FPL
9 May 2026 940 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
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On Thursday, Aston Villa overturned a first-leg deficit to defeat Nottingham Forest and reach the Europa League final.

At the same time, Crystal Palace beat Shakhtar Donetsk to make the Conference League equivalent.

Let’s check how these developments will affect the final three weeks of Fantasy Premier League (FPL).


1. Sixth place may reach the Champions League

If Villa win the Europa League and, domestically, finish exactly fifth, then the team below them will also qualify for the Champions League.

That place is currently occupied by Bournemouth. But Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion are close behind. It’s an intriguing thought that one of these clubs might be rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite next season.

It means that there’s an extra incentive for the chasing pack to aim for sixth place, and should ensure strong line-ups from their respective clubs’ managers while it’s mathematically possible to do so.

However, if Villa win the trophy and finish fourth, that extra Champions League place will be allocated abroad.

2. Crystal Palace’s Conference League final takes place after Gameweek 38

FPL Gameweek 4 Free Hit: Pros, cons + best team

Meanwhile, at Palace, Oliver Glasner is already rotating his attackers and hinted at more over the coming days. It greatly reduces the appeal of their players for this Double Gameweek 36.

Expect this to continue until the final day, as Gameweek 38’s hosting of Arsenal happens three days before meeting Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.

That might annoy Manchester City fans.

“Again, I don’t know right now how we will plan this because it’s also the first time for me playing the last league game on Sunday and then [the final] on Wednesday. When we had this with Frankfurt, we played the last league game on Saturday and we… played the same team that we played in the [Europa League] final as the last test.

“But I don’t know if this makes sense if you play Sunday and Wednesday. Fortunately, I have a bit of time to think about it and do my research and talk with my staff, and then we will plan the last week, but now it’s really getting the win against Everton to be really safe in the league and then making the second step.

“To be honest, if somebody criticises… for me, sorry, if I can say this, it would be nonsense. It’s just the last game but there were 37 games played before. That means if another team on Matchday 25 rotated against City or Arsenal, they affected the title race as well. I’m not responsible for Arsenal, I’m not responsible for Manchester City; I’m responsible for Crystal Palace and I get paid for doing the best things for Crystal Palace and not for City and not for Arsenal.

“Again, I don’t know what we’re doing [in Gameweek 38]. Maybe we’ll be playing with the same line-up that we’ll play against Vallecano but again, maybe it feels like the league title is decided on the last day but at the end, it’s a result of 38 Matchdays and at the end, everybody gets what he deserves.” – Oliver Glasner, speaking on Thursday, about his Gameweek 38 plans

3. Aston Villa’s Europa League final takes place between Gameweeks 37 and 38

Buy, keep, sell? Transfer trends ahead of Gameweek 13 1

Then again, Pep Guardiola’s lot will be against another distracted side at the same time.

That’s because the Freiburg v Aston Villa showcase is on Wednesday 20 May, between Gameweeks 37 and 38.

Should this weekend’s top-flight action help Villa secure Champions League qualification, Unai Emery may deem it necessary to rest the likes of Morgan Rogers (£7.5m) and Ollie Watkins (£8.8m) in the build-up to Istanbul.

FPL notes: Villa rotation, no shots for an hour + Richarlison 3

4. The Gameweek 37 deadline has moved

Speaking of European finals in the dual-continent Turkish city, Liverpool is Villa’s Gameweek 37 opponent.

Originally scheduled for Sunday 17 May, that match between the two clubs has been shifted to two days earlier (20:00 BST kick-off).

It means FPL’s Gameweek 37 deadline is now 18:30 on Friday 15 May.

Don’t get caught out!


price change predictions

FPL Marc Broadcaster, writer and overthinker. Hoping that ‘differential potential’ will catch on.

940 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Crunch time:
    Munoz or Lacroix for this DGW only?

    1. kingbails
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Toss a coin my dude

  2. Nightcrawler
    • 7 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Semenyo to start?

    Or would U do Semenyo to Cherki?

