Pro Pundits - Tom

Why I’m Wildcarding before a Double Gameweek 27 Bench Boost

Tom Freeman has finished inside Fantasy Premier League’s top 1k a staggering five times in his career. He is back with his latest column outling his plans for Double Gameweek 26 and beyond.


So, where were we? The last time I checked in, Gameweek 23 had drawn to a close and I sat just outside the top 300k overall.

I talked up Burnley’s prospects ahead of their double, specifically focusing on Matthew Lowton (£4.5m) and Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.4m), and also touched upon Lucas Digne (£6.1m) and Raheem Sterling (£11.6m).

Since then, it’s all been a bit meh for my own team with no real rank movement, but for context, here’s how Gameweek 25 shaped up:

So, in this my latest column, I’m going to discuss my Gameweek 26 Wildcard and also run through my chip strategy. I’m not quite ready to share my final team as I’ll be tinkering right up till deadline, but after reading this you should know which players I’m leaning towards.

CHIP STRATEGY

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice to FPL Gameweek 23

Firstly, it’s probably best to talk chips.

The original plan had always been to follow up my Gameweek 16 Wildcard with a Free Hit in 18 and Bench Boost in 19. However, the fixture rearrangements that were announced on New Year’s Eve involving Burnley, Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa, plus Leeds United and Southampton later losing their double, meant that I shelved that strategy.

So now, after much deliberation, I’ve decided to Bench Boost in Gameweek 27. Why 27? Well, I don’t want to hold too much value on my bench for too long after Wildcarding, and I also want to target two specific fixtures which I’ll come to later.

This new strategy of course effects the way I build this Wildcard, and as a result, there has to be some sacrifices as I attempt to spread funds around the squad. I’m pretty sure it won’t be for everyone, but I hope by reading this, you can at least see why I’ve included some players and dismissed others.

I should also point out that I still have my Free Hit and Triple Captain chips available, and plan to use the former in either Gameweek 29 or 33.

THE GOALKEEPERS

Villa bank 11th clean sheet as Martinez bags another haul

Emiliano Martínez (£5.3m) is a bit of a no-brainer in goal, given Aston Villa’s fixtures.

Though the team’s overall level has dropped in recent weeks he’s still making lots of saves. In fact, over the last four Gameweeks, he’s comfortably ahead of any other keeper in the division:

The second spot is harder to decide on, but for now I’ve landed on Sam Johnstone (£4.5m). 

West Bromwich Albion have looked much better in recent matches, now that their new arrivals have been properly integrated into the starting XI. I am realistic though, and do expect more save points than clean sheets.

Alphonse Areola (£4.5m) and Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) are other names I considered, and may still turn to, but for now, Martínez and Johnstone are in my draft.

THE DEFENDERS

A Manchester City double-up makes a lot of sense here, given that their 10-point lead at the top of the table has been built on a solid defensive platform. That’s seen them concede just nine goals in their last 23 Premier League games, which is pretty remarkable. 

However, given my OR and the fact I’m playing catch-up, I’m tempted to double-up in midfield which would give me the opportunity to pair Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) with Ilkay Gündogan (£6.1m).

Going in with one City defender, which would be either João Cancelo (£6.1m) or John Stones (£5.2m), does come with risk though. 

For example, the advantage I gained from Sterling’s goal against Arsenal was pretty much wiped out once they registered a clean sheet. I’ve just got to hope we see a bit more rotation in the coming weeks. It’s probably wishful thinking, but it does feel like I’ve got to at least try something different.

Fit-again Pereira already showing signs of last season's form

Elsewhere, I’ve also found a spot for differential Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) who took up an advanced role as a right-winger against Aston Villa. 

There was talk that Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers had put Timothy Castagne (£5.7m) and Pereira on the same side to double-up on Jack Grealish (£7.6m), who eventually missed out. However, I don’t buy that, and these comments from Rodgers after the game do suggest it’s a tactic we might see more of:

“It’s been something I’ve been waiting to do for quite a long time, but this is the first period where both of those boys were fit to play. They’re different types. Because of how we play, they find themselves in that attacking third of the pitch quite a lot. Tim will run more without the ball and penetrate, and Ricky’s one who can be inside and manipulate the ball. I just thought that combination of those two, because Ricky is comfortable coming inside, he can turn, he can pass, he’s very aggressive when he attacks. I thought the two of them were very good and combined well together.” – Brendan Rodgers

Pereira finished the match with 33 final-third touches, more than any other player on the pitch. He also took three shots, twice testing Martínez, and took up some nice position’s infield which you can see on his touch heatmap from the game below:

I also like Digne, who is currently owned by just 8.8% of FPL managers.

