FPL Gameweek 38 Captaincy Picks
In the quest to attain your desired overall rank, nailing the right captain in the ultimate gameweek of the season plays a crucial role. With the FPL template strong as ever, captaincy haul can give your team the edge in terms of a higher overall rank and trumping your fellow mini-league rival.
However, the task of picking the right one is not straightforward. Being the last Premier League matches of the season and not much riding on it, apart from some exceptions, navigating through the team selections can be tricky and arduous.
I would, STRONGLY, advise making transfers and captain decisions close to the deadline when, hopefully, starting elevens get leaked to the FPL community. As a guide, in this article, we will discuss the various options you may consider giving the armband to in Gameweek 38 IF they do start.
Erling Haaland vs Brentford (A)
The Norwegian has been breaking records left, right, and center this season and has rightfully earned the perma-captain status. Brentford concede most of their chances through the middle. Hence, Haaland is expected to be on the scoresheet should he be on the pitch.
Interestingly he has only scored one goal from an xG of 4.17 in his last six appearances. It suggests that he is due a big haul, and the final game of his debut premier league season could be another stellar performance for his collection. On top of that, historically, Manchester City tend to go big in GW38, having scored 3, 5, and 5 goals in the previous three campaigns. Erling Haaland is always the safest bet.
Mohamed Salah vs Southampton (A)
The Egyptian King has set such high standards over the years that 6.3 points per match this season seems to underwhelm. Of late, Salah has been in scintillating form, blanking just once in the last eight gameweeks with four double-digit hauls.
Already relegated, Southampton will be looking to put up an attacking display in front of their home fans which should augur well for Salah and other Liverpool attackers. Most predictive models have Salah at the top of the expected points chart. You should strongly consider giving him the armband. He is almost definitely going to start as well.
Bukayo Saka vs Wolves (H)
After starting explosively, Saka has had an underwhelming last few gameweeks, having blanked in each of his last five games. But as the saying goes, fixtures breed form, and Wolves at home is a tailor-made fixture for a massive haul. Having put pen to paper, Saka has recently extended his stay at the Emirates. He will be looking to put on a show in front of his home fans on Sunday.
Wolves have won just two games away from home this season and conceded the most chances down Saka’s side. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, and Saka, with higher expected minutes and penalties, may emerge as the highest-scoring player: a perfect captaincy material to steer past your mini-league rivals.
Harry Kane vs Leeds (A)
The name Harry Kane needs no introduction. He has been Mr. Consistent this season with 247 points in a Spurs side that has had a turbulent season. With him, you are almost guaranteed 90 minutes, and with Leeds needing to win to have any hopes of survival, they won’t be conservative. Leeds also concede an awful amount of chances through the middle of the pitch.
When Spurs score, Kane is involved more often than not. The Englishman will have ample opportunities to haul. He can be your ultimate differential captain, given his low effective ownership.
Bruno Fernandes vs Fulham (H)
Consistently posting great underlying numbers, Bruno Fernandes is at the heart of the Manchester United attack. Fernandes has immense assist potential, not only with his creativity from open play, but also from set pieces. His goal threat is also boosted by the fact that he is on penalties. Bruno has racked up an xGI of 0.48, 1.03, 0.51, 0.54, 0.49, 1.21 in his previous six appearances.
Fulham concede most chances down the middle of the pitch. Therefore, you can rely on Bruno Fernandes for a return or two.
Ollie Watkins vs Brighton and Hove Albion (H)
Aston Villa are one of the few teams that have something to play for in the league. They need to win their final game to cement the seventh spot, which will see them secure European football. Watkins is the focal point of the Villa attack and is poised to do well against Brighton, who may give some of their youngsters game time.
Watkins is going under the radar perhaps because of his recent penalty miss. Nevertheless, he has been posting decent underlying numbers. He generated an xGI of 0.80 against Liverpool, 0.72 against Spurs, and 0.52 against Wolves. Watkins can propel Aston Villa to the UEFA Conference League and hence, can be a great differential captain pick.
That brings us to the end of our article. If we had to choose one, it would be Salah! We want to reiterate that managers should wait for team leaks before saving their teams for one last time for the 2022/23 calendar. We hope you have a great end to the FPL season.
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