FPL Gameweek 38-team-news: Final day differentials

The final day of the Premier League season throws up the usual chaos: 10 games kicking off simultaneously, half the league with nothing to play for, and the other half chasing pride or survival. Arsenal have already wrapped up the title with 85 points, but for FPL managers, Gameweek 38 is about one thing , ending on a high. Here is your FPL Gameweek 38-team-news guide with the teams, injuries, and the calls that could decide your mini-league.

The fixtures table

All 10 games kick off at 15:00 BST on Sunday 30 May. No staggered kickoffs, no late switches. What you see at 15:00 is what you get.

Home	Away	Venue
Arsenal	Brighton	Emirates Stadium
Aston Villa	Spurs	Villa Park
Chelsea	Brentford	Stamford Bridge
Coventry City	Nott'm Forest	Coventry Building Society Arena
Crystal Palace	Leeds	Selhurst Park
Hull City	Newcastle	MKM Stadium
Ipswich Town	Everton	Portman Road
Liverpool	Bournemouth	Anfield
Man Utd	Fulham	Old Trafford
Sunderland	Man City	Stadium of Light

Captain picks

Three options stand out for the armband. Ranked by ceiling, not safety.

1. Erling Haaland (FWD, 15.5, Man City)

Haaland has 27 goals and 8 assists this season, with 239 total points. Man City travel to Sunderland, who finished 7th with a goal difference of -6. City need a win to secure second place ahead of Man Utd, and Haaland has everything to play for. His 74.8% ownership means almost everyone in your league has him, but that is not a reason to avoid the armband. He is the highest-scoring player in the game and faces a side that conceded 48 goals. The fixture is good, the motivation is real, and the ceiling is 15+ points.

2. Bruno Fernandes (MID, 12.0, Man Utd)

Bruno Fernandes has 9 goals and 24 assists this season, totalling 235 points. Man Utd host Fulham at Old Trafford, and Fernandes is the creative hub of everything they do. His 24 assists lead the league, and Fulham have conceded 51 goals this season. If you want to differentiate from the Haaland captains, Fernandes is the safe alternative. He takes penalties, corners, and free kicks. The floor is higher than most.

3. Igor Thiago (FWD, 8.0, Brentford)

Igor Thiago has 22 goals this season, second only to Haaland. Brentford travel to Chelsea, who have conceded 52 goals and finished 10th. Thiago has been consistent all season, with 181 total points at just 16% ownership. If you are chasing a lead, he is your guy. Chelsea's defence has been leaky, and Thiago is the kind of striker who punishes mistakes. The risk is that Brentford have nothing to play for, but individual awards matter. Thiago will want to finish as top scorer.

Players to bring in

Morgan Rogers (MID, 7.5, Aston Villa)

Rogers has 10 goals and 8 assists this season, with 169 points. Aston Villa host Spurs at Villa Park, and Rogers has been their most consistent midfielder. Spurs have conceded 57 goals this season, the worst defensive record in the top half. Rogers is owned by 29.9% of managers, so he is not a differential, but he is a reliable points scorer for the final day. His 3280 minutes played show he is nailed.

Rayan Cherki (MID, 7.5, Man City)

Cherki has 4 goals and 13 assists this season, with 135 points. He has been City's primary creator in the second half of the season, and his 13 assists are second only to Bruno Fernandes. At 9.3% ownership, he is a genuine differential. City need to win at Sunderland, and Cherki is likely to be involved in any goals they score. His price is reasonable, and his form is good.

James Tarkowski (DEF, 6.0, Everton)

Tarkowski has 170 points this season, with 2 goals and 3 assists. Everton travel to Ipswich Town, who have already been relegated. Tarkowski is a set-piece threat and Everton have kept 11 clean sheets this season. At 9.9% ownership, he is a solid defensive option for the final day. Ipswich have scored only 38 goals all season, so a clean sheet is realistic.

Dominik Szoboszlai (MID, 7.0, Liverpool)

Szoboszlai has 6 goals and 7 assists this season, with 160 points. Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield, and Szoboszlai is owned by 47% of managers. He is the most popular midfielder in the game for a reason: he is on set pieces and has been consistent all season. Bournemouth have conceded 54 goals, so Liverpool should score. Szoboszlai is a safe captain alternative if you want to go against Haaland.

Elliot Anderson (MID, 6.5, Man City)

Anderson has 4 goals and 5 assists this season, with 180 points. He has been a surprise package for City, playing 3332 minutes across the season. At 12% ownership, he is a value pick who has outperformed his price tag. City need to win at Sunderland, and Anderson has been a regular starter. He offers a cheap route into City's attack without paying for Haaland or Cherki.

Players to move on

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (FWD, 6.0, Leeds)

Calvert-Lewin has 14 goals this season, but Leeds travel to Crystal Palace, who have kept 12 clean sheets. Palace have been solid defensively at Selhurst Park, and Leeds have nothing to play for. Calvert-Lewin has 142 points, but his form has been inconsistent. Move him on for a player with more upside.

Joao Pedro (FWD, 7.5, Chelsea)

Joao Pedro has 15 goals and 9 assists this season, with 177 points. But Chelsea host Brentford, who have the best defensive record in the bottom half. Brentford have conceded 52 goals, but they have kept 10 clean sheets. Joao Pedro is owned by 54.2% of managers, which means most of your league has him. If you want to differentiate, this is the week to sell him.

Hugo Ekitike (FWD, 7.5, Liverpool)

Ekitike has 11 goals and 4 assists this season, but he is injured. The data shows an Achilles injury with an unknown return date and a 0% chance of playing. He is owned by only 0.2% of managers, so he is not a widespread problem, but if he is in your squad, remove him immediately.

The differential

Kevin Schade (MID, 6.0, Brentford)

Schade has 8 goals and 5 assists this season, with 125 points. He is owned by just 2.2% of managers. Brentford travel to Chelsea, and Schade has been their most dangerous wide player. His expected goals of 12.08 suggest he has underperformed slightly, but the underlying numbers are strong. At 6.0, he is cheap enough to enable a big captain pick elsewhere. If you need a punt to win your mini-league, Schade is the one.

Key takeaways

• Erling Haaland is the standout captain pick against Sunderland, with 27 goals and 239 points this season.
• Bruno Fernandes offers a safe alternative with 24 assists, facing Fulham at Old Trafford.
• Igor Thiago is the differential captain at 16% ownership, facing a Chelsea defence that conceded 52 goals.
• Kevin Schade at 2.2% ownership is the best budget differential for the final day.
• Hugo Ekitike is ruled out with an Achilles injury and should be removed from all squads.

FAQ

Who is the best captain for FPL Gameweek 38?

Erling Haaland is the best captain. He has 27 goals this season and faces Sunderland, who conceded 48 goals. His 74.8% ownership means most managers will captain him, but that is because he is the safest option.

Which players are injured for Gameweek 38?

Hugo Ekitike is out with an Achilles injury and has a 0% chance of playing. James Garner has a groin injury and is expected back on 22 August. Jurrien Timber has a groin injury and is expected back on 21 August. William Saliba has a back injury with an unknown return date.

Should I sell Joao Pedro for Gameweek 38?

Yes, if you want to differentiate. Joao Pedro is owned by 54.2% of managers and faces Brentford, who have kept 10 clean sheets. Selling him allows you to bring in a differential like Igor Thiago or Kevin Schade.

Which defender should I bring in for Gameweek 38?

James Tarkowski is the best defensive option. He has 170 points this season and faces Ipswich Town, who have scored only 38 goals. Everton have kept 11 clean sheets, and Tarkowski is a set-piece threat.