Gaffr Scottish Fantasy Football: Run-In Strategy (GW34-38)
The final stretch: why big gains are gone - and how small edges will decide your season
With five gameweeks left, no double gameweeks, and very few obvious fixture swings, the way you gain rank now is by making the right decisions repeatedly rather than chasing one explosive haul. This is where structure, discipline, and understanding the landscape properly gives you the edge.
The Reality of the Run-In
Let’s start with the key point that underpins everything in this article.
There is no easy way to make up large gaps.
We don’t have:
Double gameweeks
Huge mismatches like Rangers vs Livingston (H)
Obvious 20+ captain hauls
So instead, what matters now is stacking marginal gains. It’s about picking players who return consistently, avoiding unnecessary risks, and using your transfers intelligently.
You’re not chasing one moment, you’re building five solid weeks in a row.
This is no longer about the “best fixtures”, it’s about the best players who return regardless of fixture.
Strategic Shift: Teams → Individuals
One of the biggest mistakes at this stage is over-focusing on fixtures or teams.
Yes, fixtures still matter, especially for defenders, but across the top six, everyone is playing each other. There are no easy games. The bottom six teams are well matched and difficult to predict.
That’s why your approach should now be:
Prioritise players who return most weeks
Target bonus point magnets
Accept that even “bad fixtures” can produce points
Players like: Shankland, Braga, Nygren, Tierney, Raskin, Fernandez, Just and Maswanhise are the players you can trust regardless of opponent.
Building the Right Squad
This is the structure I’m working towards for the final stretch, and the key thing to understand is that most active teams are already close to this.
At this stage of the season, there isn’t a huge amount of edge to be gained from radically different structures. Most of us already own the core players, and with limited transfers remaining, the focus shifts from rebuilding your team to fine-tuning it and nailing your differentials.
That’s why this template isn’t about being rigid, it’s about giving yourself the best possible coverage across the key teams, while still allowing flexibility to rotate and adapt week-to-week.
The overall balance I’m aiming for is:
2 Hearts
2 Rangers
2 Celtic
1-2 Motherwell
Core coverage from the bottom six teams (Dundee mids, Ferry, Nisbet, St Mirren defenders)
From there, the important part is not just who you own - but how your squad functions as a whole, particularly across all 15 players.
You are not building a starting XI anymore. You are building a rotation squad for the final five weeks.
Goalkeepers
The goalkeeper position has become far more complicated than it looked even a week ago, and I’ll be honest - this is the one position I’m least confident on right now.
There isn’t a standout option. You can genuinely make a case for almost anyone.
Sinisalo looks good for the next two fixtures, but I’m not convinced by Celtic defensively.
McCracken doesn’t often get clean sheets, but the save volume is there and he could quietly tick along.
St Mirren would have been the best play - and still could be - if they bring in a reliable goalkeeper this week. They have both their main and backup keepers injured.
If St Mirren sign a keeper who comes straight in as number one, I actually think they immediately come back into play given their home record against the bottom six. But until we have clarity, it’s too risky to commit. Even if they do bring someone in last minute, will Gaffr add them to the game in time? I’m not so sure.
So this is one where I’m effectively thinking out loud. I’ll likely make a decision late in the week based on team news.
If you want to simplify it:
Short-term upside (GW34-35): Sinisalo
Safer long-term play: McCracken
High-risk / high-reward punt: St Mirren keeper (if confirmed)
Personally, I’m leaning slightly towards McCracken right now, but I don’t think there’s a wrong answer - this is one of those positions where you just have to commit and move on.
Key stat: St Mirren have secured 5 clean sheets in their last 5 home games against bottom six opposition.
Defence
Defence is where I think you can still gain a meaningful edge in the final stretch, but only if you manage it properly and think about it as a rotation rather than a fixed unit.
There are three defenders that, for me, are effectively locked in any strong squad for the run-in.
Tierney continues to deliver regardless of Celtic’s overall performance. Even in games where Celtic haven’t been dominant, he’s still picking up bonus points and offering attacking threat. He’s arguably the most complete defender in the game right now.
Fernandez is the standout route into the Rangers defence. While Rangers haven’t been perfect defensively, Fernandez offers multiple routes to points and has been brilliant this season. Crucially, he’s nailed for minutes.
Then there’s Ferry, who at this point isn’t just a good option, he’s essential. He’s effectively playing as an attacking wing-back, he’s central to everything Dundee United do going forward, and he’s delivering returns at a level that very few defenders can match. Two recent hauls means he’s the pick of all the bottom six players for me.
From there, you’re completing the defence with two more players, and this is where the structure becomes more flexible.
St Mirren still rate highly from a defensive perspective, particularly based on their home record against bottom six sides but the goalkeeper situation weakens them slightly. I am close to recommending a double up on the defence, but having one defender seems optimal.
Declan John edges it because of his assist potential and set-piece involvement, although Freckleton remains a perfectly viable alternative if budget is tight. If doubling up, these are the two to go for.
The final slot, for me, goes to Harry Milne. Even if Hearts don’t keep a huge number of clean sheets in the run-in, Milne’s ability to pick up bonus and contribute in attack makes him stand out compared to other options in that price range. He is likely out for the Hibs game in GW34 but expected to return for Rangers at home in GW35.
