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23 October 2025 273 comments
Lateriser 12 Lateriser 12
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In his latest article, three-time top 200 finisher Lateriser considers whether to use his Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Bench Boost in either Gameweek 9 or 11.

FPL 2025/26 first draft team reveals: Triple Forest, Everton + Chelsea

Well, the long-awaited Wildcard of Gameweek 8 is behind me. I thought I would have no immediate decisions to make but on Thursday afternoon, I found myself waiting for an update on Joachim Andersen‘s (£4.5m) injury before deciding whether I should Bench Boost in Gameweek 9.

First, let’s look at how the Wildcard started off.

Will Lateriser use Bench Boost in Gameweek 9 or 11?

Enzo Fernandez (£6.7m) not facing Nottingham Forest was a shame, but his midweek 45-minute appearance against Ajax was encouraging. I’m pretty confident he’ll start against Sunderland.

It’s a shame that I didn’t consider playing Martin Dubravka (£4.0m) over Nick Pope (£5.2m), which would have transformed the weekend from good to great.

I like my three Arsenal picks, plus Newcastle United’s Big Nick Woltemade (£7.4m) but, unfortunately, I missed the cash-in game for Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.6m).

At least Woltemade’s goal slightly reduced the potential damage in that position. Perhaps Mateta for Pedro would have been the only real change, looking back, but there’s hindsight involved there.

While I am suffering from Daniel Munoz (£5.6m) FOMO, owning him would mean losing one Arsenal defender, so that’s not a regret either.

WHEN TO BENCH BOOST?

 

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  1. tuturututu
    • 5 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    All fine here? Gtg?

    Petrović
    Timber, Chalobah, Vdv
    Saka, Semenyo, Enzo, Kudus
    JP, Haaland(c), Gyokeres

    Dubravka, Reijnders, Guehi, Esteve

    1. Stevie B
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Maybe Gyokeres for Woltemade. Good luck!

    2. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Sell VDV for Michael Keane.

  2. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    What is better

    A) Stach -> Enzo
    B) Alderete -> Calafiori

    Thanks!

    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      A!

  3. The Night Trunker.
    • 3 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Crystal Palace result was a strange one.
    Any thoughts out there?

    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Should of played Richards over the inexperienced Canvot.

      1. The Night Trunker.
        • 3 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        And...?

        1. _Greg
          • 16 Years
          11 months, 11 days ago

          And not every team can be as consistent as Palace have been recently forever. They are still a very good side.

          Do you still buy Sarr, Mateta and Munoz next week? Absolutely yeah.

          1. The Night Trunker.
            • 3 Years
            11 months, 11 days ago

            All those chumps played against a Cypriot team that would sit bottom of division two here.
            This is Palace who are travelling to Arse this weekend.
            What's your take on it....?

            Consistency is balderdash.

            1. _Greg
              • 16 Years
              11 months, 11 days ago

              My take is don't buy, don't sell, don't play this week!

              1. The Night Trunker.
                • 3 Years
                11 months, 11 days ago

                OK, I will bench Mateta and Sarr this week.
                But someone give me something to hang on to as to why these chumps can come over here here and demolish one of the best trams in the Prem.
                It's freakin' outrageous!

    2. Royal5
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Fatigue

      1. The Night Trunker.
        • 3 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        Fatigue my arse.

        1. Royal5
          • 15 Years
          11 months, 11 days ago

          Happy pride

          1. The Night Trunker.
            • 3 Years
            11 months, 11 days ago

            Don't do it!

    3. Amartey Partey
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Palace seem to be a bit hit or miss, but when they hit they’re really good. The players are also probably a bit tired from all the games.

      1. The Night Trunker.
        • 3 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        Tired my Aunt Fanny... Really!

  4. RICICLE
    • 4 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    GTG here guys?

    Raya
    Senesi - Gvardiol - Gabriel
    Enzo - Saka - Semenyo - Ndiaye
    Woltemade - Haaland - Mateta
    _____________________________
    Dubravka: Stach: Gudmundsson: Romero

    0FT, 0.0 ITB

    Just still a tad undecided wether to play Gvardiol or Gudmundsson but reckon it’s the right call to go with Gvardiol.

