RADIO
The RotoBaller Soccer staff gathers around the penalty box for their weekly FPL roundtable discussion. This week, the team discusses the main questions surrounding Gameweek 38 of the 2021-22 Fantasy Premier League season.
Welcome to Gameweek 38, Rotoballers! This season, we are expanding our soccer coverage to include the great game of Fantasy Premier League. So, if you are a seasoned veteran, or a rookie navigating your first campaign, we will set you right as we look to acquire those weekend-making green arrows and avoid the doom and gloom of a red arrow.
It's been a great first season of FPL coverage on Rotoballer. Thanks to everyone who read the weekly roundtable. Hopefully, we guided you to a few green arrows during the campaign. All 20 teams kick off at 11 am on Sunday, so your final lineup for the 2021/22 season will lock at 9:30 am Eastern on Sunday, May 22. The title race and relegation battle is still raging on, and it'll be a fantastic finish to a thrilling season.
Also, check out the rest of our excellent soccer coverage as the team gets you all set for every English Premier League and UEFA Champions League slate from a DFS perspective.
RotoBaller FPL Staff Roundtable - Gameweek 38
The Staff Roundtable is an attempt to get you inside the mind of our FPL staff. Our top soccer writers - Euan Leith and Jamie Steed, will answer questions each Gameweek to give you an idea of how they view the games. So without further ado, let's kick off Gameweek 38!
You both used Free Hit chips last week. How did it go?
- Euan Leith: I'm all out on 86 points, but it could've been better. I gave the armband to Danny Ings (3 points) over Richarlison (19) and James Maddison (25). I think that'll cost me my goal of a top 100k finish.
- Jamie Steed: Not bad, finishing with 77 points (plus any additional bonuses). It could’ve been better if I followed my own advice and went with Jamie Vardy and James Maddison, but I’ll take it.
The final game week can bring some crazy scores. So who's your favorite sleeper heading into the last day of the season?
- Euan Leith: Any Liverpool forward not named Mo Salah. Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane didn't see a minute of action on Tuesday versus Southampton. However, I expect them to have numerous opportunities to score points versus Wolves on Sunday.
- Jamie Steed: With Everton expending so much energy over the last week to secure their survival and Arsenal’s season ending the way it has, I expect the home side to put in a big performance and score a few. Leicester City, finishing the season strongly, is home to Southampton, who have been prone to taking a walloping from time to time. Leicester’s forwards appeal.
What's one lesson you've learned this season that you'll try to take in the 2022/23 campaign?
- Euan Leith: Taking hits is a skill. There was a good stretch of the season where I had zero patience and was taking a -4 every week. Then, I would have to take another -4 to correct my mistake. A little bit of a snowball effect could've been avoided with a deep breath or two.
- Jamie Steed: Not to try and save on defenders so I can go big on forwards. Plenty of cheaper forwards provide value, and a couple of high-scoring defenders can set you apart from so many other teams.
Who's winning the league?
- Euan Leith: My heart says Liverpool, but my head says Manchester City. If Aston Villa can survive the first 20 minutes, then I think it's game on because City will naturally get a little nervous. Still, this has been one of the most exciting title races in recent memory, and I can't wait to see how it plays out on Sunday.
- Jamie Steed: Read on, and I’ll let you know……
Who's winning the Golden Boot?
- Euan Leith: Son Heung-min. He's got the form, the opponent, and the motivation. His only competitor, Salah, is one goal ahead but is nursing an injury. Plus, Liverpool has an easy fixture versus Wolves and a critical Champions League Final six days later against Real Madrid to worry about. So they need the Egyptian King at full strength.
- Jamie Steed: Son Heung-min. Salah won’t be playing, and Son only needs one to tie him against bottom of the table Norwich City, whom he’s scored against the last two times he’s faced them.
Who's keeping a clean sheet this week?
- Euan Leith: Spurs will keep Norwich from any form of celebration on the final day. I would also bet on Chelsea keeping Watford out of the net.
- Jamie Steed: Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham.
Which defensive player is providing an attacking return?
- Euan Leith: Joao Cancelo has been threatening for a month now but only has two assists since Gameweek 32. Aston Villa gives up a lot of pressure down the flanks, and that signals a big game for the City defender.
- Jamie Steed: I’ll go with Reece James and Marcos Alonso against a Watford team that’s been dreadful most of the season and hasn’t shown any signs of improvement since their relegation was confirmed.
- Euan Leith: Son will be the smart and popular choice, but if we are looking for another player capable of a haul... how about James Maddison. He's been spectacular as the season winds down, with five attacking returns in his last three games. Southampton has given up on the season, and I believe Leicester will smash them this weekend.
- Jamie Steed: Son is my standout option, but if Manchester City is to win the title, Kevin de Bruyne will likely have a huge impact on the game.
What are your transfer plans heading into this gameweek?
- Euan Leith: I'm going to hate myself, but Salah has to go for Son. Then I'll have enough money to upgrade Dejan Kulsevski or Bukayo Saka to Luis Diaz or Diego Jota for the Liverpool game.
- Jamie Steed: Subbing out Salah for the aforementioned Son.
Who's getting the Captain's armband?
- Euan Leith: I'll be taking a hit to get those two transfers in, so I'll captain Son to make up the difference and soften the blow of the -4.
- Jamie Steed: Guess it has to be Son, given all the build-up I’ve given him.
Finally, what's your bold prediction for this week?
- Euan Leith: West Ham beat Brighton, while Manchester United tie with Crystal Palace. As a result, United will be playing Europa Conference League games, and West Ham will get into the Europa Cup for another season after their semifinal berth this year. Also, Liverpool wins the league, and Burnley is sent down to the Championship.
- Jamie Steed: Liverpool beat Wolves quite comfortably, while Manchester City finds themselves a goal down going into the final minutes of their game. They equalize, and everyone starts to remember the famous Aguero goal ten years ago in almost identical circumstances. In the 93rd minute, the ball falls for Sterling in the penalty area, only to scuff his effort wide, leaving Liverpool as Champions who have former captain Steven Gerrard to thank for guiding his Aston Villa team to a point.
Is there a question you would like to have answered every week? Hit us up on Twitter @RotoBaller. We would love to hear your feedback and ideas!
