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. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    FH G2G?
    Pope
    TAA Saiss Soyuncu
    Pogba Bruno Son KDB Salah
    Jiminez Joelinton

    Button Lascelles Robson Greenwood

    Cheers

    1. THEKID_88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No

      1. Oggle22
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Any further input?

  2. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    De Gea, Button
    ___, ___, Cathcart, Lascelles, Simpson
    ___, De Bruyne, Bruno, ___, Guendouzi
    Rashford, Jimenez, ___

    a) Trent, Doherty, Salah, Sarr, Calvert
    b) Trent, Doherty, Son, Sarr, Vardy
    c) van Dijk, Saiss, Salah, Son, Calvert

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

      Not C cause i think it's a bit too light in defense. With Watford-Leicester and The merseyside-derby still to go hard to call already, but right now i'd take B

      1. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Would only be Salah id fear, but obvs quite a big fear to have haha

  3. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A Doherty Taylor Tammy

    B Saiss Maguire Rashford

    Which one ?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      For next week, B. It's probably the better longer-term option too. Doherty & Tammy capable of hauls (although Tammy has competition).

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

      A

  4. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I'm liking this short-term, before shifting Rich > Pogba/Martial, or someone a bit cheaper to upgrade a FWD to Rashford.

    Pope
    TAA / AWB / Saiss
    Salah / KDB / Son / Fernandes / Richarlison
    Jimenez / DCL

    Button // Nketiah / Lascelles / [4.7m DEF]

    Would prefer Doherty over Sais,, but Salah become Mane & it's 4.3m + 4.0m DEFs to fill in the gaps.

    Thoughts?

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Salah still .. if you care about EO

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

      Like it but I’d start with Martial anyway.

      Kiko ahead of Lascelles.

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Lascelles not a dead-set. Will be perma-bench anyway. Will be watching Watford.

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

      I prefer martial over rashford.

      You could save 0.4 by moving AWB to aurier. Another 0.8 by getting a fodder 5th def. Rich to martial saves you another 0.3. That just leaves you 0.2 shy of saiss to doherty, I think? Anything left in the bank?

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

      I like the DCL Rich combo for GW31

  5. Whiskerz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What are your thoughts on this rabble?

    Pope
    Aurier . TAA . Doherty
    Mane . Bruno . Martial . Son . KDB
    DCL . Jiminez

    (Button . Fernandez . Nkeitah . Fodder)

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

      This is good

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Aurier over a United defender is something I'll consider, thanks.

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

        Funds, Hazz. Funds. Something has to give somewhere to afford that

  6. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I think I saw enough tonight to get Rashford and Martial despite the blanks. Can see Bruno and Pogba putting stuff on a plate for them against the weaker teams on their fixture run

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

      Anthony looked well off it but agree about the coming run, doesn't put me off.
      He's got that terrible but necessary first game into his legs. Like Kane did

  7. Haz to be Eden- Top scoring…
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    WC 31 Team:

    Pope
    TAA Saiss AWB
    Salah Son KDB Fernandes
    DCL Jimi Ings

    Button Taylor Lascelles Cantwell

    G2G?

    1. Whiskerz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      value tied up in inns?

      1. Whiskerz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Ings *

        1. Haz to be Eden- Top scoring…
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Nope, just didn’t see anything better in that price range

  8. Kno
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on draft number 10xx? Wondering if its a bit light up top, classic 343.

    Pope
    Taa doherrty lascelle taylor holgate
    Salah son kdb bruno cantwell
    Dcl rash jota

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

    Kane worth a punt on free hit?

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

      No.

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

      Judging on tonight, no way.

      Judging on pedigree and instinct - I would if I was on one.

    3. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If you saw the game you'd know the answer to that question. He's not even close to my watch list.

  10. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on this wc team?

