Pro Pundits - Tom

Five-time top 1k FPL finisher Tom Freeman on Liverpool defence, Spurs and Villa

One of the world’s best FPL managers, Tom Freeman (aka avfc82), discusses Trent Alexander-Arnold, Son-Heung min, Aston Villa and more before revealing his own team plans for Gameweek 5.


So, where were we?

The last time I checked in, Gameweek 3 had drawn to a close and I sat 453,222nd overall. I talked up Solly March (£5.0m) and Stuart Dallas (£4.5m), and also touched upon each club’s most creative player so far.

Since then, Mohamed Salah’s (£12.2m) 26-point captaincy haul, combined with returns for Alex McCarthy (£4.5m), Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.5m) and James Rodríguez (£7.8m), contributed to my Gameweek 4 score of 68 points, which has seen my overall rank rise to 271,739.

So, in this my latest column, I thought it might be useful to address some of the bigger talking points that have dominated discussion in the FPL community during the international break. The topics I cover are not only relevant to my team, but probably yours too, and I hope by putting forward my thoughts on them, it can help a few of you out.

SHOULD I SELL TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD AND BUY HIM BACK ONCE ALISSON RETURNS?


369 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    WC Draft:

    Martinez - 4.0
    Robertson - Chilwell - Saiss - KWP - Mitchell
    Salah - Son - J.Rodriguez - Zaha - Soucek
    Kane - DCL - Maupay

    If Chilwell is out/doubt, who should I put into his place?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      PVA!!! You have Mitchell as cover if he doesn’t start

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

        This is a great idea. Food for thought because it would actually make Mitchell viable bench fodder

  2. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hoping I should be alright here after another disruptive IB, GTG?

    Martinez
    *Digne Saiss James
    *KDB Son(c) Rodriguez Grealish
    Jimenez Ings Richarlison

    Button Justin Bissouma *Ferguson 0FT 2.6 ITB

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

      Terrible. How would you get a pool def in? How would you get a premium mid in? Everything will require multiple transfers in future.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        KDB will go to Salah next GW. No rush on Liverpool defence right now.

      2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He has 2.6 itb, he'll be alright

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          That’s the spirit

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Digne can go as Pickford is in goal.
      Bit too much cash up front me

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Pickford has been the main reason Digne hasn’t scored as well as he should. Hope Olsen gets a chance soon.

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You will be ok. I have KDB, Lamptey, Sterling, James, Mitchell and no Son and Kane. Still holding, in hope.

    4. MikeBravo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Digne possible knee injury from last night.

  3. konrad.sygula95
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you WC this team ?
    Mccarthy/Nyland
    TAA/ Saiss/Holding/Douglas/Mitchell
    KDB/Salah(c)/Havertz/Podence/Stephens
    Ings/Werner/Mitro
    1 ft 0.4 itb

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would give the Chelsea assets one last chance this week, if they disappoint again then WC next week

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      yes

  4. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Egan 25% chance of playing. He is by farm my worst gw1 pick of my FPL career. Says he will be back in training on Friday. Hope he starts because this fixture was the reason i kept him...

    1. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      far*

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

    WC team: Thoughts please?

    McCarthy Steer
    Justin TAA Cooper Mitchell Chilwell/Regulion
    Salah KDB Grealish Klich Bissouma
    Kane DCL Maupay

    1. Hattrick Harry
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Cooper is injured, Struijk starts

      1. Hattrick Harry
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        And Justin is out the moment Pereira comes back, Mitchell out when PVA is back. I would change all those 3 defenders, Jack Robinson SheffU at 4.4, Dallas 4.5 or Ayling 4.5 all nailed and starting.

    2. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mitchell could lose place soon
      City look awful, maybe hold back on Kevin

    3. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would prefer Bissouma to Son and Kane to a cheaper striker

  6. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Morning all!
    Any changes needed to my WC?

