Opinion

FPL Question Time – Son replacements and Gameweek 38 tactics

Gameweek 38 strategies are all the talk of the Fantasy Premier League community this week.

Managers are looking for tactics either to block off those chasing them or to slide past their rivals above them in mini-leagues.

We’ve put together a panel to help tackle those problems, as well as give you some thoughts on who to replace the suspended Son Heung-min (£8.7m) with.

Who’s on the panel this week?

Always Cheating Podcast – The USA’s number one FPL podcast, hosted by Brandon and Josh, who is currently inside the top 2,000 ahead of Gameweek 38.

Gregor – One of our very own mods, who currently sits at 36k overall and has finished inside the top 1,000 in three of the last five seasons.

Simon March – Fantasy Premier League champion from the 2014/15 season and now a regular pundit on FFScout and the FPL Show.

Question 1 – Brandon

Mr Guinness: Who is the best Son replacement regardless of budget?

Brandon: “On the off chance that you don’t already have Raheem Sterling in your squad, then he’s the main man and a heavy captaincy favourite for Sunday.

“We haven’t seen Sterling sparkle in recent weeks, but Manchester City will be coming up against a comparatively poor side in Brighton and, with the title in their grasp, they will look to put any doubt away early on.

“If you’re ahead of me on the Sterling pick, then Gylfi Sigurdsson is looking poised to be a fruitful differential pick.

“With Everton in excellent form, and Spurs coming off an emotionally draining Champions League win, the Iceland international feels poised.

“However, with only two goals and two assists since GW29, and considering Richarlison could still be out with a rib injury, how bankable is the former Swansea man?

“If that feels too risky, then I’ll point you toward some budget options in what could be the most high-flying fixture of the week: Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth.

“Neither of these mid-table clubs is renowned for their defence (both Sakho and Tomkins remain sidelined for Palace), nor do they have a table position to tighten up for in the final day of the season.

“All signs then point toward a buccaneering shootout.

“The Palace midfielder of choice is Milivojevic, who is essentially Zaha’s shooting boots—the Palace forward loves to go down for penalty calls, leaving Milivojevic to sweep the goals home.

“On the other side would be Ryan Fraser, who is second only to Eden Hazard this season for assists (13).

“Rounding out the budget picks are Redmond and Ward-Prowse, who will surely be leading the attack for Southampton after their rests last week.

“Southampton have everything to celebrate on their home field at the end of a long and harrowing season escaping relegation.

“And while both Redmond and Ward-Prowse are peaking very late in the season, they do find themselves hosting Huddersfield, one of the worst teams we’ve seen in the division in some time.

“Pogba should sneak on to this list considering he has a home match against relegated Cardiff City, but considering Manchester United’s current form and mental state, it’s very tough to recommend the Frenchman for your final FPL push.

“However, if Pogba does indeed hit his stride, it could be a risk worth taking.

“The only other clubs left to touch upon are among those that were in action midweek—Liverpool and Chelsea. (I’m intentionally leaving Arsenal and Spurs off of this list simply due to Arsenal’s lack of any consistent midfielders and to Spurs general state of fluctuation with injury, fatigue, suspension, and an eye toward their biggest-ever European match.)

“Liverpool have everything to fight for, and both Mané and Salah have the potential.

“Salah will return from his concussion protocol in time for Sunday, while Mané is just simply in the form of his life.

“I rate the Wolves defence highly enough but Liverpool have shown quite recently how they can impose their will on any team they wish.

“It mainly makes me wish I was heavily invested in Liverpool’s attacking fullbacks, but a midfield swap with either of the two options her feels very strong.

“Lastly, let’s consider Hazard—but not for too long. The Belgian has just played 120 minutes in Thursday evening Europa League match against Frankfurt. The extremely gruelling match might serve to amplify the clichéd Europa Thursday-night hangover, along with the fact that Hazard doesn’t typically perform well away from home, is enough to scare me off of Hazard.”

Question 2 – Gregor

Pukunui: Who is the best replacement for Jiménez? I’d also like Aguero but can’t afford him unless I take a -4 hit and sell Salah as well.

Gregor: “I brought Rashford in for the Huddersfield game and though he and his team are woefully out of form, I am still hopeful of getting a return this week as Manchester United bow out for the season at Old Trafford.

“Previously blighted by a shoulder injury, the England forward played the full game last week and has now had a further full seven days of rest.

“I don’t think there is any doubt that he’s one of the players Solskjær is depending on for next season and I think local boy Rashford will be keen to end the season on a high against the creaky Cardiff defence.

“That said, there are other options in that price bracket that I would certainly consider.

