Pro Pundits - Zophar

The Fantasy Premier League players and teams to target for Gameweek 38+

Six-time top 5k finisher Zøphar talks us through every match of Gameweek 38+ and discusses his Free Hit draft.


The final Gameweek of the season is here and if last season’s concluding matchday is any indication, there are serious point gains to be made.

A total of 36 goals were scored in Gameweek 38 of 2019/20, with six different teams scoring on three or more occasions.

For this article, I will be looking at the various fixtures and identifying players which can help you make that final push, whether you’re on a Free Hit or making transfers.

The Champions League chasers

Chelsea v Wolves


Hope you have enjoyed the articles this season, I have certainly enjoyed writing them for you. Good luck!

*stats correct after Saturday’s match between Norwich City and Burnley


An FPL veteran of 10 seasons, Utkarsh Dalmia has been a member of the site right since 2009 and has finished in the top 5k in six of those campaigns, with a best finish of 17th in 2010. A Chelsea fan based in India, he relies heavily on statistics for his FPL decision-making process.

1,013 Comments Post a Comment
  1. spamking
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Leading rival by 10 points. He has Free Hit, I don't.

    Pope.

    Tark. TAA. Egan.

    Sterling. Dilva. KDB. Bruno. Martial

    Rashford. Ings. Wood.

    A. Get in Salah for a hit
    B. Get in Aub for a hit
    C. Get Aub and Salah for -8 and pray I choose the correct captain
    D. Other?

    1. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I wouldn’t be taking a hit with that fine margin. Captain Sterling and hope for the best.

    2. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Ya def don't take a hit

  2. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    FH38 - Good to go?

    Martinez
    TAA Bardsley Pieters
    Salah Fernandes Martial KDB
    Jesus Auba Ings

    Stekelenburg; Tanganga Thomas Guendouzi

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Will Tanganga play? Can get Williams for 0.1 less and if Shaw is still out is a decent chance to play in 38.

  3. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pretty set on this FH side now that I see Williams has dropped to 3.8. Might tweak a little but looking at a 3-5-2 as follows. What do you think?

    Martinez
    Aurier, Bardsley, Pieters
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, David Silva, Antonio
    Kane, Aubameyang
    Subs: Martin, Greenwood, Garcia, Williams

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Bang on that is

    2. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I will have six of those starters in my non FH team

      1. yer old da
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        And 5 you won’t

      2. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Let's see if my different starters in my non FH team (Fabianski, TAA, Mahrez, Greenwood and Rashford) can outscore Martinez, Bardsley, Antonio, Kane and Auba in your FH team

        1. yer old da
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          What rank you at kid?

          1. kamdaraji
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            rubbish

            1. yer old da
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Well I’m not sure what your point is then

              1. kamdaraji
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                I played two full seasons before and in in those two seasons I once finished in top 150ish and another in top 25K. My rank is of 190K so far this season is poor in comparison but at least I have all my players still to play this gameweek so who knows. A top 150 or 100k finish may still be doable

                1. yer old da
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  Well best of luck to you with that

                  1. kamdaraji
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    cheers. Good luck to you too for the home run

  4. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Foden and Mahrez to Silva and Sterling is gonna cost me 8 pts

    Not owning sterling when my rival will captain him is scary.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      So your lead would be 67?

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Hahah yea currently 75 ahead!

        This week hasn't ended yet and he could eat well into that by the end of it with Sterling capt on his FH

      2. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        How did you know I have a 75 pt lead by the way?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Lucky guess.

          1. Stupendous
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Come on?

            Did I mention it before?

            I have plenty of leagues so you couldn't have guessed the correct one like that.

            Anyway yea 75 ahead at this point.

              1. Stupendous
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                There ya go.

                So depending on my lead at the end of this week (if there!), would you do it?

                1. TorresMagic™
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  If rank isn't important, copy their team.

                  1. Stupendous
                    • 11 Years
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    I mean I wouldn't mind winning some of my other leagues that I'm leading.

                    Good logic though cheers.

                    I'll get Sterling to cover him there. He will likely do Vardy to Auba I just know it!

                    Thanks for the advice.

