Pro Pundits

FPL Q&A: Best Gameweek 38 picks, Salah + what to do with Arsenal and Villa players


Q: Since Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Leicester City have excellent fixtures and Manchester City and Liverpool are fighting it out on the final day for the title, can you suggest a combined top three players to target from these five teams for someone who is chasing in a mini-league? (@appshaank)

A: Since you have mentioned these are for players who are chasing, I won’t mention the obvious picks like Harry Kane (£12.4m) and Son Heung-min (£11.1m). 

Sadio Mane (£11.8m) was left out of the Liverpool squad completely against Southampton in midweek, which bodes well for a start and 90 minutes against Wolves. I’m fully expecting Jurgen Klopp to go with his first-choice front three which we have seen in recent weeks, comprising of Luiz Diaz (£8.1m) on the left, Mane at centre-forward and Mohamed Salah (£13.1m) on the right – fitness permitting. Mane has scored three goals in Liverpool’s last six matches and just from memory, I recall him finishing the final day strongly. Diaz is also a decent option, of course, so it’s a coin toss between him and Mane. 

Jamie Vardy (£10.3m) has registered four goals, 10 shots in the box and four big chances in his last two appearances, putting the veteran firmly on the radar for Gameweek 38. A rest against Chelsea would make him even more appealing and the Southampton defence is likely to prove extremely obliging. 

It’s rare that Phil Foden (£7.8m) is left out of a Manchester City line-up and the youngster saw zero minutes against West Ham. I expect him to slot back into the City team against Aston Villa, either on the left wing or at centre-forward. It would have been easy for me to pick the obvious Kevin De Bruyne (£12.1m) here but if money is an issue, Foden is your man. 

In defence, I think any of the Chelsea wing-backs who are rested against Leicester are good picks against Watford in Gameweek 38. 


Q: I’ve been wanting to bring in Christian Eriksen for a while. As someone with a Spurs triple-up in attack, I’m thinking Dejan Kulusevski for Eriksen on a free transfer. Is this a crazy punt and is it smarter to stay with Kulusevski? I’m at an overall rank of 138k in my first season and aiming for the top 100k. (@fpl_firefly)

Alonso sub explained and Coutinho concern for Gameweek 37: FPL notes 16

A: First off, kudos to making it to Gameweek 38 and above all, I hope you have had fun this year. FPL seasons are not always this demanding and you have done well in your first campaign to adjust to the constantly changing landscape.

I think Dejan Kulusevski (£6.3m) is a great differential against Norwich in Gameweek 38, as almost everyone will have Son and many will have Kane. He is capable of double-digit returns himself and I would possibly look elsewhere for upgrades. That being said, if you do want to transfer Christian Eriksen (£5.6m) in, he’s not a bad shout this week. Brentford have a bit of rivalry against Leeds from their time in the Championship and the Bees will want to sign off in front of their fans in style. It is about having fun at the end of the day and if you feel owning Eriksen will make the final Gameweek of the season more enjoyable for you, by all means go for it. We won’t have any football for a couple of months and the last thing you want to feel over the summer is that you didn’t back your gut. 


Q: Who are the best differential and sensible captain punts to make big rank gains on the last day of the season? ( @FPL_Rony)

Bowen injury latest as Son and Kane shine 2

A: Son will likely be the most popular captain choice and in my opinion the best one as well. When this is the case, I can’t really advocate going against it. However, if you really fancy plumping for a differential, then Kane is an option. Looking away from Spurs, I like the look of Vardy against Southampton. One of the Liverpool midfielders, Mane or Diaz, also appeals and De Bruyne is worth a look, too. Because so many of the top teams have an incentive to do well on the final day, there is no shortage of candidates. Heck, even Romelu Lukaku (£11.4m) against Watford is an option.


Q: Bukayo Saka to Luis Diaz for a -4? (@shmirofpl)
Q: Is it worth taking a -4 hit to bring in Ivan Toney for Emmanuel Dennis in Gameweek 38 and bench Eddie Nketiah? My free transfer is Ollie Watkins to Harry Kane. (@RedDevil4everr)

Saka's injury, Jesus' goals, in-form Toon: FPL notes 8

A: I’ve combined these two questions as they essentially cover the same topic: Arsenal. The Gunners will no doubt be affected mentally by the last two defeats but they still would want to put up a good performance in front of the fans on the final day. A lot depends on the result for Everton against Palace on Thursday; the Toffees are guaranteed safety with a win against the Eagles and if they do achieve that, then we are likely going to see a very relaxed, obliging outfit turn up at the Emirates. If Everton do have something to play for, I expect to see them to set up extremely defensively and play on the counter, which might not suit Mikel Arteta’s side. I still don’t like the idea of benching/selling Arsenal assets but I can understand the appeal if Everton are still in the relegation dogfight. If they’re safe, I’d definitely stick.


