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. Lukakuna
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is Semedo nailed? Or better to go for Coady?

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

      Semedo looks like he should be nailed - no Europe or cup games until January

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

        +1

      2. @FPLMason
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This

  2. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2FT, 0.9m in the bank.

    Holding ->
    A) Saiss (safe option)
    B) PVA!! (fun option!)

    McCarthy, Steer
    Trent, Virgil, Bellerin, Holding, Mitchell
    Salah, KDB, Son, Foden, Bissouma
    Jiménez, Antonio, Davis

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

      B - you have Mitchell as cover

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

      I'd do
      Foden > Grealish
      Holding > Lamptey

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

    Can somebody please give me some thoughts on this?
    What would you do with 2 FT and 2m ITB?
    Thinking of Podence -> Grealish and bank the other FT.
    Any suggestions?

    McCarthy
    TAA - Saiss - Taylor
    KDB - Bruno - Son - Podence
    DCL - Mitro - Vardy
    (Steer - Bissouma, Ayling, Mitchell)

    Thanks! 🙂

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

      No plans of getting Salah anytime soon? Podence to Grealish is sensible choice.
      I also own McCarthy and thinking getting Martinez and bank one FT.
      Mitro to Watkins or Maupay is another option.

      Nice different team though, you must have a good rank

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

        Thanks Urchin. I really want Salah, but it would mean selling KDB or Bruno. Could do Bruno -> Salah, but still think Bruno is underpriced and will become fpl gold like last year.
        Will sort out the goalie-transfer on WC down the road.
        Have a feeling Mitro will punish me if I sell.
        Thanks again though, appreciate it - OA rank 60k

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

      Podence to Grealish and save looks good or dealing with Mitro another option. Perhaps Mitro to Watkins. But both might be a bit much if you aren't ready to double on Aston Villa attack yet.

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

        Thanks Miguel. Think I'll stick to Mitro for the next 3 - then hes gone. Rather Grealish and Watkins imo, and I don't fancy a double-up

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

          *Rather Grea than Wat

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

    Which one better:
    Reguilon or Aurier?
    Spurs next 4 are tempting: WHU bur BHA wba

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

      R. Aurier may miss more games than he will start. (bcoz Doherty)

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

        hmm thanks mate

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

      Reg

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

      Reguilon

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

    How’s this wildcard team? Template out of 10?

    Martinez, 4.0
    Robertson, Saiss, Lamptey, KWP, Mitchell
    Salah, KDB, Son, Rodriguez, Grealish
    Maupay, DCL, Brewster

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

      9 - needs PVA!

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Arise, Sir TheDragon!

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

      I am going for the same expect Saiss, KWP and Grealish for TAA, Taylor and Soucek.

      Also going Ferguson over Mitchell. Mitchell probably dropped this week, and happy to sit on Ferguson as 4.0 until he is fit and hopefully into the team.

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

    Why not choose Bellerin over PVA. Or do people think CPL in long term has better CS potential than Arsenal? ~0.5 cheaper, playing RWB, got two assists, similar attacking threat.
    (Full disclosure - I won Bellerin since GW1, so there is a CoI)

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

      I like Bellerin, got him gw1, got rid on a WC because of fixtures, now want him back because transfer window over (psg rumours over) and looks like Arsenal will be playing with wingbacks long term. Remember few years ago he got me great points, good price aswell

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

      Totally agree - don't understand all the love for PVA at 5.4m

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

    PVA all the rage all of a sudden?

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I am on the look out for a 5.5 defender - If he was 5m I would be tempted, but 5.4 is a bit too much. Fixtures look strong, but Palace's defensive stats don't look great (granted they've faced Chelsea, United and Everton in the first 4, but not sure whether that's even relevant these days..).

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

      Undeniable nostalgia pick. His 20 point haul in DGW37 in 15/16 helped me massively overturn a huge mini league deficit in the final GWs.

    3. @FPLMason
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nostalgia FC captain

  8. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    GTG with Taylor and Justin ahead of Bissouma and Ayling?

    0.8itb 0ft
    McCarthy
    Robbo TAA Taylor Justin
    KDB Salah(C) Son Podence
    DCL Jimenez
    (Peacock Bissouma Ayling Vassilev)

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

    Find it hard picking the right midfield on wc! What would you do?

