Pro Pundits - Tom

Five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman on Leeds, Chilwell and his Gameweek 7 plans

One of the best FPL managers in the business, Tom Freeman, discusses Patrick Bamford, Ben Chilwell’s creativity and the best West Ham United assets, plus reveals his Gameweek 7 team and captaincy decisions.


We’re now six Gameweeks into this turbulent Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season, and it’s been a positive start for me.

Despite missing Son Heung-min (£9.5m) and Harry Kane’s (£10.9m) hauls at Southampton and Manchester United, I sit 140,693rd overall, with 70 points in Gameweek 6 taking me to a total of 389.

Patrick Bamford (£5.9m) was the star of the show but there were also returns for six others, including defenders Luke Ayling (£4.5m) and James Justin (£4.8m).

LEEDS UNITED

Bamford has now scored six goals in as many games for Leeds United this season.

For a player who has often been criticised for his profligacy in front of goal, it’s been some turnaround, something he acknowledges himself:

The last time [I was in the Premier League], maybe people said I wasn’t ready – but I didn’t have a proper go at it. It is a fresh start for me to prove I belong here. If I keep on doing it the boys will be happy and I’ll be happy. This time I have a manager who believes in me and, as long as I keep working hard, he will keep trusting me.

The stats are certainly stacking up in Bamford’s favour.

Before I sign off, earlier this week I was fortunate enough to join fellow Pro Pundits Lateriser and Zophar for a chat on The FPL Wire.

We talked strategy, plans going forward, Everton and Manchester City assets, mid-price midfielders plus loads more.

The chat complements this column, and goes a bit deeper into some of the subjects covered, so if you’re into that kind of thing check it out on the link below.

Thanks for reading… until next time. 


686 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Chelsea look a different team when Pulisic and Ziyech play...

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      chelsea fans must be elated after selling willian and replacing him with hakim the drim

      1. Seanigula
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        They lost Willian for free and spent 200 million to be mediocre so far...except against mighty Krasnodar

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

          I takes tame to click, and Pulisic and Ziyech are just getting up to speed. Time will tell, but they picked up the best available players in the market this summer.

          1. Seanigula
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            0-0 at Burnley this weekend will calm everyone back down

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      average team at their best.

      1. seanie3
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        jog on.

        1. Seanigula
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Is your Gravitar Torres thinking “I can’t believe they payed £50 million for me”?

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

      Hmm but how do i fit them in with a midfield of KDB Bruno Son Rodriguez Grealish

    4. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      And Werner on penalties now. I could bring him in against SHU.

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

      For real? Im Pulisic owner so wondering does he look sharp?

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

        Yeah, he does. Showed glimpses against United too imo.

        Just scored.

    6. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Chelsea attack very much the Man City merry go around of yester year. Ride at your discretion.

  2. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Moise Kean > DCL

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Put your rod away

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

      😆 okay buddy we got it. U like Kean

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

    That's 4 clean sheets in a row with Mendy keeper.

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

      don’t jinx it

  4. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Everton must wonder what the hell they did with Moise Kean. PSG 2 (Kean 2)

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Told ya

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

      My two cents, they already have Richarlison in that place/position/style of play to partner with DCL.

    3. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I guess Everton fans think that they re better than PSG

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Well even United beat PSG

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

    Martinez
    James Saiss TAA
    Podence Salah Son Foden
    Kane DCL Jimenez
    (Steer Burke Lamptey Mitchell)

    1.3ITB & 2FT

    Team looks reasonably well set for the week but need to use a transfer.

    Best move? Upgrade Reece James?

    1. Salah(c)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Podence and james to zaha/grealish and a lower priced defender?

    2. BooYaKasha
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Podence > Barkley

  6. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who are the 2 best 4.5 mil defenders?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lamptey and Leeds defense

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I put lamptey in last week and regret it. Think he is over hyped in an over hyped team.

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

          You're just copy pasting comments. He looks so good when he plays.

          Brighton being leaky is the one downside. Everything else about his play looks fantastic.

          1. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            What? Copy and pasting?

