Pro Pundits - Tom

The Brighton and Burnley FPL assets on my radar for the final two Gameweeks

One of the world’s best FPL managers, Tom Freeman (aka avfc82), discusses Burnley, Brighton, Oliver McBurnie, Gameweek 37+ plans and more in his regular column.


So, where were we?

The last time I checked in, we were just two games into Gameweek 32+ and I sat 44,693rd overall, with a Wildcard and Bench Boost in hand. 

I talked Everton, and specifically Lucas Digne (£5.9m), whilst touching upon Manchester City and how Phil Foden (£5.5m) could be a nice differential for the run-in.

Since then, I’ve used both remaining chips to varying success and have seen my overall rank rise to 17,122.

Despite Everton’s struggles, Digne has two assists in four games with some good upcoming fixtures and whilst Foden registered 12 points shortly after the last article dropped, he’s underwhelmed a little since, though his expected goal involvement (xGI) suggests he’s maybe been a bit unfortunate not to return more.

So, all in all, it’s gone pretty well.

We’re only one game into Gameweek 36+, but for context, here’s how I’m shaping up…



Tom Freeman – aka avfc82 – comes onto the team to make most of us feel wildly insecure about our overall rank history. A long-time Fantasy Football Scout user, he has finished inside the top 1,000 a staggering five times since 2009.

548 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Early thoughts on Ederson and Pulisic to one from Ryan/McCarthy/Martinez and Mahrez for free ?

    And FH for GW38.

    Ederson
    TAA/Doherty/Kiko
    Salah/Sterling/KDB/Bruno/Puli
    Rash/Green

    Martin/Lasc/Holgate/Connolly

  2. JBG
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    For gw37.

    Alonso + Vardy to Tarkowski + Ings for -4?

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      This leaves me with enough money to do Pulisic to Salah GW38.

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Depends on if Ings play tonight. He might get a rest if he does.

      1. Fit_to_drop
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Or tomorrow I should say.

        1. JBG
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah doing this if he is rested this GW.

  3. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I am starting to panic with my Foden captain pick... Most of my ML rivals have Sterling (C)

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Look at it this way, if you get it right its K'ching$$$

    2. Whiskerz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It was always the spicy pick. Just prepare your butt.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think you'll benefit.

      Lateriser12 is on Foden captain too.

    4. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Happy with Sterling (c) for safety and just owning Foden

      Hope it's not like last time

      Games are middle of the night so I wake up to the scores. When you see City won 5-0...open the app in absolute raptures only to see your players got nowt

  4. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What to do with TAA & Azpi this coming GW?

    Would you play both?

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Depends on the rest of your team. I'd certainly play TAA, but consider dropping Azpi

      1. Evasivo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed, in my case Ward vs WOL (A) is my alternative

        1. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Think I'd play Azpi.

          1. Evasivo
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers mate

  5. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I think you'll benefit.

    Lateriser12 is on Foden captain too.

  6. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I’m sure Pep starts KDB tonight, based on Bournemouth’s recent performances he surely is not stupid enough to under estimate them. He has been punished for this kinda thing in the past.
    I’m not saying Bournemouth could beat them, but put up a good fight, maybe.
    If KDB doesn’t start, he will at least come on to save the day lol

    1. Pinturicchio10
        3 years, 8 months ago

        All I am sure of is the color of the jerseys

      • TomSaints
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Funny old sport. I’m 95% convinced he’s rested. Starts 2 rests 1 seems pattern though your silver lining is that he played only ~60 mins.

        Also this game doesn’t matter but FA cup and resting players does.

      • I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        The game doesn't really mean a whole lot to City though does it?

      • Lucy2019
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        You are sure as you own KDB. Simple as that really.

      • linkafu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        KDB have 3 chances to get to Henry's record of assist. I don't see Pep blocking him to set this record

        1. Skogen89
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I belive winning the fa cup is more important than de bruyne's record. Surley he'll be rested.