Tip: Don’t lock 3 defenders - rotate 5. Target good home fixtures + attacking upside.
Defensive Rotation Plan
This is where you can gain an edge - actually planning your weekly defenders.
GW34: Tierney (Falkirk H), Ferry (Dundee H), John (Livingston H)
GW35: Tierney (Hibs A), Ferry (Kilmarnock A), Milne (Rangers H)
GW36: John (Kilmarnock H), Ferry (Aberdeen A), Milne (Motherwell A)
GW37: Milne (Falkirk H), Ferry (Livingston H), Fernandes (Hibs H)
Midfield
Midfield is the most difficult area to get right, and I don’t think there’s a perfect combination. It’s more about balancing reliability and upside depending on your situation.
Nygren is the clear starting point. He’s been the most consistent player in the game this season and continues to return regardless of how Celtic perform. Even when he doesn’t score, he’s picking up bonus points, and that consistency is exactly what you want in this run-in.
Maswanhise is the other player I’d consider essential. He’s effectively playing as a forward, he’s getting into the right positions, and even in games where Motherwell haven’t performed, he’s still managed to produce returns or chances. That underlying involvement is key. Most of us have both of these players already though, so unsurprisingly, after that, the midfield becomes much more open.
Raskin stands out as the safest Rangers option. He plays 90 minutes, he’s involved in most attacking phases, and he’s steadily delivering returns. In a team scoring as many goals as Rangers currently are, having a reliable piece of that is important.
Just is similar in profile, can be explosive, and central to everything Motherwell do. He’s a 90-minute player, and over five weeks, that consistency can outperform more volatile options.
Calvin Miller is slightly different. He’s more of a calculated risk, but penalties and his role in a Falkirk side that continues to score goals - even in tough fixtures - make him very difficult to ignore. There aren’t many midfielders with that kind of upside.
Then you’ve got options like Yogane and Congreve of Dundee, who have been quietly ticking along with returns. They both offer a cheap way into a decent Dundee attack and some of the best outfield options in the bottom six. Outside of that, Mikey Moore, who has a high ceiling but comes with more uncertainty around fitness and minutes and Kyziridis of Hearts who was excellent earlier in the season but been struggling for returns of late. If I owned Moore or Kyzi I would hold them, but for fresh transfers in there are better options.
I would have recommended two Dundee United mids - Stephenson and Fatah - ahead of most of this list, but both are now out for the season! This also weakens Dundee United’s attack.
Midfield takeaway: Lock two (Nygren and Maswanhise), pick the other 3 based on your judgement as well as minutes, role and consistency.
Attack
Up front is actually one of the clearest areas of the pitch.
Shankland and Braga are close to essential. They’ve been the best strikers in the game all season, and that hasn’t changed. They’re involved in almost everything Hearts do, they link well together, and they continue to return even in tougher fixtures.
The third striker spot is where the decision lies. Three options to consider:
Chermiti offers the highest upside. Rangers are scoring heavily, and when he starts, he tends to be central to their attacking returns. The downside is the slight uncertainty around minutes, particularly with other options like Miovski playing well. Rotation is still possible.
Nisbet, on the other hand, is the safer option. He plays 90 minutes, he’s on penalties, and he’s clearly the focal point of the Aberdeen attack. If they score, he’s very likely involved. He is also much cheaper than Chermiti.
Simon Murray is another viable alternative, but the consistent early substitutions limit his appeal slightly compared to the other two. If chasing he could be worth a punt. He ended last season where he couldn’t stop scoring!
Boost Strategy
This is one of the most important decisions left in the game if you still have one to play. There are two clear windows to play a boost, and which one you choose should depend on your team structure.
GW34: Best Overall Week
This week offers the best spread of fixtures across the template:
Aberdeen vs Kilmarnock → Nisbet
St Mirren vs Livingston → defenders
Celtic vs Falkirk → attackers + defence
Rangers vs Motherwell → attacking upside
This is the most balanced week where:
Top teams have strong fixtures
Bottom six coverage is also playable
GW37: Alternative Window
This week is slightly stronger for specific teams:
Hearts vs Falkirk
Rangers vs Hibs
Dundee United vs Livingston
Warning: GW37 presents a major risk due to higher chance of rotation. It’s possible by the time we get there some teams will have nothing to play for.
Overall, GW34 is slightly safer and more balanced, GW37 has upside but comes with uncertainty.
If your team suits GW34 → play it now
If heavily stacked with Hearts/Rangers → consider GW37
Final Strategic Notes
As we approach the final weeks, the biggest edge won’t come from one move, it will come from consistently making the right decisions. Transfers become incredibly valuable now. Most teams are already well set up, so taking hits rarely makes sense unless it’s directly tied to a boost strategy.
The other key factor is planning ahead.
Endgame Strategy
Try to have 2 free transfers for GW38
Because:
Teams may have nothing to play for
Rotation becomes likely
Scottish Cup final may impact selection
Final Thought
This run-in isn’t about chasing.
It’s about:
Picking the right players
Avoiding mistakes
Making small gains every week
If you do that consistently, you’ll give yourself the best chance of finishing strong. Good luck everyone!
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Excellent article. Very helpful. I would also consider Ieanacho as an alternate. Looking fitter and a good finisher.