    2. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      wouldn't do it

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Maybe just Mahrez to Silva depending on what happens this week?

  5. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which pairing to go along with Kane or Auba?

    1) Dilva, Pieters
    2) Dilva, Wood
    3) Martial, Long
    4) Antonio, Tark

    For context: Have 2FTs, taking a hit, and TC to be played. Already have KDB, Bruno, Greenwood

  6. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Are people with 1 ft + no chips left planning on taking hits for GW 38?

    Have Vardy but to get to the likes of Aubameyang or even Kane for example- a hit would be needed.
    Will weigh it up during the week.

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Don’t think it is wise with a lot playing FH. Don’t want to be on a -4 disadvantage also

    2. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yaking a -4 but mainly becuase i need to catch ML rival who has very sinilarnside

  7. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Got about a 40 point lead in my £100 a head league, £800 on the line. I have FH the guy in 2nd doesn’t. So my question is, do I:

    A. Set my team up as best I can, regardless of who he has.

    B. Piss him off no end by exactly mirroring his team and guarantee victory, to the detriment of my overall rank?

    1. E25
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If that's more important to you than rank then just copy his team

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        This, guaranteed 800 quid would be hard to pass up. Would take a pretty good effort for them to overhaul you regardless, mind.

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Depends what matters most to you. For me rank is the absolute priority and doing well in that regard trumps all else and usually takes care of the ML. Would just play your best possible XI with the extensive lead

    3. tokara
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A, dont be silly

      1. yer old da
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        He’s my best mate though and it would be funny to mirror his side. He’d be raging. 🙂

        1. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          As long as you can get someone to get a pic or video of his reaction once deadline passes and he can see your team.

        2. tokara
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Fight clean, mate. And fight agst ranks.

  8. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Hopefilly both villa and watford lose so Bournemouth still have a chance on final day if they go fot it

    DCL Time 😆

    Kept him for sooooo bloody long he has to repay the faith surely

  9. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Rank these for gw38

    Auba
    Kane
    Ings

    1. A Fat Spanish Waiter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Auba
      Ings
      Kane

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      In that order

    3. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Auba
      Kane
      Ings

  10. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) TAA, KDB, Salah, Greenwood
    B) Long, Martial, Mane, Jesus

    At the moment I'm on B, because:

    - TAA vs Long may not be as one-sided as it looks, Newcastle score goals, Trent's form has dropped off a bit and Liv not so tight at the back.
    - Jesus' attacking numbers of late better than KDB's.
    - Salah's away form this season not great, Mane very low ownership.
    - Martial obviously a much better Man U attacking pick than Greenwood.

  11. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    My current 38+ squad is:

    Martinez
    Aurier Bardsley Pieters
    Salah Fernandes KDB Silva Sterling(c)
    Kane Ings

    Martin Thomas Connolly Williams

    Thoughts ?? Maybe Martial over Fernandes ??

    Cheers

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I think I'm going Martial over Fernandes. Oop, focal point of attack and Lei dodgy defence.

      Not keen on Ings this week but i guess it's the old form vs fixture argument, and i think many in the higher ranks on a FH will lose him, so could be a mini differential.

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        yeah i think i will go Martial for the OOP reason

        re Ings, hes kinda of the only option price wise, i could go:

        1. Aurier Ings
        2. VVD Wood
        3. TAA Greenwood

        which do you reckon?

        1. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          My plan B contains 3, but I think the real value is in the attackers this week so will probably cash in Trent.

          1. Phil's Stamps
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            So id stick with 1 for now.

            1. FCSB
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              thanks PS... are you FHing too ?

              1. Phil's Stamps
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Yeah, narrowed it down to two squads, just hope all the players make it through this week and I can negotiate price rises (both exact money at the mo).

                1. FCSB
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 9 months ago

                  can i see sir ?

                  1. Phil's Stamps
                    • 13 Years
                    3 years, 9 months ago

                    Oh go on then:

                    Martinez
                    Bardsley Long Pieters
                    Mane Sterling Dilva Martial
                    Kane Auba Jesus

                    Absolutely bog-all on the bench.

                    1. FCSB
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 9 months ago

                      That’s a great team, tempted by the triple BUR defence myself.