    2. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Anyone else go Salah (C) and how many points are you expecting?

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Praying for a hatti lol, need it so bad

      2. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        0/
        One more point than the next highest scorer.

      3. Patron
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Me! Would love a hattie from my captain for once...

      4. FPLHaggis
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        o/
        13 points x 2
        1 goal (pen)
        1 assist
        3 bonus
        No cleanie

      5. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Hope he gets nada

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Having a lot of work is blessing in disguise today.
      Instead of thinking about what that bald fraud would do better be working 😀

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I think you'll benefit.

        Lateriser12 is on Foden captain too.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I passed on Foden ....
          Pulisic ©
          Did Mane AWB >> Martial ALONSO (-4) yesterday in excitement of early news 😀

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I passed on Pulisic captain too. Just hope Salah outscores him.
            Nice move. Although your stuck with Alonso now.

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Will bench him for Taylor (Norwich)
              Alonso should have scored yesterday...

              Pulisic © went boring ... I will be outside of 100k i guess after this GW 😀

        2. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I did C Dilva, VC Foden.

        3. The Sociologist
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Also gone Foden (c), glad to see I’m in good company.

      2. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Sterling(c) here with two main rivals on KDB.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Boom

      3. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        4 hours & a bit to go.
        Tick Tock.Tock Tick. 🙂

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah

    4. OneDennisBergkamp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      didnt see the game but it says Willian had 7 attempted assists, could they not finish?

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Giroud happened.

      2. Darlo
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Giroud missed a hatful of chances, but 7 attempted assists for Willian seems a bit generous!

      3. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Missed it but saw some people saying Giroud shoulda had a hatti

        1. Patron
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          if it was Lewa he would. But Giroud nah. Good thing he got one atleast.

      4. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        XG of 3.5 I think

      5. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I watched the game and Willian was so unlucky to have shite players in the same team.........7 very good chances missed, the worse ones were the CBs with free headers from 4 yards out.............

      6. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Let me tell you a story

        Willian takes corners

        All corners he took found Chelsea heads because Norwich are sh.t 😀

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Tar(c)owski next GW?

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Good shout mate
            I'm looking at McNeil Wood too.

    5. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Any updates on who is likely to start for City this evening?

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        No and there wont be any.
        Accept it.

      2. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yes I'll tell you in a little over 4 hours.

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

        I'll still be surprised if KDB starts

      4. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Pep doesn't know yet

    6. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jesus(c) anyone?

      1. Pinturicchio10
          3 years, 8 months ago

          o/
          Could end in disaster but hey if you're not in you cant win.

        • Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yep. Bricking it, but everyone was a risk this week.

      2. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        How does this team for 38? Would be for free with no hits. Look strong enough?

        Pope
        TAA Diop Digne
        Foden Dsilva Bruno Salah Martial
        Auba Jesus
        Martinez Greenwood Fernadnez Aurier

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Looks very good.

          1. Rinseboy
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            thanks Camzy. Foden gametime and no KDB is my biggest concern I guess

        2. linkafu
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          GTG Maybe Martinez over Pope

          1. Rinseboy
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Good shout cheers

      3. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Phil your boots Foden.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          He must be Pep'ped up !

      4. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Good read Tom. Unfortunately not a good time for differentials as there are so many good and cheap options from the top teams already (Foden, Jesus, greenwood, Bruno and martial underpriced) filling up the usual differential spots

        1. riot
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          This. Would love to punt on a midfield differential but you're taking a huge risk whoever you transfer out

        2. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks mate.

          Yeah, not easy fitting one in is it. I'm currently looking at Pulisic > McNeil, or maybe Trossard, but let's see the next couple of nights games first.

          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I'm thinking the differentials are the expensive players at this point.

            A lot of teams aren't structured to get in a Salah or Aubameyang if they have been taken out. Auba especially is looking a juicy differential to end the season.

