The Top Flight
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The Top Flight FPL GW38 Preview – That’s All Folks

By Jonathan Forwood

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Raheem Sterling of Manchester City and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leicester City at Etihad Stadium on May 06, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Raheem Sterling of Manchester City and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leicester City at Etihad Stadium on May 06, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal with Raheem Sterling of Manchester City and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leicester City at Etihad Stadium on May 06, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal with Raheem Sterling of Manchester City and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leicester City at Etihad Stadium on May 06, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Two teams have clear motivation to win their final match of the season.

Man City and Liverpool have given us the best title race of the past few years, with both teams relentlessly smashing past opposition with excellent football and a lot of goals. If you don’t already have at least 5 players from these 2 teams then you’re doing it wrong.

There aren’t many other teams with any motivation. The Champions League spots are all but decided – Chelsea are in the top 4 and Arsenal need an 8-goal swing to overtake Spurs. Plus, Arsenal and Chelsea made it to the Europa League final, all their players will have one eye on that match. This requires a fine balance from the players between earning their spot for the final and not getting themselves injured in the process. Seeing also Spurs after their incredible semi-final come back against Ajax.

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Even the relegation battle was finished last weekend with Cardiff joining Huddersfield and Fulham in next season’s EFL Championship. Even the final (potential) Europa League spot of 7th is decided with Wolves beating away Watford, Everton and Leicester for that double-edged sword.

Watford are the most interesting option beyond the top 2, as they also have that tightrope to walk for the FA Cup final next weekend. Their players will all be desperate to play, so a poor showing in their final match against West Ham could see them replaced, but equally, they won’t be attempting any blood and thunder 50/50 challenges any time soon!

Finally, there will be some personal motivations going on. Either we may see oft-rotated players such as Moura, Shaqiri or Mahrez (if any are given the opportunity) looking to prove that they are worthy of more regular spots. Alternatively, there will be a few players still looking to attract summer buyers.

Zaha has already said he wants to play in the Champions League, while the likes of Fraser, Wilson and Tielemans have also been linked with moves to the top 6, and they won’t want to put anybody off with a final stinker.

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