Everton’s defence isn’t exactly watertight right now, but Tom Davies’ (£5.2m) recent performances and the return of Allan (£5.2m) offers encouragement that they can add to their total of five Premier League clean sheets.

It’s also worth noting that their opponents on Monday night, Southampton, have conceded the highest number of chances from their right-flank over the last six Gameweeks, and will be without Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.7m) and Oriol Romeu (£4.5m).

Luke Shaw (£5.1m) and Antonio Rüdiger (£4.6m) are also in my thoughts, I’m just not convinced now is the time to invest given their immediate schedules. 

THE MIDFIELDERS

The biggest decision here is that I can only pick one of Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m) and Son Heung-min (£9.5m).

Potential reasons for losing arguably the best asset in the game include fixtures (che + cry, mci, WHU, blank) and the fact I probably won’t captain him until at least Gameweek 32. Despite this, Fernandes usually finds a way to return so I need to think this through carefully.

The alternative is Son. I’ve heard some say he isn’t in form, which is probably fair, but tougher fixtures can do that to a player and we are talking about one of the league’s most clinical forwards. There is potential to do well beyond the double too, with games against Crystal Palace and Arsenal to follow.

City duo De Bruyne and Gündogan will be included, and I’m also considering Harvey Barnes (£6.9m).

The 23-year-old has already netted 13 goals in all competitions this term, and I see him getting plenty of joy down Arsenal’s weaker right-flank this weekend. James Maddison (£7.3m) being out isn’t ideal, but I’m hoping it won’t disrupt their flow too much.

Above: Harvey Barnes’ xG shot map in 2020/21

However, if I decide on Fernandes over Son, I might need to drop down to a cheaper option in this slot, someone like Ademola Lookman (£5.0m), Bukayo Saka (£5.2m) or Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m).

This of course means I can’t fit Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) in, which is kind of scary, but if there is ever a time to leave him out it’s probably now. 

Since beating Palace 7-0 back in December, Liverpool have played 11 Premier League matches and won just two. The injury to Jordan Henderson (£5.4m) is a further setback, and my feeling at this moment is that I’ll make a move for Diogo Jota (£6.6m) once fit. The Portugal international recently returned to full first-team training, and it’s hard to argue against the value he offers when available, having scored nine goals in his first 17 appearances.

THE FORWARDS

harry kane fpl injury return spurs west brom gameweek 23

Harry Kane (£11.1m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.7m) are obvious inclusions given their respective schedules, and it’s likely I’ll hand the former the armband too.

The final forward spot is still up for grabs, which unfortunately means I have to lose Patrick Bamford (£6.9m) who has been in my team since Gameweek 1, and is one of the few highlights of my season so far.

I’m looking at Mbaye Diagne (£6.0m) as a possible replacement, who has made a big impact since he joined West Brom and has been getting shots off in some good areas.

Above: Mbaye Diagne’s shot map (shots on target in green) since making his debut in Gameweek 21.

In fact, no forward has registered more big chances since he made his debut, despite sometimes looking isolated. 

Other options include Michail Antonio (£6.5m) and Ollie Watkins (£6.5m), and it’s likely I’ll make a late call on that one.

THE BENCH BOOSTERS

As I mentioned earlier, I’m planning a Gameweek 27 Bench Boost with an idea to focus on two fixtures.

West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United

Albion have put in a couple of much improved displays against Man Utd and Burnley in recent weeks, and appear to have found a system which seems to be working. Signing a proper holding midfielder in Okay Yokuslu (£4.5m) is huge for them, and that improved defensive setup means I’m willing to take a risk on differential Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.5m). 

Following Semi Ajayi’s (£4.8m) red card at Burnley, the on-loan Arsenal man shifted out to a wider attacking role, which manager Sam Allardyce has hinted we might see more of in the coming weeks. I don’t have any stats to back it up, it’s more of an eye test thing, but for just one match I’m willing to give it a go.

West Ham United v Leeds United

The second matchup I want to target involves West Ham United, who are now in the top four and have a few players tailor-made for a Bench Boost.