          2. No Professionals
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            It’s my opinion.

            And he has 12 points in 6 games, having played all of them.

    2. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ayling/Dallas and Kilman

    3. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Coufal and Lamptey

      1. Bury94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Actually, Ayling instead of Lamptey

  7. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mendy catches a through ball. No chance for anyone. Kepa on the other hand would have stayed between the sticks and concede a chance

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

    So James hasn't played tonight, does this mean I can hold him another week with the hope he plays this weekend?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think Lampard picks his full backs depending on the opposition

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        And his team overall

      2. seanie3
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Lampard picks his team based on nothing at all I honestly think, not sure he knows his best 11 let alone best defence.. needs to keep the defence the same each week and build on it

        1. seanie3
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          for FPL

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

      Yep, I would.

      Two rest days between Krasnodar and Burnley, so it seems very likely he'll start.

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

        7h 40m flight from Russia too.

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Nice long sleep then

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Since when he Frank been rotating his players like that?

  9. Salah(c)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How would you solve my podence problem? This is how the team looks liks

    Mendy macey
    Saiss ayling justin mitchell targett
    Sterling salah son hamez podence
    Kane dcl brewster

    0.0itb

    Would you do
    A)podence > 5.5 or less mid and who?, im looking at harrison for now
    B)podence+sterling>rashford+grealish/zaha

    Plus anyone else other than podence that needs to be transfered out in the long run?
    Sorry for the long post i hope i get some feedback thanks alot in advance!

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save

      1. Salah(c)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        So podence is not a problem, thanks bro

    2. jesus jesus
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Viagra

  10. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pulisic scores. Chelsea back

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      *are back

      1. seanie3
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I wish I could agree as a fellow chelsea fan, but the opposition aren't really any good.. lets see how we do over the next few in the PL as I want us to build on these clean sheets and start a good run

        1. Dexters Laboratory
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          As a Chelsea Fan I'd be interested in what you think of selling Havertz/Pulisic to Bruno/Grealish in FPL. Good or bad move?

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If they start the full first XI this weekend . . point are a coming.

  11. ivantys
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mount is better in the second DM role as compared to Jorginho and Kova. Kante always the one attacking when Jorginho's playing when he's not good on the ball.

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

    Pulisic G from the right wing

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Tammy assist

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

        From the right wing

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

    Every single Chelsea attacker scores expect the one I have...

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sell. See below

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

        ucl fantasy

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

      Havertz?

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

        yep

    3. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You are excepting too much

    4. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Havertz is not a chelsea attacker I would have in my team, not when there is Werner, Pullisic, Ziyech to choose from..

  14. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ziyech, Werner and Pulisic were excellent tonight.

    Havertz owners, probably sell him

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

      Havertz to Pulisic too sideways?

    2. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      yes Havertz I'm concerned about, spent alot of money on him and just strolls around most of the game with a flick here and a flick there but no real output from him..

  15. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Kepa in goal for FK Krasnodar

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hahahahahaha. Comment of the day

    2. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No, this keeper is even better than Kepa.

  16. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Feels harder than other seasons to cover a lot of bases (due to lack of budget friendly options at the big clubs). You almost have to pick 3 of 5 clubs to cover off attacking wise, with long term double ups nigh impossible?

    Liverpool
    City
    Chelsea
    United
    Spurs

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      United?

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He's out of his mind

      2. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah I’d like fernandes

  17. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I have the exact funds for Justin to Chilwell but it’s for a hit. Is it worth it? Chelsea’s fixtures look good and he’s on form.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If you intend to keep him for a prolong period then the answer is yes

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yup.

  18. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Havertz doesn't excite

  19. GlasgowFF
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any tips on what to lump a 5 quid free bet on in the Juve Barca game?

  20. ivantys
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Man United playing 4 DMs nice

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

      What u on about

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

        Resident troll.

        He must be going through a hard time at the moment, so go easy.

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

          Ah okay thanks

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

          He's very tiresome GB.

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

            He is.

            But when you push someone like that, they push back harder. Sometimes you need a pull approach.

