Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for FPL Gameweek 38+

It’s here: the final day of the season! Soon all the tinkering will stop and the rollercoaster ride will begin. Strap yourselves in! 

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Scout Guide to Gameweek 38+. Today’s deadline is at 15:00 BST, one hour before all ten matches kick-off.

The basics first: check the team news. Neale watches all the press conferences throughout the season and will have a sense for how each Premier League manager might approach their last game.

His predicted line-ups and notes contain the most up-to-date information about each team. Make sure your picks or potential transfer targets are included in his best-guess starting XIs. We might get some early team news but it helps to be prepared as much as possible beforehand.

There are a number of different ways to approach Gameweek 38+ and what you choose to do may depend on your overall rank and mini-league situation.

Mark Sutherns, for instance, hasn’t enjoyed his best campaign despite climbing the ranks since the resumption. And he revealed on the FPL show that Christian Pulisic will be his captain because he needs something different to break into the top 100k.

But this isn’t a recommendation that all FPL managers do the same, as Mark himself admitted a safe pick would be a Manchester City player such as Raheem Sterling or, perhaps, Kevin De Bruyne. In the conclusion to his Captain Sensible article, David wrote:

Sterling is clearly the most promising asset from Guardiola’s squad based on his last four performances. No Citizen can match him for big chances or shots on target during that period as he has rediscovered his clinical edge and an impassioned desire to hit 20 or more goals in the Premier League this season.

– David, Captain Sensible

Not only is Sterling in good form but he faces a team in bad shape. Norwich City have conceded 54 shots in the box over their last four matches; only Brighton have been worse. 

It’s easy to understand why so many are considering Pep Guardiola’s troops. To add fuel to the fire, Pep himself revealed that scoring goals will be a motivation for his players:

Every game there has to be a target, a focus, a desire to win the game, and maybe, scoring 100 goals is one of the reasons why.

– Pep Guardiola

The Citizens are currently on 97 goals for the season. So, is everyone tripling up on the former champions?

We’ve had five articles from our Pro Pundits this week: Zophar, Sam, Az, Holly, and Lateriser12 and they all have three City players in their teams.

Likewise Neale, who is preparing his Free Hit team, and Andy, who isn’t on a Free Hit but will have three City attackers.

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 9

On the Scoutcast, Az unveiled an alternative Free Hit team, one without Aubameyang, while both Joe and guest Aleksander will have two City attackers. Aleksander is currently third in the world and is debating whether he goes all out to win FPL – which means picking some differentials – or playing safe and trying to hold onto the bronze medal.

And in his regular review, TheFantasyFreÆK explained how he favours the City front three

It seems only Mark will have one City player as he considers swapping Willian for David Silva

Who knows where the points are going to go, it’s a bit of a lottery isn’t it?

– Mark Sutherns, FPL Show

But there are plenty of opportunities this week for captain and transfer options with a number of enticing match-ups. 

Newcastle, as Neale outlined on the Team News video, are down five of their recognised six centre-halfs, while David described them as being “among the most obliging defences of the last four matches”.

Good news for Liverpool and perhaps Mohamed Salah, who has, according to expected goals, been “the ‘unluckiest’ player in the Premier League from Gameweek 30+ onwards when we factor in both the quality of his chances and the execution of his shots”.

As Pro Pundit Holly notes:

[Salah’s] top for shots (21), shots on target (12) and shots inside the box (19), so ignore him at your peril.

– Pro Pundit Holly
 1

On the Breakfast Club, Neale explained that Mané’s aerial ability could lead to points against the Magpies. Steve Bruce’s side have conceded the most headed chances since the restart, which is consistent with their performance all season. 

There could be a lot of joy in the air for Liverpool.

– Neale, Breakfast Club

Crystal Palace are another side who are expected to struggle, with injuries across their backline. Good news for Harry Kane:

Not only are the Eagles giving up a host of high-quality chances, Spurs’ centre-forward has been steadily improving his total of big chances and shots on target over the last four.

– David, Captain Sensible

Kane’s teammate Son Heung-min was mentioned by Aleksander on the Scoutcast, and Johnny Orphan, currently 53rd in the world, has an interesting theory that the Eagles’ current right-back Joel Ward is a weak link in their defence.