    Pope 3.9
    TAA Doherty Lascelles Egan 3.9
    Salah Mane KdB Bruno Martial
    Jimmy Jota Nketiah

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

      Good team- DCL over Jota perhaps

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

      🙂

      This is almost the exact team I had going into this week and sold off almost to a man. Be interested to see how you go.

    3. shearer9
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure about Martial, didn't look great and Ighalo and Greenwood will be vying for his spot I guess? Pogba?

  11. Teahupo'o
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Auba Sarr ➡ Vardy Martial/Bergwijn -4, thoughts?

    Pope
    TAA Doherty Stephens
    Salah Mane Bruno Sarr
    Auba Jimenez Ings

    (Button, Cantwell Williams Tanganga)
    1FT 0.5ITB

    1. FeverPitch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Hard to say before Sarr has played but no don’t like it - Auba to vardy for free could be good though

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

      DCL and Son?

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

    Bergwijn has 3 goals in 6 games, anyone going for him instead of Son?
    I'm thinking about it as it will enable me to get Auba in GW32 against that welcoming Norwich defence.

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

      I'm doubling up against West Ham

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Decent alternative but expect fewer points, and reduce mins

      You pay for what you get basically

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        You get what you pay for*

        Bedtime

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

          Lol

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

      I've went with him over Son. I'm a psv-fan so take that into account but i thought he was the best player in the eredivisie besides Ziyech. Very technical, great pace and a strong shot. Good to see him adjusting this well, he ain't no pushover either whilst he isn't tall at all. Interesting to see he got his goals vs the bigger sides (wolves and both Manchester teams). I'm afraid he might be more assisting the assister sometimes when there's less space but with Kane dropping deep i think it's less of a worry than in his psv-days. Can you imagine he even was on penalties on his last year there? Sad to see him leave but proud to see him flourish.

      Regarding Son: I think if Pool win the derby and vs Palace i'm getting Son for Salah too to upgrade my attack. Actually nice to wait and see if Son improves vs West-Ham. But yeah, Auba versus Norwich is tempting so i'd get Bergwijn in already if i were you. (He did get caught by Maguire in the game and was substituted, but seemed he ran it off and just was a deserved rest so he can start again on tuesday)

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

        Thanks for the insight into his PSV days. This might also help others with similar dilemma

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

    Thoughts on the WC draft?

    Pope
    Maguire, , Aurier, Doherty
    De Bruyne, Mané, Son, Fernandes,
    Calvert-Lewin, Jimenez, Rashford

    Subs: Foster, Lascelles, Cantwell, Alonso

    ?

    1. Oooo Matron
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Looks good to me! Basically exact same team as me, but TAA instead of Alonso.

      I've tried to squeeze in Tammy, but it really means decimating the bench which seems dangerous given likely rotation.

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Gendouzi will probably get the same points as Cantwell and saves you 0.5. Especially if you're going to bench.

  14. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    What is considered a solid amount of points from your bench on a bench Boost?

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

      20+

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

      I'm on 8 points so far, from 2: Nyland, DCL, Saiss, Nketiah

      I guess solid would be 16. since that's what you get from a DGW when all your subs play at least 60 minutes twice

  15. shearer9
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone feeling the Pogba Fernandes double up? Great fixtures. Alternative is Bergwijn instead of Pogba, but not sure about Spurs.

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

      prefer rashford

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Still think Fernandes is enough United coverage for now.

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

      Some of his long passes and the penalty were great to see. Think i'm leaving him out tho, those midfield spots are valuable. You only get 3 basically cause you need KdB and Fernandes. Sure spurs parked the bus today but the scoreline was debet to that. With easier fixtures i think you can't go wrong with one of Son/Bergwijn

  16. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    RMFHT

    Pope
    TAA, VVD, Doherty
    Salah, Richarlison, Son, Fernandes
    Vardy, Jimenez, DCL

    (3.9, Aurier, Luiz, Robinson)

    VVD, Doherty, Richarlison OR Aurier, Saiss, Mane?

    Cheers!

