Pro Pundits

My Wildcard draft picks for FPL Gameweek 31+

In his latest Pro Pundits column, former Fantasy Premier League champion Simon March talks us through his early Wildcard draft.


Writing this after the ‘+’ part of Gameweek 30+ but before the body of Gameweek 30 itself, my unlimited transfers and Bench Boost have thus far produced a relatively mediocre 55 points. That’s enough for a small green arrow overall but not enough to yet be considered an outright ‘success’.

If you’re reading this after the Gameweek has finished, my decisions to make Sergio Aguero (£11.8m) captain over Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m) and to include Nicolas Pepe (£9.3m) may seem like a slow-burn masterstroke… or they may cause you to question whether it’s even worth reading on.

For those of you who are still here, you’ll no doubt be happy to know that I immediately pulled the Wildcard trigger and, boy, did it feel good. I stress that this was the plan all along, but it felt good anyway.

Wildcards at this point in the season are usually used to take advantage of an upcoming Double Gameweek rather than mop up after one so these are fairly unique circumstances. Obviously all the usual Wildcard principles of flexibility, chasing good fixtures, balance etc all still apply, but given that there are only eight Gameweeks left, there’s also an emphasis on including players who can perform consistently but also offer the odd explosive haul to disproportionately propel you up the rankings.

 Here’s what my Wildcard team looks like at the time of writing:

Goalkeepers

Brighton’s David Button (£3.9m) has been one of only two ‘ever-presents’ in my squad this season despite him not having played a single minute of football. He’s £3.9m, enough said about that. 

Burnley’s Nick Pope (£4.9m) is my new main keeper. There are of course other options: Watford’s Ben Foster (£4.9m) and Sheffield United’s Dean Henderson (£5.3m) are others I’ve had my eye on but, the number of times this season I’ve thought to myself: “I wish I had Nick Pope as my goalkeeper” (no, seriously), it feels like a move I should make given the opportunity. He’s also pretty cheap and Burnley’s fixtures are decent enough. 

Defenders

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.8m) has been and remains the first name on my teamsheet this season and I won’t waste anyone’s time in justifying that further.

Burnley’s Charlie Taylor (£4.3m) and Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles (£4.3m) are largely enablers in the sub-£4.5m bracket but both have good fixtures and, it seems, having a decent bench will be more valuable than ever during the run-in.

Wolves’ Matt Doherty (£6.3m) and Chelsea’s Reece James (£5.1m) fill the final two spots. These are two players who you would expect to perform reasonably consistently but, crucially, have the potential to deliver one or two hauls given their attacking threat. I’m not entirely sold on James given that he’s not 100% nailed-on so I’m keeping an eye on Chelsea’s line-up versus Aston Villa. Sheffield United’s John Lundstram (£4.9m) is an obvious alternative who keeps within this ethos.

Midfielders

 1

Again, the emphasis here is consistency with the potential for explosiveness. Few fit that bill better than Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m) who is such a perfect FPL specimen you almost suspect he has a Skynet barcode hidden somewhere on his person. With nine goals and 19 assists already this season, he’s going nowhere. I haven’t even bothered looking at his fixtures.

It’s probably too early to compare Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (£8.6m) to De Bruyne as an FPL asset but, with five returns in as many appearances so far this season, there are signs that he might offer similar levels of consistency. Like the Belgian, he’s seemingly on all set pieces and, in a team with plenty of attacking threat and a great run of fixtures, that’s a great combination of things to have.

Spurs’ Son Heung-min (£9.7m) may be on course for his best FPL season yet with nine goals and nine assists so far, despite the fact that he’s already accumulated enough red cards to build a fort. Spurs have great fixtures, plenty to play for and, with under 7% ownership at the time of writing, Son has great differential potential too.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (£12.7m) is another player whose inclusion doesn’t require much explanation though some might question why I’d choose him over Sadio Mane (£12.5m). Truth be told, I don’t have a good answer for this other than Salah has been my ‘go-to’ option over the years and he hasn’t given me much reason to change that. The fact that he sometimes plays up front and occasionally takes penalties maybe offers him a theoretical edge but, ultimately, I think everyone has their personal favourite of the two and so you might as well stick with them.

