FPL 2022-23 | Gameweek 38 | Captain Picks

Whilst Double Gameweek 37 is not yet complete, it’s been a disappointing one so far for the majority of our captain picks. Both Erling Haaland (£12.4m) and Riyad Mahrez (£7.5m) failed to notch attacking returns in Man City’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea. Liverpool’s Mo Salah (£13.1m) did at least provide an assist as Liverpool could only draw 1-1 with Aston Villa, enough for 5 FPL points. Our differential pick also drew a blank, Antony (£7.3m) gaining just 3 fantasy points away at Bournemouth, but with one further fixture ahead of three of those four assets, things could still change ahead of the final round of Premier League fixtures.

Fixture ticker for GW38 - Attack has goals prediction and Defense has CS prediction pic.twitter.com/3XpMVi7mTi

— FPL Frasier (@FPLfrasier) May 23, 2023

It’s do or die for FPL managers this coming Sunday, with all 20 Premier League clubs in action at the same time in Gameweek 38, the final round of matches this season. There will be a number of fantasy bosses out there who have held back on making a key move until now, such as utilising the triple captain chip, whilst others will have no choice but to gamble in terms of a captain if they wish to overtake their mini-league rivals at the depth. For the final time this campaign, we weigh up three premium picks for the armband, alongside that vitally important differential pick ahead of Sunday’s 15:00 deadline.

PREMIUM OPTIONS

Mo Salah (£13.1) vs SOU (a)

Although Liverpool have been left with little to no chance of Champions League qualification following those dropped points at home to Aston Villa, they will still be expected to finish on a high against relegated Southampton. One player who will no doubt be determined to boost his own personal record will be Mo Salah, who is one goal off netting 20 Premier League goals for what would be the fifth time in the last six seasons.

Am I the only one thinking Salah ©️ v already relegated Southampton

— FPL__Courtney (@FPL__Courtney) May 19, 2023

After assisting Liverpool’s only goal last weekend, Salah has accumulated seven goals and four assists since Gameweek 30. His last five Premier League appearances have yielded 45 FPL points and against such weak opposition who have lost their last five matches, it would be a big surprise if the Egyptian did not end the campaign with another significant points haul, making him a perfect captaincy candidate for Gameweek 38.

Erling Haaland (£12.4) vs BRE (a)

What an addition to the Premier League Erling Haaland has been! In this final captain picks article of the season, we simply can’t not highlight the man who has single-handedly changed the face of FPL through weight of goals, attacking returns in general and accumulation of fantasy points. Bearing in mind, Haaland has not yet completed Double Gameweek 37, he boasts a scarcely believable 36 league goals to his name, including eight assists and 267 FPL points, more than any other asset.

Predict Haaland’s FPL price next season.#FPL 🔵 pic.twitter.com/5iArVnYFRZ

— ғᴘʟ ʀᴀɴᴇɴ  (@ranentkl) May 22, 2023

The Norwegian of course, has to be considered a rotation risk for Gameweek 38 with both the FA Cup final and Champions League final on the horizon for Man City, who are looking to secure a historic treble. But Haaland will want to reach that 40-goal mark in the Premier League before the campaign is out and unless he hauls hugely away at Brighton in the week, the formidable frontman will need significant game-time away at Brentford if he is to hit that target. This makes him well worth captaining for the last time in 2022-23 FPL.

Martin Odegaard (£6.8) vs WOL (H)

It goes without saying that there will be a huge pang of regret and frustration within the Arsenal camp after letting their grip on the Premier League title slip in the final weeks of the season. But when you strip things back, it’s clear that the Gunners have enjoyed an excellent campaign under Mikel Arteta. Key to their fortunes has been creative midfielder Martin Odegaard (£6.8m) who has added both goals and assists in bulk. As it stands, Odegaard has acquired 15 goals and 8 assists, scoring 209 fantasy points. He is one of just four FPL assets to have exceeded the 200-point mark.

Two of the Norwegian’s most recent four FPL returns have been in double-figures and he has contributed 29 points since Gameweek 34. Arsenal will be desperate to finish their season on a high in front of their own fans and Odegaard as usual, will be central to their attacking play in Gameweek 38 against Wolves. A significant ownership makes naming Odegaard skipper the best way to profit from any attacking returns he may accrue.

DIFFERENTIAL OPTION

Jamie Vardy (£9.1m) vs WHU (H)

Could we end the 2022-23 Premier League season with one last ‘Vardy Party’? Leicester fans will certainly be hoping so with relegation staring them in a face. To give themselves the best chance of staying up in Gameweek 38, the Foxes have to beat West Ham and pray that Everton drop points at home to Bournemouth. As unlikely as the second outcome is with the Cherries firmly ‘on the beach’, Leicester will only be focused on what they have to do and surely club legend Jamie Vardy (£9.1m) will come to the fore.

Vardy one last ride in FPL perhaps? Guess I ain't done with transfers 😬 #FPL pic.twitter.com/9BGji7XQpk

— Izzy 🇦🇺 (@izzylegit_FPL) May 23, 2023

It’s been an incredible journey for the former Premier League champion, whose goals have provided much joy among his FPL ownership over the years. He’ll be expected to lead the line for his side against the Hammers in Gameweek 38 and the veteran forward will no doubt do everything in his power to get on the scoresheet, influencing the result in Leicester’s favour. For those savvy FPL bosses searching for the perfect differential captain, an old fantasy favourite in Vardy, could well do the trick.