    1. kingbails
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      I'm playing Semenyo and using the transfer elsewhere

  3. -GK22-
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Okofor & Struijk to Van Hecke & Hinshelwood -4? Too much Brighton?

    Team would be…. And playing BB

    Raya, Henderson
    Gabby, NOR, Van Hecke, Munoz, Lacroix
    Saka, Bruno, Gross, Hinshelwood, Cherki
    Haaland, DCL, Thiago

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Quite like it!

      1. -GK22-
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Do you think it then leaves an issue next week when I have 6 players from palace and brighton

    2. Orion
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Make sense if playing the BB

  4. waltzingmatildas
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Team is
    Verbruggen
    O'Reilly Gabriel Van Hecke
    Bruno Saka Semenyo Groß Tavernier
    Haaland Gyokeres
    (Darlow DCL Hill Justin)

    One FT. Would you do
    A) Tavernier to Sarr
    B) Semenyo to Cherki
    C) Roll

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      C

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 15 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Cheers, probably sensible

    2. Orion
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Why Semenyo to Cherki? It’s a waste of transfer imo…
      Tavernier to Sarr, I’m just worried about rotation

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 15 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Cherki stats have been a lot better recently. Semenyo just hasn't looked on it.
        Yes, same for me with Sarr. Just feels strange to have no Palace in a few.
        Cheers

    3. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      C

  5. The Philosopher
    • 6 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Which scores more till the end of the season?

    A: Henderson + Calafiori
    B: Darlow + Saliba

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      B

    2. cfc_andrew4
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      B

    3. Orion
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      B

  6. Orion
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    I need a help guys…

    A) Play DCL
    B) DCL to Gyokeres for a -4

    Cheers guys

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A

    3. sunzip14
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A

  7. sunzip14
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Have 2FTs. Which option below looks better?

    Verbruggen
    Hill, O'Reilly, Van Hecke
    Palmer, Semenyo, Tavernier, Hinshelwood
    J Pedro, Haaland (TC), DCL

    Darlow, Enzo, Senesi, Struijk

    A) Palmer + Pedro > Saka + Gyokeres
    B) Palmer > Saka
    C) Pedro> Gyokeres
    D) Enzo> Saka (bench Tavernier)

    1. -GK22-
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A

    3. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A this week, C next week

      1. Ha.
        • 10 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Should be B this week

      2. sunzip14
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Thanks. You mean B this week and C next week?

        1. Ha.
          • 10 Years
          2 months, 19 days ago

          I do

  8. cfc_andrew4
    • 3 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Vergruggen
    Senesi, Van Hecke, OReilly
    Saka, Semenyo, Fernandes, Hinshelwood, Tavernier
    Haaland, J Pedro

    No idea what to do with my 1FT, any palace worth it, or roll them to get more Arsenal in next week?
    Cheers

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Wait until next week

    2. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      What cash do you have?

      1. cfc_andrew4
        • 3 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Only 1.3, which for Arsenal options next week appears to let me just about get Gykores & White for Senesi & JP…. Or blow it all on Saliba.

        1. how now brown cow
          • 11 Years
          2 months, 19 days ago

          Reckon White is nailed enough to rely on?

          Moving Semenyo to Cherki to free up cash is one option, but then you want both fts next week. Maybe hold.

          1. cfc_andrew4
            • 3 Years
            2 months, 19 days ago

            I do like the Cherki idea to free up cash, but think the 2ft are more valuable… think I’ll just roll and re-evaluate next week. Cheers

  9. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Which 1 to start?

    A) MGW
    B) Senesi
    C) Tavernier

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      C

    2. sunzip14
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      C

    3. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      I'm wondering about Hill or Tavernier, now that Kroupi is doing pens. C just maybe.

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Cheers, think Tavernier will come good and worth holding for the run in, or get an Everton mid for him or MGW?