            1. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Yes. Many have issue called Pulisic and some other priorities also. FH gw38 looks like the way to get Auba without a hit.

            2. TLF
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I really like Auba in 37/38 but with City facing NOR I don't think he'd get the armband that week even if I had him & there are other options for 37 too so might side step him, I can see the appeal though, for me as an Arsenal fan and FPL manager, could be a joyful conclusion to the season x 2.

            3. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah, I really don't like it when I don't own Salah. Might look at getting him back in for Newcastle.

          2. riot
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Best compliment: I bought membership for it 🙂

            To be fair I'd kind of forgotten I wasn't one, I'd pay to support even when I don't read lots of articles

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Nice one, it'll be well worth it.

          3. TLF
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            A decent read as always Tom. I like Trossard but as Brosstan says, with KDB, Raz, Bruno, Martial, Ings, Jesus and Greenwood + Puli on the bench next week it's difficult to fit him in ! I like some differential defenders though, got Azpi, James, Digne, KWP & Lamptey in on WC last week, BB currently active and don't expect much from Lamptey v SOU but looking forward to starting him against NEW. I'm probably going to move Azpi out for Tierney going into 37 but will watch all the games before deciding. GL with Jesus cap, I've got the armband on him this week too, hope he can replicate the success had with Raz last week 🙂

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Thanks mate, fingers crossed re Jesus, he's prob gonna have to do it in 60ish mins tho, hopefully that's enough!

      5. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        A bit early but Kane for gw38 is plausible?
        Will BB38. Pulisic to Antonio is imminent.

        Not sure about front 3.
        Greenwood Nketiah Vardy currently.
        Vardy needs to go, can afford anyone.

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Prefer Auba.

          1. JustPark
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Watford is in relegation fight mode. Motivation should be high. Won't be easy for Arsenal. And I have Nketiah.

            1. I Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              True, but they could be safe by then.

            2. I Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Do you already have 3 City players? Jesus a good shout if not.

              1. JustPark
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Good shout. No Kane then.

        2. linkafu
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Vardy to Ings

          1. JustPark
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Really looking at Vardy to him or JRod.

            GW37:
            Ings away to Bournemouth
            JRod away to Norwich
            GW:38
            Ings home to Sheffield
            Jarod home to Brighton.

      6. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Finally happy with My pulisic Captain pick. At least he hadn't blank and my one rival in ML Captained Willian.

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I captained Willian. 🙁

      7. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Anyone started looking at their FH38 drafts? I know so much can and probably will change between now and then but this is my first attempt:

        Martinez
        TAA, Taylor, Holgate
        Salah, Sterling, KDB, Fernandes, David Silva
        Aubameyang, Greenwood

        Martin; Nketiah, Lamprey, Simpson.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Bring in good headers from Chelsea team.

          Jesus Laporte Raz

          Here's my trio to face Norwich

          1. linkafu
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Norwich could score for their last in PL

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              F.ck their last game.

              They will do good crossing City box mate. They are sh.t !!

      8. Ninjaa
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thoughts on Jimenez TC st home to Palace this gw???
        Im playing catch up and mini league leader doesn't have him.

        1. Klaren
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I'd captain a City or United player that your rival doesn't own instead. Or maybe Salah vs Newcastle.

        2. Breaking FPL
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          i would never TC Jimenez personally. Doesn't haul enough, most i would be expecting is a single goal

      9. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Can go BIG

        1. linkafu
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Error, answer to NINJA

          1. Ninjaa
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Thanks

      10. Fit_to_drop
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Is it a given that one of either KDB or David Silva plays tonight? Who else can fill that creative role? The other candidates are more link or defensive players (Gundogan, Rodri, Fernandinho) play on the wing (Bilva, Mahrez)

        1. Breaking FPL
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          i think David Silva starts tonight and KDB is benched

        2. Mattious8
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          KDB is due to sit with Pep roulette, I'd be shocked if he starts.

          1. linkafu
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Running after Henry assits records...