Meanwhile, Watford’s recent poor form will give encouragement to those backing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. The latter was selected by Pro Pundit Tom Freeman as one of his three differentials this week.

[The Hornets’] 13 big chances conceded over the last four matches is the same number as Palace and Norwich but means giving up one every 2.7 shots in the box.

– David, Captain Sensible

Seven of those big chances conceded were against Manchester City, it has to be said. 

Tricky Calls

We might feel reasonably confident in predicting wins for City, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal but a number of matches are much harder to call.

Take Chelsea v Wolves, for example. Both teams need to get a result to fulfil their European ambitions. The boldness of Mark’s decision to hand Pulisic the armband is highlighted when we consider the strength of the opposition defence: 

Five big chances conceded by Wolverhampton Wanderers since the restart, which is the lowest total in the division. No club has conceded fewer goals (four), shots in the box (16) or efforts in the box (41) than Wolves from Gameweek 30+ onwards.

– Neale, Big Numbers

And Manchester United’s trip to Leicester City is another game with a lot potentially riding on the result – a place in the Champions League could be at stake.

Their recent schedule afforded Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s men very little time to recover between matches, which may well have contributed to some tired-looking performances. However, as Az warned on the Scoutcast, taking out United players could hurt given their huge ownership levels. 

But, equally, this could be a very cagey match as a draw will be good enough for both teams should Wolves beat Chelsea.

Go cheap at the back?

With many managers looking to invest in appealing attacking assets, identifying cut-price defenders with clean sheet potential could be key to Gameweek 38+ success.

So Chris Wood’s comments ahead of Burnley’s match against Brighton were music to our ears:

As a team, we’ll be fighting like hell for [Nick Pope]. He’s an outstanding goalkeeper. Hopefully, we can get him one more so he can get his hands on the Golden Glove.

– Chris Wood

Not only do Burnley offer several cheap defensive options but there’s also the chance they could produce some attacking returns too:

36 chances conceded by Brighton and Hove Albion from their right flank since the restart. Only relegated Norwich City have allowed more opportunities to be created from that zone than the Seagulls… Erik Pieters could potentially exploit that weakness when the two sides meet on Sunday, then.

– Neale, Big Numbers

Since replacing Bernd Leno in goal in Gameweek 30+, Emiliano Martinez has saved 83.3% of the shots on target he’s faced. At £4.4m, he could help enable more expensive options further forward.

And Southampton have the fifth-best chance of recording a clean sheet according to the latest odds supplied, as ever, by G-Whizz. Alex McCarthy, Jack Stephens and Kyle Walker-Peters are all sub-£4.5m options for our squads.

Enjoy the final day

Lateriser12 reminded us that we should try to have fun, and one way of doing that is by playing the game our way:

… you still need to make well informed decisions that are based on stats and the eye-test and on the correct side of probability. The point is that you have to be happy you made the right choice for your playing style, regardless of the outcome.

– Lateriser12

In his article this week, he quoted former community member Eunuch Jelly, who defined what made playing FPL so enjoyable for him:

If you keep your eye on the ball, you can set yourself up for hours of enjoyment at the expense of your rivals. I urge you to transcend points and find the true heart of the game, where those who take a different path can mock others for a few minutes on the weekend and be the real champions of the game.

– Eunuch Jelly

Whether it’s getting one over on a rival or reaching a certain rank, FPL is a game which unites us all.

And speaking of the Fantasy community, here’s your chance to get more involved with the site by joining the Scout Network.

Be it a cool tool, a video channel, amazing tech skills or anything else in between, we want to hear from you.

Community Competitions

For an update on all FFS Mini-Leagues and Community Competitions – including the winners of both the Head-to-Head league and Last Man Standing – please click here to read the latest round-up.

The Head-to-Head fixtures for Gameweek 38+ can be found below:

Use the drop-down menus to show your league and division. To find out which league and division you are in (although you probably know by now!), follow the instructions on the main Head-to-Head page.

May your arrows be green!


TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

3,847 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jorgenoj
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Jesus or KdB on free hit?

