Chip Strategy
13 May 2025 198 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
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We’re down to the final couple of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadlines but, if you’re one of the 6.7 million managers not to have activated their three-Gameweek Assistant Manager chip, don’t panic.

Gameweeks 37 and 38 still provide opportunities to gain points from it, which could prove vital in mini-leagues.

In this article, we’ll assess the best options for this week as well as the round ahead.

WHICH MANAGERS COULD GET A GAMEWEEK 37 TABLE BONUS?

One key source of Assistant Manager hauls is table bonus points, whereby Premier League bosses earn extra points if they beat (+10) or draw with (+5) a team five or more places ahead of them in the table at the start of the Gameweek.

For example, of Gameweek 36’s three possible scalps, Southampton and Leicester City were able to draw with Manchester City and Nottingham Forest. It allowed Simon Rusk (£0.5m) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (£0.5m) to join four others on 10 points.

The third team, Ipswich Town, accumulated 0.93 expected goals (xG) but couldn’t stop a 1-0 Brentford win that handed Thomas Frank (£0.8m) his sixth successive score of nine or more points. A total of 68 in that period, to be precise.

FPL notes: Murphy wing-back, Trippier injury, Chelsea + Forest falter 3

Elsewhere, 2-0 away wins put Fabian Hurzeler (£1.1m), Oliver Glasner (£0.8m) and Graham Potter (£0.5m) on 10 points, while Eddie Howe (£1.5m) had the same score in Newcastle United’s huge home clash with Chelsea.

In Gameweek 37, there are six such managers eligible for table bonus points out of 10 total fixtures:

  • Ange Postecoglou (£1.1m) – Aston Villa (6th) v Tottenham Hotspur (17th)
  • Ruben Amorim (£0.8m) – Chelsea (5th) v Manchester United (16th)
  • Simon Rusk (£0.5m) – Everton (13th) v Southampton (20th)
  • Graham Potter (£0.5m)West Ham United (15th) v Nottingham Forest (7th)
  • Fabian Hurzeler (£1.1m)Brighton and Hove Albion (9th) v Liverpool (1st)
  • Andoni Iraola (£1.1m) – Manchester City (4th) v Bournemouth (10th)

WHAT THE BOOKMAKERS SAY

Before we dive into point predictions and our recommendations, let’s take a glance at what the bookies think.

Here are the odds, in order, for each of Gameweek 37’s table bonus-eligible managers:

Chance of a home winChance of a drawChance of an away win
Fabian Hurzeler Brighton (9th) v Liverpool (1st)36.30%25.17%38.53%
Graham Potter West Ham (15th) v Nott’m Forest (7th)34.34%28.62%37.04%
Andoni Iraola – Man City (4th) v Bournemouth (10th)61.25%21.67%17.08%
Ange Postecoglou – Aston Villa (6th) v Tottenham (17th)68.60%17.01%14.39%
Simon Rusk – Everton (13th) v Southampton (20th)67.57%18.92%13.51%
Ruben Amorim – Chelsea (5th) v Man United (16th)68.75%17.86%13.39%

CURRENT ASSISTANT MANAGER POINTS PROJECTIONS

The betting market heavily influences these projections, so the odds of each Assistant Manager capable of earning table bonus points are factored in.

Make sure to check this page for any revised projections.

FINAL THOUGHTS: GAMEWEEK 37 IN ISOLATION

This week’s two Friday night matches are because Tottenham and Man United have their Europa League final five days later. Combine that with recent domestic ‘performances’ and you’d be a very brave FPL manager to predict any points from them.

Although it’s worth a mention that Spurs have thrashed Aston Villa in their previous two league meetings, 4-1 and 4-0.

Perhaps Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth could catch Pep Guardiola (£1.5m) out three days after the FA Cup final. These sides have only ever met 23 times but the Cherries’ sole victory occurred in Gameweek 10. By then, they’ll know if Man City helped them out at Wembley, as a win would secure European football for whoever finishes in eighth place.

Then again, Hurzeler’s Brighton are two points ahead, sitting ninth. Based on Liverpool’s two league encounters since being crowned champions, the Seagulls’ opponents are there for the taking.

Nottingham Forest could be too, as five points from six games have dented their Champions League hopes. Just like Southampton could be party poopers during Everton’s final mens match at Goodison Park, West Ham could end Forest’s dream. After all, the Hammers have won the last five at home against them, in all competitions.

Therefore, Assistant Manager users may prefer seemingly ‘safer’ names like Unai Emery (£0.8m), Enzo Maresca (£1.5m) and David Moyes (£0.5m). Villa and Chelsea are hungry for a top-five finish, while Everton want an emotional day to end with a win over the already-relegated Saints.

FINAL THOUGHTS: LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD

No more Double Gameweeks - so when should we use our chips? (updated) 1

If your Assistant Manager chip will be active beyond this deadline, here are some more things to consider.

This chip’s specialist Rate My Team page currently has Man United (16.66) and Tottenham (16.17) on the highest projections for Gameweeks 37 and 38 but, as discussed, these 16th and 17th-placed sides are prioritising their Bilbao showdown, where the winner qualifies for next season’s Champions League.

