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. dezille
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    1 FT, 0.0 ITB

    Martinez
    Chilwell James Cancelo (Justin, Mitchell)
    KDB Bruno Son Grealish Jota
    Vardy DCL (Brewster)

    Problems: Martinez, Grealish, Cancelo (unlikely to start)

    A) Save - Let Justin come on for Cancelo & Brewster for Grealish, and play with 10 men (no GK), then GW11 Son, Vardy > Salah, Bamford
    B) Cancelo > Dallas/Ayling/Lamptey/KWP - I like the idea of KWP for some McCarthy cover, but would like to see some comparison stats between all those options. Justin may lose his place soon (if he doesn't move to CB), so seems a good time to address my defense. This route would mean taking a hit next week for the same move above.

    I see no value in spending a transfer on a keeper when Martinez will get these points back later in a DGW (and additional fixture blank from GW1).

    Thanks

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

      Seems likely Cancelo will need to go anyway so...

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

        Yep, and think I'd rather a Cancelo replacement than playing Brewster.

        What are your thoughts on the 4.5 defenders above?

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

          Dallas, though he might not do much this week.

    2. Iwantmorepointsthanks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I am in a similar situation with 1 FT and plan to get in Salah with two transfers (either both FT or as -4 depending on this week's decision) next week.

      leaning towards sorting out my defense this week and then do a -4 next week

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

        Same thinking here. Let's see your team

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

      I am thinking KWP. While Ayling/Dallas may be better overall, I will need to play the defender in question this week, and Sou have much the better fixture.

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

      A

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

        Another option is to replace my backup keeper for a hit (McCarthy), although feel like this would cause me problems later having the money tied up.

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

    Anyone watched Life on Mars? Any good?

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

      Always heard good things about it, but never actually watched it

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

      British one was excellent, Ashes to Ashes good to.
      American version... not so much.

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

        Never a fan of US remakes of British shows. The Office US only worked once they stopped rehashing British episodes and developing their own show more organically.

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Quality show, especially if you grew up in the 70's, 80's

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

      Do people think KDB still gets forward enough? Just seen on last post some talk of him that he plays too deep for their liking, but Fernandinho is back now isn’t he?

      Just like some thoughts around this I guess, cheers.

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

        He covers all position on the pitch. He is esencial

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

        He looked like he was sitting pretty deep whenever I saw him in the Burnley game but still hit the post late on which probably would have bumped up his score by another 7 points had it gone in.

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

          Hmm really? He looked pretty offensive to me.

      3. The Ilfordian
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I’ve read that too but in terms of Fernandinho, I understood Rodri was first choice in that position. The FFS article earlier highlighted that KDB strikes more from outside the box than in and with his shot accuracy, playing deep maybe not a problem. Still swapping for Salah next week though

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

          Yeah, I mean I totally get that it’s KDB but personally I really would like to see him more in the box, I dunno, just closer to scoring (beside penalty duties), he still does great, could just be so much more though if he had just as much chance as scoring as assisting. Wavering over wether to be different and bring in Mahrez over him, still undecided.

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

      Is there any chance for Zaha this GW?

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

        No news good news?
        In the unlikely circumstance that you don't have any other fires to put out I'd get rid.

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

          It will be -8 then....1st time this seson i am in minus

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

      Should I do James or Dallas Instead of Cancelo? Going James means I’ll double up with Chelsea defence...

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

        Either are good options

    7. AdamJ91
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Need some advice on what to do with having 3 Villa players;

      1FT; 0.3 ITB

      Martinez, Peacock-Farrell
      Chilwell, Cancelo, Coufal, Lamptey, Ferguson
      Salah, KDB, Ziyech, Grealish, Anguissa
      Kane, DCL, Watkins

      Watkins > Bamford perhaps?

      1. Obi Wan Elokobi
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Getting rid of Martinez is essentially a -2 so I would do that

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

          I keep hearing people say this but it's not that simple. Villa are going to have 2 double GW's at some point (assuming the game isn't played mid-next week which we still don't know. So you're going to get the points back from missing this one game by playing 2 games then.

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

            But it’s potential gain from not solely having them as opposed to more people getting the points from Villa players being brought in by the masses I guess. There is some short term gain to be made now by booting them, but yes, makes sense to keep, it’s just more people will be getting them for their double, meaning less rank gain for holders.

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

      Anyone considering getting Cavani in for Watkins?

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

        I did consider but I think there is some rotation risk with United players. They'll play West Ham, Leipzig and City within a week after last night's game and losses against Leipzig and City could lead to Ole getting sacked. So would expect some players to be rested.

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

          rested vs West Ham*

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

            Is he? Well that settles that idea then

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

        Possibly. The Sun says his ban might not come in until December. I can’t afford Jimi to Jesus without ripping my team up so considering Cavani but it’s such a risk. If the FA decide before their Monday deadline and Cavani accepts it, then I think he’s banned immediately

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          We are already in December, when exactly?

