EPL GW-38: Rate My FPL and Fantrax Teams

We made it to Round 38! I’m hoping to end my fantasy campaigns on a high note in both FPL and Fantrax. Compared to other final days, the real-life teams have much less to play for at both ends of the table, with first place, runner-up, and all three relegated clubs already decided. But with European places still up for grabs, we can still expect a dramatic and entertaining season finale.

Here’s how I’m lining up my squads this one last time.

FPL

I had a solid, but not stellar, FPL game-week 37. I continue to pick the wrong captain, which has been an issue for me all season. A goal from each guy up front and two midfield assists were the highlights of my week (my forwards have been consistent bright spots these last few rounds). Dean Henderson, my starting GK, didn’t play, but luckily I had bench cover.

This week I’m using my one free transfer to bring in big-game hunter Trent Alexander-Arnold. He’s been playing well in Liverpool’s recent surge, and in big games he often shows up in big ways.

I’m keeping the remainder of the team the same, as I feel pretty good about the matchups and form of the rest. I’ve got decent bench coverage if I need it too.

I’ve decided to captain Mohamed Salah. It’s a good matchup, Liverpool need the win, and Mo is tied with Harry Kane for the scoring title heading into the final day. I’ve gotten these decisions wrong all year though, so here’s to hoping.

Below is my final squad:

Fantrax

The theme here is that my job keeps getting in the way of my EPL obsession and fantasy work. I missed the mid-week confirmed lineups because of a work meeting, and I’ll miss most of the final game day due to a work event that begins at kick-off tomorrow. But I’m blessed with a job I like, and at least I’ll be able to make some quick final changes tomorrow when the lineups come out. After that it’ll be an excruciating struggle to stay focused on work as the games start and distracting thoughts about my fantasy football results bounce around inside my head.

I’m all over the place with this initial NMA-11 squad, and I definitely expect to make changes when confirmed lineups are released.

From this group I’m for sure sticking with Salah and TAA (assuming they start, of course). As I mentioned above, Liverpool have Champions League qualification to play for.

For the rest of my slots, I’m looking at guys with high ceilings rather than guys with high floors. Manchester City’s S-11 will surprise us all I’m sure, so Torres and Foden are fillers until I see the lineup. But, as noted in the Fantrax players pick article, they are both top choices for a City team that should be playing relaxed and free.

Willock, Pepe, and Lingard have all been hot hands, although none are nailed-on starters. Willock has a good enough matchup that he likely stays. The other two are questionable at best.

In defense, Alonso stays if he starts. Ritchie is a solid defender who takes set pieces and gets forward, so he’ll likely hang on to him too, especially since his team plays Fulham.

I have no chance to move into the top 20 standings, so I’m throwing caution to the wind on Finale Sunday and taking some risks!

I’ll close with a reminder that NMA will be opening its virtual pub, the FPL & Fantrax, for libations during GW-38’s Pre-Deadline & Live Chat. For those who are unfamiliar, I’ve lifted editor Jeff’s description from one of our recent threads. I hope you’ll pull up a virtual stool!

“Join all your NMA mates at the FPL & Fantrax virtual pub this Sunday and hoist a pint (tell us what!) as the Fantraxers madly scramble to absorb late confirmed lineup news (and FPL managers pull out their hair, unable to react). Then hoist another pint (you know the drill!) as we comment on all the matches running out simultaneously with the NMA Blog Cup hanging in the balance.”

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What do you think of my squads? What suggestions do you have? Go ahead and rate my teams, and then please take our polls and share your own plans in the Comments!

Thanks for a great season all!

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