        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 months, 19 days ago

          Or get Wilson?

          1. how now brown cow
            • 11 Years
            2 months, 19 days ago

            I dont have much hope for tavernier, but i don't really like any of the alternatives.

          2. how now brown cow
            • 11 Years
            2 months, 19 days ago

            KDH as good as any I suppose

    4. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      B

  10. Il Capitano
    • 5 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    BB 0 FT 2.9m ITB

    Henderson
    Munoz Lacroix O'Reilly Gabriel
    Cherki Rogers Bruno Hinshelwood
    Haaland Welbeck

    Raya - Eze Van Hecke DCL

    Anything worth a hit here?

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      No

  11. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Anything worth a hit here?

    Verbruggen
    O’REILLY, Gabriel, Van Hecke
    SEMENYO, Bruno, Saka, Hinshelwood
    HAALAND(tc), Pedro, Dcl

    Darlow, Tavernier, Hill, Justin
    Bank 0.8m, 0FT, no chips

    1. cfc_andrew4
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      No

  12. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Verbruggen
    Gabriel O'Reilly Van Hecke
    Saka Bruno Semenyo Tavernier
    Haaland Welbeck Pedro

    (Darlow Hill Scott Struijk)

    1 ft 1.0m itb

    a) Semenyo -> Cherki
    b) Semenyo, Pedro -> Cherki, Gyokeres (-4)
    c) hold FT

    Also, would you start Hill over Tavernier??

    1. cfc_andrew4
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      How about A this week then get Gykores next week.
      Would start Tav over Hill

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Considering the same

  13. -GK22-
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Is it bad form to have 4 doublers on my bench on a bench boost?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Nah, it's a1st 15 for you

    2. Kingy109
      • 5 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      I'd consider it best practice to put the actual players you'd bench there so you know how well your BB did. If you'd genuinely bench doublers without a BB this week fine but I bet you wouldn't really do that.

  14. thisisdiz
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Is Semenyo > Cherki worth a -4?
    I'm chasing, and the guy at the top has Semenyo too.

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      No

    2. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      On recent form (Semenyo 5 blanks) yes, but honestly who knows.

      I'm almost tempted by Doku.

    3. thisisdiz
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Is Cherki minutes more safer?

  15. lilmessipran
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Is a BB of Raya, Thiago, Hill and Stach ok? Is Hill to Munoz/Canvot/Van Hecke worth a -4?

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Yes
      No

    2. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      How many points do you think any of them are likely to get? I can't see it.

      1. lilmessipran
        • 13 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        I am actually really scared of not owning Van Hecke..looks due a goal whenever I watch him and clean sheet looks like a banker.

        1. how now brown cow
          • 11 Years
          2 months, 19 days ago

          Taking a hit for a defender always seems a bit risky for my cautious yet unsuccessful approach, but honestly if your gut says so, then what's the harm....

    3. cfc_andrew4
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      BB depends on rest of squad as Raya, Thiago and Stach have better games next week.
      Wouldn’t do the -4 though

      1. justmatt
        • 10 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        You’re right that they have better fixtures, but they wouldn’t be on the bench then.

    4. lilmessipran
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Cheers all

  16. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Could be a season defining day today. 9 players including Haaland TC.

    1. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Think my season was defined around Xmas!

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Having a decent second half of the season. OR 35k, hoping for a strong finish.

  17. Steager
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    A) DCL to Richarlison
    B) DCL to Mateta
    C) JPedro to Gykores
    D) Roll and play DCL or Tav

    1. Super Squirrel
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A

    2. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      D

    3. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      C

    4. Under my Cucurella
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      C

  18. threeputt
    • 16 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Would you play:

    a) Bruno G (nfo)
    b) Kroupi (ful)
    c) Sarr (EVE), (mci)

    1. Super Squirrel
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      C

    2. cfc_andrew4
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A

    3. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A

  19. Super Squirrel
    • 16 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Start two please

    A) VDV
    B) VVD
    C) Cash

    1. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Leave Cash in the attic

    2. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      DVDVDVD

    3. thisisdiz
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Is Cherki minutes more safer?