With six goals and two assists this season, Norwich’s Todd Cantwell (£4.7m) is peerless as a ‘fifth midfielder’ and that’s exactly the spot he takes in my Wildcard squad. As mentioned, all signs suggest that a decent bench will be important during the final Gameweeks and, with a solid run of fixtures to come and lots to play for, I certainly won’t worry about Cantwell auto-subbing in from time to time.

Forwards

What's the best strategy for choosing forwards in FPL? 8

At the moment, I’ve gone fairly budget up front, partly to enable spending big elsewhere but, also, because the current options allow it. I’d normally want the flexibility of at least one premium striker but none leap out at me as ‘essential’ right now so a budget frontline may be the way to go.

Wolves Raul Jimenez (£8.1m) is nailed on, superb value and with a great run of fixtures, so I’m actually not sure there’s any striker I’d want over him right now.

Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.5m) also looks great value and looks to be in the midst of a genuine ‘breakout’ season with 13 goals so far. For some reason, perhaps his lack of consistency in the past, I’m still not totally convinced so we’ll see if I stick with him but I can’t deny he’s an attractive option at that price.

Finally, I have Southampton’s Danny Ings (£7.1m). As I sometimes like to remind people, I’ve had Danny Ings since before it was cool so he only occupies £6.5m of my budget. Despite scoring 15 goals this season, I’m not sure I’d go for him at his current price, not least because Southampton’s fixtures are not the greatest, but at £6.5m he should still offer value. Plus, Ings has proven his ability to score against anyone, Southampton need to win games to keep out of the relegation battle and, like I said, he’s scored 15 goals!

Of course, there are other options I’m also looking at in the mid-price bracket like Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham (£7.5m) and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford (£8.8m), should I want to downgrade elsewhere.

There’s also the option of going even more budget up front with the likes of Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew (£5.2m) or Sheffield United’s Lys Mousset (£4.5m) to enable a ‘power five’ in midfield. Chelsea’s Mason Mount (£6.2m) and Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish (£6.4m), in particular, look good value options.


Simon March is a member of our Pro Pundits initiative, a team of Fantasy managers here to bring you regular advice and updates on their teams. Simon won the FPL title in 2014/15 and has become a fixture on the punditry circuit ever since.

836 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Reg83
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Too risky to leave kev de bruyne out on wc for 2 games or just keep him now only?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Keep

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes. I would keep.

    3. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      2 games only? Depends

  2. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I’m well aware Kane looked terrible tonight but on a FH and genuinely don’t know where to improve if I downgraded him. Obviously C.Taylor but there’s not many options...Alonso at City, Digne has been poor this year. Perhaps Robertson?

    Dubravka
    TAA Doherty C.Taylor
    Mane Son Fernandes Richarlison
    Kane Vardy DCL

    Martin Guendouzi J.Robinson Kilman

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Need Jimenez

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      And Tash/Martial. Then you can work magic with the saving

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        *Rash

        1. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Not sure I like that Sheff fixture even if Henderson isn’t playing...

          1. My heart goes Salalalalah
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Reverse fixture was 3-3. And SHU is minus some defenders. Make of it what you like

            1. Athletic Nasherbo
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              True but Jagielka was playing who’s the replacement of Egan. He’s crucial to the way they defend

              1. My heart goes Salalalalah
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Seems like you're already convinced

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

      Kane to Jiménez and spread cash elsewhere

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        To find what though? Like I really appreciate comments but this isn’t very helpful as I’ve clearly established spreading Kane money.

        1. Bennerman
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          This is this whole website though?

          What should I do? (Tons of options)

          Tons of options come back
          (Yeah, but who specifically?)

          It's a mobius strip

        2. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Oops I am sorry just noted you str on FH. I was thinking bench weak. For FH Kane v West Ham worth giving a go. Apologies.