“Aleksandar Mitrović sits on top of the Goals Imminent table and takes on former club Newcastle at Craven Cottage whilst Callum Wilson goes to Crystal Palace on the back of three double-digit returns in his four previous away games since returning from injury.

“On Agüero, well I certainly wouldn’t be taking Salah out for a hit presuming he’s passed fit. Having missed out in mid-week, I think Salah will be eager to secure another Golden Boot and make sure Liverpool take full advantage of any potential slip up by Manchester City, regardless of how unlikely that may be.

Question 3 – Simon

Jack: Is it worth selling someone for a hit if you know they won’t play on the final day of the season?

Simon: “Generally speaking, a hit for the final Gameweek of the season is risky due to the fact that you obviously only have the one chance for it to pay off.

“Even a couple of points at this stage of the season can have huge implications for ranks and mini leagues so sacrificing them isn’t something we should take lightly.

“In this case however, and assuming you don’t have a viable sub, the downside is also fairly minimal given it’s the classic (and maybe apocryphal) ‘2 point hit’, so I’d be tempted to go for it though it does, of course, depend a lot on the player(s) you’re looking to bring in.

“If there’s a player that you feel could score really well, and the only thing standing between you and them is a hit, then a hit makes sense to me.

“Obviously, a hit also means you’re making more than one transfer, so you can also factor in the cumulative value of the replacements.

“But switching a non-playing player for a player who, in all probability, will blank just for the sake of having eleven players is, of course, a much bigger risk.

“I’d probably only do this if I was really desperate and even then, I’d think long and hard about whether it’s actually worth it.

“Psychologically, it’s easier to take hits when we feel we have nothing to lose but taking a reasoned hit can be a viable strategy even if you’re doing well.

“For example, if you’re leading your mini league and there’s an obviously dangerous player that your competitor(s) have and you don’t, I wouldn’t be afraid of taking a hit to bring them in as cover, provided that the hit isn’t, itself, enough to put you behind your rivals.”

Question 4 – Josh

Blackwell Bellies: I am playing the Free Hit chip for the final Gameweek. Do I choose form or fixtures?

Josh: “A Gameweek 38 Free Hit is tricky!

“I would expect tons of rotation, especially with relegation and Champions League spots locked in.

“Who has something to play for? Liverpool and Man City. So, I’d get three of each.

“For the Reds, I’d suggest Mane, Salah and Alexander-Arnold while the best Manchester City options are probably Aguero, Sterling and Laporte.

“Boring, I know, but you can be nearly certain those six players will start and I’d be surprised if at least five out of six didn’t get pick up returns.

“That leaves five remaining starting spots.

“I’d consider Fraser (neck-and-neck with Hazard for the assist lead – I’d be shocked if he doesn’t have a bonus written into his contract if he wins it) and Pogba (who I expect to shoot relentlessly and shamelessly from anywhere on the pitch) for my two remaining midfield slots.

“I’d opt for Deeney and Zaha as my other forwards. They both have great home fixtures, Zaha’s in good form and Deeney will be looking to find it before the FA Cup final.

“That leaves one defender slot – I’d opt for Luke Shaw or, if you don’t trust that anyone can keep a clean sheet in Gameweek 38, I’d go all-in on an attacking option like Lucas Digne.

“Good luck!”

Question 5 – Gregor

Podorsky: Given that Liverpool and City are the only remaining teams with anything to play for in the final Gameweek, which other matches will likely have a few goals in them?

Gregor: “The last Gameweek of the season is notorious for throwing up a lot of goals with clean sheets at a premium and I don’t think that will be any different this season.

“I fancy Southampton to bag a few as I think they will play their strongest team this week and will look to cut loose in their final home game against the normally obliging Huddersfield defence.

“I’d also be looking at the Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth game as the hosts don’t look as resolute without the likes of Sakho and Tomkins and only Fulham and Huddersfield have conceded more goals away from home than the Cherries this season.

“I would also say that the Watford vs West Ham fixture has the makings of a good game and even though I might be a bit wary of Watford assets as they could have one eye on next weeks FA Cup final, West Ham’s form has improved of late and the likes of Antonio and Arnautovic could prove to be decent differentials this Gameweek.

556 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Casual GW38 post here please humour me

    A) Wijnaldum + Rashford
    B) Antonio + Origi

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      And C) Antonio + Perez/Rondón/Deeney etc all acceptable too

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe Antonio + Mitrovic?

