Pro Pundits - Tom

Who has created the most chances in FPL and why Solly March can be a budget gem

In his latest column, five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman discusses the players creating the most chances so far in 2020/21, a new Leicester City asset for the watchlist, Stuart Dallas and a Brighton differential.


Gameweek 3 has drawn to a close, and all in all, it’s been a pretty good one for me.

A total of 52 points has seen my overall rank rise to 453,222, and though it’s still early days, it’s been a positive start.

Mohamed Salah (£12.1m) led the way with 10 captain points but there were also returns for Alex McCarthy (£4.5m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m), Luke Ayling (£4.5m), Tomas Soucek (£5.0m) and Patrick Bamford (£5.8m), who has started well and exceeded expectations.

So, in this my latest article as part of the Pro Pundits initiative, I thought I’d touch upon a few things that have piqued my interest over the last few weeks.

I tend to make a lot of notes on a day-to-day basis and I suppose this is me downloading some of that information. If one or two of you can take something away from it, it’ll be worth it.

The Creators

Knowing the identity of each club’s most creative player, whether or not it’s from open play or set pieces, is something I like to keep note of. After just three Gameweeks, we’re still working with a small sample size and waiting for statistics to settle down, but in an attempt to pick up on any early trends, I thought I’d share it.


Lessons Learned from FPL Gameweek 3

584 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ace3.1415
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Play Lamptey or Podence?

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Podence

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Podence

    3. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Podence
      Hopefully he is fit for the game

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not much in it, both are probably 1 pointer

      1. lilmessipran
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Why ? Podence could easily get an attacking return if he starts

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Doubt he will start though, unnecessary risk to play vs Fulham.

          1. lilmessipran
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            When they were thrashed by West Ham? Oh they will make changes for sure..I reckon if he is available he starts ahead of neto

    5. The Big Larsbowski
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Podence against Fulham, surely. If he doen’t play, you’ll get Lamptey from the bench

    6. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How is this a question?

      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm guessing it's because Podence is still a doubt.

        1. The Big Larsbowski
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          That’s why we have a bench

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          That's what auto subs are for.

    7. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Play Podence. Lamptey first bench.

  2. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Play

    A. Dier (mun)
    B. Podence (FUL) (-4)

    1. ace3.1415
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B no brainer

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't take a hit for a player who is not confirmed yet.

  3. ace3.1415
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Robbo worth extra 2m over robbo?

    1. ace3.1415
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      *over Saiss

    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ummm.. yeah.. no.. maybe

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't think so 😉

    4. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Over the season yes imo..next 4-5 probably not

    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't. get. rid. of. Saiss.

    6. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    7. The Big Larsbowski
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Would not sell Saiss before Fulham at home

    8. hnmfm
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Huh

  4. TMF86
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Ings + 4.5m (playing) 5th choice mid
    B) Jimenez + 4.4 (likely non playing) 5th choice mid

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. diabydoesgallas
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B + dale Stephens

  5. Well you know, Triffic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Interesting that Salah is so creative at the minute. Always worth factoring in those players who hog corners and free kicks tend to post the best chance creation stats. However, Salah doesn't really take many corners or FK's, so his numbers are impressive.

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      His movement. and passing are so underrated, it barely gets mentioned in the media

  6. LSK
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Son to Rashford?

    1. 1justlookin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      nah, keep hold. He is only miasing 1 game

      1. LSK
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        1. LSK
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Okay, might do thanks

  7. BinManJack
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    pick one to bench
    a) James (PALACE)
    b) Justin (WEST HAM)
    c) Saiss (FULHAM

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  8. BIG TONES
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Starting to think the TAA/Robbo double up is mandatory for anyone on WC. Thoughts?

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed. I started with them in week 1 and am sticking ..

    2. diabydoesgallas
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Absolutely. First names on the team sheet

  9. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Nice article. Trossard an excellent option in that 10 position, and Brighton have been very impressive so far, especially when you look at the teams they've played.

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Definitely my Podence replacement this week if he's not fit.

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Definitely an interesting shout, Everton haven't been that impressive at the back. Hope Podence starts though, he's facing Denis Odoi!

  10. Kloptimus Prime
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on keeping Son till after IB and transfer to Pulisic or transfer to Barnes this week?

    Other option is Werner to Jimenez this week? 1FT

    1. 1justlookin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      This is what I'm thinking to do now. I was going to bring in Mahrez for him but I think I'll just keep hold instead

      1. Kloptimus Prime
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Son still a doubt but slight chance he'll play. Might just do Werner to Jimenez then

      2. SJP08
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm in the same position and was also about to transfer to Mahrez. Won't be surprised if Son drops by 0.1 again but willing to take that risk.

        1. SJP08
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Do you have other city cover? If you didn't (as in my case) would you transfer Mahrez for a hit?

        2. Kloptimus Prime
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Not too worried about the price drops. I have KDB and Foden so getting Mahrez might be risky. Could be lots of goals against leeds though. I could even save the FT and play Lamptey and Werner this week and bench Son leaving me 2FT for after IB. Just worried about not having Jimenez this GW

  11. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which upgrade?