      11. EWH2020
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Any chance Sterling would be on pens tonight? Hoping Pep let's him start and the others are willing him on for Golden Boot!

        1. linkafu
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          KDB party

        2. Mattious8
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Gundogen if KDB not in there, which most likely he won't be.

        3. Greek Freak
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          As an owner, I hope not.

      12. Plagued by indecision
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Just BB left in terms of chips, and think I will play it GW37. Will need a 4-point at least with Aurier and Lascelles possibly out. Any thoughts? I have 2.7 ITB and 1 FT.

        Pope / Martinez
        Doherty / Saiss / AWB / Aurier* / Lascelles*
        Salah / Willian / Martial / Mahrez / Saka
        Vardy / Greenwood / Jimenez

        Also for the chop are Willian, Vardy and Mahrez. Want Aubameyang for GW37/38, and Antonio for GW38. I also want a guaranteed starter in Man City attack... yes, a unicorn I know, but David Silva?

      13. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        imo KDB and sterling are the 2 players still looking for personal records, I don't see pep bench one of them til the end of seasons. (I can see both bench in cup for Silva and Foden).

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

          Pep doesn't care about records and league anymore, he's focused fully on Cup and CL. Just listen to couple of his interviews.

      14. Test Eagles
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        My guess as to City’s starting XI

        Ederson
        Walker Stones Laporte Zinchenko
        Bilva Rodrigo Bilva
        Foden Jesus Sterling

        Sterling with a hatrick, same for Jesus, all assisted by Bilva.

        No worries

        1. Test Eagles
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Obviously one Bilva should be a Dilva

          1. Boxwoods
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            😉

        2. linkafu
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Ederson
          Walker Garcia Stones Zichenko
          Gundogan KDB Rodri
          Bilva Sterling Foden

        3. Boxwoods
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Assist breakdown as between the two Bilvas?

        4. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Which City players do you own?

        5. _Gunner
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          My Guess

          Ederson
          Cancelo Laporte Garica Zinchenko
          Gundogan Dilva KDB
          Bilva Sterling Foden

      15. Shankly611
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        So, after my FH this week, need to do some transfers in my team.

        Pope
        TAA Doherty Femenia
        Sterling KDB Bruno Martial Pulisic
        Vardy Jimenez

        Button Lascelles* Nketiah* Ngakia*

        A) Nketiah > Greenwood
        B) Nketiah, Vardy > Greenwood, Ings (-4)
        C) Nketiah, Ngakia > Greenwood, Bardsley (-4)

        Leaning towards B and hope Lascelles plays vs Brighton. I could then bench Pulisic who plays away vs Liverpool. Suggestions?

      16. Gringo Kid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Need your help guys

        A) GW 37 Vardy to Ings
        GW 38 Jimmy to Jesus

        B) GW 37 Vardy to JRod
        GW 38 Puli to Sterling

        C) GW 37 Vardy to Ings
        GW 38 Puli to Dilva

        Thanks

        1. Shankly611
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          C

      17. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I’m still trying to understand why majority of the 10k FPL managers decided to put the armband in Sterling - it makes no sense to me at all..

        1. Stupendous
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Might make sense if he scores a brace or more.

          Non owner here.

        2. Pinturicchio10
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Chasing a haul in the softest fixture. The risk is obvious.

            1. Vazza
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              It’s not even a risk in my opinion. It’s silliness that has reached new heights.

              Admittedly, I’m one of the Sterling captainers and have been annoyed by my decision since yesterday’s deadline.

        3. linkafu
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          C

        4. Plagued by indecision
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          2 defenders with maximum goal threat for 10.9. Thoughts?

          I have Doherty, Saiss and AWB as my others, and I'm maxed out for Man United players.

        5. Champions League Varane
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Ok very early but..

          Vardy and Willian ➡️Auba and Dsilva -4.?

          1. Vazza
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            might be worth it esp. if you are intending to captain any of the new players