    Thanks gents.

    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      I'd play Gvardiol.

      1. RICICLE
        • 4 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        Cheers bud! Yeah I’m settled with that now I reckon, done and done 🙂

  5. _Greg
    • 16 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    I have Estêvão, 90 mins midweek. Don't think he'll start.

    Just wondering if Slot sticks with his new formation, does he start Salah in place of Isak because of his groin strain and suddenly we see Salah perform much better as a result?

    I'm tempted to sell Estêvão to Salah for a hit. Would be an almighty gamble just wondering what are people's opinions on that (ignore the fact I have a lot of money in the bank).

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      I wouldn’t for a hit. Brentford away isn’t an easy fixture.

      1. _Greg
        • 16 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        I really would like Estêvão to stay a few weeks, really like him.

    2. The Night Trunker.
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      You own Estevao?...very little respect for your choices tbh.

      1. _Greg
        • 16 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        I play this game for fun.

        1. The Night Trunker.
          • 3 Years
          11 months, 11 days ago

          He may be good in a couple of years when he man's up.

          1. _Greg
            • 16 Years
            11 months, 11 days ago

            He's already class just Maresca prefers to play Pedro Neto because of his defensive work rate. It wasn't a good move though I accept that. That's why I'm considering Salah.

            1. The Night Trunker.
              • 3 Years
              11 months, 11 days ago

              Mate, he's a kid with few special skills....how many of those have we seen come and go.
              And he's a cotton wool player for now and you know it.
              Rubbish pick.

              1. _Greg
                • 16 Years
                11 months, 11 days ago

                I'm not sure if you're a serious human or some AI generated abomination.

                1. The Night Trunker.
                  • 3 Years
                  11 months, 11 days ago

                  You've gone all light weight like the two below.
                  OK I 'm done with lightweights.

              2. squibba
                • 9 Years
                11 months, 11 days ago

                What's it to you? Weirdo

                1. The Night Trunker.
                  • 3 Years
                  11 months, 11 days ago

                  Jog on Squid boy , butting in with an ad hominem out of the deep blue zzz

    3. RICICLE
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      It’s a risk I personally wouldn’t take for Salah, but pool do have great fixtures to come so hopping on early would have it’s advantages, but I’d heavily be leaning towards no, especially for try hit, although I have taken a hit this week haha.

      1. _Greg
        • 16 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        I'm already on a - 8.

        Richards to Twanzebe
        Gyökeres to Kroupi Jr
        Isak to Thiago.

        10.9m in the bank.

        I can afford to get Palmer for Gordon and Salah for Estêvão in the coming weeks.

        How great would it be if those guys suddenly turned up and nobody could afford them because of their team structures.

        Very unlikely it works out that way but I like to have my own narrative just for fun.

        1. RICICLE
          • 4 Years
          11 months, 11 days ago

          Ahh ok I see, well on one hand you could say stop there at a -8, on the other you could say balls to it what’s another hit hehe!
          If that did come to fruition and nobody could hardly get to that structure you would be winning for sure, and I do like the narrative! However I have just gone right off Salah personally, until he shows some real consistency like of old, then I’d just hold off the pedal for now.

          1. _Greg
            • 16 Years
            11 months, 11 days ago

            I'm holding. I can always get Salah next week for a nice safe home fixture.

            My other plan was to jump on Bruno, Gakpo and Mbeumo for Estêvão, Caicedo and Gordon.

            Definitely need to curb the hits as I'm on the cusp of getting back towards a respectable rank and don't need to go too much too quickly.

            1. McGurn
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 17 Years
              11 months, 11 days ago

              Hi mate. I don't want want to be that guy but, seriously, why are you considering buying Salah? Genuine question because he would be a poor option if he was 9.5, but at 14+?

              1. _Greg
                • 16 Years
                11 months, 11 days ago

                Because if he goes up front he could be revitalised?

    4. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      As an Estevao owner myself there were positive comments from Maresca saying that "Estevao moved central later in the game to reduce running as the next game is in 48hours"

      1. _Greg
        • 16 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        Thanks for that hope.

  6. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Start dub or don?

