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GAMEWEEK 38 2025/26

FPL Captain Picks GW38 (2025/26 Season)

GW38 captaincy looks like a week for balancing safety with one calculated upside route. These picks use current FPL form, ownership, points per game and fixture difficulty.

By FPLai • May 15, 2026
B.Fernandes image
B.Fernandes
@ BHA (A)
Haaland image
Haaland
vs AVL (H)
Rayan image
Rayan
@ NFO (A)
Top Pick · Safety

Haaland MCI

vs AVL (H) (H) Penalties Mins: High
The Case

Haaland profiles well because the blend of form, role and fixture is stronger than most alternatives. The FDR is 3, ownership is 64.4%, and penalty duty is a meaningful bonus. This is a cleaner pick if you want to avoid unnecessary risk.

MCI have the home platform, so set pieces and sustained pressure matter for this pick.

Expert Verdict
"Captain if protecting rank"
Risk
LOW
Ceiling
HIGH
Form: 5.2Points per game: 6.8Ownership: 64.4%
Alternative · Balanced

B.Fernandes MUN

@ BHA (A) (A) Penalties Mins: Medium
The Case

B.Fernandes profiles well because the blend of form, role and fixture is stronger than most alternatives. The FDR is 4, ownership is 47.7%, and penalty duty is a meaningful bonus. This is a cleaner pick if you want to avoid unnecessary risk.

The away fixture makes transition threat important, so this pick needs involvement in the highest-quality chances.

Expert Verdict
"Strong alternative"
Risk
HIGH
Ceiling
HIGH
Form: 3.8Points per game: 6.4Ownership: 47.7%
Differential · Rank chasers

Rayan BOU

@ NFO (A) (A) Mins: Medium
The Case

Rayan profiles well because the blend of form, role and fixture is stronger than most alternatives. The FDR is 3, ownership is 1.7%, and penalty duty is not the core case. This is the aggressive route if you need upside.

The away fixture makes transition threat important, so this pick needs involvement in the highest-quality chances.

Expert Verdict
"Differential upside"
Risk
HIGH
Ceiling
HIGH
Form: 5.6Points per game: 4.8Ownership: 1.7%

Summary

PlayerFixtureRiskCeilingBest For
Haaland vs AVL (H) LOW High Safety
B.Fernandes @ BHA (A) HIGH High Balanced
Rayan @ NFO (A) HIGH High Rank chasers

Final Recommendation

Safety Pick

Haaland

If you are protecting rank, captain Haaland and avoid turning a solid week into a coin flip.

Differential

Rayan

If you are chasing, Rayan gives you a different route without abandoning the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 38?
Haaland is our top recommended captain for GW38. If you are protecting rank, captain Haaland and avoid turning a solid week into a coin flip.
Should I captain Haaland in GW38?
Yes, Haaland is the safest captain option for Gameweek 38. If you are protecting rank, captain Haaland and avoid turning a solid week into a coin flip.
Who is a good differential captain for Gameweek 38?
Rayan is a strong differential option for GW38. If you are chasing, Rayan gives you a different route without abandoning the data.
What is the best captain pick for FPL GW38?
Our AI analysis recommends Haaland as the top captain pick for Gameweek 38. For those chasing rank, Rayan offers differential upside.
Who are the avoided captain options for GW38?
Players to avoid captaining in Gameweek 38 include Gabriel, Doku, Anderson, Calvert-Lewin due to difficult fixtures or poor form.
What fixtures should I target for captaincy in GW38?
The best fixtures for captaincy in Gameweek 38 include: Haaland (vs AVL (H)), B.Fernandes (@ BHA (A)), Rayan (@ NFO (A)). Home fixtures against weaker opposition generally offer the highest ceiling.

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