    1. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Of those, KDB.

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      KDB

    3. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kevin

    4. Brazooka
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      KDB.

  2. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Garcia or stones to start alongside laporte?

    1. How I met your Mata
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Too risky to waste a city asset in case they don’t start imo

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah but I like their chance
        .even considering cancelo

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldn’t do it

    3. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Will laporte start?

    4. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not a waste imo. i m tempted garcia

  3. hazzlehoff
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope (Mcarthy)
    Doherty - taa - pieters ( saiss, Robinson)
    Sterling, kdb, Fernandez, Foden (Grealish)
    Rashford, jiminez, Greenwood

    1ft
    Help! Feel worried not having Salah.
    A) sterling + Fernandez > Salah + dsilva? (-4)
    B) Doherty + de Bruyne > bardsley + Salah (-4)
    C) taa + Fernandez > Salah + Williams
    D) Doherty - vvd

  4. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martinez
    Aurier Tark Pieters
    Salah Sterling(c) Silva Mahrez Martial
    Laca Kane

    Randolph Nketiah Williams Lamptey

    FH lineup, gtg?

  5. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed last page

    Question: I’m 7 points ahead in my mini league. My back line is:
    TAA Doherty Tarkowski ( Holgate, Taylor).
    Both subs are out. Is it worth a -4 to get in Walker or Mendy for Holgate so I can field 11 players if TAA doesn’t start?

    1. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't.

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thinking the same, not sure if its worth a hit though.

  6. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I've had KdB and Mahrez when Sterling has been the best post corona option. It's bloody Norwich at home, it's Silva's "sending off" - should I get one or both in? Already got Laporte as the third City player. Stick?

    I coould use my 2 Its on the front line instead: Jimi, Ings, Vardy

    1. Champions united
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Go with 3 city attack

  7. Greyling
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which moves to make for final gw?

    1. Mane, Greenwood to Antonio, Kane(-4)
    2. TAA, Mane, Greenwood to VVD, D. Silva, Kane (-8)
    3. Mane to Salah

    Pope
    TAA, Pieters, Boly
    Mane, Sterling (TC), Pulisic, Martial, Fernandes
    Ings, Greenwood

    Bench: Nketiah, Dawson, Lundstram

  8. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which one guys

    A)
    Martinez
    TAA, Pieters, Bardsley
    Salah (c), Sterling, Dilva, MARTIAL
    Kane, Auba, GREENWOOD

    Douglas Luiz, Branthwaite, Rico - 0 itb
    **better bench, I support United**

    B)
    Martinez
    BRANTHWAITE, Pieters, Bardsley
    Salah (c), Sterling, Dilva, ANTONIO
    Kane, Auba, JESUS

    Williams, Guendouzi, Tanganga - 0 itb
    **no Man Utd, bad bench**

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Greyling
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. Brazooka
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  9. SAY MY NAME
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    have we had any leaked team news yet? or any injury scares?

    1. How I met your Mata
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nope

      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        thanks

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nein

      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        cheers

  10. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A. Taa, Greenwood
    B. Bardsly/Webster, Martial

    On b atm

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Brazooka
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

  11. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    People on a FH, who’s keeping Trent?

    1. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Did make a draft for him, but currently on the non-TAA one.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      i do

    3. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not on FH, but if I was I would probably sell him to uograde elsewhere

    4. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yep

    5. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      keeping

    6. Lignja
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Could not decide on

      A. Taa, Greenwood
      B. Bardsly/Webster, Martial

      Now will go for non taa draft

  12. InvertedWinger
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    RUMOURED UTD LINE UP (RUMOUR but decently reliable source, take at your own risk)
    DDG AWB Maguire Lindelof Williams Matic Pogba Bruno Martial Rashford Greenwood

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Stevie Wonder could see that team coming.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Lol

      2. Balls of Steel
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        🙂

    2. Rover
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Would be very surprised if that is wrong. Will 100% be a full strength XI, barring injuries.

    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Everyone knows what manu lineup will be, it's the other Manchester club we all want to know

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ole going maverick

    5. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A) Post the Source

      B) If this is from who I think it is on Twitter, they got it wrong last week vs Chelsea.