    A) Ryan, Rashford, Grealish, Mendy (on bench, play Brewster) 3-4-3

    B) Ryan, Rashford, Zaha, Mendy (on bench, play Brewster) 3-4-3

    C) Ryan, Rashford, Barnes, Mendy (on bench, play Brewster) 3-4-3

    D) Martinez, Rodriguez, Zaha, Trossard (Brewster on bench) 3-5-2

    E) Martinez, Rodriguez, Grealish, Trossard (Brewster on bench) 3-5-2

    F) Martinez, Rodriguez, Barnes, Trossard (Brewster on bench) 3-5-2

    Om on D right now, but like B also. But the other options looks good as well.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      E for me, Zaha flatters to deceive

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

      E

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

      E

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

      Definitely Grealish, Trossard looks like a good shout as well. Not much between Martinez and Ryan IMO.

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

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Justin Taylor Mitchell Vinagre*
    Salah KDB* JRod Soucek Bissouma
    Werner Martial* DCL

    Does KDB, Martial -> Son, Kane (-4) make sense?

    I havent used WC yet and I am thinking the next IB might be a good time.

    Based on the next 4 fixtures alone, plus form.. I think this makes sense?

    Any other ideas?

    Thanks guys

  11. Bolton’s Wanderers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who is better long term?

    A - Lamptey
    B - Saiss

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

      Bellerin

      1. Bolton’s Wanderers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I like his output so far but the upcoming fixtures aren’t great for ARS defence

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lamptey I reckon - Saiss is one bad performance from getting dropped.

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        *one bad performance away

        1. Bolton’s Wanderers
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          That is my fear with him

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

      Difficult one, probably A

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

      Lamptey. Speak to any Wolves fan and they'll highlight how suspect Saiss is defensively. Marcal probably takes his spot at LCB when fit.

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

      Lamptey IMO, but both are preety good options

  12. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez Button
    Robertson Lamptey Saiss Mitchell XXXX
    Salah KDB Son James XXXX
    DCL Brewster XXXX

    Best options on wildcard:

    1. Chilwell Stephens Ings
    2. KWP Grealish Maupay

    Thanks?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      2

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

      2

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

      2

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

      2

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

      2!

  13. Zrinkec
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to choose on WC as 4.0m defender since Ferguson will not have spot in team cause of Clyne i guess? Anyboidy that have some chance to play?

  14. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which one sounds best?
    Assuming all will be fit and ready to start.

    1. Robo, 5.5 def, Hamez, Grealish, Kane 343 + 0.5ITB

    2. 2x 5.5 def, Sterling, McGinn, Kane 343

    3. Robo, Saiss, Sterling, Hamez, Grealish 352

    Been also considering Puli over Hamez as a punt (?)

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

    Are people really considering PvA? There's Semedo, Chilwell and Reguilon who I think are all better...

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

      Admittedly he is a nostalgia pick

    2. Wakanda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      he has PK...

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

        Like Werner?

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

          like what the ffscout has said...more on good run of fixtures
          I personally think it could be a good gamble.

        2. Wakanda
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          werner is on PK ?

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

            Him or Havertz only when Jorginho is off the pitch

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

      I like PVA. He had saved me for two years in succession in my ML on the final GW of the seasons. I remember his double digit haul 3 years ago 😉

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

      Not at that price point

    5. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Tbh I just want to give it another 2-3 gameweeks before I make an transfer in defence. None of the teams fill me with confidence atm.

    6. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He is a decent move if you have Mitchell but I am always wary on players returning from long term injury as sometimes they either get a recurring issue or something else goes. Plenty of time to see Palace as they have a very long good run

    7. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Apparently his defense is better than those except Semedo

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

      Wolves ate in bad form. Chelsea not keeping cs. PVA on set pieces and surprisingly cpl are good at defending. Reguilon new guy but might become good.

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

      Not match fit and likely to breakdown after such a lengthy injury so expect truncated game time

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

    Whats the latest on KDB, Chilwell and Lamptey?

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

      No news till pressers

  17. aborg
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone using the WC still holding onto Jorginho (if you had him before) ?

    I would swap him as he does not produce much FPLwise from open play but the amount of penalties Chelsea have been given lately is insane !

  18. Mane Mane Mane
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What do you think about this, using my wildcard and having a complete change.