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          0.2 off and been trolled by mitro by owning him way too many weeks watching him miss sitters thinking hm he’ll come good soon but I just think he is a bad finisher

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            He’s an awful finisher. We quickly found that out up toon

          2. The Ejiptian King
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Yeah, I'd only be considering it for narrative reasons vs old club, probably get sent off anyway.

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      B

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Very good thanks

    3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      b

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        All good then thanks for the help

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      B with Rondon an option?

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Yes you think he’ll do better than origi playing for pool who need to win ?

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          I might be biased. Fulham defensive stats still poor. Both might get returns. Go with the pool guy if that’s your gut

    5. Bunk Moreland
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I like B

  2. Fantasydreamer
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Help please! Which scores more?

    Salah (c), jota, Laporte (+4)
    Sterling (c), Robertson, Laporte

    If it helps - my ML rival (16 below) has salah and sterling, I think he may captain sterling as I don’t have him at the moment!

  3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    I started the season with Salah and Mane in GW1 and they got 24 between them - feels right to end with them together.

    Then I looked at that team and realised how good Mendy did early on. Returns in the first 7 games he played in. What might have been for his season...

  4. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Pick one from each group ?
    A Vardy
    B Pogba

    And
    1 Fraser
    2 Babel

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      A1 easy

  5. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    For next season, do you think taa will be regular starter considering gomez fit?
    I think he is even more explosive than robbo but not that much safe

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, Gomez will come in for Matip.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Gomez will play both CB and RB imo
        Too much CB options. Lovren matip gomez...

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Maybe occasionally RB but TAA and Robbo are absolutely vital to how Liverpool play now.

    2. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yep TAA absolute first choice, Gomez or another new RB will play when TAA needs a rest / around CL etc. Gomez competing at centre back with a rejuvenated Matip to partner VVD.

      I expect Liverpool to buy some back up full backs this year if they let Moreno and Clyne go.

  6. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    repost in the right article 🙄

    play foster (WHU) or Ryan (MCI)?

    thinking ryan for saves

    1. Party time
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Ryan for save points

        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          ta

    2. ZAWAd25
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Bottomed

      Best forward under £7.0 for final week? Currently on Wilson

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        zaha?

    3. Fantasydreamer
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Which scores more?

      A. Lloris, Aguero, rashford, JWP, valery and Jimenez (+12)
      B. Ederson, salah, vardy, Babel, llorente and Wilson

      (Think both will captain sterling)

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        B should nick it

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Was bobby flagged before today’s presser?

      1. Chris_H
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        He's had a yellow flag for a while, possibly only red flag today

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Cheers. Trying to work out my rivals moves. He’s probably shipped him and Son then

    5. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I have talked myself into getting Mason Greenwood in for Lllorente. I need to slap myself right?

      20 point gap in minileague to catch up and feels very very tempting...

    6. BOOM XHAKALACA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Son, Jimmy -> Mili, Vardy for -4?
      Otherwise I'll play Jimmy and Doh

    7. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Which?

      A) doherty to laporte, 442, valery/bednarek 1 starts
      B) doherty son -4 to pogba laporte, 352, valery bednarek bench
      C) jimy to vardy/zaha/wilson/laca (or) son to pogba/fraser/mata/bsilva, 343 (or) 352, bednarek/valery 1 stsrts

    8. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Thoughts on Jota > Mata?

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Considering

    9. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      A: Townsend (BOU)
      B: Babel (NEW)
      C: Redmond (HUD)
      D: Other (6m budget)

      1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        c

      2. Party time
          4 years, 10 months ago

          A

      3. jorgenoj
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Which option?

        A) Gylfi + Jimenez
        B) Gylfi + Wilson (-4)

        1. Ruud vom Mistelroum
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          A

        2. Party time
            4 years, 10 months ago

            B

          • Colonel Shoe 肝池
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            b needs 2 goals from wilson to pay off..... makes it a tough choice

        3. ColdRainyNIght
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Should I sell Hazard? He is going to be rested??

          1. denial
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            I'm considering selling him for Salah yes.

          2. Party time
              4 years, 10 months ago

              I sold him for Sterling

            • Pompey92
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              I got rid for Salah.

          3. Von Lipwig
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Is it clearly E?

            A) Doherty + Jota + Vardy -4
            B) Doherty + Jota + Redmond -4
            C) Kompany + Vardy + Redmond -8
            D) Shaw + Vardy + Redmond -8
            E) Robbo + Vardy + Redmond -8

            1. Von Lipwig
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              F) Robbo + Fraser + Redmond -4

          4. CelticBhoy1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Bench one:

            A) Valery

            B) Wan-B

            C) Monreal

            1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              Monreal

          5. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Play Leno (bur) or Foster (WHU)?

