Opinion

FPL Question Time – How to close out the season

End of season strategy is the main focus of your questions ahead of Gameweek 37.

It’s the time of year where a player’s ownership, either overall, or in the top 10,000, comes into play more than ever.

With a late turn of fixtures for Manchester United, assets from Spurs and Liverpool are coming under scrutiny.

Meanwhile, some managers still have to play their Triple Captain chips and the division’s most in-form player has fixtures that are tough on paper.

Bringing you their thoughts on these subjects are our latest panel of Fantasy managers.

Who’s on the panel this week?

Ben McNair – One of Australia’s most well-known Fantasy managers with four top 5k finishes in his FPL career.

Holly Shand – Founder of Fantasy Football Community and a regular FPL Show guest. Currently ranked inside the top 5k ahead of Gameweek 37.

Zoumas Bloomers – One of our moderators on the site with two top 10k finishes in the last three seasons and currently ranked 22k ahead of Gameweek 37.

Question 1 – Ben

Should I transfer Trippier out with him more likely to be involved in the second leg of Champions League than Gameweek 37? If so, who is a good replacement for last two games of the season?

Ben: “If you don’t have him, get Trent Alexander-Arnold. He was benched in Barcelona, so looks likely to play both remaining Premier League matches.

“Points could come from either end of the pitch, with Liverpool racking up the clean sheets this season and the right-back having the highest expected goal involvement of any defender over their last six matches.

“Otherwise, take a look at Lucas Digne. Everton’s defensive form is outstanding, with only Manchester City having lower expected goals conceded over the past six matches.

“He has a share of set pieces and in the last six matches has created 11 chances for his team-mates.

“The fixtures are reasonable too, Burnley at home and then a trip to a visibly-tired Spurs.

“If you’re after a differential, Seamus Coleman, with just 1.6 per cent ownership, has twice the expected goal involvement of Digne over the past six matches (1.61 to 0.81).”

Question 2 – Holly

With Leicester playing Man City then Chelsea, would you keep or sell Jamie Vardy? If sell, which mid-price or budget strikers should we consider?

Holly: “I’m a Vardy owner and am resolute on keeping him.

“It’s form over fixtures here.

“He got an assist in the reverse fixture and a goal last season, a game in which City won 5–1.

“Vardy loves playing top-six opposition, he’s on penalties and still in the Golden Boot race, if only as an outside bet.

“Manchester City are definitely the sort of team he thrives against with the space that will be available behind the high line that their defence plays.

Question 3 – ZoumasBloomers

Is Zaha a smart choice for the remaining matches?

ZB: “Zaha is a strong shout for the last two games, especially a plum home tie against Bournemouth in Gameweek 38.

“However, the bonus-shy Ivorian has not been racking up the Fantasy points at a rate of knots with only one goal and one assist in his last four games.

“Meanwhile, Cardiff will be scrapping for their lives this weekend as they hope to beat the drop.

“I’d personally look at Mitrovic for 0.6m less and two great fixtures.

“The big Serb is also sitting pretty at the top of the Goals Imminent table and is enjoying a resurgence since Fulham were confirmed as relegated.”

Question 4 – Ben

How essential is Mané for last two GWs? Would you get him in for Eriksen to block his owners or look elsewhere?

Ben: “I see the logic in selling Eriksen. He looks tired and there are doubts about how many minutes he will play against Bournemouth on Saturday ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg in Amsterdam.

“Mané has been in amazing form this calendar year. No midfielder has higher expected goal involvement over their last six Premier League matches. Liverpool are motivated. It’s a good move in any case, but if your main objective is to protect a narrow lead in your mini-league, then it looks like a no-brainer.

“Managers looking to take risks to make up ground in a mini-league may want to look elsewhere. Nathan Redmond is owned by just five per cent of managers (12 per cent in the top 10,000) and has good fixtures to round out the season.

“He has been taking around three shots per match recently and no midfielder has higher expected goal involvement over their last four Premier League matches.

“Although Paul Pogba is owned by 31 per cent of all managers, his ownership in the top 10 000 is just 15 per cent. The form isn’t there, but the fixtures certainly are, with Manchester United taking on arguably the two worst defences in the league in Huddersfield and Cardiff.”

Question 5 – Holly

If you still had your Triple Captain chip left who would you put it on over next two weeks? I’m second in my mini league and picking the right captain could get me over the line…

Holly: “With the options diminishing, it probably has to be a Manchester City or Liverpool attacker, both teams have plenty to still play for.

“With Liverpool still involved in the Champions League, I would lean towards Aguero or Sterling against Leicester this weekend, with Aguero slightly edging it given his form.

“Salah and Mane look great options for Gameweek 38, Salah has the slight edge with great potential.

“Meanwhile, Hazard against Watford this weekend could be a particularly explosive haul – and a differential one too! Good luck!”

Question 6 – ZoumasBloomers

Are United assets (Pogba) worth it over Eriksen/Son because of the fixtures?