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

        Issue is the possible ban. Otherwise he's be a nice switch from DCL

    9. 420king
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Need help!

      Martinez**
      Chilwell Lamptey Robertson*
      KDB Bruno Son Jota Grealish**
      Bamford Kane*
      (Forster Dallas Brewster Ferguson**)
      1FT 0.2m ITB

      I was going to save FT this week but with Villa postponed and Kane/Robertson doubtful, I'm not so sure anymore. The problem is, I don't see any obvious moves. Any suggestions?

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

        Play Dallas insted of Greilish
        Robo will be rdy
        I think that Kane will be rdy too (mby transfer him to Vardy, because u have Son)
        I transfered out Martinez (but i am not sure about it anymore)

        1. 420king
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah, that's the plan. I'm not sure about selling Martinez either, will want him back later for that DGW anyway...

      2. NoThomasNoPartey18
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Maybe Neco Williams starts for Liverpool (he's started the last four Liv games i think) and you can make 0.1m off the transfer of Ferguson. Cons: trent should be back by the game after that (maybe earlier) and he hasn't played 60mins yet in the prem. Pros: cheap liv def for this gw and that 0.1m always makes a big difference for me.

        I think Robertson and Kane both play but im not a big fan of spending 7+m on liv defence at the moment. Robertson to James before his price rise tonight could be good.

        1. NoThomasNoPartey18
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Robertson to Dias?

        2. 420king
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          The problem with that is that Ferguson just returned to training so he could be back soon. Would basically feels like I'm basically using 2FT just to have Neco for a round or two. I agree with you on Robertson being a bit too expensive at the moment, but not sure I want to double up on Chelsea defense.

          Thanks for your suggestions and sorry for the late reply.

    10. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      The return of Pereira. Hopefully Castagne isn’t fit for the weekend or I’m in big trouble fielding 11

    11. bitars
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Got 3,3 itb. Would you take a hit to transfer in Jota for Bissouma?

      Martinez*, Steer*
      Bellerin, Chilwell, Lamptey, Dias (Coufal)
      Son, Salah, Bruno, Bissouma (Grealish*)
      Che Adams, DCL, (Wilson*)

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

        To be honest
        Salah- KDB
        Biss- Jota

      2. NoThomasNoPartey18
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        no

    12. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      When is the suspension deadline? I'm considering ayling over dallas as dallas already on 3. Cheers

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        After 19 games

        1. pablo discobar
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers

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

        Thats why you need a good bench.

        1. pablo discobar
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          In December you do for sure. And that's why I don't want a suspended player tbh

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

        How many yellows is it before GW19 to be suspended? I’ve totally forgot

        1. pablo discobar
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          5

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

            Cheers PD

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

        I remember a lot of folk decided not to bring in Diego Costa a few years ago because he was on 4 yellows. It didn’t end well for them.

    13. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Which is the better combo to have?

      A. Mendy (play every week) + Dallas (rotated based on fixtures)

      B. Meslier (rotated with Martinez) + James (play every week with cover on bench if he doesn't play)

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

        I like option B but the rotation of GK would annoy me.

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

        A but I would have preferred B if it was Meslier set and forget rather than rotation

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

        Get the rotating keepers so that you can benchboost during double gw19

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

          We know rhat GW19 is doubled?

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

            Yes, Ben feeling confirmed and gw18 major blank

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

              *crellin

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

      Since Pope is now back training and no chance of being lucky with Peacock playing another game, what are people doing with Martinez?

      Is the bench in the correct order if Villa don't play in GW11 and Cancelo is actually not benched?

      1FT 0.2itb
      Martinez*
      Chilwell Justin Cancelo*
      Son KDB Bruno Grealish*
      DCL Vardy Watkins*
      (Peacock Ayling Taylor Bissouma)

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

        I transvered him....but i am not sure that i made right move. Still, he is in bad form

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

          Transferring out McCarthy in GW6 for a hit has definitely been a poor decision. Felt like the right move at the time

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

      I've been offered Cavani for Firmino in FPL draft, would you take that? High upside

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

        go for it

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

        Holy crap - thats a steal, take it and run!

    16. Muscout
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      McCarthy
      Chilwell, Cancelo, Lamptey
      Sterling, Bruno, Son, Jota, Soucek
      Kane, DCL

      Steer, Brewster, Kilman, Branthwaite

      2.9 itb

      A) Sterling to KDB
      B) Son to KDB
      C) Any other suggestion?

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

        You have problem with Cancelo bro

        1. Muscout
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Is he definitely out?

    17. tim
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Already on a -4.

      Got Targett, Mitchell, KWP, Cancelo and Zouma in DEF.

      Need to take another hit or risk it to field 11?

      1. FPL Forward Thinker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I would stick and hope Zouma and KWP get CS's.

