusiasm, though availability will depend on Estêvão’s recovery. Cole Palmer could flourish in an attacking midfield No.10 role with greater freedom.