The Hard Tackle lists the five best options to consider for the captain’s armband heading into FPL Gameweek 38 of the 2025/26 season.
As the 2025/26 Premier League season hurtles toward its final curtain, the stakes have never been higher for FPL managers. Gameweek 38 is not just another set of fixtures; it is the last chance to rectify a season‑long oversight, salvage a dream mini‑league win, or simply extract maximum joy from a campaign that has swung from fireworks to frustration.
With promotion battles and the race for European places still hanging in the balance, individual form and team motivations are extra important. That is why deciding who to captain this weekend is less about guesswork and more about reading the story lines.
For millions of managers, the captaincy is the lever that can flip a week from “respectable” to “amazing.” Yet, with so many plot twists, there is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. Instead, there are clear front-runners whose fixtures, roles, and recent form make them fortified bets rather than blind gambles. Among the names that keep surfacing in final‑day FPL debates, five stand out.
Each offers a different flavour of upside. The trick is to weigh not just who could score, but who is most likely to dominate their script, in the right context, on the final day. From here, the task is to explain why each of them deserves serious consideration as your Gameweek 38 captain, and then to help you compare them side‑by‑side so you can choose with confidence.
Erling Haaland
There is good reason Erling Haaland remains the most‑selected captain in most premium FPL squads heading into Gameweek 38. After a brief spell when his output looked horrible, the Norwegian has re‑familiarised himself with the sweetest part of his swing, rattling in decisive goals in City’s title‑pushing run‑in.
His recent clutch performances have come when margins were tight, which is exactly the kind of mental edge that turns a talented striker into a serial point‑collector. In a side so relentlessly dominant in the final third, Haaland’s role is rarely diluted by rotation or tactical over‑thinking; he is simply expected to score, and he is falling back into that habit at the perfect time.
On the flip side, Aston Villa’s defence has not been the rock they once were. Across the last few weeks they have shown a tendency to switch off in patches, leaking soft chances and vulnerable goals, especially in hostile, high‑intensity environments. At the Etihad, facing a home‑ground juggernaut eager to finish the season on a flourish, that frailty is likely to be magnified.
Haaland thrives on chaos in the box, movement across the last line, and set‑piece uncertainty, all of which Villa’s backline has looked increasingly prone to this run‑in. With City pushing for a clean‑sweep of late‑season fixtures, the odds are tilted strongly toward another big‑game haul for Haaland as the go‑to captain for those who want a classic, obvious‑choice ceiling.
Dominik Szoboszlai
While Liverpool’s attacking headlines are often saved for the wingers, the engine of their 2025/26 season has been Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian’s blend of discipline, late‑running, and intelligent positioning has made him the go‑to creator and secondary scorer when the game opens up.
His ability to drift into the half‑spaces, carry the ball through the middle, and then either shoot or slide through passes has turned him into a genuine all‑round asset, not just a peripherals player. In a season where Liverpool have occasionally looked short of a long‑term creative nucleus, Szoboszlai has stepped in with calm authority and now represents the kind of “central midfielder salaryman” who quietly racks up goals and assists alike.
Brentford’s inconsistency in the second half of the season adds another layer to Szoboszlai’s appeal. At Anfield, where the atmosphere is likely elevated by the significance of the final day, the Bees’ defensive structure could be picked apart by a visiting side that knows how to work zones and trigger late runners.
Szoboszlai’s form has been particularly strong in the last handful of games, with several goal contributions in his recent run of matches, and his elevated role in the team, especially when Liverpool have had to rotate or manage injuries, means he is rarely left on the sidelines. That combination of fixture, form, and status makes him one of the most attractive midfielder‑only captain options, especially for managers who want to avoid Haaland’s premium price tag without sacrificing upside.
Jarrod Bowen
West Ham’s season has been a frantic fight for survival, but amid the turbulence Jarrod Bowen has continued to stand out as the Hammers’ most reliable match‑changer. His ability to drift from the right flank into central pockets, combine with the strikers, and arrive late in the box has given Nuno Espirito Santo someone he can trust in tight, high‑pressure games.