ZB: “I think Tottenham are in a bit of a jam at the moment, with the fixtures piling up and injuries and fatigue taking a toll.

“I still see Son as a key asset with a rest in the first semi-final leg of the champions league, and eight shots in the box in the last four games.

“Eriksen, however, is a concern. He’s played almost every minute of every game recently and has been dropping deeper and deeper.

“He is still firing off four shots per game in the last four, but these have been mainly from distance.

“Pogba has excellent fixtures, gets a lot of penalties, and is nailed on.

“The main issue has been his lack of attacking intent in some games this season, and it’s hard to know which Pogba will turn up.

“The enigmatic midfielder has only managed nine shots in the last four games and created four fewer chances than the Dane.

“I’d strongly consider the Eriksen to Pogba move if you have no other fires to put out, since I have a feeling Manchester United should cruise their two easy fixtures… but it could well be a move that comes back to bite you.”

800 Comments Post a Comment
  1. zotter
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Who do we think gets fourth place? Both Chelsea and Arsenal should win this weekend

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      And 7th? Wolves surely

      1. DeadStarComing
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Wolves yeah. I'll guess Chelsea for 4th.

    2. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Chelsea

    3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Do think Chelsea will drop points at Leicester, however I have no confidence in Arsenal winning at Burnley either

    4. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Spurs definitely, but more by default of the rest being rubbish.

      Then probably Chelsea.

      1. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Sorry, read that as top 4 rather than just 4th place

    5. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Who’s scored more goals? I have it level on points and goal difference with Chelsea drawing on last day with Leicester in a thriller

  2. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Lloris
    Robertson Laporte Doherty
    Salah(vc) Son Sterling(c) Jota Camarasa
    Rashford Jiminez

    Foster Gray Bednarek Duffy

    I have 0.8m itb and 1ft...

    I am planning to do Duffy > Shaw if Rashford is fit.

    Is there anything else needed or should I save the transfer for the final GW?

    Thanks!

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Why not Digne. More attacking threat

      1. Bubbles1985
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Purely for clean sheet potential

  3. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Hazard (in for Eriksen) it is then - unless he comes on and gets crocked obviously!

    Vardy stays.

    Aguero (c), no Sterling.

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I would captain hazard

  4. Lukaku91
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Sterling or Aguero captain?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Aguero for me

    2. golden skulltula 69
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Aguero, even if I have Sterling

  5. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Many selling Salah.
    Expecting a benching or just poor returns?

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      To get sterling or hazard imo. Doubt he is benched

    2. Lukaku91
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      just switching to raheem the dream

    3. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Nope.

  6. Andy Mac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    2FTs in the bank. What to do with this lot??

    Doherty - TAA - Lindelhof - Boly - Valery
    Mane - Sterling - Son - Moura - KDB*
    Aguero - Firmino - Jiminez

    Considering:
    A) Firmino & KdB > Salah & Long
    B) KdB > ???
    C) Firmino, KdB, Boly > Long, Salah, Digne

    Any suggestions or thoughts guys?? Thanks!

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      How much money

      1. Andy Mac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Nought itb mate

      2. Andy Mac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Actually considering a -8! Crazy?

        Out
        KdB - Moura - Boly - Firmino
        In
        Salah - Jota - Laporte - Long

    2. Lukaku91
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      kdb to hazard

      1. Andy Mac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Who else would you swap to fund Luk?

  7. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A: Duffy > Kelly, leaving 2 FTs for GW38 (0.9 ITB)

    B: Duffy > Shaw, Rondon > Long (0.9 ITB) 1 FT for GW38

  8. Thescaff
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Best one week punt...?
    A Son to Pogba
    B Mane to Hazard

    1. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B

    3. zotter
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B

    4. Maddamotha
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B

  9. DeadStarComing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    So apparently there is a tiny chance of the Premier league being decided in a play off match should both Man City and Liverpool finish equal (makes sense I guess) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48136471

    I didn't really realise this could happen in the Premier league. Do you think FPL would include this match if the craziest of craziest things happened?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Surely not. Some people would have no players and others would have 6

      1. DeadStarComing
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        GW39 maybe? Give everyone 6 free transfers 🙂

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Definitely not

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      GW39? I think not!

  10. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    A. Lascelles to Shaw
    B. Eriksen to Pogba
    C. Robertson, Eriksen to Shaw, Hazard for -4

  11. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    How’s this plan? The Rashford and Zaha transfers can be either way around?

    GW37: Gray+Eriksen+Duffy >> Rashford+Pogba+Kelly? (-4)

    GW38: MITB for Jiménez >> Zaha

    Foster
    Laporte. TAA. Doherty
    Eriksen. Sterling. Mané. Son
    Gray. Agüero. Jiménez
    (Ryan, Duffy, Højbjerg, Bednarek)

  12. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Best move?

    A) Duffy -> Shaw

    B) Salah & Eriksen -> Sterling & Hazard (-4)

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      B

  13. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Ryan
    TAA Kola Doherty
    Salah Sterling Son Jota
    Aguero Jim Long

    Subs: Foster Deulofeu Valery Duffy

    1 ft. 1.9

    What do you think of this plan?