            Negotiating tactic.

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

              Each to their own 😆

  21. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How was Pulisic when he came on? And did Chilwell just get rested?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looked very sharp, scored and won the Werner penalty.

      Yep.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks Gregor!

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      The Chelsea attack could be amazing now they're fit.

    3. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Pulisic looked good but he had fresh legs and was playing against a team that knew they were beaten

      Chilwell got subbed in the 81st minute so not much rest

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks mate. I meant was Chilwell injured or just given a short rest

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Short rest

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

          Evening mate, Chilwell off early for a rest and was the best player in the pitch. CFC bought all 5 subs on and against tired legs all looked good but hard to judge if Puli is fully fit but was good for the 20 mins he had.

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Thanks mate! Hope you are well

  22. Salah(c)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Harrison in for podence?

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

      Before Podence's haul?

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’d probably give Podence one more week.

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

      Tempting, but I would try to get long term pick in that price range, if I am selling Podence. Not sure if the Harrison is that kind of pick right now. I would like to see him coming more into the box, rather than crossing it from the byline. He could be the one, but I'd wait a few games.

    4. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If you think podence might be involved in the one goal wolves score when the other involvement will be Jimenez...

      Probably over the top but that’s how it feels.

      A podence haul would be 5 points, I’d risk going elsewhere personally.

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

      I’d wait one more week. If he doesn’t deliver at home vs CP then I will also be shipping him out.

  23. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    United playing a diamond formation

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

    On United's twitter they displayed the team as a 442 diamond.
    https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1321524755938365441

    So why did BT Sport display is as a 4231...

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Isn’t it just a guess based on personnel?

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

        I think he means that united told us what the formation was and bt sport were lazy and just put up 4-2-3-1

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Ah right me being lazy reading comments as usual

          Didn’t realise teams ever declared formation

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

      On paper neither formation looks fluid with the players picked.

  25. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Havertz to Zyech or Pulisic too sideways?

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No

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

      No not interested in that at all.

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

    Who is the best Charlie Taylor replacement around the 4.5m mark to rotate with Lamptey?

    West Ham vs Leeds defenders who do you trust more?

    Can’t afford Cresswell but could bring him in later if Saiss does lose his spot

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

      I need a Taylor replacement aswell

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

        I'd keep. Burnley looking good defensively.

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

          True! Im in 2 minds, dont like fixtures + hes close to dropping

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

          Team linked
          I have 2FT and only want to use one this week and can’t find a move other than Taylor out, fixtures looking a bit poor as well

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

            Nice team. I see your problem. I would go Coufal.

            Or Saiss to Kilman if you have the balls 😉

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

              Thanks Giggs
              I’d rather wait to know Kilman is nailed and buy at 4.3/4.4 than bring him in now. Balls aren’t big enough
              Also if I went Coufal who looks decent I wouldn’t double with cresswell later

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

      If you want a West Ham defender but can't afford Cresswell, Coufal looks promising. (Masuaku too - bit more attacking, but slightly less nailed.)

      Leeds & West Ham are a bit of a toss up. Tempted to give West Ham the edge given their fixtures and stats from the tougher games they've just been having.

  27. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What's the best thing to do here, ignoring Rodriguez for the moment?

    Guaita
    TAA / James / Saiss
    Salah / Son / Rodriguez / Foden / Podence
    Kane / DCL

    Forster // Lamptey / Mitchell / Brewster

    Looks like James could get a start this weekend. Was very tempted to sell TAA for Chilwell, then James > Cresswell(?) the week after - but TAAs performance made me doubt that. In any case, Chillwell looks like he needs to come in soon.

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

      Why do you think James will start? Azpi is always playing if fit and last season James only played because Azpi was moved to left back but now they have Chilwell ( worried James owner here)

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

    Play Foden or Podence?

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

      Foden

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

      Foden

  29. ilikewud
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Castagna to Chilwell? for free ( Also own Justin)

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

      Goforit

  30. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bruno nailed on at the weekend then

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

      Yes Kaptain 🙂

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Risky i like it