                      And you avoid the Kane / Aub dilemma

                      What’s your TV?

                      1. Phil's Stamps
                        • 13 Years
                        3 years, 9 months ago

                        Going into this GW before I activated the FH, 107.

                        I'm now thinking of dropping Pieters (at most risk of rotation) for someone like Rico, spreads the risk and allows Branthwaite (a potential starter) over a 3.9 on the bench alongside Williams, and Guendouzi, just in case.

                        At the real nit-picking stage now 🙂 . I'm sure the next few days will change it all again.

    2. Mondeo
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Looks so nice, jealous of all these delicious FH teams

  12. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    The way Leicester are getting ripped apart, gonna need to buy Martial on my FH.

  13. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Assuming everyone is playing either 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 this week, what’s your front 7?

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Probably

      Sterling Mane Martial Dilva
      Kane Auba Jesus

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Still working on it tbh mate, chops and changes a bit.

      Pretty much have KDB, Dilva and Auba as locks atm, pretty keen on retaining Salah and Fernandes and trying to decide if I go Greenwood on the pitch as my second striker to accommodate Sterling in mids.

      1. yer old da
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah so I’m similar to you and the decision is now Antonio & Kane v Sterling & Ings

    3. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I've got this atm:

      KDB Bruno Martial Antonio Dilva
      Auba Jesus

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Can easily afford Martial to Salah tho

        1. yer old da
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I think mine will be:

          Salah, KDB, Bruno, David Silva, Antonio
          Aubameyang, Kane

    4. tucaoneo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Planning
      Salah Sterling Silva Martial
      Auba Jesus Ings
      But it means losing TAA

  14. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Current team for GW 38. Just the 1ft.
    May either change Azpi or take a hit to get Auba in for Vardy.
    Any ideas?

    Pope.
    TAA, Pieters, Azpi.
    Pulisic, Sterling (c), KDB, Mahrez, Fernandes.
    Vardy, Wood.
    Martinez, AWB, Saiss, Greenwood.
    1ft, 0.5m ITB.

  15. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else going for Bruno and Martial double against dodgy Leicester defence?

    1. Big_Bear
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I was thinking of transferring away from Martial tbh.

  16. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Kane's finishing was on point yesterday but the way they are playing more suited to Son imo. I think I'll pass on Spurs attack for FH...overpriced.

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      tough one isnt it... im trying to decide between Aub and Kane

      currently on Kane, Watford NEED to win and teams after a manager sacking usually perform ok

      plus Arsenal will have one eye on FA cup

      1. Mondeo
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Interested to see if the famous manager sacking bounce happens with Wat

  17. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    FH team....gtg for now? 0.3 itb

    Martinez
    TAA Pieters Bardsley
    Salah KDB Bruno D Silva Antonio
    Aubameyang Jesus

    Button Connolly Lamptey Williams

  18. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A or B?

    A. Antonio and Kane

    B. Sterling and Ings?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

  19. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A. Kane, Ings & Bruno
    or
    B. Kane, Jimenez & Dilva

    1. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

    3. Bruno Commando
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

  20. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Foden > Antonio
    B) Willian > Antonio
    C) Greenwood > Wood
    D) Take a -4 hit to raise extra cash (then prob upgrade Foden or Willian or bring in Kane, lots of options)

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. Mondeo
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If Foden is a starter A

  21. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Sorry for all the options. Having trouble narrowing it down.
    Single-digit lead in ML. 2FTs, TC in gw38. Current team linked.
    Kane may swap in for Auba. Still undecided.

    Vardy, Pulisic...
    1) + Doherty > Auba, Dilva, Pieters (-4)
    2) + Jimenez > Auba, Dilva, Wood (-4)
    3) + TAA > Auba, Martial, Long (-4)
    4) + Doherty > Auba, Antonio, Tark (-4)
    5) + TAA > Jesus, Martial, Tark (-4)
    6) + KDB > Jesus, Sterling, Antonio (-4) -- too much to drop KDB?

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I wouldn't take any hits in your position, especially those that involve defenders.

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I understand your point. As much as I don't want to, it almost feels needed, though, to get field team that more closely matches rival's FH.

