Pro Pundits - Tom
12 September 2026 1310 comments
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In his latest article, five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman shows us his Gameweek 4 Wildcard squad.

He also discusses some of the main decisions to be taken.


BRUNO F OR HAALAND, BUT NOT BOTH

As I plan to Bench Boost in Gameweek 5, including both Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) and Erling Haaland (£15.5m) in my squad isn’t really an option, given the need for depth.

I’ve been going back and forth on which player to include throughout the week.

In my video with Joe on Tuesday, I was really keen on a ‘no-Haaland’ draft, which looked like this:

However, since then, I’ve switched to Haaland, in part due to captaincy.

GameweekNo Bruno F captaincy planNo Haaland captaincy plan
4Palmer (HUL)Palmer (HUL)
5Haaland (SUN)Fernandes (ful)
6Palmer (BOU)Palmer (BOU)
7Haaland (IPS)Fernandes (lee)
8Palmer (TOT)Fernandes (BOU)
9Haaland (BHA)Palmer (MUN)
10Haaland (nfo)Fernandes (AVL)
11Haaland (FUL)Palmer (LEE)

The ‘no-Haaland’ captaincy plan actually looks okay until Gameweek 7, but after that, it doesn’t look quite so robust.

Now, Manchester City play Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain just before Gameweek 7, so Haaland could of course be rested, but I’m hesitant to rely on that assumption, as he may very well start, too.

I do have three free transfers banked, which opens up another route to bring Haaland in. However, restructuring my squad so soon after a Wildcard doesn’t quite feel right.

This is why I am now leaning towards including Haaland.

Dropping Fernandes admittedly doesn’t feel great, especially with Fulham away next week, but it was always the plan to Bench Boost in Gameweek 5 and spread the funds, so I’m just going to see how it plays out.

BENCH BOOST OPTIONS


1,310 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Jokesy87
    1 month, 15 days ago

    A) Maguire and Mbuemo -> Konsa and Rogers (-4pts)
    B) Maguire to Konsa
    C) Mbuemo to Rogers

    Verbruggen
    Calafiori Ajer Muharamovic
    Bruno Mbuemo Tzolis Gross
    Haaland JPedro Wissa
    Subs: Kinsky, Sangare, Maguire , Diop

    1. Gizzachance
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

    2. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B for me. I don't think Rogers outscores Mbuemo by enough to be worth a FT over the next two weeks

    3. Under my Cucurella
      1 month, 15 days ago

      In your position I'd do B

      I'm probably doing C but I already did Hume to Konsa earlier in the week and I am slightly reluctant to lose Mbuemo in his current form and he could easily be kept. Whereas Konsa is an easy upgrade to your team

  2. EIk
    1 month, 15 days ago

    On WC - Szobo is already in the team

    A) Barry, Gakpo & Gavardiol

    B) Isak, Gomez & Mitchell

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

    2. polis
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B this week. A longer.

  3. Gizzachance
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Last cheapish spot on w/c, have gross

    A sangare, not best upcoming fixtures for while
    B king ,bench till get 3 promoted teams
    C slater, put 1 mill in bank, bench fodder
    D other up to 5.7

    Cheers

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      C

      1. Gizzachance
        1 month, 15 days ago

        Cheers

  4. Whats the Mata?
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Which one would you go for on WC?

    A. Triple Arsdef
    or
    B. Double Arsenal

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I wanted A but just couldn't quite make it work myself

    2. mr_jones
      1 month, 15 days ago

      double

  5. George Agdgdgwngo
    1 month, 15 days ago

    So this is the team I’m thinking of going with. Any thoughts

    Kinsky,
    Calafiori, Konsa, De Cruyper, Hall
    Palmer, Bruno, Odegaard, Rogers
    Haaland, Pedro,

    4.0m gk, Egan, Yalcouye, 4.5m

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Looks pretty template and safe, which isn't a bad thing. The template is a template for a reason.

    2. Conners
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Get Vuscovic over DeCuyper if you have the spare 0.2m.

  6. Whats the Mata?
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Post failed above - reposting:

    Which one would you go for on WC?

    A. Triple Arsenal def
    or
    B. Double Arsenal def +Saka
    or
    C. Double Arsenal def + Odegaard

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      A or C

  7. Jigger & Pony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Play one:

    A. Barry (tot)
    B. Barnes (lee)
    C. Hall (lee)

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

  8. The Tonberry
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Feels like WC4 is the most template I've ever seen.

    Seen so many teams this WC with the following:

    Kinsky
    Calafiori Konsa De Cuyper Hall 4.0
    Palmer Rogers Odegaard Szobo 4.5
    Haaland Isak JP

    It was what I was set to go with but now wanna change it as it feels the same as every other wildcarder

    1. Redranger
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Let’s be honest, the template will look completely different in about 2/3 game weeks.