    A) Dunne > 4.5
    B) Foden > Barnes
    C) Burke > Soucek

    1. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      b

  12. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do we think Werner will play this weekend?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes if he's fit.

    2. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, if he’s not afraid to

  13. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi.....what would you do with werner if already own jiminez?

    A...... sell for ings

    B....save ft

    He is clearly a quality player - but effectively playing OOP on the left.....ings is proven and on pens v wba.

    Thanks

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd say keep him. I'm sure you considered keeping him for the games against Palace & Soton at home when you opted for him on wildcard.

    2. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Think a bit long term with it - if you can save then do so. Surely in week 5 you'd rather have Werner than Ings when they play each other?

      2 FTs over the IB could be gold.

      That said, I think Ings could be a great captain choice this week. WBA and FUL defences are so bad that I think they're worth targeting for captaincy no matter what the price.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Difficult call. I'd like to save with a view to using 2ft to get robbo after the break.

        Need to wait for podence news before really knowing my plans.

  14. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Outside chance of Son being fit for the weekend
    https://twitter.com/jonathandveal83/status/1311274890373337094

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't do this to me, Mou...

      1. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        GW1: Alli subbed off at HT. Doc and Lloris blanked. Spurs looked horrible
        WC GW2: No Spurs. Lol
        GW3: Bruno to Son. Son subbed off at HT and then ruled out
        GW4: Son to Bruno. Son ruled back in with a chance after the transfer

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Can I just say that you're one of the most entertaining managers to follow? You would have been like top 1K last season if not for taking an absolute ton of hits.

          And you're back at it again! Hoping that you learn some patience but also not because it's funny to see moments like this all season 😛

          1. Ze_Austin
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Sold Son because he was ruled out. Is that any fault of mine that he's now back in contention? Or that Bruno to Son played out the way it did? 2 posts, Dier's missed chance, and the late Bruno pen?

            Or should I have patiently held Alli, Doc or Lloris?

            1. Ze_Austin
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Other moves involved a WC that did pay off and is now set long-term, and Auba to KDB (C) along with the Bruno to Son move... Which seemed logical as upside chasing at the time (Auba's positioning, Man U looking lethargic, Son not staying as a wingback), and KDB's my captain again for GW4

              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                I'm sorry if what I said came off as criticism. I did not mean it that way. Every manager can play the way they like. You like to play very proactively which is entertaining to follow. Perhaps it will work out for you this season.

                As for Son, I made the same mistake. I should not have sold him. I did it to consolidate a price rise and because of the uncertainty on his return. The better play was to wait and be patient. Transfers have heavy opportunity cost. It was a much better plan to save the FT, play Lamptey this week (if he's even out) and then have 2 FTs over the International Break to reassess. It was my plan with the GW3 wildcard and I acted quickly (and incorrectly imo) to move him on. Now I will likely have to buy him back which will inevitably force me to take a hit in GW6 to get Liverpool defense which I otherwise might have been able to avoid.

                1. Ze_Austin
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  I understand

                  I tried what you're referring to about Son with Martial last season. Absolutely tanked me further. Keeping an expensive asset who's already ruled out by the manager tends to harm more than it helps. There's also no guarantee, with muscle injuries, that the timeline is correct

                  Mou did say "a while" during the weekend, then "after the international break" yesterday, and then "maybe this weekend" out of nowhere today. Not your fault or mine that we're at the mercy of managers' honesty

                  Plus, who knows how your Son replacement will do, in this topsy turvy season. Lamptey might be sold to Bayern before he gets to play for you this weekend, even

                  I accept criticism, mind. Just didn't understand the angle because I've really held back (as against how I'd usually react, like keeping double Pool on my WC) this season and kept transfers to haul-promising premiums (Auba to KDB, Bruno to Son), only to be manhandled by one coach 😐

                  Son was meant to stay long-term, and then roll the GW4 FT and see what I could do in GW5 to sell Digne and push the money into a 7th attacker with two FTs and 2.1M itb... And then Son's injured for a while at half time

                  Now he isn't

                  Ugh.

    2. MSTRKRFTSMN
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Knew it. Said after the Newcastle game it would be mourinho mind games ahead of the united match. Also if spurs had won he would have been able to get away with saying he was resting him. In defeat he would have been slaughtered for taling him off unnecessarily

    3. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lol bloody Jose

    4. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Glad I kept finger away for trigger for once

  15. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Jose says no new injuries from yesterday and adds: "Sonny is not playing tomorrow, a big doubt for Sunday. But he might play (Sunday).

    1. diabydoesgallas
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wow. He’s going nowhere for me then.

    2. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No way he plays

      1. teneighty
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'll second this.

  16. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Cole Palmer (18) is set for his senior #ManCity debut tonight against Burnley in the @Carabao_Cup fourth round. - City Xtra

    Pep just doesn't care, excellent.

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He does care, maybe he just realised now that nobody else cares for this competition

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        No, the intense schedule and injuries are why he's rotating in the cup. Otherwise he'd go for it.