          1. Athletic Nasherbo
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Okay cheers. No hard feelings.

  3. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Best option on Free Hit:

    A) Vardy, Bergwijn, Robertson
    B) DCL, Mane, Aurier

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

  4. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    With Fleck back is Lundstrum back to the bench?

    1. FPL_Devil
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Will be 50/50 with berge

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Most probably

    3. Iggypop
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Expecting a late cameo

  5. Reg83
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Vardy or rashford?
    Can always downgrade vardy to rash if required

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      1week? Wildcard?

      1. Reg83
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Wc

        1. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Rash

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Vardy

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

      Rashford

  6. Reg83
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone going jota over Jimmy?
    This enables me midfield of kdb Bruno mane bergwijn

    Other 2 strikers are dcl and vardy

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Fok me get all ur questions in mate...

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Rash over Vardy. Can you get that midfield then?

  7. Iggypop
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I've got maguire on a wc draft!! With them fixtures surely man u will keep some clean sheets

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Is that a question or a statement?

  8. Reg83
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Seems boring that now every serious player will have kdb and Bruno..

    1. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Was the same before COVID tbh

  9. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    If O’Connell does miss the rest of the season is Jack Robinson a viable option at 4m? Got high praise from wilder post match

    1. Reg83
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes

    2. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      JOC not as bad as first feared, might even play on Sunday

    3. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      He has poor fixtures ahead..

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        5th defender wouldn’t matter

  10. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Has Maguire fallen out of favour from our FH teams now?

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Still a good option. Fixtures a sea of green. Rusty tonight but vital player for United and a goal threat.

    2. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Think Roy Keane’s comments may shake them up a little

  11. MiLK2018
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which one to pick in WC? Thx

    A) Holgate
    B) Lascelles

    1. Reg83
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B

  12. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Have no United, Wolves or Spurs attacker in my team. Which option should I go for?

    A. Bruno & Jimenez
    B. Rashford & Bergwijn

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A. Please go A

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers fam

  13. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    With 3.2 m in bank how would you improve this squad for BB ? So many possibilities -Jota to 9.5, Lundstram to Robertson, Cantwell to 7.9 mid. Tempted with Lundstram to Robertson

    Pope Leno
    TAA Doherty Maguire Fernandéz Lundstram
    Salah KDB Bruno Barnes Cantwell
    Jiménez Jota DCL

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Joya to Rash or Barnes to Son.

  14. Reg83
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    With no audience, home team has no real advantage do they? We just need to look at the fixtures not home or away

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Could be, too early to know for sure.

    2. Bennerman
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Advantage of familiar surroundings, routine and pitch dimensions.

      But yes, the major advantage of crowd is gone.

  15. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Danny Ings will score more points than Aguero and Auba combined this week

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No chance

      1. BigBillyBass
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Aguero (BUR) - 0
        Auba (BHA) - 2

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Is that 2 goals to Auba? I'll take that

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Seriously?

      1. BigBillyBass
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        100%

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

      Aguero looked so hungry when he came on midweek

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Dont fat-shame anyone in lockdown

  16. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    After hearing the news about Sane. I'm really thinking to keep Sterling for the season along with KDB! Thoughts?

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      As your name suggests, you could still expect some Pep Roulette

    2. Reg83
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Crazy. Get mane or salah at that price

  17. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Last Man Standing Update (279 teams)

    Current safety score = 61
    Top score = 92 Fudgy
    LMS average = 67.35
    Players played = 0.77 out of 14.6
    Captains played = 0.36%

    BB 64.52% 71.14
    FH 21.15% 63.66
    No Chip 12.19% 53.76
    TC 2.15% 66.83

    8 games + autosubs to go.

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Lekker bru

  18. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Keeper for rest of season on WC?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Pope

    2. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Lloris

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Henderson, Foster, Pope, Dubravka.

      Probably Pope

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Pope

    5. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Ederso6

  19. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Which player probably scores more??

    A) Son (WHU, shu)
    B) KdB (che, LIV)

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B he is a machine.

