The Scout's panel of experts answer 10 key questions, offering advice ahead of Gameweek 38 in Fantasy Premier League.
What is the best way to overtake a mini-league rival?
Pras (@Pras_FPL): There are only two routes left to chase now; captaincy and the use of your transfers. Therefore understanding what your mini-league rival is about to do is key. Do you see a player they own that is injured who they are likely to use a free transfer on? If so, use your free transfer in another position.
Ultimately though, the riskier you go the higher the chance you have to close the gap, but also to widen it. Sometimes trusting your team to deliver and help catch up is also viable.
How do you protect a mini-league lead?
Nick Harris (@WGTA_Nick): Just to continue the strategy that has been working for you all season. There is no reason to overthink or target differentials. You can potentially transfer in players that your opponent already has, but this feels overly defensive, while your mini-league rival will be on the attack.
Is Saka a must-have?
Gianni Buttice (@GianniButtice): Bukayo Saka (£10.3m) is of course a desirable pick, and those that are confident of a start should consider captaining him. I don't see him as a must, however, and there are plenty of alternative midfield options with more to play for which offer a high ceiling, such as Aston Villa, Brighton or Newcastle players.
Who is the best differential player to bring in?
Gianni Buttice (@GianniButtice): I'd look at midfielders from teams with good fixtures and that are looking to secure European qualification for next season. From Newcastle, Anthony Gordon (£7.4m) and Harvey Barnes (£5.9m), at Brighton Brajan Gruda (£5.4m) and Kaoru Mitoma (£6.3m), and from Aston Villa, Marco Asensio (£6.1m).
Is it worth taking a points hit to get in two differentials?
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily): When considering a points hit on the final day of the season, there are a number of things that you need to consider. Firstly, are you going for it or trying to play safe. If you are playing safe then don't take the hit. The second factor is how sure are you that the player you want to take a hit for is going to produce an attacking return. Normally a points hit has a couple of weeks at least to work, whereas it is all or nothing on the final day.
If you are chasing or are trying to catch up in a mini-league or if you have multiple injuries to deal with, then take the points hit. But I would only do it for an attacker this week.
Who is the best captain if you are chasing?
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily): Throughout almost all of the second half of the season, Mohamed Salah (£13.6m) has been the runaway captain. Therefore, if you're chasing, players like Ollie Watkins (£9.1m), Bryan Mbeumo (£8.3m) and if fit, Alexander Isak (£9.4m), all have a lot to play for on the final day, so I would be going with one of those.
Who is the best forward to buy?
Utkarsh Dalmia (@ZopharFPL): Leicester have conceded more goals on the road than any other team, while Bournemouth have also been great at home. Evanilson (£5.8m) is my top transfer target for Gameweek 38.
Is it worth replacing Saliba or making a defensive transfer?
Pranil Sheth (@Lateriser12): In all of the last 14 seasons, the final day has had more goals per game than the season's average. Only on three occasions has the clean-sheet average on the final day exceeded the clean-sheet average of the season. This implies that on the last day, clean sheets are in short supply, while more goals are scored.
So if you have three playable defenders, I would not bother with selling William Saliba (£6.5m) and instead find an attacker with upside for your final flourish.
Who are the clubs to invest in for Gameweek 38?
Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily): Put simply, invest in the clubs that have the most to play for. The race for the UEFA Champions League spots is going down to the wire, so choose players from those teams. Newcastle have been formidable at home anyway, so I'd expect them to do well against Everton.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, will be up against a weary Man Utd, following their 1-0 defeat to Spurs in the UEFA Europa League final.
Are there any clubs to avoid?
Nick Harris (@WGTA_Nick): In terms of teams to avoid, I would not target any teams that don't have as much to play for in the final Gameweek and focus on transfers from teams such as those in the battle for European places, as they'll be guaranteed to be starting their best players.
Teams like Spurs and Crystal Palace will be in celebratory mode after their cup wins, so they may be worth avoiding from an FPL perspective because league position has not been their priority.