Q: Mohamed Salah to Sadio Mane or just hold? I’m looking for the next ’30-pointer’. (@TropicalFPL)

Salah benched + Robertson 'rested' as Liverpool edge past Villa 5

A: This is a question that many Gameweek 37 Free Hitters are likely to be asking. Salah, at the time of writing, is expected to make the Liverpool squad against Wolves but this does not necessarily mean a start for the Egyptian. The fact that he is just one goal ahead of Son in the Golden Boot race makes selling him a scary prospect as if he does start, he will surely be looking to rack up a couple of goals to seal that personal accolade. The possibility of a cameo is quite real though and if you have no other priorities in your squad, I think moving him on for someone like Mane, who is guaranteed significant game-time, could work. A lot would depend on Salah’s training minutes etc during the week and what Klopp says in his press conference. 


Q: Is using our last transfer on defenders like Marcos Alonso or Andrew Robertson worth it? Or should we be focused on bringing in attackers on the last day? (@Aaronjc77)

Ronaldo's goals, Chelsea's wing-backs, wasteful Havertz: FPL notes 1

A: I think this answer is completely squad dependent. If you have a hole in your defence, for instance, then I think that should be prioritised. I know there are usually goals on the final day with clean sheets few and far between but the likes of Reece James (£6.4m), Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) and Andrew Robertson (£7.3m) are so attacking that they are very capable of a 15-point haul on their day. Aim to add the player you feel will give you the marginal gains to your squad. With the Chelsea wing-backs, look to see who is rested against Leicester. 


Q: Philippe Coutinho to Mason Mount, Phil Foden or Luis Diaz? (@iamRohanPandit)

Salah benched + Robertson 'rested' as Liverpool edge past Villa 3

A: This answer would apply to most Villa attackers – I think they are a sell. Mason Mount (£7.7m) has the easiest fixture on paper and if he is rested against Leicester, that is definitely where I would go. A start against the Foxes would put slight doubts in my mind and that would tilt me towards Diaz. Foden feels the most punty of the two but I would argue he has the greatest incentive. 


That’s all for me for this season, folks. Have a great final week and see you again soon!


192 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SKENG
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Can I get your input on what to do with this mess? ML 2nd place only 10 pts behind.
    Got 2 FTs and 0.3M ITB.

    Schmeichel
    TAA Cancelo James Silva
    Salah* Havertz* Son Kulusevski Saka
    Richarlison

    Steele Broja Gelhardt* Doherty*

    Need to wait for news on Salah and Havertz, but assuming they are both not likely to start...

    A) Salah & Havertz > KDB & Diaz (or any mid less than 9.2M)
    B) Salah, Havertz, Richarlison & Doherty > Foden, Diaz, Kane & Taylor (-8 pts, need to move Doherty for Spurs slot)
    C) smth else??

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      C

      KDB and Bowen or Maddison?

    2. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I like A with Diaz/Mount/Madders

    3. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A

      Or C (of the gap narrows or you think your rival will gamble):

      Salah, Havertz and Saka to KDB, Diaz and Mount/Barnes

      Admittedly haven’t done the maths for C, so not 100% sure if they work

  2. Burger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Kulusevski likely to start against Norwich?

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'd think so being he was ill and Conte will want his best 11 out there.

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

        Thank you.

  3. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Not sure on the amount of hits I should take, current squad below. Was thinking Mahrez to

    A. Maddison
    B. Diaz
    C. Pulisic

    Also need to think about Salah. Would you get in another forward, Vardy or Kane?

    Dubravka

    Laporte / Cancelo / Robbo / TAA

    Mahrez / Mount / Son / Salah / Saka

    Nketiah

    Jakupovic / Cash / Broja / Gelhardt

    Thanks

    1. Nightrain_
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If you fancy Liverpool triple-up, Salah to Mane could be gold
      other option is Salah > KDB

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B would be my choice

    3. DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Would you take any other hits?

      Saka > Maddison
      Kane
      Sessignon

      Thanks

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

    Crazy to consider a Barnes/Madisson double up against Saints?

    1. Nightrain_
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I guess Maddison will be enough, the other one should be Mount against Watford or Jota/Diaz against Wolves

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

        Thank you. Have Diaz and trying to work out how to fit Mount. Decisions, decisions!

  5. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Which looks best:
    A) Coutinho> Kulu
    B) Coutinho> Diaz
    C) Dennis> Toney

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Potentially B and C depending on if Coutinho starts tomorrow?

  6. RobinKerr1987
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Which lineup is better on FH?

    A. 442
    Ederson
    James, Robertson, Cancelo, Dier
    KDB, Son, Diaz, Mount
    Kane, Nketiah
    (Steele, Tsimikas, Brownhill, Richardson)

    B. 343
    Ederson
    James, Roberston, Cancelo
    Son, Diaz, Mount, Zaha, Martinelli
    Kane, Nketiah
    (Steele, Dier, Richarlison, Amartey)

    So basically its between fielding A: Dier & KDB; versus B: Zaha & Martinelli (and stronger bench)

  7. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Which combo scores more in gw38?

    A. Son (C) + Toney
    or
    B. Kane (C) + Diaz

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      It's impossible to know....

      Could be close. A just. Or B.

  8. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    In a few days time there won't be any pick A or B or C headache.