    2. Holmes
      1 month, 15 days ago

      WCers will get itchy again if Liverpool and Chelsea blank

    3. George Agdgdgwngo
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I’m nearly on that. Just not convinced by Liverpool, so have Bruno instead

    4. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Mix it up and go with Scherpen!

      Seriously though, it's template because it's good. I think Kinsky (Spurs defence), deCuyper (not long term), Hall (don't like New CS chances), Szobo (consistent but not predictably explosive, so could try and rotate other options with FTs) and Haaland (very good, very expensive) are places you could go against it.

      Hall is the only one of that list that I've got on my WC and I have Bruno ready to captain against Fulham. A very big Haaland-shaped hole in the front line though!

    5. Conners
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I've moved away from this template for a few reasons.

      Long term I prefer a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 set-up. (I plan on alternating between the two)
      I think the Hull bubble will burst, leaving people with very poor benches for the long haul (without overhauling the team).
      Bruno is the joint best captaincy option - I think you'll want him back sooner rather than later
      In the medium-term, there's some significant risk in owning all three of Calafiori (early sub potential), Konsa (competing with Mosquera) and DeCuyper (Mitoma could be back soon)

  9. Redranger
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Start 1:

    a) sangare
    B) DCL

    1. Holmes
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B due to minutes

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

    3. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

    4. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

    5. NZREDS
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

  10. Miguel Sanchez
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Play one, leaning towards Bryan now:

    A) Wissa (lee)
    B) Mbeumo (MCI)

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

    2. NZREDS
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

    3. SpaceCadet
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

  11. BR510
    1 month, 15 days ago

    1. Foden —> Odegaard
    2. Bruno Sangare —> Saka Rogers (keeps Phil Frauden, extra transfer

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      1

  12. mr_jones
    1 month, 15 days ago

    looks like time for a WC with this team… (two free transfers)

    Raya
    White / Kayode / Shaw
    Bruno / Mbeumo / Tzolis / Sangare
    JP / Haaland / Wissa

    Dubs / Ndiaye / Hume / Davis

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Only big problems are White(in 2 weeks), Shaw, Hume and Ndiaye, so could fix with transfers and hiding on the bench. Doesn't scream WC alone.

      But you are lacking Chelsea mids, Ode looks so much better than Tzolis for similar price, no Liverpool (though could only be short term for the Fulham gains). If you think these are enough reasons to sweing to

      1. 17th Time Lucky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        1 month, 15 days ago

        ... top playing WC then go for it. Your team so your call ultimately

        1. mr_jones
          1 month, 15 days ago

          yeah good call, i actually wanted to wait with WC after the International break. but the last two gws were pretty bad and i‘m not confessed that this one will be much better…

  13. George Agdgdgwngo
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Is hall worth the extra 0.5m over Dedic?

    1. Holmes
      1 month, 15 days ago

      yes, gametime certainty. Dedic has to compete with Livramento.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Yes

    3. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Yes

    4. NZREDS
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Si

  14. Rhodes your boat
    1 month, 15 days ago

    On WC to play most if not all weeks

    A) Barnes
    B) KDH

    1. polis
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I like KDH

    2. Holmes
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Barnes' fixtures looks slightly better. Dewsbury feels more reliable. Set-piece duties and gets close to defcons as well.

    3. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Barnes medium term, KDH long term

    4. George Agdgdgwngo
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I like the barns pick

    5. thom830g
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Kdh

    6. bv57
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Barnes is a great differential, cheaper, has played 90 mins every game and great fixtures.

    7. Ball Ake
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Somehow I've ended up with both.

  15. Rice Krispie
    1 month, 15 days ago

    What % Munoz starts for Liverpool today? Grateful for any insight as I really want to take a punt on him in FH

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      4 wingers, 2 wings, 50%?

    2. Holmes
      1 month, 15 days ago

      tough to say anything without knowing Gakpo's status. Wait for leaks.

      1. Rice Krispie
        1 month, 15 days ago

        Yeah hopefully a leak. Thanks

    3. Haa-lala-land
      1 month, 15 days ago

      88%

      1. Rice Krispie
        1 month, 15 days ago

        Thanks everyone. Probably going to go with it. Even off bench he could do damage

  16. FDMS All Starz
    1 month, 15 days ago

    On WC:

    A) Saka & Kinsky

    Or

    B) Gibbs-White & Raya

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      A assuming you have 2 x arse def

    2. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

    3. Rhodes your boat
      1 month, 15 days ago

      A

  17. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 15 days ago

    G2G? Used 3ft to get this.

    Kinsky
    Cala VvD Vuskovic Konsa
    Szoboszlai Bruno Palmer Gross
    Haaland DCL

    Dubs Sangare Thomas Walle Egeli

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Yeah looks great

    2. NZREDS
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Tidy that, GTG

  18. Podorsky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Will we get any leaks before the Liverpool game? Gakpo Owner

    1. polis
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Possibly?

