Pro Pundits

The budget FPL assets I’m considering to help finance a Gameweek 12 Salah swoop

Five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman reveals his team for Gameweek 11 and outlines his plan to recapture Mohamed Salah the following week.


Gameweek 10 was a challenging one for me.

After taking my first hit of the season, I returned a total of just 50 (-4) points and as a result, now sit 515,661st overall. 

Despite a good start (I was ranked just inside the top 150k after Gameweek 6), I’ve struggled to find consistency since.

Looking back, there are a few reasons behind the slump, but I’d largely put it down to not owning Bruno Fernandes (£10.9m) and Jack Grealish (£7.7m) and failing to invest in Chelsea’s backline. 

The lack of Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.9m) has perhaps been an issue, but less so considering my alternative, Patrick Bamford (£6.1m), has managed to keep pace and actually outscore him over the last five Gameweeks.

While most of the players I’ve transferred in have done well, João Cancelo (£5.6m) has disappointed. 

At the time of his signing, I was lured in by the number of chances he was creating, which was comfortably above any other defender in the game, but it’s one of those moves you look back on in hindsight and think, ‘what was I thinking?’. 

Frustratingly, I spoke about the threat of Benjamin Mendy (£5.9m) with fellow Pro Pundits Lateriser and Zophar on a recent FPL Wire pod, and how he would be preferred in certain games, which is exactly what happened against Burnley. 

Rúben Dias (£5.6m) was probably the safer play and the route I should have gone down, though I doubt anyone in that defence will be completely immune to rotation in the coming weeks.

So, a few mistakes, but how do I get back on track, and what are my plans going forward?

Well, Mohamed Salah (£12.2m) will probably come back into my team ahead of Gameweek 12 for Marcus Rashford (£9.5m), but to make that move I will need to downgrade one of my heavy hitters. That could be one of Son Heung-min (£9.5m), Harry Kane (£10.9m) or Jamie Vardy (£10.3m), so what I thought I’d do in this, my latest column, is highlight two of my main transfer targets who will essentially help fund the Salah move.

At this stage, I should point out that I’m planning to play my Wildcard ahead of Gameweek 16, in preparation for the Blank/Double Gameweeks to follow. That means I’m simply focusing on the four fixtures from Gameweek 12 onwards.

So, best of luck in Gameweek 11 everyone.

Thanks for reading, until next time…




753 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How do I view the fpl pages of the pro pundits or Neale and Tom etc

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

      google: ffscout mods and cons league

      1. FantasyHero
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks will try that

  2. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Thanks for this article. I'm in the same boat.

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

    Evening all x

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

      Good ebening

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

        🙂

  4. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best moves here with 1FT, 0m and only 8 starters!

    Martinez
    Chilwell James Lamptey -- Mitchell Lewis
    Son Bruno KDB Grealish -- Burke
    Kane DCL Watkins

    A: Grealish + Mitchell >> Jota + Dallas (-4). improve future bench too
    B: Grealish + Kane >> Salah + Bamford (-4). Means only 9 starters but avoids my hit next gw to bring in salah

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A - you answer your own question

    3. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

    He still hasn't sold Vinagre.

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

    Evening guys, do I wildcard this lot or take a hit or 2? 1FT and 1.1itb

    Mccarthy (Button)
    Zouma Holding Justin (Konsa Mitchell)
    Bruno JRod Son Bissouma (Grealish)
    DCL Vardy Kane

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm normally one for advising to hold, but I think I'd WC that

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

        I'm of the same opinion as you, hold WC as far as possible but I think I need to play it.

  7. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Help greatly appreciated chaps, what would you do with this Team? 1 FT and 3.1 ITB.

    Martinez*
    Chilwell, Zouma, Justin
    KDB, Son, Fernandes, Jota
    Vardy, DCL, Bamford

    (Steer, Bissouma, Mitchell, Kilman)

    I was all set on Justin -> Dias as really want that 2nd City player for their fixtures! Next GW I plan to do Vardy & Bissouma -> Salah(C) & Brewster.