    How quick the season has gone, it all started with a west ham double up

    1. Nightrain_
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      we'll miss the headache and eventually can't wait for August to come

  9. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Are we expecting Mount and Alonso to start tomorrow?

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I hope not. Between Alonso & James I recon at least one of them rests

  10. L S P
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    What's the maximum hit you'd take for GW38?

    I'm looking to make up ~20pts for Top 10k. Currently on a -4 for Son/Kane and Mount/Maddison/Diaz (depending on tomorrow).

    1. Nightrain_
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      safest way is none, but i guess -4 is acceptable

    2. Burger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Potentially -12pts here, but rest assured its purely a gamble which nore than likely doesn't pay off, and no further gameweek to spread the hit. I'm chasing, and this is last ditch attempt, but it's highly likely to fail.

    3. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I need a -16 but I think I'll only go as far as -8

      Maybe I will keep Salah and pray...

    4. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      20 points is about 6000 places OR.

      Pick a differential captain.

  11. Louis Van Gaalstones
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Used my BB this week, pulling in a massive 2 points, love it.

  12. grennans2
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Best option from the below?

    A) Salah > Mane (start Jesus)
    B) Salah & Jesus > Kane & Diaz (-4)
    C) Salah & Weghorst (not in starting 11) > Vardy & Diaz (-4) (bench Jesus)

    1. FPLord
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      C, but I would only bench Jesus if you know he doesn't start. I would rather bench the likes of Saka or Kulu if you have them

  13. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    How many hits are you planning to take on gw 38?

    I need a -16 but I think I will only do -8 and hope for the best

    Rams - Foster
    TAA - Cancelo - Cash - Schar* - Kelly*
    Salah* - Kdb - Havertz* - Saka - Kulu
    Werner* - Dennis* - Wegworst

    1. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Max one hopefully none. 4 points is a lot when there is no future pay offs for the move

  14. Jambot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Team A (28 point lead)
    Players to go

    James
    Couthino

    Team B (28 points behind)
    Pickford
    Digne
    Dewsbury-Hall
    Ings
    Richarlison X2

    Which one do you think has the lead into 38?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Team A but that can change depending on what Richarlison does

    2. FPLord
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A

    3. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      That’s what I wanted to hear! Thanks guys. It was a 107 point lead this time last week. I’ll never live it down if lose that.

  15. FPLord
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ramsdale (Sa)
    TAA Cancelo Laporte James
    Salah Son Saka Kulu
    Jesus Weghorst
    (Gordon Digne Broja) 0.0 1 FT

    Like most on here I will most likely downgrade Salah and upgrade a forward, but there are so many good options...

    A. Salah, Weghorst > Diaz/Mount/Maddison, Vardy (-4)
    B. Salah, Weghorst > Bowen, Kane (-4)
    C. Salah, Weghorst > Mane, Toney (-4)

  16. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Is TAA enough Pool coverage for gw 38?

    Thinking of Salah to Son(c).

    Ramsdale
    James TAA Cancelo
    Salah* Mount Kulu Saka
    Kane Toney Nketiah

    1. Nightrain_
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If you're leading ML, i guess that's a sensible move to protect the lead but if you're chasing, maybe Salah > KDB and captain Kane

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Definitely chasing so may do the KDB move.

        Thanks

    2. mdm
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I would leave it as it is and c Kane

    3. L S P
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Definitely C Kane.

      Salah to, well, anyone.

  17. vova
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Salah to Son no brainer right?

    1. mdm
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Not sure. Both going for the boot

  18. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Already have Kulu & Kane

    A) Salah & Dennis > Diaz & Vardy (-4)
    B) Salah & Raph > Son & Diaz (-4)

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

  19. grennans2
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Play?

    A) Ramsdale (EVE)
    B) Dubravka (bur)

    Bench?

    1) Saka (EVE)
    2) Matip (WOL)

    1. mdm
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A2

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A2

    3. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A1

      Wolves are dreadful in the last several weeks and Arsenal don't have anything left to play for and they'll be down on morale after giving it away.

  20. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Is it over the top if I captain Son when I own Sess, Son and Kane? Could go with James or Mount to spread out the risk a bit...

    1. vova
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      nah and even if it is then there is no better time to go over the top than the last gameweek of the season

    2. Hiiler
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A lot will have 3 Spurs so going without them if you can have them(without hits) is a big risk in itself. 🙂

  21. CoracAld2831
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Schmeichel
    Laporte-Cancelo-TAA
    Saka-Salah-Son-Mount
    Mateta-Nketiah

    Foster-Gordon-Pukki-Cash

    Please pick an option for the above team:

    A: Salah -> De Bruyne (Free)
    B: Salah -> Mane
    B: Salah, Pukki -> Maddison, Kane (-4)
    C: Salah, Pukki -> Diaz, Vardy (-4)
    D: Other, please specify?

    1. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      In case Salah is confirmed injured.

    2. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Son (c) and Mount (vc).

    3. Hiiler
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Salah to KDB maybe,if he plays. No need to take hits I think. Especially if you (C) Son.

    4. Hiiler
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Seems quite good team on paper at least without the transfer even. Better then mine for sure. 🙂