    4. thisisdiz
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Wrong reply. Sorry.

    5. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      VDVVVD

  20. Mane Mane Mane
    • 5 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Chasing my ML leader by 45 points and have around 4people who are within 10-30 points of me. Top 3 are paid out. Do I go slightly rogue and go for O’Reilly as captain instead of Haaland which I’m assuming everyone else will go for. And is it worth moving Semenyo to Doku, do we think he plays the remaining games? Any help is very much appreciated

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      No; let the others take the risks… they will become increasingly desperate and make riskier and riskier moves that won’t pay off

      1. Mane Mane Mane
        • 5 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Is it a no to both you reckon, or is the Semenyo to Doku move still worth a gamble?

  21. Koflok
    • 13 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    GK is Verbrugen

    Play
    A) Joao Pedro
    B) Van Hecke

    First to 3

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      B
      B
      B

    2. Weasel51
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      B

    3. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      B, just.

    4. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      B

    5. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      B

  22. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Went Palmer DCL to Saka Gyo, looking good?

    Verb
    Gab/NOR/VanH
    Saka/Bruno/Cherki/Mitoma
    Haaland(c)/Gyo/Pedro

    Darlow/Senesi/Hill/Tav

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Yes, GL!

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        GL!

        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 months, 19 days ago

          Cheers!

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Yes

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Cheers

  23. Weasel51
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Which one?

    A) Start DCL
    B) Start J.Pedro
    C) Transfer J.Pedro and start Gyokeres?

    1. justmatt
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A or B… Probably B

    2. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      B

    3. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      B

    4. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A

  24. justmatt
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Morning all, anything worth a hit for this BB?

    Raya
    Gabriel, Nico, Munoz, Lacroix
    Bruno, Wilson, Sarr, Cherki
    Haaland(c), Thiago

    Vertbruggen, DCL, Virgil, KDH

    I’d like more Brighton but not sure it’s worth a hit.

    1. Weasel51
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      I’d take Sarr out for Hinshelwood which is crazy in a DGW.

      1. Weasel51
        • 10 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Infact, I missed that it’s for a hit. G2G.

    2. Sharkytect
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Nah, those bench players are all decent (won't be worth losing one for a 4point hit)

    3. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      GTG

  25. Sharkytect
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    My bench is:
    Royal (whu), Hill (ful), Wilson (BOU), and reinildo (MUN).

    Not that great a bench boost, is it? Think i should just save for last game of the season fun? I still have a wildcard!

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Would save

    2. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Save

    3. justmatt
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Only concern is the last day of season usually has a few surprises, not the easiest week to get a full 15 starting.

  26. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Got a FT to spare.

    Semenyo to Cherki?

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Done last week

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Yes

    3. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      No

  27. Bonus magnet
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    What scores higher ?

    1. TC a city player
    2. -4 points and load up on 3 palace players and BB

    Have 3 city players

    1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
      • 1 Year
      2 months, 19 days ago

      2 will work well if you're playing anti-FPL

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      2

    3. Ausman
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      3 Palace players will get you -4. Really bad idea.

  28. #1 Arne Engels Fan
    • 1 Year
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Stacking up on Everton assets. My hatred of Oliver Glasner's football terrorism knows no bounds

  29. mr_jones
    • 7 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    if chasing:

    a) palmer & thiago —> saka & welbeck
    b) palmer & thiago —> eze & gyokeres

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Very close, but Saka over Eze’s unsure minutes edges it towards A

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      A

  30. brianutd-why always we? 20
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 19 days ago

    Play Gros (WOL) or Rogers (bur)?

    1. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Gros

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Gross

      1. brianutd-why always we? 20
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 19 days ago

        Thanks both, that’s what I’m thinking

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 19 days ago

      Gros