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      KDB

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      B no doubt

    4. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A ro confuse you

  20. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Would you consider this crazy mini WC with -12?

    Sterling, Kun, Stevens, El Ghazi to Salah, Jiminez, Bruno & 4.8 defender

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Those are good options but not sure its worth a 12 point hit.

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        How about a -8 and Pogba instead of Bruno?

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Maybe. Pogba has never done it for me.

          1. Bennerman
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            What about his goals and assists/ points?

            It's not an opinion, is it?

            1. My heart goes Salalalalah
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              No

    2. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      noway
      only
      sterling to salah
      and el ghazi to bruno
      next week another -4
      everything is solved then

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Sterling & Ghazi to Salah & Bruno not possible mate

  21. Reg83
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Nobody else going double liv defense plus mane or salah on wc. I am considering it and free hit in gw 32

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Will the CS continue? Not sure.

    2. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      doesn't worth it

  22. cheekumz
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Dropping Son down to Pogba, makes the rest of my team look really nice!

    Very tempting.

    Pope / Button
    TAA / Doherty(to Alonso after MCI) / AWB / Siass / Simpson
    Mane / KDB / Bruno / Son / Cantwell
    Vardy / Jimmy / Greenwell.

    vs

    Pope / Button
    TAA / Doherty(to Alonso after MCI) / Aurier / Siass / Simpson
    Salah / KDB / Bruno / Pogba / Barnes(to Mount after MCI game)
    Vardy / Jimmy / Greenwell.

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      vardy-> DCL
      keep son
      mane-> salah
      pope-> degea
      AWB-> fernandez or lascelles

      1. cheekumz
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks but I'm pretty committed to Vardy, at least until he proves otherwise. however i do like DDG and Salah . see below

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Bergwyn could be worth a look instead?

      1. cheekumz
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Nice idea.... would allow:

        DDG / Button
        TAA / Doherty(to Alonso after MCI) / Aurier / Siass / Lascelles
        Salah / KDB / Bruno / Bergwyn / Barnes(to Mount after MCI game)
        Vardy / Jimmy / Greenwell.

        and 0.2 in the bank to help out in the future.

        hmmmm

  23. Totti
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    on wildcard
    already owning jimenez and calvert
    who do u rather guys?

    A) rashford ( already owning bruno )
    B) ings

    1) de gea
    2) pope

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A2

  24. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I have had Henderson a while and finding it hard to move to Pope on WC. What’s everyone’s thoughts between those 2?

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      henderson won't play against man u

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Pope edges it due to one less game for Henderson and O'connell injury

  25. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any reason Rash has gone down on fplstatistics? Looked like he was rising last night

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I would ignore prices to be honest. Too skewed by wc and fh teams

  26. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pogba or Richarlison?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Richarlison for me

    2. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      richarlison

  27. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on Bergwijn over Son on a wildcard?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I reckon its a good option. Allows better def and forwards.

  28. FPLMarc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    FH31

    De Gea (SHU)
    TAA (CRY) - J Gomez (CRY) - Saiss (BOU)
    Salah (CRY) - Son (WHU) - Alli (WHU) - Fernandes (SHU)
    Vardy (BRI) - Jimenez (BOU) - Jota (BOU)

    Would you fit in a DCL, Rashford or Martial? Perhaps Bergwijn for Alli?

  29. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    WC or wait for 1 more week?
    Starting 11 for next week:

    Ederson/Leno
    TAA Lund Dohetry
    Grealish ElGhazi KDB Mount
    Auba Kun Jimenez

  30. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    WC31 draft no.3...how we looking?

    Pope / Martin
    TAA / Doherty / Fernandez / Holgate / Robinson
    Mane / KDB / Son / B.Fernandes / Guendouzi
    Rashford / Jimenez / DCL

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Crazy team value you have there, very nice

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Only 105.0 so probably only just above average i'm guessing? Lost 0.8 TV for GW30+ too what with getting 12 DGW players!! Thanks, i think it's pretty solid overall?