So here we are, GW38, and if your group is anything like mine then it is all on the line. This Gameweek can be one of the toughest to predict as only a few teams have anything important still to play for. Some managers may give some youth or second choice players a run out… sure makes my job a bit tougher, but I will do my best. Let’s get into the matchups and see if we can make sure you get a full squad playing in the final Gameweek of the Premier League Fantasy Football season 😭😭😭.


Chelsea v Sunderland

The Champion’s have a great home matchup but the big question is who will we see starting with the title done and dusted and the FA Cup on the horizon? I think that it will be a close to full strength side that finishes the season off so keep starting them. If they don’t then that is what your bench is for. The worst thing that could happen is a sub appearance I guess. The biggest risks would probably be Hazard and Azpilicueta as they both were not rested yet. Sunderland…👎.

Leicester v Bournemouth

Leicester will be playing on only a couple of days rest after their Thursday game so rotation is a possibility but it is the last game of the season so maybe not for the big names. Vardy and Mahrez should play and Slimani could take over for Okazaki. Morgan and Huth may both miss out again which would give the Cherries a boost offensively. King is a must start, he just keeps on scoring, and Stanislas has begun to be productive again too.

Liverpool v Middlesbrough

Liverpool are one of those teams with plenty on the line and a great shot at fantasy points at both ends against lowly Middlesbrough. Coutinho is right up there as a potential top scorer this Gameweek but there are other options in attack too including Origi, Sturridge, Lallana, Wijnaldum and Milner. Just watch the news on Firmino as his inclusion would likely cause one of their strikers to get dropped. A clean sheet is also a distinct possibility so Mignolet, Clyne, Matip and Lovren are solid picks. Middlesbrough…also 👎.


Man Utd v Crystal Palace

The Red Devils have their Europa League Final on the following Wednesday so this lineup likely will have some youth in it. What we do know is that a couple of the guys we know for sure will be involved are Joel Pereira (De Gea and Romero not starting) and Bailly if you are looking for some defensive options. Pogba will also play and likely Rooney, but the rest is up in the air. Palace are coming off a big win where they eliminated Hull with Benteke and Zaha leading the way, expect both to be involved again if Palace are to do anything.

Arsenal v Everton

Arsenal are on the outside of the top 4 and need a win plus some help so expect the best lineup possible. It’s an ok matchup as Everton are struggling offensively so all your Gunners have a decent shot at points. Koscielny should be back which will likely push Monreal to the wing back position at the expense of Gibbs. Bellerin will continue to start because Oxlade-Chamberlain has been ruled out. Giroud and Welbeck are splitting striking duties, Giroud had a pair of goals recently but Welbeck is fresher, tough call. Everything else should be status quo, Sanchez and Özil are hot and will be needed to keep their hopes alive. Everton’s threats will be the usual ones, Lukaku and Barkley, but I don’t expect much from them to be honest.

Burnley v West Ham

It pains me to say this (because I have West Ham as my final pick in a survivor pool and am probably doomed to lose to my parents of all people) but I think Burnley are the better option at home. I am not expecting a goalfest, a single one could do the job for either team (Go Hammers 😏). For Burnley, Vokes may be the safest choice as Gray and Barnes split last game and for the Hammers it is Lanzini and Ayew, as long as the post doesn’t get in the way again…


Hull v Tottenham

Spurs are finishing strong and Hull are well…toast. Kane and Son could run riot here again, plus I expect Eriksen to return, and don’t forget Alli of course. A clean sheet is also a possibility. Walker and Trippier both missed their Thursday game and Rose is done for the season so Davies, Vertonghen and Alderweireld are the prime defenders. Other players like Dier and Wanyama could chip in with something too if you are lucky enough.

Southampton v Stoke

This looks to be another low scoring Southampton special on the menu so defensive options are the way to go. Yoshida and Stephens have been consistently playing and Bertrand should return but Soares could be a risk. The attack has let the fantasy world down recently, specifically Gabbiadini, and who knows who is on pks now, I have a pretty good conversion rate in my over 40 league…just saying. Boufal, Rodriguez and Austin could see minutes. For Stoke, I don’t trust the offense but the defense could hold value if trends continue.

Swansea v West Brom

Swansea will be riding a high after fighting off relegation while the Baggies are coming off of a midweek match so you know where I am going with this…I like the Swans to finish the season well so of course I will advise on using the combo of Sigurdsson and Llorente. There could also be some points in their backline. If West Brom have anything left in the tank then maybe Chadli is your man, or Robson-Kanu might start after his goal off the bench.

Watford v Man City

With everything on the line for City I would not expect any changes from their last match so Sterling seems like the odd man out. Watford should not be able to stop this offense but I feel they will breach the City defense, this game could have goals galore. Agüero, Jesus, De Bruyne, Sané and Silva are all excellent picks, just play them and hope yours are the ones that fire. Watford have some intriguing options, Okaka, Capoue and Janmaat to be specific.

Well that’s it from me, good luck to you all, and remember to sign up for Draft Fantasy Football again next season, plus get all your friends as well while you’re at it. PriMaradona out.


Simon Wardle

Draft Fantasy Football 2015/16 Global Champion

Visit my website at: http://simonsayssoccer.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @PriMaradona1