Pro Pundits - Tom
12 September 2026 1310 comments
avfc82 avfc82
Share:

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. theshazly
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Bench one from this :

    Cherki BrunoF Mbuemo Szoboslai Gomez
    Haaland DCL JP

    1. terranullius
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Cherki

  2. PartyTime
    1 month, 15 days ago

    What's your Manchester Derby prediction?

    I don't think Maresca is in full control of things at City yet. It's as if he is still finding the right set-up/ tactics & the game this weekend will show everyone if this City side can actually compete in a big game under his reign.

    Prediction: 2-2 but also got a feeling Utd could win 3-1.

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

      I feel like United either put in a world beating performance, or completely sh... the bed. There will be no in-between

      1. tommo-uk-
        1 month, 15 days ago

        100% and we will see after first 10 minutes which way it will go

    2. tommo-uk-
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Type of game United will thrive in, quick counter attacks could catch city out.

      2-1

    3. terranullius
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I’m expecting this to be a pretty low-tempo game. Maybe 1-1

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      1 month, 15 days ago

      3-1 united. If you know united, you know they turn up for these games. 3-1 loss v Fulham next week

  3. jonnybhoy
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Is silva of Bouremouth not a better option on WC than Muhremovic/Vuskovic? Better fixtures and arguably better defence

    1. The Knights Template
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Dejavu?

    2. FDMS All Starz
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I’m going Silva and Muharemovic

    3. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Leeds not in Europe this season

  4. terranullius
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Bench one from this please:

    Mbeumo, Semenyo, Gvardiol, Hall

    1. The Knights Template
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Gvardy

  5. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Mbeumo to Rodgers for free yes or no?

    1. terranullius
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Yes

    2. tommo-uk-
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I think Mbeumo is the most likely United player to get a return today.

      1. x.jim.x
        1 month, 15 days ago

        I’d be shocked if any get a return today

        1. JBG
          1 month, 15 days ago

          I won't

    3. The Knights Template
      1 month, 15 days ago

      You’ll want him for Fulham.

    4. JBG
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Do it

    5. Admin
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I like Mbeumo for the long term (assuming you have no Bruno)

  6. OverTinker
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Play one
    1. Konsa
    2. Hall
    3. De Cuyper

    1. OverTinker
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Sorry bench one

      1. terranullius
        1 month, 15 days ago

        Hall 🙂

    2. terranullius
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Konsa

    3. Warby84
      1 month, 15 days ago

      2

  7. Warby84
    1 month, 15 days ago

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

    Free hit good to go?

    1. JBG
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Almost identical to mine...

      Went Emi over Trafford and Pino instead of Konsa.

      So yeah G2G

      1. Warby84
        1 month, 15 days ago

        Oh but how do you have 4 Chelsea?

  8. Bruin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Any feedback on wildcard would be helpful guys and gals. Not interested in having bench issues each week just happy to have 2-4 points coming off the bench when required. Thanks

    Verb

    Calafiori Konsa. Hall
    Palmer (C). B Fernandes. Dewsbury Hall. Tzolis
    Pedro Haaland Wissa

    Kinsky. Egan Thomas Olusesi

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Not bad. I've similar but for Rogers Gross and De Cupyer for kdh Tzolis and Hall

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

      Wissa needs to go.

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

        I can’t but agree, he was shocking bad last weekend. The only reason I have him is Newcastle’s upcoming fixtures and hope that he might move a little more forward in the easier games. Also easy to get rid of in a week or two if needed

      2. mr_jones
        1 month, 15 days ago

        with that fixtures? never

  9. terranullius
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Looks strong.

    1. terranullius
      1 month, 15 days ago

      @Warby84 reply fail!

    2. Warby84
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Cheers

  10. FDMS All Starz
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Muharemović or Nico Williams to rotate with Silva?

  11. DA Minnion (Former great)
    1 month, 15 days ago

    The most anticipated game of the season so far. Chelsea versus Hull. With Jp Morgan and Palmer it needs to be a massacre.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Hull haven't conceded a goal this season, 1-0 potentially

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        1 month, 15 days ago

        Yeah that's the nightmare scenario.

      2. JBG
        1 month, 15 days ago

        2-0 with Palmer scoring both would be nice, no assists from Rogers or JP

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

      1 nil incoming

  12. tommo-uk-
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Best 3rd striker option?

