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23 March 2018 370 comments
J0E J0E
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Welcome to the latest in a series of regular Rate My Wildcard Team articles that will be published at key points during the season when Fantasy Premier League managers are most likely to consider using this chip.

This article showcases my thoughts on my current wildcard team to get the discussion started. Hopefully some of the issues I’m facing will be familiar to others currently wildcarding.

My wildcard team is based on deploying a Bench Boost chip in double Gameweek 34, Free Hit chip in the following week’s limited set of matches, and then the Triple Captain chip in Gameweek 37, when further double fixtures look highly likely.

With my chip strategy in mind there is a lot to juggle.

I need to ensure I can put out as many players with two fixtures as possible for Gameweek 34’s bench boost, ensure I have a credible XI for Gameweek 37’s double fixtures and make sure I can afford to bring in Harry Kane later in the season within two moves. Thankfully I still have my Free Hit chip which takes out the problem of key double fixture assets missing Gameweek 35.

Feel free to use this article thread to put forward your wildcard teams and to help others with their wildcard related issues. Perhaps it may be useful when submitting your wildcard team to let the community know what your chip strategy is as well.

Jonty’s Wildcard Team

Key issues

  • My current draft locks in a move ahead of Gameweek 34. Arsenal striker Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang’s Gameweek 32 and 33 fixtures look too good, plus he is nailed on to start due to being cup tied for the Gunners’ Europa exploits. I’m looking to move him to Jamie Vardy in Gameweek 34, but should I just get the Leicester man in now and avoid locking myself into a transfer too early?
  • Firmino has gone from my team and his hefty profit cashed in. I feel he may be prone to some rotation around Liverpool’s Champions League clashes with Manchester City. In addition, the lure of double Gameweek players looks too strong. Are Firmino owners wrong to jettison him ahead of still strong fixtures for the Reds and with his excellent form in mind?
  • Burnley and Brighton look ideal enablers for my chip strategy. But have I picked the right ones? What I like about Brighton’s Pascal Gross is that he can be downgraded to a cheaper midfielder to allow the slot currently occupied by Aubameyang to become Kane. Downgrading Seagulls striker Glenn Murray is less easy with limited ultra-cheap strikers.
  • I’ve taken a punt on Cedric Soares from Southampton. He offers the slight chance of attacking returns. But should I go for Jack Stephens instead?
  • Is Marcos Alonso too expensive? Or is the Chelsea left-back’s explosive potential and all round points scoring ability worth the cash?
  • Is Willian actually nailed on. All Chelsea fans, football fans and Fantasy managers view him as a great asset but will Conte continue to start him over the season run in?
  • Is Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku really worth having, with just one double digit points haul since Gameweek 5?

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

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  1. arndff_
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    DDG (Ryan)
    Alonso Robertson Morgan (Lowton Kiko)
    Salah Mahrez Son Willian Gross
    Lukaku Auba (Murray)

    Exact funds!

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      why those single GW players?

      1. arndff_
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Any better suggestions? Those cheap defenders who have DGW don't look really good to me...

        1. Reuser
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Have been considering SGW defenders too - maybe someone like Tomkins at 4.4 is worth considering?

          After the next gameweek, great fixtures all the way and you would think they'll be fighting all the way until the end of the season.

          1. arndff_
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Maybe yes, but I'm 0.1M short of getting him [Tomkins].

    2. william prunier
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Kane plan?

      1. arndff_
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Currently, not planning to buy him @GW34, but later on.

        Downgrading one mid and Lukaku/Auba should do the trick.

        1. william prunier
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Gw36 I'm getting him

          1. arndff_
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Good to know!

            BB34, FH35, TC37 -- that's my plan.

            1. william prunier
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              What could possibly go wrong hey

    3. Riyad Riyad Fc
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Will Lowton not get rotated possibly? If so is Tarkowski a better buy?

  2. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Good team Jonty.

    BF

  3. JasonG123
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Which United defender other than DDG do we prefer? They all seem to have issues...

