GW38 Season Finale: A Champion Is Crowned & The Players To Target Next Season

Welcome to the final Who Got The Points newsletter of the 2025/26 FPL season. What a ride it's been. Gameweek 38 is done and dusted, the curtain has fallen, and we have a champion. Whether you're celebrating a brilliant campaign or planning your revenge for next season, we've got everything you need - from the final-day standouts to the players you should be circling for 2026/27. Let's get into it.

The biggest news off the pitch: Erik Ibsen has been crowned the 2025/26 FPL Overall Champion - becoming the first debutant to win the overall title in over a decade. An incredible story and a remarkable achievement in what is one of the most competitive fantasy games on the planet. Huge congratulations to Erik.

The last day of the season didn't disappoint. Here's a quick summary of the key results that shaped your GW38 points:

A quick note on Arsenal's rotation: both Raya and Rice played zero minutes in GW38. Keep that rotation risk front of mind as you plan for next season, especially in cup-heavy weeks.

With no transfers to make in the final gameweek, now is the perfect time to reflect on who delivered this season and who deserves a place in your plans for 2026/27.

What a way to end the season. Watkins bagged two goals and three bonus points in GW38 as Villa beat Man City 2-1, finishing the game with 13 points. He ends the campaign with 16 goals, 4 assists, and 167 total points at an 8.0 form rating. If he carries this form into next season, he will be a must-own premium forward. Verdict: Essential for season planning.

Senesi played the full 90 minutes in GW38 but couldn't add to his tally in the draw with Nott'm Forest. That said, his season numbers are outstanding - 11 clean sheets, 6 assists, and 175 total points at a 7.0 form rating. At just £5.2m, he represents exceptional value for a defensive asset. Verdict: Essential in your plans for next season.

One of the season's biggest differentials. Flemming scored in GW38 against Wolves - 9 points with a goal and 3 bonus - to end the campaign with 11 goals and 99 total points at a bargain £5.3m. Less than 1% of managers owned him, making every return feel extra sweet for those who spotted him early.

If you're looking for budget differential options heading into next season, our bargain players tool is a great place to start your research.

Verdict: One to watch when the new campaign begins.

A frustrating end for one of the season's more popular picks. Calvert-Lewin played 68 minutes in the 3-0 defeat to West Ham in GW38 and contributed nothing - no goals, no assists, no bonus. Zero points on the final day. He finishes with 14 goals and 142 total points, which is reasonable, but the lack of returns in big moments is a concern heading into the off-season. Verdict: Assess his situation carefully before the new season.

Rice played zero minutes in GW38 as Arsenal rotated their squad. His season total of 184 points is genuinely excellent - 4 goals, 9 assists, and 18 clean sheets - but that rotation risk at Arsenal is very real, particularly in weeks when they have midweek cup commitments. Verdict: Hold him for next season, but factor in the rotation risk during busy fixture periods.

Szoboszlai played the full 90 minutes against Brentford but drew a blank - no goals, no assists, finishing with just 2 points on the final day. He ends the season with 6 goals, 7 assists, and 160 total points. Decent but perhaps not spectacular enough for his price point. Verdict: Hold, but explore whether better value options exist in the off-season.

These low-ownership players caught the eye in GW38 or across the season as a whole - and could be brilliant early picks when the 2026/27 campaign begins.

Came on late in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in GW38, playing just 28 minutes, so no returns on the day. But across the season he registered 4 goals and 2 assists at an incredibly low price point. Dirt cheap, with a point to prove in 2026/27. One to monitor closely when the new season squad-builders open up.

Brobbey played 60 minutes and grabbed an assist as Sunderland beat Chelsea 2-1 on the final day. He ends the season with 7 goals and 2 assists. Sunderland have been one of the stories of the season, and if they back that up next campaign, Brobbey could be an absolute budget gem. At under 1% ownership, he would be a fantastic differential from the very first gameweek.

Came on at half time against Crystal Palace and grabbed an assist in the 1-0 win. Only 2 goals and 3 assists this season, and his minutes have been frustratingly inconsistent, but if he secures a more regular role in the Arsenal attack next season, he becomes a very interesting pick. One to monitor closely during pre-season.

If you had the Watkins armband for the final day, you were absolutely laughing. Two goals and 13 points made him the standout performer of GW38. For those who backed him with the captaincy, it was the perfect way to end the season.

The off-season has officially begun. Here's what to keep in mind as you start building your squad for next campaign:

As prices shift and squads are confirmed over the summer, keep an eye on our fixture difficulty ratings to identify which teams have the kindest early-season schedules for 2026/27.

That's a wrap on the 2025/26 season here at Who Got The Points. It has been an incredible journey - thank you for being part of it. We'll be back when the new season begins with all the pre-season content, squad-building guides, and player analysis you need to hit the ground running.