    Martínez 4.0
    PVA Robertson Mitchell Taylor Dallas
    Son KDB Grealish Soucek Mane
    Ings Brewster DCL

    1. Mane Mane Mane
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      What do you think of potentially swapping KDB and DCL for Rodríguez and Kane whilst gaining £0.8m

  19. Zrinkec
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez/Forster
    Robertson/Chilwell/Semedo/Dallas/ ...
    Son/Salaha/Grealish/Zaha/Soucek
    DCL/Kane/Maupay

    Which 4.0m defender to choose, for somekind of chance of playing in future?

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

      Struijk will play again on Monday bc of injuries to Cooper and Llorente

      1. Zrinkec
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I have defense for this week i am looking more for somebodyy who can start usually in through next months.

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

    Would United sack Ole if they lose to Newscastle this weekend?

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No

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

      Yes

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Doubt it, they didn't sack him after a loss to Burnley at home last year when they were in like 12th position

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

        No way. He's there to stay

      • Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Nope they will only sack him if it looks we won't finish Top 4 and right now it's too early to make a judgement on that.

      • It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        If he decides to play Harry and he continues to perform as abysmal as he’s been of late: yes

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

      (A) KDB & Wilson

      (B) Kane & Grealish

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

        B

      2. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        KDB & Watkins
        But if KDB is injured then B short term.

        I think KDB is much better option than Kane if normalcy resumes.

      3. @FPLMason
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        B

    5. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Will Ole bench Maguire until he’s in balance again?

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

        Truly hope so, but doubt it. So far this season Maguire has been the weakest link in our defence

    6. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Maguire worth a hit...? 😉

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

        on his head

    7. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe nobody answered because it is boring. Anyway, it bottomed; I would appreciate your views on Mr Parry.
      Shooting the messenger:
      Mr. Parry as EFL boss goes out of his way to procure the safety of all EFL clubs. He avoids dawdling with ifs buts and maybes and gets something concrete moving to avoid the imminent demise of those he is employed to protect.
      I find it hard to fathom how he can be considered a "traitor" when he has managed to fast track dialogue between the big 6, the FA and the FPL.
      I salute you Mr. Parry for what you have done in getting everything moved faster in what will be an inevitable restructuring of football in England.
      Shame on you, the government for sitting on your hands and pushing the issue to FA clubs, who may be "expected" to bail out football, but not the legal obligation to do so. How many of us go and watch a play in the West End compared to football? Yet they are getting government help by "bending" covid rules for venue attendance.
      Make no mistake, Liverpool and ManU got exactly what they wanted in escalating a subject that has being going on for years.
      Members of the press have made it clear the EFL were getting a gun held to their heads but it exasperates me that the reaction of many
      to the proposal, has been immediate and reactionary rather than analysed correctly.
      For sure, the deliberately "leaked information" was sullied but totally necessary. We would have had a European super league sooner rather than later if the FA continued to drag their heels.
      The result means constitutional changes have been pushed to the forefront of discussion; the EFL are getting help sooner rather than later and most importantly, the FA are having to sort out their house before all falls down in front of them.

    8. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Podence to Pulisic for free
      Yes or no

      1. @FPLMason
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Looks alright. Would just wait for after pressers at this point.

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

        No, no guarantees Pulisic starts

    9. gomez123
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Son & A) Dallas
      B) Ayling
      C) KWP

    10. PocketZola
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Howa my wc?

      Martinez
      Bellerin castange rob
      Salah son grealish jrod
      Dcl kane wilson

      Subs, steer, kwp, mitchell, mendy

      0.9itb

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

        Double Arsenal defense?

    11. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm so tempted to take PVA in for Digne for a hit!
      Mad, no?

      1. @FPLMason
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Don't.

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

        Mad, yes, not worth a hit when we don't even know if he will start

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

        next week is the week

    12. Will J 256
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jack Harrison, Klich or Mcginn? Who do you prefer?

    13. Reeker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      What's more beneficial on WC. Picking a 3.9 defender on, picking the best 4.0 backup defender or choosing Mitchell in case PVA fails to find fitness?

      Side question: Sheffield United or Chelsea for a Last Man Standing pick?

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

        Or going with another 4.5 defender I suppose as well

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

        MItchell with PVA

        Sheffield United