    Cheers.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Rather Mitchell to Dias unless it blocks your moves for next week

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers. Unfortunately blocks it, Justin -> Dias leaves me 0.1 ITB after next GWs moves.

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Kilman then?

          1. Catastrophe
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Nope - my sell price for Justin is 4.7 and that leaves me 0.1 spare.

    2. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Original Plan looks good

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Even with Dias starting midweek alongside Garcia?

  8. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Story with Justin? Starts tonight with Pereira too!

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

      pereira might be off to utd im jamuary

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

        wut

  9. Avery
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Man City Defenders...
    Would is most likely to play.. and you would pick

    A. Mendy
    B. Dias

    Thanks!

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Walker?

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

    son starts as a striker kane not in the squad

    1. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Saving him for Arsenal mate

  11. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    If you had triple Villa, but not Grealish (Martinez Steer Watkins), would you take this opportunity to get rid of Martinez for a hit?

    It gives me a playing keeper this week and also makes room for Grealish in the future

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Ideally I'd do Steer - > 4.5m but I'm afraid I'll end up being 0.5m short when it comes to getting Salah next week. (Haven't decided what I'm doing yet)

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

      I'd rather sell steer.if finance allows

  12. Frucke
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cavani suspended?

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

    TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS

    Team to play LASK: Hart, Doherty, Sanchez, Tanganga, Davies, Hojbjerg, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Moura, Son, Bale.

    Subs: Austin, Whiteman, Winks, Dier, Sissoko, Alli, Bergwijn, Aurier, Clake, White, Scarlett.

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

      You are not even on the bench.

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

    LEICESTER TEAM NEWS

    Team to face Zorya Luhansk: Ward: Ricardo, Morgan, Soyuncu, Justin, Ndidi, Choudhury, Praet, Under, Barnes, Iheanacho.

    Subs: Jakupovic, Stolarczyk, Fofana, Nelson, Fuchs, Thomas, Flynn, Mendy, Leshabela, Albrighton, Maddison, Perez.

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Justin’s time in the first time is now limited.

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

    Just seen Robertson is flagged.

    Anything to worry about?

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

      Minor issue. He'll play at the weekend and be rested for CL next week

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Was/am also worried:
      Nov 01: "We have now two days more [recovery] than we had last week. Things like this show up the next day slightly different. In the moment I am rather positive."
      https://www.premierinjuries.com/injury-table.php

  16. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Should I use 1FT to get a keeper, or also get another defender in for a hit? Don’t like relying on Kilman/Brewster/Cancelo to play:

    No GK
    Cancelo, Chilwell, Coufal
    KDB (C), Grealish, Fernandes, Ziyech
    Vardy, DCL, Brewster

    Martinez, 4.0; Grealish, Kilman, Mitchel

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

      Probably get the keeper and pray

    2. Manani
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'd get Cancelo/Mitchell/Kilman replacement.
      Martinez will be back next week, the 3 defenders might not be. Without martinez just losing on 2pts. anyway

  17. dylano21
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play

    A) Cresswel
    B) Soucek

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

      A

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

      B

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

    Evening all. What do you think of Saiss >> James here and switch to 4 at the back this week? IF James rises AND Saiss falls I’ll be priced out tonight! But should I wait?

    Thanks as always! 🙂

    McCarthy
    Chilwell, Cresswell, Justin
    KDB, Bruno, Ziyech, Grealish**, Jota
    Kane*, DCL
    (4.0, Mitchell, Saiss, Davis**)

    1. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I would get James before being priced out

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

        You think he’ll rise and Saiss will fall tonight?

        1. dylano21
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          James yeah but saiss not

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

            Means I can wait until tomorrow then

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Fudge yeah

  19. Huddersfield
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best 4.5 def ( taking in account that he must be starting this gw with a good chance of points and rotated later )?