  19. George Agdgdgwngo
    1 month, 15 days ago

    How many playing subs do people think are necessary?

    I’m looking at having a 4.5m striker but he would be 3rd sub

    1. polis
      1 month, 15 days ago

      One dead spot is fine if you've already played your BB.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I think 2 x playing subs is enough.

    3. Holmes
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I'm usually okay with 1. Max 2 during festive period.

      Its not like they score when you need them to.

      1. George Agdgdgwngo
        1 month, 15 days ago

        Yeah BB played. Which was always the plan to go strong on a WC

    4. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Depends on the reliability of your starting players. If you have multiple City mids and Liverpool wingers, you never know who's going to start so need a deeper bench. If you have 10 nailed on starters, you could get away with a single 4.0 defender.

      I have a dead 4.5 striker as third sub myself

      1. George Agdgdgwngo
        1 month, 15 days ago

        What’d your WC team?

        1. 17th Time Lucky
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          1 month, 15 days ago

          I'm completely off template with Gabriel and another defconCB. Three nailed wing backs. Bruno and double Chelsea in mid, with 2 defcon guys who can step in when the wing backs have bad games, and Isak+JP up front

    5. Ball Ake
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I usually have a pair of starting 4.5m defenders.

  20. FDMS All Starz
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Is Nico Williams worth the 0.5 over Jair Cunha? More chance of Cunha getting DC given he’s a CB?

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I think so. Cunha had there spot to lose, but the intention over summer was too put Diomande there. Whether that hasn't happened yet because JC has been too good or YD doesn't look up to speed I have no idea, and no idea if/when it will change. But the doubt would make me definitely go Williams

  21. BR510
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Foden to:
    1. Odegaard
    2. Szobo
    3. KDH
    4. Other?

    1. thom830g
      1 month, 15 days ago

      1

    2. George Agdgdgwngo
      1 month, 15 days ago

      1

    3. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      1

    4. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      All good. I'd do Szob personally

    5. Ball Ake
      1 month, 15 days ago

      1, although I did 3 and am preemptively regretting it.

  22. thom830g
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Who to bench?
    A) maguire
    B) Thomas (COV)

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      A

    2. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      A

  23. -GK22-
    1 month, 15 days ago

    On FH should I be a bit more punty?

    Trafford
    Muharemovic, Calafiori, de Cuyper
    Palmer, Rogers, szlob, Scott
    Haaland, Isak, Pedro

    4, Yalcouye, Konsa, Thomas

    1. Warby84
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I’m currently taking a pint on V.Munoz but unsure.

      1. -GK22-
        1 month, 15 days ago

        How’s the rest of your team, I I like the Munoz pick

        1. Warby84
          1 month, 15 days ago

          Trafford
          Gabriel Calafiori Konsa De Cuyper
          Palmer Rogers Munoz
          Isak Pedro Haaland

          Other thoughts are Jackson over Haaland for 1 week would allow Saka/Fernandes and Virgil but that’s very left field

    2. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      On FH you gain the edge by picking ALL of the good picks that people want for the week but can only get a few of into their team. Forget about punts and just load up on all the reliable points

      Arsenal Sunderland should probably have more love, if you think they'd a lot of goals, get Ode and/or Saka. If it's really tight, get double or triple at the back

  24. Saintjack01
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Best GK to get other than raya?

    1. Holmes
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I like the look of Trafford and Hornicek due to save potential.

      1. 17th Time Lucky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        1 month, 15 days ago

        No, ignore Trafford, he's rubbish, let me keep all his points!

  25. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Which one for this gw only?

    A Raya & Gomez
    B Henderson & Gross

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      A

  26. Klopp it
    1 month, 15 days ago

    On wildcard pick 1

    A. Saka

    B. Odegaard

    1. Saintjack01
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

    2. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

  27. Warby84
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Thoughts on Victor Munoz this week on free hit? Or just go safe with Szobo..

    1. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Both good choices, friends entirely in your risk appetite

      Could try consider which would bother you less if you got it wrong?

  28. Weasel51
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Final WC decision:

    A) Odegaard + Isak

    B) Saka + Wissa

    1. Saintjack01
      1 month, 15 days ago

      A

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      1 month, 15 days ago

      A quite comfortably

    3. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      A

    4. Rhodes your boat
      1 month, 15 days ago

      A

  29. spillachio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Bench Muharemović (v Newcastle) or Leif Davis (v Palace)?
    Thanks!

    1. OptimusBlack
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Bench
      Lief D

    2. 17th Time Lucky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Bench Davis

    3. spillachio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Both have clean sheet potential, Muharemović better for def con but Davis more attacking.

  30. FPL Equilibrium
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Any Forest fans know if Jair Cunha is nailed?