  17. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mccarthy
    TAA Semedo Dunne -
    Salah KDB Hamez -
    Vardy Jimi

    Button Mitchell Stephens Davis

    A) Justin Zaha
    B) Castagne Townsend

    1. diabydoesgallas
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  18. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How is Salah 57% to score with the bookies when he only scored in 3 of 19 away games last season?

    1. The Big Larsbowski
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Home and away without a crowd is two different things.

    2. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Liverpool (and Mo Salah himself) are really good at football.

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Salah is also very good at making sure the ball enters the net.

        1. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Soccer sphere -->> soccer bag.

    3. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Because bookies aren’t stupid enough to put that much stock in performance over a small sample size, they just bake in ‘normal’ home/away advantage.

  19. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Taylor -> Robbo for a hit?

    Have TAA, Salah

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No.

  20. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    1) How do you feel about Everton?
    Do you think they can keep this form and battle for top 4 this season... or the honeymoon is over after Brighton?

    2) Is Semedo the best Wolves defender to get in my WC?

    1. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, but probably I see them in top6 (they lack the quality bench).

      He is exciting but still a wait and see - I need some signs that Wolves defense is at least half good as it was Post restart

  21. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    1 FT, 0.0 ITB
    Willing to take a hit!

    Players I want : Ings, Jimenez, Maddison, Barnes, Vardy, Zaha, Periera, Rashford

    Probably going out : Werner, Jorginho, Son, Mitrovic

    Which combination would you prefer from the pool above?

    1. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You can’t go wrong really imo but I would choose:

      Ings (short term and cap material this Gw) / Jimmy mid term and more stable deliveries

      Barnes (very exciting for eye test but also very frustrating)
      Zaha (kind of boring but will tick over)

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

    Salah VS KDB captaincy going to go down to the wire for me!

    Just cant look past Salah for some reason, even with Villas defensive record.

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm on kdb currently. Although flip of a coin

    2. MSTRKRFTSMN
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Villa away last season was one of our hardest games all season. Needed a miracle comeback late on to snatch 3 points with Robbie and mane scoring. That’s what’s putting me off salah. But I’ll prob still captain him

    3. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KDB. Leeds will do high press and City will play through it. Expect Sterling to get a haul aswell.

  23. wagwan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do I start Bamford v city or Justin v west ham this week?

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bamford

      1. Stef rocks
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Both !

  24. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Maybe it's wiser to have Salah+Mane than Salah+Kdb/Sterling?

    1. MSTRKRFTSMN
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Probably not

    2. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Or just KDB + Sterling + 0.5.
      They’ll start smashing it again soon

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Tricky fixtures after Leeds.I prefer Liverpool players.

    3. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I do think this could work, especially after the next 3 for City. Issue is if Liverpool score a lot then the full backs may be worth a double up on attacking output alone.

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        cheers

    4. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, one loss means they won't be the best attacking team in the league.

      1. Seanigula
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not having a striker might be a problem

  25. Starky22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who to captain....
    A. Salah
    B. Dings

    1. Gashead9
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ings

  26. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Knew Mourinho was trolling! Didn't see Son get injured, so suspect it was only hamstring tightness

    Mourinho saying that Son could play at the weekend

    Love it 😀

    1. MSTRKRFTSMN
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If he’s training then he hasn’t torn his hammy 4 days ago. Should be an easy one to guess

      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He didn't tear his hammy as he walked off the pitch fine. Probably a light strain, which is usually 1-2 weeks out.

    2. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      IB always comes with some suspicious injuries.

  27. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Outside chance Son could be available for weekend. Brilliant, ill take a 10% chance over 0%.

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Still holding, even 70% fit better than most players?

  28. Stef rocks
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Almost convinced on Son & Werner out, but who to bring in for a hit within 20.5M budget.
    I am leaning towards the usual suspects:
    A) KDB
    B) Sterling
    C) Salah
    D) Mane

    1) Jimmy
    2) Ings

    Please not that I cannot afford only C1

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You don't have any of those first 4? :O

      1. Stef rocks
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes obviously! Why is any of them essential? I don’t might getting the points from elsewhere - you know there are many ways to play FPL

        1. Joey Tribbiani
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          None of them are essential atm, but those are the most reliable points scorers. Took a look at your team, and I coudn't do what you are doing. I would be scared every week, not many captaincy options I am confident on.

          1. Stef rocks
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah it sucks currently i know 🙂 I almost hit the woldcars button but i still believe i can fix the things a little bit with 2-3 transfers. Would most probably cap whoever mid I bring!

    2. AD105
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C2 for me, both got good fixtures, both scoring goals, both on pens

  29. Gashead9
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    On WC, which is the better combo?

    Martinez,
    TAA, Robbo, ******,
    Salah, KDB, ******, Soucek,
    Vardy, Ings, Mitrovic

    Nyland - Bissouma, Mitchell, Dunne

    A) Castagne & Perreria (maybe on pens?)
    B) Lamptey & Barnes

  30. kempc23
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Im stuck between-

    A) Son, Havertz and Werner to Salah, Barnes and Jimenez

    B) Son, Havertz and Doherty to Salah, Barnes and Saiss

    Both for -4z Im leaning towards B, as think Saiss and Werner should outscore Doherty and Jimenez?

    1. Gashead9
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A for me