    Wissa
    DCL
    Barry
    Other

    1. Rico123
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Wissa

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I've dcl but I'm a Leeds fan

    3. FDMS All Starz
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Barry if he’s on pens, no competition and he will tap in 1/10 chances he gets per game

    4. JBG
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Wissa

  13. Rico123
    1 month, 15 days ago

    2FT

    Would you do

    A. Gabriel and Elanga > Konsa and Palmer (have Calafiori and Pedro) or
    B. Just roll and hide behind the sofa

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

      A easily

  14. oi no professionals
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Bench Foden or DCL?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Need dcl for Monday night football plus he'll play 90

  15. AD105
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Best options on WC?

    A) Szobs & Slater
    B) Barnes & Gross

    Kinsky Dubravka
    Califiori Konsa Hall De Cuyper Egan
    Palmer Odegaard Rogers XXX XXX
    Haaland Isak JP

    1. Rico123
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Tough but A to avoid benching headache (assume GroB would be 8th attacker on bench)

      1. AD105
        1 month, 15 days ago

        Yeah would likely be rotating Barnes/Gross most weeks

  16. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 15 days ago

    A. Wissa Enzo hall
    B. Barry Cherki hall
    C. Barry Enzo gvard

  17. paulojdsc
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Last minute decision: Bruno Fernandes to Palmer and captain him?

    No brainer?

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

      Bruno could become a nice differential soon.

  18. Tabasco
    1 month, 15 days ago

    A) Semenyo to Rogers
    B) Bruno and DCL to Rogers and Isak
    C) Maguire to anyone
    D) Save

  19. marpy016
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Arsenal triple defence on FH too much?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      1 month, 15 days ago

      No

    2. Warby84
      1 month, 15 days ago

      I’ve done it… Gab/Cali/Kon

  20. Tripleh123
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Pick one each to start:

    A. Odegaard
    B. Gomez

    1. Konsa
    2. Mitchell
    3. Muharemovic

    1. mr_jones
      1 month, 15 days ago

      A1

  21. Admin
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Think I've settled on this for my WC team, though it feels odd leaving 0.8 in the bank.

    Martinez (Dubravka)
    Calafori, Konsa, Hall, (Thomas, Egan)
    Palmer, Øde, Mbeumo, Elanga, (Janlet)
    Haaland, Isak, Pedro

    I could upgrade one of the bench player, but I think I'd rather keep the cash for transfer flex rather than have it sit on the bench.

    Could shift Hall for Gvardiol?

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

      I like it

    2. mr_jones
      1 month, 15 days ago

      like it, would stick with Hall

  22. WaynerSpurs
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Last WC decision

    a) Gvardiol, MGW/Gakpo/Mbeumo (which one?), 4.5m Striker
    OR
    b) 4.5m Defender (which one?), Slater, Isak

    Help needed please, decision is doing my head in

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

      A with Mbeumo

  23. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Really struggling on Liverpool on my WC.

    Don't think Isak is worth it. But think I should have someone.

    A. Szloboslai - nailed but unlikely to haul
    B. Wirtz - got to start hauling soon?
    C. Munoz - cheap but minutes risk
    D. Don't bother

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

      Isak or no one.

    2. Bigler
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Has to be Szobo or no one

    3. Admin
      1 month, 15 days ago

      D (or Isak)

    4. mr_jones
      1 month, 15 days ago

      isak isnt worth it, groin injury incoming, so probably no one worth it

  24. Bigler
    1 month, 15 days ago

    MGW or Mbeumo?

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

      I'm sticking with the latter, but do like MGW

    2. mr_jones
      1 month, 15 days ago

      went with MGW for the next weeks. but Mbeumo also a good one

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

    Bruno to Palmer (C) for a hit?

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

      Not a hit

    2. JBG
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Do it

  26. rabbimaster18
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Bench one of :

    A - DCL
    B - Gross
    C - Tzolis

    Cheers

    1. Under my Cucurella
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B

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

    Who scores more over the next 5?

    Saka or Ode?

    1. Admin
      1 month, 15 days ago

      Coin toss so go for the cheaper option

  28. Charmless-Nerks
    1 month, 15 days ago

    On a Free Hit and trying to mix it up.

    Strand Larsen a home banker v Ipswich or the more obvious DCL?

  29. Ask Yourself
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Anyone that hasn’t wildcarded yet when is the best week to do it now ?

    A) GW6
    B) GW9
    C) Any others ? x

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

      Im doing it whenever my my needs it, planning for it.

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

        *team
        *not planning

      2. Ask Yourself
        1 month, 15 days ago

        Yeah makes sense, hope that holding it pays off because I’m losing so much team value ffs but I have a good team for the next few fixtures so there’s no point overhauling it

  30. Ronnies
    1 month, 15 days ago

    Which one would you go with on a Wildcard?

    A) De Cuyper & Justin
    B) Muharemovic & Mendy

    Cheers.

    1. One for All
      1 month, 15 days ago

      B