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Don

    2. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Donnarumma? Play Donnarumma. Penalty save away at Villa.

  7. LarryDuff
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Fpl aside Szoboslai is crazy good. Covers every inch of grass and oozes class

    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Great player and I had been wondering if he should just play RB all season if they were going to persist with the tactics.

      Now slot has changed tact it will be interesting to see what the knock on effect is.

      I think he should take Isak out of the firing line until after the international break like Palmer.

    2. Lallana_
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      yeah, he is class, could easily become an inverted RB like Trent

  8. Lallana_
    • 12 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Which moves should I make? 2FT

    1) Reijnders>Enzo, Dewsbury-Hall>Ndiaye (bench Mateta)
    2) Reijners>Enzo, Andersen>Burn (Bench Mateta, play 442)
    3) Reijners>Fernandes

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      2

    2. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      I like 1 the best.

    3. Lallana_
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      thanks, tough decision!

    4. Positive vibes
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      1

  9. JT11fc
    • 7 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Bench boost dilema...what to do with Richy

    1. Play and sell for Mateta etc next gw

    2. Sell to kroupi jr and dead end 3rd forward spot
    3. Sell to DCL/Beto, 8th attacker going forward

    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      2 if already BB

      1. JT11fc
        • 7 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        Will BB this week so not many good forwards for this week

        1. _Greg
          • 16 Years
          11 months, 11 days ago

          Yeah that's fine.

    2. Lallana_
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      1, Mateta seems like a good long-term pick

      1. JT11fc
        • 7 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        Thanks, Richy does seem to like a goal v Everton....gotta play first tho

  10. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Is this good to go and the correct bench?

    Pope
    Gabriel, Senesi, Rondon
    Semenyo, Saka, Enzo, Gordon
    Haaland (C), Woltemade, Joao Pedro

    Dubravka, Sarr, Guehi, Alderete

    Thank you and good luck!

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Sarr might punish but Gordon the only ome you could swap for and that feels wrong, gtg

  11. Positive vibes
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Hi, anyone sell Reijnders and buy Enzo?

    Thanks

    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Seems a good move.

    2. Lallana_
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      making that move for sure

  12. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Start gud or vdv?

  13. Pep Roulette
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    I think this could be worth -8. What do you think?

    VDV, Salah, Reijnders & Kudus to Gabriel, Saka, Mbeumo & Enzo?

    1. Dangles
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      I mean they're all good picks but you could do Kudus to Mbuemo next week and save yourself 4 points.

      Everton away not a bad matchup for Kudus. Bad fixtures kick in next week.

  14. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 14 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Dubravka
    Gabriel | Rodon | Senesi
    Saka | Foden | Gakpo | (S)emenyo
    Haaland | Wolt | Bowen

    Roefs, Longstaff, Mukuele, Keane good enough for BB?

  15. HellasLEAF
    • 17 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    I see Haaland tops the captain's poll again this GW.

    Not sure I agree this time. I think he'll score probably. But more points than a few others on the list this week? Not entirely convinced.

  16. Taegugk Warrior
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    1FT. Salah to Saka or save FT..?

    1. Dangles
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Tough one. I'd probably give Salah one more week then do it next week when you can upgrade someone else.

      Brentford not a bad fixture for Pool. Palace a tiny bit difficult for the gunners potentially

  17. rainy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Price changes 24th October

    Rise:
    R.James 5.5

    Falls:
    Ndoye 5.8
    Hutchinson 5.4
    Phillips 4.8
    Sels 4.8
    Pinnock 4.3

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Cheers Rainy

    2. Timanfaya
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Cheers Rainy.

    3. GreennRed
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Cheers Rainy. Changes will be back to 1:30 on Sunday morning.

      1. rainy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        11 months, 10 days ago

        Often a few surprised comments on the day 🙂

  18. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Posted on previous thread.

    who to play this week as my 3rd def?

    a. Guehi v ARS (A)

    b. Gudmundsson v WHU (H)

    Cheers

    1. Dangles
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      B

  19. Dangles
    • 4 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Would you sell Reijnders or Kudus for Enzo this week?