    A)yling
    B)ednarek
    C)one of the cheap Brighton defs
    D)allas
    E) other

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      thinking dallas

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

        Do you reckon he'll get points vs Chelsea?

    2. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dallas

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      One of the Brighton 4.4s

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

        Which one? Webster?

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          He's played pretty much every minute since Potter took over so yes.

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

            cheers

  20. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cancelo+Brewster > Dallas + Che?

    Leave me with following players who may start:

    *no keeper*
    James Chiwell Lamperty Dallas
    Salah Son Ziyech Foden
    DCL Kane Che

    Foden likely benched, so Dallas will come in for him if so

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yay. Che going up tonight probs

  21. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    so the Villa game isnt happening this week?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks like

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

      No

  22. mookie
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Vinicius injured or rested for the weekend?

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

      Maybe rested so he can take Kanes place against Arsenal

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Rested after Kane injury is a possibility

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mourinho mindgames

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

      Injured I believe

  23. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Pereyra back is great for VARDYYYYY

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      1 week too late

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

        Doesn’t matter it’s sheff Utd 😉

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

      really? I’ve never really watched him, I’m still tempted by vardy cap this weekend

  24. richarlison2348
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Worth it to take a hit to bring in James for Cancelo? Don't have money to get Dias, and have no bench to go in for Cancelo (I know, I know).

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Pretty sure I'm doing it, tonight if it looks like James is going up.

      1. richarlison2348
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Are that many people bringing him in? I was going to wait til Friday...

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

      Why not gamble and hope he plays? Or is it more or less nailed that he won’t? If so I need to get rid as well then

      1. richarlison2348
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        He played 90 in the ucl, I don't have a bench so It's forcing my hand... thanks for the info guys 🙂

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

          Same here I guess

  25. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you sell Tierney for a hit? Been trying to ditch for weeks but something else keeps taking priority - for instance suddenly having no keeper this week.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Who is coming in?

      1. matiakez
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Dias or James most likely, possibly even Robbo if he's fit

  26. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What to do here? I'm in a really sticky situation. Best case scenario I got 10 players playing without using my FT. Worst case I got 6.

    Martinez*
    Robertson* Chilwell Cancelo* Lamptey
    KDB Son Jota Stephens*
    Kane* DCL
    _____
    Forster*; Watkins* Grealish* Fodder*

    3.2 itb 1 Ft

    A) Watkins to Bamford
    B) Watkins to Jesus
    C) Watkins + Stephens -> Mahrez + Brewster (hopefully a cameo for Brewster)
    D) Something else (what?)

    Really hope you guys can help me sort out this mess

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A'll do

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think Stephens had already lost his place before his injury and Cancelo seems very unlikely to start (unfortunately) so I'd do B and Cancelo to someone else.

  27. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best 5.5M defender or lower?

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

      RJames

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

    Vardy getting the rest tonight... Captain?!

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

      I’m still really tempted by it, own him and kdb

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

        Ditto

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

          Only thing really stopping me is how awful they were against Fulham But they have 3 big players back and should have gained confidence from that

          Stats wise it looks a no brainer, best striker away from home against the defence conceding some of the most chances and shots

          Meh

  29. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    2FTs, 0.0itb - I can field 11 for this week, but that includes (potential) question marks in Cancelo (FUL) and Kilman (liv). Also have 3 Villa.

    1) Use both FTs on Watkins, Target?
    2) Use just one FT and save the other? (eyeing Salah's return to my team)

    McCarthy
    Chilwell, Cancelo, KWP, Kilman
    KDB, Bruno, Ziyech, Soucek
    DCL, Vardy
    (Forster; Grealish*, Watkins*, Targett*)

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      More important to get Mo in next week then getting a couple of 2 pointers in

  30. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Are many people doubling up with Chilwell and James?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Think the cool kids have been doing it for a while. Wish I was still cool.