Smart Player Choices and Defensive Plans for Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 37

May 14, 2026, 11:32
UKSports

Introduction

As the 2025/26 Premier League season comes to an end, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are focusing on 'differential' players with low ownership and strong clean sheet options to improve their final rankings.

Main Body

Many managers are now shifting their strategy toward players owned by fewer than 10% of users to gain an advantage over their rivals. In midfield, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a strong choice because he has 8 goals and 7 assists, and he is key to Everton's attempt to qualify for Europe. Similarly, Carlos Casemiro has become more useful in attack, recording 9 goals and 4 assists in 33 games for Manchester United. Defensive choices are based on statistics and the difficulty of the matches. Arsenal has a 62% chance of keeping a clean sheet at home against Burnley, who have already been relegated and have the worst defense in the league. Consequently, players like Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelly are recommended. While Riccardo Calafiori is a high-potential option, his usefulness depends on whether he is fit. Other good options include James Tarkowski and Malick Thiaw, both of whom have strong defensive stats. Regarding attackers, there is a big difference between home and away performances. For example, Viktor Gyokeres has a much higher expected goal (xG) rate at home than away. Furthermore, William Osula is an emerging player for Newcastle United because he is playing more minutes and spending more time in the penalty area, especially against a weak West Ham defense. Leandro Trossard is also a good low-ownership alternative due to Burnley's poor defending.

Conclusion

The final part of the season requires a careful balance between choosing reliable defenders and selecting unpopular attacking players to get a few extra points.

Learning

🚀 The 'Logic Bridge': Moving Beyond 'And' and 'But'

At an A2 level, you likely connect your ideas with simple words: and, but, because. To reach B2, you need Connectors of Result and Contrast. These words act like signals, telling the reader exactly how two ideas relate.

🔍 Analysis from the Text

Look at how the article moves from a fact to a conclusion using these sophisticated bridges:

  1. "Consequently..." →\rightarrow (Used when one thing happens as a direct result of another).

    • Text: Burnley has the worst defense →\rightarrow Consequently, Gabriel is recommended.
    • A2 Style: Burnley is bad, so Gabriel is good.
    • B2 Style: Burnley's defense is struggling; consequently, Gabriel is a top pick.

  2. "Furthermore..." →\rightarrow (Used to add a new, stronger point to your argument).

    • Text: Osula is playing more minutes... Furthermore, he spends more time in the penalty area.
    • A2 Style: He plays more and he is in the box.
    • B2 Style: He is gaining more minutes; furthermore, his positioning in the box has improved.

  3. "Similarly..." →\rightarrow (Used to show that two different things share the same quality).

    • Text: Dewsbury-Hall is a strong choice... Similarly, Casemiro has become more useful.
    • A2 Style: Dewsbury-Hall is good and Casemiro is good too.
    • B2 Style: Dewsbury-Hall is an excellent option; similarly, Casemiro offers great value.

💡 Pro Tip for Fluency

Stop starting every sentence with the subject (I, He, The player). Start with the connector to create a 'flow'.

Try this shift:

  • ❌ I like this player because he is fast. He also scores goals.
  • ✅ I like this player because he is fast. Furthermore, he is a consistent goalscorer.

Vocabulary Learning

differential (adj.)
A player who is not widely chosen by many managers, giving a unique advantage.
Example:Choosing a differential player can give you a unique advantage in the league.
ownership (n.)
The proportion of managers who have selected a particular player.
Example:High ownership means many teams have selected the same player.
clean sheet (n.)
A match where the team concedes no goals.
Example:Defenders who keep clean sheets earn extra fantasy points.
advantage (n.)
A benefit or favorable position that improves chances of success.
Example:Having an advantage over rivals is crucial for winning.
rival (n.)
A competitor or team that you are trying to outperform.
Example:Rivals often use similar strategies to outplay each other.
midfield (n.)
The part of the pitch between defense and attack, where midfielders play.
Example:Midfielders are key to linking defense and attack.
assist (n.)
An action that helps a teammate score a goal.
Example:He recorded seven assists this season.
qualify (v.)
To meet the conditions required to participate in a competition.
Example:The team must qualify for the Champions League next season.
statistics (n.)
Numerical data used to evaluate performance.
Example:Fantasy managers rely on statistics to make informed decisions.
difficulty (n.)
The level of challenge or complexity of a task.
Example:The difficulty of the match influences player selection.
relegated (adj.)
Moved down to a lower division after poor performance.
Example:They were relegated after finishing at the bottom of the table.
defense (n.)
The part of a team that prevents the opposition from scoring.
Example:A solid defense prevents the opposition from scoring.
recommended (adj.)
Suggested as suitable or advisable.
Example:The coach recommended the striker for the upcoming game.
high-potential (adj.)
Likely to develop into a top performer over time.
Example:He is a high-potential youngster who could break into the first team.
usefulness (n.)
The state of being useful or valuable.
Example:His usefulness depends on his fitness and form.
fit (adj.)
In good physical condition, able to play.
Example:The player is fit after recovering from injury.
difference (n.)
A point of dissimilarity or variation.
Example:There is a big difference between home and away performances.
penalty area (n.)
The zone in front of the goal where penalties are taken.
Example:He spent most of the game in the penalty area.
weak (adj.)
Lacking strength or effectiveness.
Example:The team's defense was weak against the attacking side.
defending (v.)
Playing in the defensive part of the game.
Example:He is known for his defending skills and tackling.
careful (adj.)
Cautious or prudent.
Example:You need to be careful when choosing players with high injury risk.
balance (n.)
An even distribution or equilibrium between elements.
Example:A good balance between defense and attack is key to a successful squad.
reliable (adj.)
Consistently good or dependable.
Example:Reliable defenders keep the team safe and earn consistent points.
unpopular (adj.)
Not widely liked or chosen.
Example:Unpopular players can be a surprise pick that pays off.
extra points (n.)
Additional points beyond the usual score.
Example:A clean sheet gives you extra points that can boost your total.