    Ryan - McCarthy

    KWP - Justin - Robertson - Saïss - Zouma

    ASM- Salah - Bruno - Son - Bissouma

    Brewster - Lewin - Kane

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

      When Pereira is back? Would not keep Justin on WC

    2. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ok many thanks

  7. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    There's a slight chance that Digne might miss the game now, does that make Salah(C) an easier decision as he'll be up against Nkounkou?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah is always a decent captaincy shout even if Digne starts

  8. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) ASM + Bruno
    B) Grealish + Pulisic

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      b

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    3. Machine_Gunnerz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      ASM and grealish. Man u aren't in form and Pulisic may not start

  9. Sotamendi84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    please rate my wc:
    martinez 4.0
    lamptey dallas robbo kwp mitchel
    salah son kdb grealiah soucek
    kane dcl brewster

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Solid

  10. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here?

    Martínez
    TAA Saïss Castagne
    Salah KDB Son Foden Podence
    DCL Jiménez

    Steer Brewster Mitchell Lamptey

  11. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Why the love for PVA all of a sudden? Bang average team and player

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Agree

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Fixtures, defensive team, historic goal returns and outside chance of penalties

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

      must be new here

    4. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mark once again professed his undying love for him in the latest Blackbox episode. I'm pretty sure he has PVA bed covers.

      Palace have strong fixtures, a defence with potential, and PVA hits around 5ppg in games outside the 'top 7' according to Mark's analysis on Blackbox. This is why he's such a good manager. That attention to detail and the meticulous planning.

      For me personally, getting PVA would hinder my plans for my attacking players, so I probably won't invest, but he's a strong option.

    5. MikeBravo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      PVA? Palace? Meh...

  12. FPLHaggis
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Ayling
    Salah KDB (c) Son Podence Soucek
    DCL Antonio
    (Saiss Digne Wickham)

    0FT
    G2G?

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

      Son VC

  13. Gunner1290
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best 3 defenders under 5.5?

    1. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bellerin

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

      Saiss/Semedo
      Ayling/Dallas
      Reguilon

  14. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is any of the 4.5 Palace defenders nailed?
    Ward? Sakho?

    1. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sakho should be i guess

  15. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hesitating between those two teams - do we have any idea of Pulisic being back and playing this GW?

    Also do I rotate McCarthy + Ryan or just have. 1 playing keeper?

    a. Martinez, Puli, Kane
    b. McCarthy, sterling, Jim

    Ryan, X
    Robbo Dallas Lamptey Ferguson X
    Son Salah Hames Soucek X
    DCL Brewster X

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      sorry last defender is either KWP or Konsa

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A.
      Have cheap 2nd keeper and bank the cash
      You have another def?

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        thanks mate, will do McCarthy and Button as GK.. which gives me funds to upgrade KWP to either Saiss or Cresswell??

  16. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    (A) Maupay + Sterling
    (B) Kane + Rodriguez

    1. Machine_Gunnerz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B surely

  17. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    (A) Chilwell & JRodriguez

    (B) Lamptey & Pulisic

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      a

  18. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Has there been any actual news confirming KDB out of this wkend yet that I’ve missed?

    Could a hit for Sterling be fruitful? Got Taylor first sub but also Lamptey flagged

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      sterling also flagged, got him in my WC but not sure now

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Oh shoot didn’t see that. Hmmm.

        Hopefully we get. Pep presser with some info that’s more definitive lol

        Otherwise not sure who id take. Chelsea mids are a wait and see still for me

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Nothing confirmed but I don’t like that move, they’ve looked bad enough with kdb I don’t think a hit to sterling would be worth it especially considering it’s arsenal who aren’t exactly awful

  19. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Also somebody said yesterday JRod a doubt to start?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just cause of long travel back. Should be back in the UK later today. I assume he starts

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Hope so!

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I recon he starts, can’t see their best player sitting out the derby fatigue or not

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

        agree

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Due to late arrival from international duty. I can't see him not starting though - it's the derby!

  20. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Good morning, anybody looked four 4.5 def rotation?
    Or easier to change 4.5 -> 5.5 and 4.5 -> 4.0?