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

      VVD, Doherty, Richarlson

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Ta

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

    Which combo for free hit?

    1 hour, 16 mins ago

    A) Bergwijn, DCL, De Gea, kiko (bench kiko)
    B) son, Connolly, Saiss, Pope (bench Connolly)

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

      Haha as you might have noticed, this is a report. shameful

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

        Repost!! Argh

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

    3. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A

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

      Thanks guys, that's what I'm thinking too

  18. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    On WC:
    Pope
    TAA, ----, Saiss, Holgate, Lascelles
    Salah, KDB, ----, ----, Bruno
    ----, Jimenez, Tammy

    1) Aurier; Sarr, Davis; Rashford
    2) Doherty; Son, Cantwell; Nketiah

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

      A is a bit more balanced

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

    do u think guys that barnes will start tomorrow?
    or will be benched?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Should start.

  20. Tim
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on FH this week mainly looking at liverpool players, then wildcard gw32 thinking about remaining fixtures?

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

      I was planning wc this week but now considering FH to trial some players then wc in 32
      Though no having Auba vs Norwich in 32 would be a worry
      Think I’ll wait for remaining games to play out before deciding and forget any price changes

  21. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pog Berg or Richarlison from 31 onwards?

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I think Pogba

  22. Harn1
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    No Liverpool wildcard. Time to gamble!

    Pope
    Doherty Boly Saiss
    De Bruyne Son Bergwijn Fernandes Martial
    Kane Rashford
    (Martin Lascelles Holgate Nketiah)

    1. Tim
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Do you think liverpool will play the kids once the league is done?

      1. Harn1
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, I think the attackers especially may be vulnerable to reduced minutes.

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

        Most seem to. I actually think they could run riot in complete freedom once champions. It's going to be enormous in the city and they will feel it. Not just knock off, I don't see it

        1. Tim
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Is the champions league coming back?

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

            Is this now a wind-up?

            1. Tim
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              I'm serious? Is it not?

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

                Look up some news. In August it will be finished. No home and away fixtures, just 1. Probably in Portugal or Germany. Lots of great games in one month

              2. Lukey27
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 9 months ago

                Why?

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

      No Pool, Kane up top and triple wolves defense. That looks like putting everything on Green. I do like the rest of your team tho, good luck! (and i seriously think you need a back up plan, i think 2 wolves is better so you can get Jota/Jimmy as 3rd or replacement striker.

      1. Harn1
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, Kane to Jimenez would allow an upgrade to TAA in defense, which is a less risky option for those holding a good position. I'm chasing though so happy to take more risk.

  23. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) Stevens > Aurier
    B) Sarr > Bergwijn
    C) Ings > DCL

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

      I suggest you let Sarr and DCL play first

  24. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    A) VVD, Doherty, Richarlison, Jimenez
    B) Aurier, Saiss, Mane, Jimenez
    C) Aurier, Doherty, Mane, Jota

    Already have Salah and DCL, thinking Liverpool CS and ropey Norwich defence so currently on A!

    Cheers

  25. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Is Janmaat confirmed out for the season?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes

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

    Painful reading Simon!

    I just took out Ings and Fernandes from my previous team for Deeney and Mahrez

    I really thought Norwich would be up for this one

  27. Garam MOSALAH
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    If I play WC today, can I also play my Bench Boost next GW ?

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No.

  28. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    United double up...
    Bruno and...

    Pogba + Fodder 352
    Martial + Fodder 352
    Fodder + Rashford 343

    Rest of the frontline is
    KDB, Mane, Son, Bruno
    Tammy Jimi

  29. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    If Sterling has another game like last one, he's coming in for Son and I'll have to downgrade elsewhere...

  30. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Wc team, will I get away with this bench or better to downgrade Alonso and upgrade the bench , was 0.1 short for Doherty

    Pope

    Taa Alonso Lascelles

    Salah Son KDB Bruno

    Rashford Jimmy DCL

    Button Taylor Guendouzi Simpson