Opponents Leeds United have now conceded eight goals from corners this season, a league-high alongside Sheffield United. Jannik Vestergaard (£4.7m) almost added another earlier this week, and given that the Hammers approach is largely based around crossing, I’m considering Craig Dawson (£4.5m). He’s already scored two goals in 10 games this season and always carries a threat from set-pieces.

I also think Marcelo Bielsa’s side can struggle against players who run directly at them, which is why I like Jesse Lingard (£5.9m) who has looked lively since moving to East London.

Above: midfielders sorted by shots since Jesse Lingard made his West Ham United debut in Gameweek 21.

So, I know this Wildcard won’t be for everyone but I hope having read this, you can at least understand why I’ve chosen the squad I have.

Also, before I sign off, earlier this week I was fortunate enough to join fellow Pro Pundits Lateriser and Zophar again on The FPL Wire.

We talked strategy, Wildcards and captains, plus loads more.

The chat complements this column, and goes a bit deeper into some of the players and teams covered, so if you’re into that kind of thing please check it out on the link below…

I’ll update you on how it’s going next time I check in, but for now, thanks for reading and best of luck in Double Gameweek 26.

4,459 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CoracAld2831
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Pick one for GW26:

    A: Diagne (scout choice)
    B: Rodriguez (Bur)
    C: Watkins

    DCL and Bamford are my other forwards.

    1. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      C

    2. fplking14
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Watkins

    3. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Thank you both.

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      A

  2. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Digne or Ricardo and why?

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Digne for attacking threat

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Digne, not convinced by Ricardo mins

    3. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I struggled to decide, so went for both. If that's not an option, I think Digne's fixtures just edge it. Plus, Pereira may still have his minutes managed somewhat.

    4. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Digne for me

    5. GinjaWhinja
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Ricardo. Since Digne plays for a defence that cannot defend. Especially when at home.

  3. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Who’s the best captain, will probably TC:

    1. Kane
    2. Bruno

    First to 5 wins!

    1. lifes a pitch
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      1

    2. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      1

    3. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      3. Salah

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      1

    5. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      1

  4. Tomas_brolin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Any bench boosters keeping Antonio?

    Could get Watkins. Anyone else I’ve missed?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I would get Diagne if on BB and for free

  5. lifes a pitch
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Would you play bb if your bench players were leeds (raph, dallas, bamford) and areola ?

    1. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      If you believe that Leeds will win and just go for it. They were all pretty good against Saints and form doesn't fade away in a few days.

    2. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      No - too many eggs in one basket

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Yep this

    3. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I'd probably take a hit for one of them to get a doubler, and then do it

    4. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Yes

  6. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Mitchell
    Salah Bruno Sterling Maddy*
    Ings Bamford Cavani*

    Fraser, Mee, Strujic, Bissouma

    A) Cavani Sterling to Kane (TC) and Gundo (-4), Mee comes in If Maddy is missing
    B) + Maddy to Son/ Barnes (-4)
    C) + Ings to DCL (-4)
    all 4 transfers for -12

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      A

  7. CoracAld2831
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Who to let go for Barnes?

    A: Salah
    B: Fernandes
    C: Son
    D: Gundogan
    E: None, keep all of the above

    1. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      E

    2. lifes a pitch
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      E

    3. fplking14
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      If you have Kane then Son. Otherwise Gundo but only if you can get him back next GW

    4. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      E but whose your 5th midfielder?

      1. CoracAld2831
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Soucek.

        No money to get rid of him though.

    5. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      E

    6. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Thank you everyone.

    7. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      E

  8. Shultan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    On WC can't decide following
    Digne or pereira
    DCL or richa
    Play bamford or traore 1st 11
    Keep bruno or sell to Son

    1. lifes a pitch
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Dig
      DCL
      Bamf
      Keep

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Agree with this

    2. fplking14
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      DCL, Bamford, keep Bruno

    3. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Cheers both

  9. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Stones, then Lowton and Dallas not long ago - who's gonna follow them and become DGW hero?

    1. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Hoping digne

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      DIGNE

  10. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Bam or Watkins out for DCL?

    1. lifes a pitch
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Watkins

    2. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Watkins

    3. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Bam

    4. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Bamford

  11. MoSalad
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Whats the Watkins rumours?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      What the one you keep repeating?

      1. MoSalad
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        What?

  12. Henning
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Already on -4 .
    Play Mee or Dallas,or take another hit to get Shaw or Targett in for Mee .