Arsenal (15.17) are next, though they’re without any table bonus potential, whereas West Ham (14.55) get to host higher-up Forest, then visit Ipswich on the final day.

The largest Gameweek 38 projection belongs to Amorim, with extra points up for grabs at home to Aston Villa. It uses the logic that – having played the Europa League final by then – the Red Devils can field a full-strength XI and try ending a difficult 2024/25 campaign with pride.

FPL team previews – Liverpool: Best players, predicted XI + more

FPL Marc Broadcaster, writer and overthinker. Hoping that ‘differential potential’ will catch on.

198 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Hitthewall
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Which option?

    A) KdB + Marmoush -> Bowen + Watkins?
    B) Isak -> Watkins

    1. syke63
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      A.
      You'll need Isak for gw38 imo

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      A

  2. Hitthewall
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    KdB or Bowen for GW37 only?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Bowen - no guarantee KDB starts his last home game if the Cup final goes the distance

  3. cilz88
    • 14 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Who would you take out for Watkins? Isak, Marmoush or Mateta?

    1. syke63
      • 12 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Prob Mateta

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Mateta

  4. syke63
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    On a free hit.
    Salah Mbuemo Bowen Rogers
    Haaland Watkins Vardy atm.
    Palmer and Wissa are two I would like to get so selling Haaland for Wissa and getting Palmer and benching Vardy for a 5-2 lineup looks better?
    Yay or nay?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Get Beto if on a free hit

      1. syke63
        • 12 Years
        6 months, 26 days ago

        Southampton's new defensive formation kinda puts me off that. Thanks for the reply

  5. Ohh1454
    • 8 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Anyone considering J.Pedro ?

    1. Releasebreaks
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      no

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      1000% no

  6. Here is Cash, give McGinn
    • 6 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Play
    A) Munoz (WOL)
    or
    B) Konsa (TOT)

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      A

  7. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Play Sels or Areola?

    1. Here is Cash, give McGinn
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Areola

    2. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Areola but he could be benched for Fab last game, I’m probably gonna start Raya

      1. Here is Cash, give McGinn
        • 6 Years
        6 months, 26 days ago

        If benched you get the other GK no problem. Im benching Raya for Areola

        1. Atimis
          • 9 Years
          6 months, 26 days ago

          What if they get 45min of each? We may wait for some info during presser

  8. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 5 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Would you use 1FT to transfer out Isak for Watkins if you already owned Palmer?

    Algos seem to love Palmer for captaincy this week but not feeling it as much and getting Watkins FOMO given how dire Spurs were v Palace.

    1. The-Red-1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 25 days ago

      I've brought in Palmer, if only for a placeholder for Saka in 38

  9. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Does Isak know we need him for GW38? I mean, we know he is off pace a bit lately and he will have a surgery once season ends. Also, are Everton that bad? It’s not like they are shipping crazy amounts.

  10. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Keep one:
    A. KDB
    B. Haaland

    1. dparran
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      B

    2. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Decided to keep both

  11. Skogen89
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Bench 1

    Isak(ars) , Wood (whu) , Sarr (Wol)

    1. Here is Cash, give McGinn
      • 6 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Sarr

    2. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Sarr

  12. Releasebreaks
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Who to bench?

    A- Isak (ars)
    B- Eze (WOL)

    Isak with tough away fixture, Eze might not play well due to CRY FA Cup final

    1. CoracAld2831
      • 4 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      A.

      If Eze doesn't play you get him anyway from your bench.

      Also Wolves fixture might be rough to Palacw anyway wherher they win or lose.

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        6 months, 26 days ago

        How you get him from bench?

        1. CoracAld2831
          • 4 Years
          6 months, 26 days ago

          If Eze doesn't play at all, you have Isak 1st on your bench and your formation is 3-5-2 or 4-4-2.

          1. CoracAld2831
            • 4 Years
            6 months, 26 days ago

            Or 5-3-2.

            1. CoracAld2831
              • 4 Years
              6 months, 26 days ago

              Or 5-4-1 & 4-5-1.

          2. Atimis
            • 9 Years
            6 months, 26 days ago

            Oh you mean that, right!

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      A

  13. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Would you sell Marmoush or Isak to get Watkins?

    1. dparran
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      In the same spot and high chance (almost 100%) I will sell Marmoush. Want to keep Isak for GW 38

    2. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Marmoush definitely. Isak I am still debating myself.

    3. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Marm

  14. CoracAld2831
    • 4 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Would roll to 3 FT with this team?

    Raya (Areola)
    Konsa-Saliba-Gvardiol (Trippier-Kerkez)
    KDB-Sarr-Mbeumo(vc)-Rogers (Murphy)
    Wood-Isak-Haaland ©

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 11 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      With that many FTs I would remove Trippier to ensure a good bench. You will probably need it with 4 players in the FA final.

    2. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      If you are fine with playing Sarr

  15. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Shouldn’t the FA final increase the chances of Marm getting more minutes. I know trying to second guess Pep is a fools errand but hey

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      He will, in the cup final

    2. The Hunt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      6 months, 25 days ago

      He'll get two points instead of one if he does. Ditch him.