    6. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers

      Takes hit to remove Lingard.

      1. JRD
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        lol !

  13. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A. Aurier, Digne, Pieters (Williams, Braith)
    B. TAA, Bards, Pieters (Williams, Tang)

    1. Brazooka
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

  14. upforgrabs
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Son + Jesus
    or
    B) Mahrez + Auba

    1. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A imo

    2. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

  15. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Dilva or Mahrez? Mahrez has much higher ceiling, doesn't he?

    1. screamer73
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If he starts, yes. Dilva nailed.

    2. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      You tell me Pep 😉
      Mahrez for me, I like selfish FPL players l

  16. schlupptheweek
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Liverpool Fans, if Curtis Jones starts does he pass the eye test? He's not nailed but why would Klopp not play him in the final game.
    Does anyone think Robertson or TAA could make way for Neco Williams?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Don’t get Jones, not worth a mid spot.

      Can see it.

    2. Thomas M.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      My biggest question atm. Either keep TAA and maybe do Doherty to Robbo. Or if TAA is out take him and Martial out for Salah and Pieters

    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you mean is Jones is attacking, the simple answer is very attacking. Obsessed with scoring goals

      I don't think Williams will start

    4. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Klopp has nothing to play for now so he may will probably give the youngsters a run i feel, can see Milner and even Shaq getting a run too tbf...

  17. FPLGeezer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Have KDB. Need another City attacker.

    A) Bruno > Dilva (C)

    B) Bruno & Rashford > Sterling (C) & Greenwood -4

  18. MGD
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Play:

    A) Greenwood + Robertson (2 Burnley def)
    B) Ings + Pieters (3 Burnley def)

  19. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hows my Free Hit looking?

    Pope
    Digne Aurier Bardsley
    Sterling(vc) Salah Dilva Son
    Kane(c) Jesus Greenwood

    Button Williams Guendouzi Simpson

  20. primal33
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Foden to Dilva for a -4...yay or nay?

  21. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Protecting 24pt lead vs Free Hit rival.

    A) Bruno,Foden to DSilva,Antonio
    B) Doc,Foden to Dsilva,Pieters

    1) Vardy
    2) Jesus(-4)

  22. koppite1210
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Chasing ML leader by 20, he’s on FH

    Martial & Bruno to
    Son/Pulisic (-4)
    KDB/Trezeguet (-4)

    Already have Dilva, Foden

  23. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Ederson + nketiah (or play saka)
    B) Martinez + Foden
    ?

  24. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anybody taking KDB out for Sterling?

    1. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I did. Hope KDB stays quiet

    2. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      This is playing with fire, imo only consider this if you have TC, or you don't have Salalalala

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Makes sense

    4. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      got both 🙂

  25. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ahead of my rival by 12pts do block him bring in Sterling Kane Peiters minus 12 if Kane Sterling go nuts im done all down to one final decision my gut saying yes.

    TAA Ings KDB > Sterling Kane Peiters

    Trent won't start.

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

      No

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      no

  26. PL Ball
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Play one:

    A) Saka
    B) Nketiah

  27. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    If trent doesnt start, which one of these is better?

    A)
    Martinez
    Pieters - Bardsley - Nico
    Salah - Dilva - Sterling - MARTIAL
    Kane - AUBA - JESUS

    C)
    Martinez
    Pieters - Nico - Bardsley
    Salah - Dilva - Sterling - MANE - MAHREZ
    Kane - INGS

  28. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Lads, am I good to go?

    Ederson
    TAA, Aurier, Pieters
    Salah, Sterling (c), DSilva (vc), Martial
    Kane, Ings, Greenwood

  29. Gentle_Turks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Where would you use 1 FT? 2.0 itb.
    A Bruno to Son / Antonio
    B Doherty to Robertson and bench Aurier
    C Something else

    Pope
    Pieters, TAA, Aurier
    Sterling(c), KDB, Martial, Fernandes, Pulisic
    Jesus, Greenwood
    (Mccarthy, Doherty, Niketiah, Kiko)

  30. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    scenes if DSilva sits on pine.

    1. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling even more so.