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      go smalling and keep FT if Jones-Baily will be the starters

    2. Tommo1888
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Think thats the big appeal for DDG, only other is smelling really and even he could be rotated

    3. Jeremy Corbyn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Valencia no issue but the money

  4. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    The popular thing seems to be WC now (or next week for some), BB DGW34, FH35, TC37.
    I thought about the case for TC34 and BB37 which could look good at first sight
    For example, you can have a little more players now from Arsenal with good fixtures and dont worry they dont have DGW34.
    But then you would have to bench them, expensive players for DGW34 and use the DGW players with not as good chance for points.

    Fixtures for your bench players matter the most I think. It will be easy either way to fill up on 14 players and Salah on WC. Looking at fixtures for bench players, like Burnley, Brighton, Southampton. It doesnt look much different. Expected bench points almost the same.

    If some injuries happen in coming weeks its better to use the BB sooner than later so you can just bench the injured player instead of panic and use transfers and hits to make a full BB squad(with Salah of course too)...
    So...BB34 it is!

  5. Tommo1888
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    DDG HENNESSY

    ALONSO TARKOWSKI NAUGHTON MORGAN DUNK

    MAHREZ SALAH GUDMUNDSSON MKHITARYAN WILLIAN

    VARDY FIRMINO AUBAMEYANG

    not done one for ages. Pointers or questions welcome.

    1. MarkoSD
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Why noughton?

      1. Tommo1888
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        good potential DGW in 37 , good GW34 fixture for BB, playing OOP ?

        1. MarkoSD
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Makes sense but only one game in 34

  6. FC Hakkebøf
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    (Sorry for a similar post - but I feel like an explanation is needed)

    Im not on a wc and don't have the FH chip either.. (yep it is not ideal, especially because of the rescheduling of the fixtures)

    Should I do either of these moves now or wait for the dgw? And which do you prefer?

    A) Auba --> Lukaku
    B) Vardy --> Lukaku
    C) Firmino --> Lukaku

    Thinking of keeping the trio for now and shift Vardy to Lukaku for gw34 as I will need Auba and Firmino for gw35 and the fact that they are of a higher quality and are playing for better teams. So quality over quantity and hits is my plan atm

  7. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    What's the Kane Plan Jonty?

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Hope you dont mind me answering. I dont think Kane is a neccesity in 34 as they face City who could wrap up the title in that game..If prefer Lukaku for 34..Kane is a neccesity from gw36 and onwards though

      1. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        alright. kaku for kane in 36 right?

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Yep in GW 36 for a hit or wait for GWK 37.

          WAT at home for the captaincy could be well worth that -4.

          1. FPL_WILDCARD
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            If Kane is back in GW33 as believed, surely it’s a big risk not going with him for a DGW in 34?

            Personally think City will have the league won by then and Spurs at the end of a very tough run for them I imagine there will be some serious rotation.

            1. ♤TeddyBear♤
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Taking a guess but I doubt he would play both matches being just back with a massive game against United in the cup on the 21st.

    2. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      gross, lukaku > 4.2, kane ?

    3. Sedemuda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I'm guessing 2FTs including Alonso for a cheaper defender along with Lukaku.

  8. Zilla
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Alonso is a dilemma for me as well. But I am actually leaning towards to the less popular opinion of going to Christensen and double up on United defence with DDG and Bailly.

    We all know what Marcos is capable of as we've seen, but I think the funds that will spread because he isn't there is worth it and selling him is the way to go imo.

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Agreed!

    2. Tommo1888
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Luiz due back soon??

      1. Zilla
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Luiz coming back soon doesn't intimidate me tbh. He has clearly fallen out of favor and Conte doesn't like him, on the other side Christensen played pretty well and was praised by Conte.

        The matches being 5 days apart from each other might be a bit of a concern but that is the same with Alonso due to Emerson being there.

        1. Tommo1888
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          good shout. Im sticking with Alonso

  9. weaver93
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    is it wise to WC now.IF... you have nothing left ITB??