  16. Stranger Mings
    • 5 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Mistake to bench isak?

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Either play or sell imo

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 5 Years
        6 months, 26 days ago

        Selling mateta instead and playing sarr over isak

        1. Atimis
          • 9 Years
          6 months, 26 days ago

          Hm hm can go either way, depends on if Sarr starts

  17. sirmorbach
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Play Raya (NEW) or Areola (NFO)?

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      I am playing areola as have timber

  18. Stranger Mings
    • 5 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Surely play sarr with easier fixture over isak?

  19. SomeoneKnows
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Who should I replace Mateta with for the final 2 GWs ?

    A) Wissa
    B) Wood
    C) Cunha

    1. F4L
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      a

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      A

  20. F4L
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    goal has been coming for Coventry

    1. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      It's been a long struggle to get back to the top tier. Hopefully Frank is 'the one'

  21. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Which is better ??
    A- Mateta> Vardy or Wissa
    B- Isak > Watkins
    C - Both for -4
    Can't do A for Watkins

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Both might be the best option otherwise A as Isak has a very good record against Arsenal

    2. Triple Free Bench Hit Boost
      • 3 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      If you're going to do the -4, can't you do it with a different player out rather than Isak, in order to do Mateta to Watkins?

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 12 Years
        6 months, 25 days ago

        No I can't not enough moneyand the third striker is isak

        1. Triple Free Bench Hit Boost
          • 3 Years
          6 months, 25 days ago

          Then I wouldn't take the hit. Isak +4 points is a better starting point than Watkins in my view

  22. g40steve
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Play 1 Areola or Raya?

    Bench 2 defenders, Timber, Milenkovic, Burn, RAN, Gvardiol

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      Mile for sure

    2. The-Red-1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 months, 25 days ago

      Play Areola
      Bench Timber and Milenkovic

  23. Riverside Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    COME ON SUNDERLAND...STEP IT UP

  24. Qaiss
    • 9 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Seen some on Twitter saying they think Watkins’ EO will be around 50%

    Based on the current poll and influence CC’s have over people, I can’t see how his EO won’t be over 100%?

    1. andymck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      I assume some people just won’t have the spare transfers or an easy route to him

    2. No Kane No Gain
      • 7 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      I guess if you have Isak Wissa Marmoush and no money in the bank then I would understand avoiding Watkins potentially

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      If like me you already have 3 villa players and only one free transfer it's not easy to get Watkins.

    4. Triple Free Bench Hit Boost
      • 3 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      A few may have tripled on Villa (with Rashford injury rotting away on our bench)

    5. The Hunt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      6 months, 25 days ago

      Most people have long given up by now so not really surprising tbh.

    6. Qaiss
      • 9 Years
      6 months, 25 days ago

      Thanks for the replies all, seems a mixture of having triple Villa already or not having easy route to him

      I was asking as I want to captain him but need to make up around 16/17 points to top10k and thought his EO would be higher (still think it might be)

    7. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 25 days ago

      It won't be that high. I think the Spurs game is not quite going to be as attractive with it being brought forward (it's not going to be the team that played Palace lol) and also hate captaining the first game of the GW.

      1. Qaiss
        • 9 Years
        6 months, 25 days ago

        I just think Spurs players will just be running around trying to not get injured. They’ve already had Maddison get injured last week and Kulusevski went off on Sunday

  25. Triple Free Bench Hit Boost
    • 3 Years
    6 months, 26 days ago

    Who to bench:
    A: Enzo (MUN)
    B: Sarr (WOL)
    C: Munoz (WOL)
    D: Mateta (WOL)

    Another week I'd say Enzo... but with Jackson injured, have a feeling he may be playing a little more advanced.

    1. Triple Free Bench Hit Boost
      • 3 Years
      6 months, 26 days ago

      And obviously I mean Jackson suspended, not injured

    2. The Mighty Whites
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 25 days ago

      Enzo

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 months, 25 days ago

      Mateta. I would think some chance he doesn't start.

  26. Vinchent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 25 days ago

    2nd place in mini league chasing 19 points behind. Will have to take risk. Currently have AM with Potter hoping for table bonus against NFO. Should I take -4 or -8 to risk and for example sell Salah and Isak for in form players like Beto and Schade, or even go for potential heavy hitter Haaland?

    Greatly appreciate tips

    1. The Mighty Whites
      • 10 Years
      6 months, 25 days ago

      AM with Potter and a different captain could do it?

      1. Vinchent
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 months, 25 days ago

        Yeah I guess, but if that AM doesn’t hit, we have very similar team. Used FT to get Potter in for final AM round.

  27. The Mighty Whites
    • 10 Years
    6 months, 25 days ago

    Play a GK:
    Raya / Areola

    Play a DF:
    Kiwior / Burn / N. Williams

  28. jimmy12
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 25 days ago

    Scenes at Sunderland

  29. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    6 months, 25 days ago

    That was insane last minute!!!

  30. g40steve
    • 7 Years
    6 months, 25 days ago

    Sunderland wow 123m