FPL Gameweek 38 Tips: Captaincy, Clean Sheets, and Final-Day Gambles
As we approach the final gameweek of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season, it's time to make some strategic decisions to maximize your points and potentially secure that top spot. With so much at stake, every choice matters, and I'm here to offer my expert insights and commentary on some of the key players and strategies to consider.
Captaincy: The Ultimate Decision
One of the most crucial decisions you'll make is choosing your captain. In my opinion, the best option for this gameweek is Jarrod Bowen from West Ham. Bowen has been a consistent performer, providing assists and double-digit hauls, even if he hasn't scored in recent weeks. With West Ham's fate hanging in the balance, they'll need a win, and Bowen might just go out with a bang. Personally, I think this could be his last game for the club, and he'll be motivated to make it a memorable one.
Clean Sheets: A Rare Opportunity
When it comes to clean sheets, it's rare to find a reliable option on the final day. However, Max Weiss from Burnley stands out as a potential gem. Burnley has a strong chance of keeping a clean sheet against Wolves, who have struggled to score away from home this season. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Burnley's new number one, Weiss, could be a decent one-week replacement for David Raya, who might be rested. In my opinion, this is a low-risk, high-reward choice, especially if you're worried about the consistency of your goalkeeper.
Defensive Threats: Truffert's Attacking Threat
For defenders, Adrien Truffert from Bournemouth is a standout choice. Since week 29, no other defender has more FPL points than Truffert's impressive 60. What makes this even more intriguing is that Bournemouth has something to play for, while Forest players might be looking forward to the beach. Truffert has offered a huge attacking threat, scoring one goal and providing three assists, while also accumulating bonus and defensive contribution points. From my perspective, this is a player who could provide a significant boost to your team, especially if you're looking for a defensive option with attacking potential.
Attacking Returns: Van Dijk's Goal-Scoring Threat
While Liverpool might not keep a clean sheet against Brentford, I believe Virgil van Dijk is still worth considering. Van Dijk has scored more goals (six) and had more big chances (12) than any other defender in the league. Although a clean sheet might not be on the cards, the final day is rarely a spot for many clean sheets anyway. Picking a player who has consistently delivered attacking returns could be a smart move, especially if you're looking for a defender who can contribute to your team's goal-scoring efforts.
Penalty Takers: Robinson's Double Threat
Antonee Robinson from Fulham is another player who could provide a double threat. If Harry Wilson doesn't start for Fulham, Robinson is likely to take penalties. Newcastle, on the other hand, are the joint second-lowest scorers away from home this season and have nothing to play for. Robinson could return at both ends of the pitch, making him a versatile and potentially high-yielding choice. In my opinion, this is a player who could provide a significant boost to your team's goal-scoring and penalty-taking potential.
Final-Day Punts: Fernandes, Summerville, and Palmer
For final-day punts, Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United is a no-brainer. Fernandes is chasing the outright Premier League assists record and is guaranteed to start, while many other big-money assets could be rested. Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, despite his recent goal drought, has explosive potential, as shown by his earlier season run of four goals in four games. He's the ideal final-day punt if you have a midfield spot, with West Ham chasing a win to stay up. Cole Palmer from Chelsea, despite his recent lack of impact, is another player who could provide a significant boost. Chelsea is chasing Europe, and Palmer has the potential to get you 20 points, as evidenced by his earlier season hat-trick at Wolves. In my opinion, this is a player who could be due for a big game, especially after being snubbed for the England squad.
High-Scoring Game: Szoboszlai's Potential
Dominik Szoboszlai from Liverpool is another player to consider in high-scoring games. This game could end up being a high-scoring affair, with both teams needing results. Brentford needs a win to secure a European spot, while Liverpool is looking over its shoulder and needs a result to guarantee its Champions League spot. Szoboszlai has been Liverpool's best midfielder this season and has five returns in his past five games. In my opinion, this is a player who could provide a significant boost to your team's goal-scoring potential, especially in a high-scoring game.
Richarlison's Threatening Potential
Richarlison from Tottenham is another player who could provide a significant boost to your team's goal-scoring efforts. Tottenham needs to avoid defeat to stay up, and Everton has the sixth-best away record in the league. Richarlison is by far and away Tottenham's most threatening player, with nine shots on target, five big chances, and an xG of 1.99 in his past three starts. In my opinion, this is a player who could provide a significant boost to your team's goal-scoring potential, especially if you're looking for a forward who can consistently create chances.
Junior Kroupi's Penalty Potential
Finally, Junior Kroupi from Bournemouth is another player to consider. With Bournemouth chasing the outside chance of fifth place, they will be on the front foot, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they score two or three goals. Kroupi is also on penalties, making him a versatile and potentially high-yielding choice. In my opinion, this is a player who could provide a significant boost to your team's goal-scoring and penalty-taking potential.
Conclusion: Making the Most of the Final Day
As we approach the final gameweek, it's essential to make strategic decisions to maximize your points and potentially secure that top spot. From captaincy choices to final-day punts, every decision matters. In my opinion, the key is to identify players who are motivated, in form, and have something to play for. Whether it's a clean sheet, attacking returns, or penalty takers, there are plenty of options to consider. So, take a step back and think about your team, and don't be afraid to take a chance on a player who could provide a significant boost to your FPL campaign. After all, the final day is all about making the most of the opportunity to secure that top spot and enjoy the thrill of the game.