    Robertson, Lamptey, KWP, Dallas, Masuaku

    Robertson + two rotation:
    GW5 GW6 GW7 GW8 GW9 GW10 GW11 GW12
    WOL (H) AVL (A) LEI (H) FUL (H) AVL (A) AVL (H) SOU (H) WBA (H)
    CRY (A) WBA (H) AVL (A) NEW (H) SHU (A) CRY (A) BHA (A) SHU (H)

  21. puhd
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi! Question:

    Branthwaite (Everton Defender)
    Douglas (Leeds Defender)

    Will they play?
    At 3.9 they could be a great enablers. But I don't fancy having a non playing player on my bench.

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Feel like Douglas is the more likely to see an occasional minute. Neither of them will play much though

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

        thanks mate

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

        Douglas may leave this week. Blackburn are sniffing.

  22. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you get for Chilwell in a WC?
    A. Castagne
    B. PVA

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      A

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  23. Urchin
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KDB to havertz, pulisic of Bale?

    1. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep KDB

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep

    3. puhd
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep for now imo

    4. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep KDB. If Pep says that he is injured and will be out for a while - then Pulisic

    5. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks Guys, such consensus very rarely seen on this forum. Keeping KDB

  24. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Good morning chaps,

    Play Brewster (FUL) or Podence (lee)?

    Also, thoughts on getting Barkley next week for Podence as a fifth mid in a 3-5-2?

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

      Im hoping Brewster finally plays.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      which one is more likely to start ?

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Brew-dog

    4. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Brewster. SHU are due 😉

  25. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys, 1 FT and 4.4 ITB

    A - Havertz > Salah
    B - ASM > Grealish
    C - Save

    McCarthy
    Saiss - Mitchell - Egan
    Son (c) - Bruno - ASM - Havertz
    DCL - Ings - Jimi

    Steer - Soucek - Digne - Taylor  

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      Jimi to Kane, he has a great record against West ham.

  26. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is Mitchell likely to start for Palace or might he lose his place?

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Supposed to start at least one more

    2. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Depends. If PVA is fit, Mitchy is out

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Pat's back

  27. Riders of Yohan
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1FT & 0ITB

    McCarthy
    TAA, Mitchell, Justin
    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Hamez, soucek
    Jimi, Brewster

    Nyland. Taylor, KWP, Adams

    A) KDB to Son
    B) Sterling to Son
    C) use either of the above to upgrade someone for a hit
    D) something else

    1. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd go B. No need for a hit

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Really similar question to mine below.
      Unless I hear anything more about an injury, I think I'm keeping KDB.
      As well as your options, I'm also considering leaving KDB and Sterling and upgrading Adams to Antonio

    3. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  28. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Sterling - Mane
    B) Sterling - Son
    C) Keep Sterling
    *have KDB

    1. 2OLEgend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  29. RIDZ
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Sais - Mitchell - x - x - x

    Need 3 defenders with maximum 16.1

    Zouma? Gabriel?

    1. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bellerin Chillwell & Lamptey

    2. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      2x 4.5 and Robbo

      1. RIDZ
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Avoid Liverpool defense until Alisson fit

        1. Joey Tribbiani
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Well if you think so, I want to get Robbo or Trent in, scary going without LIV defender because of ownership. Liverpool second best defense statistically last season with Adrian in goal, if he cuts those mistakes, they should have no problem. Also lots of potential for attacking returns.
          BUT many ways to play the game, good luck

  30. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Good morning DZ, Thoughts on this:

    Burke + Werner > Son + Brewster (for free)
    Any other moves better? Team below:

    Martinez - Steer
    TAA - Saiss - Lamptey - Mitchell - Dunne
    Salah - KDB - Hamez - Podence - Burke*
    Werner* - DCL - Jimenez

    1. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Can you not do the same mover with Jiminez instead of Werner? I personally think Werner will come good this GW (onwards). Wolves need some sorting.

      1. French Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        0.2 short - i gave werner 4 weeks - "it's time to go"

        1. Urchin
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Hmm, do it then I guess.