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

    Same it, no Mahrez. Sold Foden instead to get sterling =[

    Pep roulette kills me one final time

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

    What's happened to Willian?

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Injury.

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

    Salty Salah captainer . . . Was trying to get on here from 10 mins to 3 but kept getting a bad gateway yet i finally get in to see the team news was leaked. Glad i bother paying membership for this site when they cant be bothered to upgrade their servers / rent extra space for their users. Last few gameweeks this has happened at deadline so its not like they weren't warned . . . . Pretty poor

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Twitter is the place to be. Plus Reddit. FFS servers can't handle the traffic.

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I know it doesn’t help now - but reddit is a good place to go for the team leaks

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Guys what category on Reddit do I need to find FFS team leaks.....is it just the sport section ??

    3. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Dry your eyes and blame yourself. Chop

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

        Not crying, it's only a game and it is what it is. Just think its poor for a paid service to be going down at key times you want to use it. Pretty simple to understand, no??

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Got my leaks from twitter

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

      Mate, did you SEE how mental this place got an hour ago?

    6. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Should have watched Andy's deadline stream. That was a good stream and helped a lot.

    7. Sasquatch Slayer
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      You don’t pay membership for team leaks tho . Might still all work out fine for you . Relax and enjoy the games

    8. Burger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      This site sucks big time. Everywhere else handled the traffic with no problem. This site always let's you down.

    9. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Reddit thread refreshed no probs for me. Starting to favour Reddit anyway due to the thread system. You click on a thread and all posts will be about that topic.

  4. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Lateriser gave good advice re having a list of players ready if things don't go to plan. Means you are ready to be able to bring in someone when you see TAA, Mane and Salah are benched

  5. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Boom. All 11 starting. Plus my subs, although i guess they are all irrelevant now

    1. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Can I borrow one?

  6. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Can you even call yourself an FPL player if you aren’t scouring twitter for
    Team leaks minutes before deadline?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes.

    2. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes.

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes but you have to admit you're a casual

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Or that you know Pool have no interest, the teams that are fighting for something and Guardiola's comments pre Real 2nd leg...

    4. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Big yes

    5. Queens of the South Age
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah, I've been out all day with the family and just got a signal now. Brought Salah in and triple captained him. Also benched Foden.

      RIP OR1.

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

        ouch...

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

          Do you think Magnus knows?....

      2. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Oh mate - that would be a brutal way to lose it.

        Who is your VC?

        Could still work out fantastic if Salah stays on the bench

        1. Queens of the South Age
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Sterling but can't see Salah not playing at all

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

            This could still turn out amazing for you.

            I can definitely see him staying on the bench. Keep the faith. I hope you won it

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

        Damn that's tough, hopefully top 3 at least.

  7. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Man city game on UK TV?

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

      Pick

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      On Pick

    3. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      thanks all

    4. Back on the horse
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      sky one

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

    Unintentially c kdb, didn’t make to sell him for Sterling.

    Feels terrible, but hope he’ll step up.

    And hoping for no cameo from Salah and Foden to come in.

    All sounds very unlikely...

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Apparently 1 assist from equalling Henry's record but don't quote me. Bit like best supporting actor award.

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Same here. He will reward us

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

      KDB could outscore Sterling...

  9. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Goal - MAUPAY
    Assist - NONE

    Burnley 0-1 Brighton (4 mins)

    #FPL #BURBRI

    Scenes 😉

    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      would be gutted!

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

      Maupay to get sent off on 4 mins, more realistically.

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

      Within the Twitter / FFScout bubble, it seems no Burnley defence is as much of a differential as triple Burnley defence is...

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

        I went one cheap one and kind of hoping they concede! Had to get one to cover

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

        Could never do triple defence again
        So painful seeing 20+ points go to 6 in the space of seconds!

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ban

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

    Do tou think mo salah will get minutes ?

    Only 1 who doesnt start....

    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yes

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes. No way minamono and origi last 90

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

    Who took out Foden last minute?

    1. Yes Don
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      nope

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

      On the contrary, he stepped up off my bench when I heard Willian was out.

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

      Here, for a hit 🙁

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

        I’m the same mate! So annoyed..

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Had to to get Sterling
      Haul incoming

  12. Yes Don
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    hurry up and update, game. Wanna see what squad I ended up with.

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

      It's the carnage in my ML I'm waiting on!!!

  13. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    City are 1/25. Wow. Just wow. I take it Norwich are fielding an experimental side...!??

  14. Countess Weffie von Wobbego…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Wonder how many people's teams won't be what they think they are, when the game comes up.

  15. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I'm most excited about Robertson today tbh.. probably on all set pieces. However, there's no salah and mane to finish his chances

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

      newcastle might score here

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

      Virg to nut them in - he's the only Red I have now.

  16. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Somehow ended up with this team:

    Pope
    Robertson Aurier Pieters
    Son D. Silva Sterling(C) Pulisic
    Kane Jesus Ings

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

      You’re such a show off mate.. Haha

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

        3.5m itb, no time to use it.

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

          You’re priceless mate

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

      Good team mate, wish that was my team

  17. COLLIN QUANER
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Does Pick TV have a HD option?

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

      You want to see D Silva in HD scoring all the goals?

  18. Madderegern
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    My game is still open.

    Captain KDB or Jesus?

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

      Mahrez 😎

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez

    3. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jesus

      Norwich concede most goals to centre forwards

  19. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Cmon David

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lets go Razzz!

  20. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sterling (C) KDB D Silva. Trademark City thrashing needed.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Perfect trio. Let's see if you've nailed the right captain.

  21. Pulp Minion
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Ever get the felling you made your team worse by making transfers??

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

      Every single time

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I definitely have 😀

  22. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thankyou Klopp for ruining my last GW of my FPL career.

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

      I can’t believe he benched his four best players. What an idiot.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Why you retiring?

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        more important things in life than FPL,believe it or not

  23. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Transferred in Salah at around half 2 today. Oh well, he could still do well from the bench. We'll see.

  24. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Guys where did you get Liverpool news? The FFS site was crashing so must be some twitter handle as comment here came with 2 mins to go

    1. Kno
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Andys deadline stream and reddit saved my bacon

    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I pressed f5 a countless times on here.. lol

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

      It was posted on here, but yes came from Twitter

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/22216546

    4. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      pool line up was leaked here 10 minutes before the deadline,yeah had some issues with the site but had FFS opened on five different tabs and kept on refreshing them,so it worked 😀

    5. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      reddit

  25. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thank you very much to Andy for his stream today btw. I couldn't get on here due to bag gateway and don't use twitter so that was the only way I wouldve seen the team leak. Nice one Andy 🙂

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

      Same except i couldnt connect to the stream either. Stuck with salah now

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah same. I don't follow the right people on Twitter so couldn't have got the news that way. Reddit could have worked but Andy's stream was the one that shared the Pool news and I managed to get rid of TAA last second.

  26. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Didn’t expect Klopp would deprive Salah a chance at the golden boot. Oh well next season is around the corner.

  27. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Arsenal love Deeney.

  28. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    In all the madness I ended up with triple Burnley defence
    Too many eggs in one basket?

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

      Nope, could be inspired!

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Especially if someone asks for a Maupay Omelette.

  29. tucaoneo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Just finish the update already! Let me do my transfer.

  30. Bob_the_builder
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Chances that Mahrez and TAA stay on the bench? :p

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Loooooooooooooooooooooow

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      mahrez will come on for sure. Trent probably

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez Low

      TAA High

    4. vincentwsho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think Mahrez could still do some damage in 45 mins or less

    5. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No