    Any price rise on the following, I'm in the doo-doo

    DDG -Ryan

    Alonso, Christensen. Tarkowsi,Lowton, Morgan

    Salah, Son,Willian, Mahrez, Gudmonsson

    Lukaku,Vardy,Murray..

    BB GW34

  10. william prunier
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Why no love for Lloris?
    More nailed than Vert/Bavies
    Means Bailly instead of risky Smalling.

    1. Johnny 8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Really good point (tears apart team and starts again).

  11. CarlF
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    DDG Fabianski
    Morgan Robertson Alonso Tarkowski van der Hoorn
    Mahrez Son Salah Willian Ki Sung-yueng
    Vardy Lukaku Barnes

    It's my first year playing FPL properly and I stupidly wasted my free hit chip way back in GW21 trying to stay on top of my mini-league! Therefore, with that in mind, I'm having to really take an overall view for the final seven GWs with this wildcard... including the blanks in GW35 when most will free hit and I'll prob tweak it again before GW32.
    I still have bench boost and triple captain remaining... obviously if I use bench boost in GW34, which I still plan to... it won't be with a squad full of doubles but, with that said, I'd rather do that and have 15 players sure to play 1/2 games than wait for later on and be at risk of rotation and, of course, injuries.
    Still thinking trIple captain for GW37.

    Thoughts? Anyone in a similar boat? Fortunately I have a 109 point lead in my mini league... however my nearest rivals has all his chips left. I'm just inside the top 30k in the world.

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I'm in a very similar position - same chips left, also with a circa 100pt lead in most of my MLs (OR 1.7k). I am trying to get 10/11 DGW players for GW34 BB, and saving some FTs so I can get 9/10 out in 35. With that plan in mind, I think your team is decent. Not ultra keen on Ki and a bit worried about potential rotation for Robertson (only reason I don't have him in my team), but otherwise good.

  12. Sedemuda
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    DDG, Ryan
    Alonso, Tark, Lowton, Morgan, Stephens
    Mahrez, Salah, Son, Willian, Gross
    Aubameyang, Lukaku, Murray

    Lowton & Auba to Bailly & Vardy for GW34 If I decide to BB in 34.

    I have no TC so am still debating on the merits of BB in GW37.
    I will free hit in GW35 as planned.

  13. liam rist
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    My current wildcard team
    Ryan ddg
    Morgan lowton alonso vertonghen duffy
    Mahrez salah willian son gross
    Barnes auba vardy
    Unsure on duffy
    Also not sure about murray and gudmonson or barnes and gross
    Anyone got some advice

  14. Jubilanus / BSC Small Boys …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    DDG, Pope
    Alonso, Monreal, Bailly, Lowton, Morgan
    Salah, Willian, Mahrez, JWP, Gross
    Abau, Lukaku, Barnes

    Quite similar to Jonty, but bigger at the back.

    Would do Abau and Moreal, to Vardy and Spurs def in 34 i reckon.

  15. Trippier Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Is there a risk of the remaining 6 matches not landing in GW37 and/or being spread into other GWs as well? And if so, does this uncertainty strengthen the case for BB in GW34?

  16. The Rumour Mill
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    All chips available, on WC.

    De Gea Ryan
    Bailly Robertson Lowton Duffy Morgan
    Salah Mahrez Son Willian Cork
    Lukaku Aubemayang Murray

    Then clear out the Brighton players (Murray to Ayew?) and Aubemayang in GW36 to enable Kane to come in as my TC for 37.

    Thoughts?

  17. Karan_G14
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    DDG Ryan
    Verto Smalling Morgan Lowton Tarko
    Salah Son Mahrez Willian Mkhi
    Auba Vardy Barnes

    Mkhi & Auba ➡️ Kaku & cheaper mid in 34
    BB34
    FH35
    Kaku ➡️ Kane in GW36
    TC37 Kane

    Appreciate your thoughts! 🙂

    1. beetlejuice
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      U definitely need 1 or 2 Chelsea defender.

      1. beetlejuice
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Other than that it look decent.