            1. Bunk Moreland
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              Foster

          6. #FPLBhuna
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            I AM SO TORN, HELP ME pretty please with Nandos Wild Herb Sauce on top

            ZAHA OR VARDY?

            1. Miguel Sanchez
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              Vardy

            2. Party time
                4 years, 10 months ago

                Jamie V

              • IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                Vardy for me

              • Bunk Moreland
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                Vardy

            3. BHA_Seagull
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              Do you think Saari is likely to rest Hazard?
              Having 10.9m on the bench would not sit well with me last gwk of the season!

              1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                Absolutely not, why would he? Probably his last game for Chelsea.

                1. avfc82
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 10 months ago

                  Europa League final?

                  1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 10 months ago

                    Lol my bad, totally forgot about it.

                2. Simon Says...
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 10 months ago

                  Because they've already qualified for the CL and have the Europa League final to be ready for. No real reason to risk Hazard with the final coming up.

              2. avfc82
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                Hard to say but I think so. He played the full 120 last night whilst Pedro and Willian had 60ish mins each. He could do damage from the bench though.

              3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                I'm converting to Salah as I don't see much Chelsea motivation.

                1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 10 months ago

                  ...a home game would have been a totally different scenario for him...

              4. Party time
                  4 years, 10 months ago

                  Sarri has previously said in the past; "Hazard, we know can change things from the bench". 120+minutes is no joke

              5. FPLMarc
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                A) Salah & Long for Son & Firmino (keeping Jimenez)

                B) Pogba & Vardy for Son & Firmino (keeping Jimenez)

                C) Vardy & Rashford for Firmino & Jimenez (weaker midfield with both Deulofeu & Hojbjerg)

              6. Bubz
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                Will be fuming if Rashford doesn't start

                1. Party time
                    4 years, 10 months ago

                    Greenwood can't play alone upfront

                2. Milk, 1 Šuker
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 10 months ago

                  Klopp saying Robbo should be fine for the weekend is music to my ears!

                  1. Party time
                      4 years, 10 months ago

                      Exactly

                    • drughi
                      • 14 Years
                      4 years, 10 months ago

                      not convinced robertson starts but may have to take a chance on trusting klopp. So many fires to put out

                    • Don Kloppeone
                      • 6 Years
                      4 years, 10 months ago

                      It wasn’t solid enough for me but I think I have to hold him in case and not start taking hits. I can imagine him either starting and coming off early or coming on from bench - both of which would be hugely frustrating

                    • Pat Bonner
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      4 years, 10 months ago

                      “Should” be fine isn’t all that conclusive though. Hoping there’s more news out before the deadline

                    • DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
                      • 10 Years
                      4 years, 10 months ago

                      Probably makes benching Doherty an easier call

                    • Milk, 1 Šuker
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      4 years, 10 months ago

                      Luckily I've got VVD too, but would much rather them both start.

                  2. drughi
                    • 14 Years
                    4 years, 10 months ago

                    Any news on yoshida ? Have robertson also and Doherty and Duffy to fill in so not looking great

                  3. finnish92
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 10 months ago

                    Son to Fraser or Sigurdsson?

                  4. boc610
                    • 12 Years
                    4 years, 10 months ago

                    football and UEFA once again F*****g the fans , the petrol that keeps thee whole thing running

                    exorbitant prices for the finals which could financially cripple so many of the people looking travel, low numbers of ticket allocated for club fans and kick off times that actually increase the chances of violence.

                    1. Burger
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 10 months ago

                      Yeah its certainly well thought out 😆

                    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
                      • 12 Years
                      4 years, 10 months ago

                      aye 6000 tickets for che and arse at a 70k stadium is criminal

                      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
                        • 12 Years
                        4 years, 10 months ago

                        plus easy jet and others massively boosting their pricers on 1st of june to madrid......most working class punters cant afford 1300 quid flight

                  5. Don Kloppeone
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 10 months ago

                    Frustrating from Klopp tbh

                    The only truly definitive news is that Bobby is out.

                    Robbo: “should be fine”

                    Mo: “he looked good in the celebrations on Tuesday and has been out running yesterday and the day before and will train today”

                    With a bench of: Jimi, Yoshi, Doherty and 0FT would you just hold and hope for the best?

                  6. The Mighty Whites
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 10 months ago

                    1FT, 0.6 ITB, thoughts?

                    Lloris, Foster

                    Robertson, Doherty, Dunk, Valery, Yoshida

                    Sterling, Mane, Pogba, Son, Hojbjerg

                    Aguero, Jimenez, Zaha