        Antonio's rise priced me out of him and Jesus. Without a hit, it's
        V, P > ...
        Rash, Dilva
        Ings, Martial
        Laca, Dilva

        1. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Toss a coin between 1 and 2 of those.

          1. jdp219
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Thank you.

  22. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best defender up to 4.3 to help me avoid triple Burnley at the back?

    Diop? Targett? Rico? Someone else?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah probably Diop, depends if you need them on the field, Williams at 3.8 could be a go if only needed for bench but then again if Shaw is still injured he'd be a decent chance to play.

    2. Mondeo
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Rico - everton are toothless

    3. TKC07
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Jarrad Branthwaite (EVE)

    4. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks. Williams is on my bench. Is that Branthwaite guy nailed on?

      And would you start any of those mentioned above -Diop, Rico, Williams etc- over a 3rd Burnley defender?

      1. TKC07
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Both Holgate and Mina are injured. So, its a good chance for Branthwaite to start.

  23. Mondeo
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Neck and neck for ML going into GW38 (dead even on points).

    He'll be TC on Sterling or Mane, both of whom I don't have...who to captain other than the big couch I'll be hiding behind?

    A) KDB
    B) Mahrez
    C) DSilva (-4)
    D) Vardy
    E) Salah (-4)
    F) Someone else...

    Really appreciate the help here lads, feel like I need to make a move!

  24. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is it worth it to have Ederson take up 1 of City's spots for FH 38? Nailed on CS and free from Pep roulette..

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes

      Was long term planning to move him out but now holding. Part of problem with City is how easy it is to miss a haul. I had KdB C and Mahrez in the 5-0 thrashing of Brighton - which I predicted - and came away with an assist. Next time Sterling and Jesus could be the ones to miss out.

  25. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which one is the better option?

    1) Gomez + Sterling + 0.3ITB
    2) TAA + KDB

    Team:
    Martinez
    Pieters // Bardsley // X
    Bruno // Dilva // Antonio // Salah // Y
    Kane // Jesus

    Button // B Williams // Lamptey // Connolly

  26. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Starting to tinker for Gw38 with only a single FT, which would you rather, pending the other results of course:

    A) Pulisic -> Mahrez (bench Jimenez)
    B) Pulisic + Jimenez -> fodder + Auba(c)/Jesus(c) (-4)
    C) Pulisic + Jimenez -> Mane(c)/Son(c)/Sterling(c) + fodder (-4)

    Currently have KDB and Dilva from City and no Liverpool midfielders

  27. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Kane or Auba? Can only afford one ,

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Aubameyang

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I might be biased as I have captained Kane for the second week running, but Kane for me.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        No need for the brag

        1. sunzip14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          If you can not stand humble posts like this, there is another one just below this as well. If that helps you to calm your frustrations, you are most welcome 🙂

      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Well played

        Did consider bringing him in a week early but held off conservatively.

        1. sunzip14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Thank you! I had no choice but get a differential as no one else in my ML had him and I was chasing. Worked out well. Now leading my closest rival by 23 points, he has TC and I don't have any chips. So, final GWs going right to the wire.

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Argument for both of course.

      Have been in Kane camp for a while - over -4 Sterling as it happens.

      Before yesterday equal stats to Auba in any event. Plays for the better team imo. Plays against a defence with worse recent record. Oppo have nothing to play for. Spurs will need a win and now Arsenal will be avoiding injuries before cup final against a team fighting for their PL lives.

  28. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Didn't think about this while bringing in Pieters for Lascelles (not regretting though), If Taylor is back for 38, will Pieters lose his place?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Won't lose place but their is a chance Gudmundsson/Brady start over him.

      Bardsley is probably safer.

      1. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thank you Holmes. Well in that case, all I can do is hope that at least one of Pieters/Taylor start. Can not afford to use a FT for defenders in the final GW.

  29. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    My snarky mind thinks that Liverpool may not take Chelsea too seriously, just so they can make man utd difficult to qualify for CL.

  30. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Why didn’t Pulisic start the FA Cup semi today? Is he injured and to be taken out before GW38?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      "Knock" was mentioned here