FPL expert Big Man Bakar returns with flawlessly curated guidance ahead of Gameweek 37. From the Cole Palmer dilemma to the optimal usage of the Free Hit chip, scan this SportsCasting exclusive to get answers to all the key questions before the penultimate Premier League Matchday. 

Big Man Bakar’s Best Gameweek 37 FPL Tips 526n2b

Q) Should Cole Palmer Be a Priority Buy This Week? p3468

I think it’s important to prioritise Palmer this week.

It might seem bizarre to call a 34.2% owned player a differential — but Palmer’s inflated ownership tells a misleading story.

Among engaged managers, he’s barely present. In my opinion, Palmer is the optimal captain this week. His returns have dried up recently, but a season-long average of 0.7 xGi per 90 still makes him an appealing option — particularly against a poor Man Utd defence with little to play for.

He is also the most likely player to score or assist according to the bookmakers this Gameweek, making him a safe yet a differential captaincy choice. His recent form may be underwhelming, but given the fixture and his low ownership, this feels like a golden chance for those aiming to climb the ranks. Sometimes it’s about positioning yourself to get lucky, and I doubt a better punt will emerge in the final two Gameweeks.

Structurally, he fits perfectly — allowing a seamless switch to Saka in Gameweek 38, when Saka faces Southampton.

Q) Who Is the Next Best Captain This Week? 4g4k4u

I’d probably side with Watkins, given his similar goal and assist odds to Palmer this week.

The rationale is largely the same — a home game against a weak defence with nothing left to play for. If not him, Mbeumo would be my next pick.

Q) What to Do With Our Palace Players? 4p686s

With Palace playing in midweek, just three days after their FA Cup final, Palace players could see reduced minutes, making it reasonable to sell them if possible, with genuine concern over their gametime.

Additionally, a tough fixture at Liverpool in Gameweek 38 is even more of a reason to offload them this week.

I’d look to sell or bench their attackers for free if possible, but I wouldn’t take a hit. As for Henderson and Muñoz, they’re fine to hold — using transfers on goalkeepers or defenders at this point offers limited upside.

Q) Is It Worth Buying Palmer Now and Saka in GW38 Instead of Buying Saka in GW37? 653z3h

Captaincy is a major factor, and Palmer offers a high ceiling with low ownership. It’s a move probably worth booking in an extra transfer. Saka can come in next Gameweek if required.

Q) Is It Worth Selling De Bruyne for Palmer? m2a5t

De Bruyne is a difficult player to part with—he’s already a differential and will be highly motivated in what could be his final home game for City.

That said, with the short turnaround post-FA Cup final, he may not get 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Palmer offers a higher ceiling due to the added captaincy differential — effectively doubling the variance in play. I’d make the move.

Q) What to Do With Mateta and Marmoush – Who Is the Best Replacement? 2b2v1w

Both Mateta and Marmoush are sells this week due to uncertainty around their minutes. Watkins is the top replacement if funds allow.

Alternatively, Vardy could be a shrewd differential pick—just ensure you’ve got a strong eighth attacker to step in for GW38. There are few players with more to play for this week than Vardy, who is set to feature in his final home match for Leicester.

The club legend will no doubt be determined to make it a memorable send-off. He has a great chance to deliver against Ipswich, who rank in the bottom three for xG conceded and have struggled defensively all season.

Q) Should Haaland Owners Hold? 426o2u

A return from injury makes Haaland the default City attacker of choice.

Although Haaland’s minutes following the FA Cup are uncertain, his explosive potential in any given fixture, particularly as a differential, makes him a worth holding onto this week.

Q) Liverpool Are on the Beach — Should We Sell Salah? 3o116i

Brighton vs Liverpool should see goals, which makes selling Salah risky. He’s also a captaincy frontrunner for Gameweek 38 when Liverpool take on Palace at home, making him a strong hold.

Q) Benching Dilemmas – Play the Palace Mids This Week? 3813q

Given the uncertainty around their minutes, I’d likely bench the Palace mids — assuming you have a solid eighth attacker to step in.

Q) Who Stands Out as the Top Defender to Bring In This Week? 463a6j

I’d probably lean towards Mykolenko here.

At the time of writing, Everton have a 46% chance of keeping a clean sheet — highest among all teams this week — putting defensive returns firmly in play. Everton’s defensive numbers are impressive — they’re in the top five for lowest xG conceded — while Southampton rank last for xG. Everton will be playing their final home game at Goodison, and that emotional significance could drive them to put in a big performance.

Q) Best Assistant Manager to Use This Week? 4y5r16

Unlike last week, FPL managers using the Assistant Manager chip have a genuine shot at targeting the table bonus by opting for Fabian Hürzeler or Graham Potter this week. Liverpool, for all intents and purposes, have been on the beach in recent weeks.

Quite literally—Salah and others have been spotted partying in Dubai, while Slot himself has been in Ibiza. By his own ission, Slot is struggling to motivate his team for the final few games, with the title already wrapped up and little left to play for.

This seems like an ideal opportunity for Hürzeler and his Brighton side to capitalise, especially as it’s likely their final home game of the season. Forest appear to be running on empty, making Graham Potter a very viable alternative as well.

Q) What’s the Better Use of a Single Free Transfer — Chasing an Assistant Manager Differential or Buying Palmer? 6o1t56

I’d use it on the Assistant Manager, as it is the strongest chip of the season with massive potential to yield big dividends.

Q) When Is the Best Time to Use the Free Hit? n273w

Probably best to save it for Gameweek 38.

GW38 is often wild — filled with rotation and goals — which can unlock the highest possible ceiling.