    GW37: Ryan > DDG
    GW38: Jimenez -> Rashford/Zaha

  14. Annie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Currently sitting about 4 points outside top 10k.
    I have one differential, Bilva, is it worth Mane or Son to Haz or should I play safe this week and save FT for final week?

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Save FT

    2. Andy Mac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I would do Son to Haz if funds allowed. GL breaking in to top 10k!

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I'd save

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Hazard is great option imo

    5. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      mixed response as expected!

    6. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      If Haz comes free then that’s the one.

  15. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Wilson & Rondon > Rashford & Lacazette for -4... yay or nay?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Nay until the game ends at least.

  16. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Results from previous posts are about 60/40 for saving FT this week, rather than using it on a GK.

    So then, who would you start?
    1) Foster at che
    2) Ryan at ars

    1. rokonto
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Atm I'm doing Ryan... got both
      Still not sure though

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Ryan

    3. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      May I ask why you're leaning toward Ryan? Lack of confidence in Arsenal?

  17. Andy Mac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Actually considering a -8! Crazy???

    Out
    KdB - Moura - Boly - Firmino
    In
    Salah - Jota - Laporte - Long

    1. Andy Mac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Guaita
      TAA - Laporte - Lindelhof
      Salah - Mane - Sterling - Son - Jota
      Aguero - Jiminez

      Subs: Boruc - Doherty - Valery

    2. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn't consider that crazy, but, for me, it depends on what you're after: ML or OR.

  18. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Bottomed.

    A: Duffy > Kelly, (leaving 2 FTs for GW38

    B: Duffy > Shaw, Rondon > Long (0.9 ITB) 1 FT for GW38

  19. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Good job Sarri.
    FPL is more important then EL.
    Hazard © locked !!

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I’m still going to captain Kun I think - hedging and happy with a super differential.

      (Haz has only really failed me this season when captain. Superstition perhaps but also recognition that he’s a tad unpredictable in banker matches)

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah
        Agreed. I'm chasing OR so ..

  20. Óró Sé…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Wan B or Lindelöf for the last two games? Selling for Duffy. Anyone else better?

    Lloris,
    Robbo, Laporte, Johnny, ? (Duffy)
    Eriksen, Salah, Mane, JWP
    Kun, Jiménez

    Foster, Valery, Hojberg, Success

    1. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      0.1 shy for Shaw

  21. ankil2009
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Any suggestions on this
    Lloris (Foster)
    TAA Laporte Valery (Duffy Yoshida)
    Sterling Mane Pogba Son Jota
    Vardy Jiminez (Wilson)

    1FT, 1.1m in the bank, want to get Agüero but not sure how or any other move?

    1. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Probably best not to take hits and trust with who you’ve got up front.

      Duffy to Shaw or Van A ?

  22. JShopov
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Eriksen >Pogba and Mane > Haz for free , or just the former ?

    1. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I think neither tbh.

      You might have a better (more boring move) and save two FT for last gW.

      Eriksen and mane are in form and have decent fixtures

  23. Federico
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Play Rondon or JWP?

    1. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      JWP

  24. makaveli70
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    play one:
    1-Ings
    2-Redmond

    1. makaveli70
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      repost
      play one:
      1-Ings
      2-Redmond

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Redmond I guess - could Hasenhuttl give Austin a run out after his comments today?

    2. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Probably Redmond but either/both really!

  25. Iain Dowies Love Child
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Do we think Michael Keane keeps his place now Mina is fit? Can't believe I'm even asking this!

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure Silva will want to change anything on current form

  26. Pras (FPL)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Front 8:

    Mane, Sterling, Son, Jota, Deulo
    Kun, Jimenez, Firmino

    I have 2 FT and out of ideas. Some thoughts on below:

    A. Deulo + Firmino -> Zaha + Pogba (but that means bench Zaha/Mane)
    B. Firmino -> Rash (if fit)
    C. Mane + Deulo -> Pogba + Martial (only if Rash and Luka both out)

    1. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Your front 8 looks great. Have you a move in defense instead? Those moves don’t look particularly amazing

  27. OLLY G
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Eriksen to Pogba?

    1. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      I’ve thought about this a lot and I think no. I’m thinking never transfer out a perfectly good player with form and fixture. It rarely pays off

  28. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Digne or Shaw?

    1. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Shaw looks great to me and Digne has been great. Shaw only because of United’s amazing fixtures

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      To buy or you have to play ?

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 11 months ago

        Sorry, to buy

  29. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    With the exception of Kante and RLC that Chelsea line up is incredibly stale. Life after Hazard...

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      Life after Hazard and Sarri:

      Kepa
      Azpi Rudiger Zouma Emerson
      Kante RLC Luiz
      Pulisic Giroud CHO

  30. Egbunike
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 11 months ago

    Start JWP (whu) or Llorente (bou)?

    1. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 11 months ago

      JWP. Probably safer you’d think..