  18. BigBarn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    My main concern for you here, Jonty, is not being able to get Kane in after FHing in 35, without taking a hit. And it would feel like a big, one-week hit, seeing as you'd be getting him back for two frees just a week later anyway. I think I'm going to go into 34 (probably by going with Gudnundssen instead of Gross) with enough behind to swap Kaku for Kane in 36.

    Also, Cedric is not your friend. Soton were absolutely shocking for the most part against Wigan and you know about their fixtures.

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I think he could be worth a hit GWK 36 for WAT at home.
      Would be getting him in for four games as well then.

      Not keen on Kane before that unless he makes some kind of miracle recover and is back for GWK 32 or 33.

      1. BigBarn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, with City as one of the 34 fixtures I'm not concerned until FH-GW35. I'm just really keen to get a plan that doesn't involve an in-built hit, knowing that something else will go wrong somewhere.

  19. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    All chips available. My current team
    Ddg Ryan
    Alonso Maguire bailly Tomkins lowton
    Salah mahrez son gross willian
    Lukaku vardy Barnes
    0 itb
    BB 34
    FH 35
    Tc 37

  20. MarkoSD
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    0.1m

    ryan ddg
    morgan tarko lowton alonso shelotto
    son salah stanislas willian mahrez
    vardy kaku barnes

  21. Tomcooper9
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    DDG Ryan
    Alonso Smalling Lowton Dunk Morgan
    Son Gudmundsson Salah Mahrez Willian
    Auba Lukaku Murray

    Plan is to save 2FT for GW34 and use BB. FH 35, TC 37.

    Any thoughts/feedback appreciated.
    Main consideration is should I get Lukaku now or perhaps get Vardy instead and then do Auba to Lukaku for GW34?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I'm not sure I would want both Ryan & Dunk for BB, spread the risk and get Stephens maybe. Plus Smalling is rotation risk if/when Jones returns

      1. Tomcooper9
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks - good point about Brighton. Just thought they had much better fixtures, but Stephens could be a better shout. Yeah, I’m a little worried about smalling but might just gamble on him, double Utd defence could work well.

  22. Uncle Gamst
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Wildcard GW33 option.

    GW33 Team
    DDG
    Christensen, Maguire, Fernandez
    Mahrez, Son, Willian, Salah, Kante
    Vardy, Auba,
    Ryan, 5.2, Smalling, Ayew,

    GW34 Team
    DDG
    Smalling, Christensen, Maguire
    Mahrez, Son, Willian, Salah, Kante
    Vardy, Lukaku
    Ryan, 5.2 , Fernandez, Ayew

    I'm considering the above. Hoping it gives me some flexibility to BB or TC either GW34 or GW37 dependent on news. I will use FH for GW35.

    For GW37 I can bring in Kompany, Silva and Kane for Salah, Lukaku and Christensen (can't afford Otamendi and Sterling if getting Kane). Could then C Kane to cover those who TC him.

    Liverpool could rotate GW33 or GW34; even have injuries after CL Qtr Finals. There are other risks around playing time; Ayew, Christensen, Son and Willian.

    If I BB GW34 my bench only play once whereas my embryo GW37 squad all play twice, but GW34 TC options more limited; Lukaku or even Salah who only plays once... but at home to Bournemouth.

    Be happy to hear any thoughts or advice...also suggestions for a 5.2 defender

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A lot of assumptions in there could be a waste planning so far ahead but good plan if works out but watch out for city assets that late as league will be wrapped up

      1. Uncle Gamst
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks V I good shout re City.

        I will need an eye on things but hopefully by looking ahead my team allows enough flexibility to react?

        Didn't want to be locked into a plan that doesn't allow a fit and on form Kane

  23. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    No FH Chip left
    Wildcard Active
    Ddg Hart
    Lowton Tark Mustafi Maguire Robertson
    Salah Son Mahrez Mkhitaryan Willian
    Aubameyang Lukaku Barnes

    I’m looking at BB in 34
    9 DGWs
    6 Sgw Hart Salah Robertson Aubameyeng Mkhitaryan Mustafi
    2 FTs Gw35 (City assets)
    2 FTs Gw37 + few hits to get 10+ Salah + Triple Captain

  24. Georgi Borisov
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Is Mahrez, Mkhi, Son, Salah, Willian the new midfield template?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Wouldn’t say Mkhi is in there but the other 4 and another of your choice is the template

    2. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure that I've seen Mkhi that much. But the other 4 I think so.