    1. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Play dallas

  13. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Some people saying watkins is injured?

    Others encouraging people to buy him?

    Not been online much, what is the story? Thanks

    1. Blanka
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      An account with around 10k followers mentioned he heard he was injured from multiple sources, but has since deleted the tweet and said make of it what you will.

      He just want any accountability after it blew up. There hasn't been anything concrete.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Cheers

  14. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Thoughts on Alioski to Aina or El Mohammedy for a -4 or just play Struijk? Need Alioski out anyway for GW29..

    1. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Not worth -4.
      Play struck, good chance of Leeds CS

      1. shirtless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Fair. Cheers.

  15. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Which of these look better till gw 30?
    1) Digne+ Son + Watkins -4
    2) Targett +Kane + Barnes(-8)
    Is Kane really worth -4 over Son with having to settle for Targett over Digne? Never done -8 but I am BBing

    1. bautasten
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Like 1 better pending Watkins "injury" status...

    2. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      2

      1. Saka Punch
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Sorry 1 if Watkins ok

  16. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Have u seem Fplanalytics predicted GW scores

    Bruno 17
    DCL 10
    Kabe 5.5

  17. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Been on here for 2 minutes, and already read stupid stuff like Kane and Watkins got removed on FPL teams by teammates.
    Is my captain good to go? I will be off till after deadline 🙂

    BB active - FH for 29 and TC whenever to go.
    0 FTs 0 ITB

    Martínez - Areola
    Cancelo - Digne - Pereira - AWB - Targett
    Salah - Fernandes - Barnes- Gundogan - Lookman
    (K)ane - DCL - Watkins

    1. bautasten
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      He's the most popular safe choice. Gtg.

    2. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Gtg

    3. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      If you got that team without Wc or hits... Very impressive

  18. bautasten
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    A) Grealish, Antonio >> Barnes, Watkins (-4)
    B) Son, Grealish, Antonio, Mee >> Barnes, Traore, Kane, Aina (-12)

    Was pretty set on A until the injury rumours (which probably are fake). Never taken a -12 but sets me up decent for potential GW28 double and GW29 (no FH). Will BB this week.

  19. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Can someome share watkins rumours link?

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Deleted.

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Waaaaaaa .... where are these coming from ... someone posting on this site?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Checks opts for harry kane stats with summer ball v winter ball.....

  20. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Any chance we get early City lineup tomorrow?

  21. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Do you think Harvey Barnes can keep it up? Even without Maddison?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Ask his girlfriend.

      (70s style smutty chuckle)

    2. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Maddision injury is disappointing but for considering his price & next 4 fixtures, still decent shout in my opinion

  22. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    GtG ? Im on WC. What to change ? 0.6 iTB. 3rd City slot open for next GW.

    Martinez
    Holgate-Dias-Reguilon
    Barnes-Son-Gundo-Bruno
    Kane(C)-Diagne-DCL

    Fabri-Dunk-Raph-Dallas

  23. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    On WC. Which team do you prefer?

    A. Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Targett
    Bruno salah gundo son
    Kane dcl watkins

    B. Martinez
    Dias digne pereira
    Bruno salah gundo barnes
    Kane dcl watkins

    Al depends on Son tbf. I really like B, but removing Son is hard with fixtures and double plus 29.

  24. sp1122
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Does Reguilon play both games? Better alternative?

    1. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Impossible to know

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I hope he will.

    3. Shultan
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Mourinho not got a settle back 4. Its a risj

      1. Shultan
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Risk

  25. KGFC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    1. Think Sterling with start both games?

    2. Pereira or Diagne on WC?

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      1. Nope. He almost always rest in home games.

      2. Diagne.

      1. KGFC
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Thanks!

  26. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Last decision plz help, will reply also 🙂

    A) Konsa, Lookman, Kane (-4)
    B) Perreira, Barnes, Bamford

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      B

    2. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      A

    3. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      B

    4. bautasten
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      B if you have Son

    5. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Thanks all. 🙂

  27. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Ings to DCL -4
    Maddy to Son/ Barnes -4

    Which to do or both?

    Btw whats the chance Everton have another double in 28?

  28. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Is Maddison confirmed out?

  29. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    According to RMT Salah is the best C or TC for the double?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I'd like to see some historical data on RMT accuracy.