Even as the team’s overall attacking output has been patchy, Bowen’s individual performances have often been the closest thing to a constant, underlining why he remains a top‑10‑weekly asset whenever the fixtures are right. With West Ham clawing for safety, the Englishman’s motivation and minutes are almost guaranteed; there is no scenario in which he is left out when the stakes are this high.
Playing at home against Leeds United gives Bowen another critical edge. His home‑ground record has been richer than his away numbers, with plenty of goals, assists, and shots across the season. In a scenario where Leeds may be looser defensively, especially late in games, West Ham are likely to push forward more aggressively, and that will naturally funnel more attacking responsibility onto Bowen’s shoulders.
Given his recent run, where he has been directly involved in several of the club’s goals in a relatively short spell, the upside is clear: a motivated captain at home, in a relegation‑v‑mid‑table context, with a clear individual role in breaking down a defence that can be exposed.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes’s 2025/26 season has been a masterclass in consistent contribution. The Portuguese playmaker has already racked up an impressive number of assists, and with one more successful pass in the final third he stands on the verge of rewriting the Premier League’s single‑season assist record.
That kind of stat‑hunting narrative is exactly the kind of storyline FPL managers love to ride, because it concentrates the mind and the role of the creator. Against a Brighton side that has shown defensive vulnerabilities in recent weeks, particularly when pressed high and forced to build from the back, Fernandes is likely to find gaps and passing lanes that can turn into big‑score opportunities.
Brighton’s need for points to secure European qualification only adds to the appeal. High‑intensity games, where both sides are forced to commit players forward, often create more shooting chances, corners, and set‑pieces, areas in which Fernandes is heavily involved. His recent run of form, combined with United’s resurgence and the symbolic weight of Michael Carrick’s first managerial outing at the helm, provides an extra motivational layer.
With a history of solid points hauls this season and a clear chase for a major milestone, Fernandes is not just a safe bet for a decent score; he is a genuine candidate for an explosive captaincy weekend if the match plan unfolds as expected.
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez has quietly emerged as one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League this campaign. His ability to sit deep, break forward, and control the tempo of the game has given Chelsea a much‑needed hub of stability. As the team pushes for European qualification, his role in the midfield has become even more central.
In a season where the team has faced ups and downs, the Argentine has remained a constant presence, and his recent form suggests he is peaking at the right time. With Chelsea’s European ambitions driving the final‑day narrative, Enzo’s importance is likely to be reflected in his involvement and minutes.
Playing against Sunderland, who have struggled defensively in recent fixtures, creates an opportunity for Chelsea to dominate possession and create clear chances. Fernandez’s ability to dictate the pace of the game and his tendency to drift into advanced positions make him a prime candidate for a strong points haul.
As the team’s midfield engine, he is likely to be involved in every phase of the game, from set‑pieces to counter‑attacks. Given Chelsea’s need for points to secure European football, his motivation and role will be amplified, making him a compelling captaincy option for managers who want a balanced, midfield‑centric pick.
Key FPL Captaincy Options at a Glance
| Player | Club | Opponent | Main Appeal | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | Manchester City | Aston Villa (H) | Pure goal threat at home against a fragile defence | Low |
| Dominik Szoboszlai | Liverpool | Brentford (H) | Midfield all‑rounder in a high‑scoring game | Medium |
| Jarrod Bowen | West Ham | Leeds United (H) | Home‑ground hero chasing safety | Medium |
| Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | Brighton & Hove Albion (A) | Record‑chasing playmaker in a tight game | Medium |
| Enzo Fernandez | Chelsea | Sunderland (A) | Midfield engine pushing for Europe | Medium |
Honourable Mentions
While the five players above are the most compelling captaincy options, several others deserve consideration. Virgil van Dijk’s defensive solidity and eye for goal could shine in a tight game, while Antoine Semenyo’s pace and movement could exploit any defensive lapses. Bukayo Saka’s creativity and consistency make him a safe pick, and Matheus Cunha’s ability to find space in the box is a welcome asset.
Morgan Gibbs‑White’s work rate and intelligence could pay off in a high‑intensity match, and Rayan’s versatility could be crucial in a tactical battle. Eli Junior Kroupi’s emerging talent and Richarlison’s solid form could each provide a spark, while Danny Welbeck’s intelligence and movement make him a valuable option. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and motivations, adding depth to the final‑day captaincy decisions.