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Reijnders

    2. Ajaxeeding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Rijnders

    3. Dangles
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Cheers

  20. hawkeyes
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Yes/No please for a -4

    OUT: Richalison & P.M.Sarr
    IN: Woltemade & King

    1. Esraj
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Yes

  21. FCSB
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Raya
    Senesi Gabriel Van de Ven
    Semenyo Bruno Enzo Reijnders
    Gyokeres Pedro Haaland

    Dubravka Stach Gudmundsson Tarkowski

    3FT 0.3itb

    Feel like VdV is the weak link but I can't get much for 5.0 - any suggestions?

    Also, should I Bench Boost?

    Thanks

  22. Joyce1998
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Best captain?

    A- Haaland
    B- Semenyo
    C- Bruno

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Haaland to be safe

      Semenyo for a bit of fun 🙂

    2. Letsgo!
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      I actually like C or saka

    3. HellasLEAF
      • 17 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      C

  23. TochanMama
    • 14 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Lads, choose 1 please?

    A) JP to Wolte
    B) Hold till Sunderland

    1. Dangles
      • 4 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      B for me

    2. HellasLEAF
      • 17 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Probably hold get Wolt another way?

  24. FantasyClub
    • 5 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Lads how'd Forest look defensively?
    Currently have my C on Semenyo...

    1. Letsgo!
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      I think there are better options??

      1. FantasyClub
        • 5 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        Why because he's only 8m?
        Highest scoring mid by a mile
        Yes, I know Haaland, clearly contemplating an alternative...

    2. HellasLEAF
      • 17 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Not feeling Semenyo C myself. It's a decent pick though.

    3. Esraj
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Forest looked good.

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        Utter Woke nonsense

        1. McGurn
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 17 Years
          11 months, 11 days ago

          Fabulous that you used the word "woke" unironically. On an educated platform too. Well played mate!!!

          1. Cruyff's Eleven
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            11 months, 11 days ago

            Who are you calling educated?!

  25. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    JP to Ekitike for a hit?
    Kinda how I play or is it utter madness?

    1. HellasLEAF
      • 17 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Don't do it.

      1. HellasLEAF
        • 17 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        If you held hold him for this match.

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 months, 11 days ago

          Would only have Cancelo for the Sunderland game. Ekitike is an actually striker though and Isak probably out very nice diff.

        2. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 months, 11 days ago

          Maybe 5 at the back this week is enough - but feel like going complete rogue

      2. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        I did it !!

  26. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Are ppl really starting leeds defender??

    1. HellasLEAF
      • 17 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Double Leeds actually.

      1. Letsgo!
        • 9 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        Hahahah anytine bowen to score

        1. Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          11 months, 11 days ago

          That must be paying an absolute treasure!

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Yeah, I'm picking the Leeds defender over the WHU attacker, I think

  27. TochanMama
    • 14 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Would you

    A) Hold VDV for Everton and then sell
    B) VDV to Botman
    C) VDV to Diouf

    1. HellasLEAF
      • 17 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Maybe B. But I'd hold.

  28. FOREST FOREVER 2
    • 1 Year
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Forest 2-0 Porto.
    I like it !!!!

  29. HellasLEAF
    • 17 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Anyone going Voldemort C over Haalaaaand or Semen-yo??

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      Nope boring C for me

    2. FOREST FOREVER 2
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 11 days ago

      While Wolt has been very consistent, I dont think he has yet got a double digit score.

  30. FCSB
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 11 days ago

    Raya
    Senesi Gabriel Van de Ven
    Semenyo Bruno Enzo Reijnders
    Gyokeres Pedro Haaland

    Dubravka Stach Gudmundsson Tarkowski

    3FT 0.3itb

    Feel like VdV is the weak link but I can't get much for 5.0 - any suggestions?

    Also, should I Bench Boost?

    Thanks!

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 11 days ago

      For the bench boost I would hold off til you have some more TV before season half way point.
      Tark could probably go over VDV and just bench VDV til you have free transfers to deal with him.

      1. FCSB
        • 10 Years
        11 months, 11 days ago

        Thanks… BB was clouding my options…

        Tark >> Reece James ?

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 months, 11 days ago

          Amazing if he can stay fit. Other than that a CP one.