    3. Georgi Borisov
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Yes, I suppose now that Arsenal are not dgw-ing in 34 Mkhitaryan is not in contention anymore. Who would be the fifth mid then? Kenedy/Gudmundson/Gross?

  25. Georgi Borisov
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Also.. am I the only one saving my wildcard for 33? It makes sense to me since I have 3 liverpool vs palace and 2 city players vs everton that I would miss if I wildcard this week.

  26. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Repost with team changes thoughts on this WC team:

    Cech De Gea
    Dunk Morgan Smalling Tarwoski Robertson
    Mhik Son Mahrez Grob Salah
    Aubam Vardy Barnes

    2.0m itb - for Kanes return

    This gives me:

    GW32:

    3 Man U players at home to Swansea (GK, Def, Mid)
    2 Arsenal at home to stoke (Fwd, mid)
    3 away to Brighton (Def, Mid, Fwd)
    2 Liverpool away to CP (Def, Mid)
    Barnes (BUR) away to WBA

    GW33: Lingard to Son

    3 Arsenal home to sou (GK, Mid, Fwd)
    3 Leicester home to new (Def, Mid, Fwd)
    Son vs away to STO (Mid)
    2 Liverpool away to EVE (Def, Mid)
    2 Brighton Home to huds (Def, Mid)

    GW34 - 10 DGW players BB Active

    3 Leicester away and home to BUR and SOU (Def, Mid, Fwd)
    2 Man U home and away to wha and BOU (GK, Def)
    1 Spurs Home and away to MANC and bha (mid)
    2 Brighton away to CP and home to TOT (Def, Mid)
    2 Burnley Home to LEI and CHE (Def, Fwd)

    and

    2 Liverpool home to bow, (Def, Fwd)
    3 away to Newcastle, (GK, Mid, Fwd)

    Gw 35 7 players

    3 Arsenal home to why, (GK, Mid, Fwd)
    2 Liverpool away to WBA (Def, Mid)
    2 Burnely away to Stoke (Def, Fwd)

    Sorry long post...thought?

  27. n77yan
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Everyone on here has been savvy with their planning!! I jumped the gun as I was chasing in my ML. Unfortunately, the chase didn't pay off and I am with no wild cards and no FH. Any advise on what to plan for in the next 7 game weeks? I still have TC and BB.

    My strategy is to BB for GW 37 as no way I can get 15 players in for GW 34, and then TC for a good fixture.

    Any other ideas? Oh and have to think about GW 35 too! 🙁

  28. Georgi Borisov
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Yes, I suppose now that Arsenal are not dgw-ing in 34 Mkhitaryan is not in contention anymore. Who would be the fifth mid then? Kenedy/Gudmundson/Gross?

    1. Karan_G14
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Geoß

  29. william prunier
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Here she is.....

    Lloris / Ryan
    Bailly / Alonso / Lowton / Morgan / Fernández
    Willian / Mahrez / Son /Salah / Cork
    Aubamyang / Lukaku / Barnes

    Gw34= Aubamyang & Alonso to Vardy & Christensen/Jones/Smalling

    Gw36 Vardy to Kane

    All chips in hand

  30. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    No FH left, so trying to juggle GW34 BB coverage with putting a respectable side out in 34. Not thrilled about having GroB/Gud as my 4th & 5th mids, but heavy up top gives me flexibility for when Kane and/or Kun look essential.

    DDG Ryan
    Alonso Mustafi Lowton Tark Morgan
    Salah Willian Mahrez GroB Gudmondsson
    Auba Firmino Lukaku

    1M ITB

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      *putting a respectable side out in 35