    18. FPL Forward Thinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Ryan
      James Justin Robertson (or Taylor)
      Ziyech Son Salah Sterling Jota
      Abraham Brewster (or Jesus)

      Thinking taking -4 Robbo (7.1) & Watkins (6.1) to Taylor (4.4) & Jesus (9.3)

      Leaves 0.6m ITB

      Would you take -4 (Captain would remain as Salah or Sterling)

      Next week for GW12... if Sterling fails v Fulham.......to Mane or KDB or Bruno...

      1. FPL Forward Thinker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        ?..

    19. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Was hoping Justin wouldnt start

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

        Yeah. Dying to ship on WC now. Hate the constant worry with players like him

      2. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        No sign of Castagne still, should be good for this GW right?

        1. pablo discobar
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I think Justin will be ok up to and including gw 12. Rogers said Pereira would have a managed return. I'd expect him to play this and next weeks europa.

          Selling Justin in GW13 looks likely

    20. Pedram
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Who's more likely to start this week? Neco Williams or Phllips

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

        I rly dont know, but i know that TAA will be rdy for next GW

      2. FPL Forward Thinker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        If Milner is injured and cant fill in for TAA then Neco Williams is likely to play

        Nat might play v Wolves as he started v Brighton and he is NOT registered to play in ECL, although dont think that matters too much as it will be U21s (Jones & Williams) and back up/fringe players (Origi) who will play in last group game next week.

        So i wouldnt be surprised if both started v Wolves but may not start too many thereafter.

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

      Will Villa - Newcastle not be this GW for sure then or still unknown?

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

        100% not this GW

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

          Thanks for confirming

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

          Really? Do you have a link to that?

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

            it would confirmed by now tbh

            1. Pukki Party
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Pre rona times they had to announce the fixtures one week before i think, for the fans and police to have time to organize. Not sure now when there's no fans.

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

        I'm starting villa assets just incase, it's 2020 after all

    22. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Long-term decision:

      1) Who to drop - Hamez or Ziyech?
      2) to get - KDB or Salah?

      1. Cowboy John
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Hamez
        KDB

    23. Tinmen
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Folks, try not to laugh but if I get KDB it leaves me with 5.4 for a striker

      I’m thinking Connolly. Madness ?

      Anyone else though? Don’t want Brewster

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

        Brewster as 3rd bench player or you will just waste money try go around 5.4.

      2. FPL Forward Thinker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Brighton have nice fixtures in GW 13 and 14
        Wed 16 Dec 20:00 13 FUL (A) 2
        Sun 20 Dec 12:00 14 SHU (H) 2

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

        He looked decent vs Liv...I don’t know how often he starts though

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

        Shame you can't eek out an extra 0.1 for danny welbeck? Connolly unlikely to get consistent starts, I actually think Welbeck will be a permanent starter, looked pretty good recently. Otherwise get brewster and have a change in formation? Soucek at 4.9m mid can really help that

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

        total punt but with Jimi out for the forseeable, what about Fabio Silva? thinks he about 5.2? no form and looks lightweight but would probably be better than brewster?

        not sure how much risk from the likes of Neto, podence, adama to him stating mind

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

      Last year I had 582 points and was 45k OR rank. Final rank was around 7k
      Now 584 points and at 693k OR rank.
      So its not that Im not getting points, its just that everybody is getting them 🙂
      There you have it, excuse for a bad start!

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

        Yeah, there are also a lot more people playing the game now.

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

      KDB or Salah?

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

        KDB this week

    26. built_this_city
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Deciding in my head whether to do Rodriguez to Jota or bank the transfer.
      If i banked, would probably get in Grealish pretty much straight away after the games on saturday

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

        Bank it.

        Rodriguez could easily have hauled v Leeds and has Burnley next.

        Jota could easily be rested and has a tough defence next.

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

          ta - goes with my gut and hoping to get points just based on people hitting this week

    27. mille
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Antonio or Bowen from GW12 and onwards with Grealish, Salah, KDB and Bruno?

      If Bowen, Brewster takes 3rd forward spot.

    28. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Boring question maybe but is there any chance Dale Stephens starts this week? Need him to put out 11 outfield players... have considered swapping for Burke given that he had a good game last game but I'm not sure.

    29. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Better long term asset?
      Lamptey or Dallas

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

        Tough one! I want both.. own lamptey. Love Lamptey, he plays almost like a right winger, but equally Dallas can play attacking midfield. Leeds have slight edge clean sheet wise but Brighton have promising defensive stats. Honestly flip a coin haha - my pick is lamptey

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

          Exactly my thoughts, its a coin toss

    30. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Is Vardy + Ziyech => Watkins + Salah in couple of weeks looks fine?

      Will give me

      Mendy
      Chilwell | Reguilon | Dallas
      KDB | Bruno | Salah | Son | Grealish
      DCL | Watkins

      1. HODGE
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        That's the same mid I will have next week and will have dcl and Bamford not watkins.

    31. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Martinez for who? £5m budget

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

        Mccarthy

      2. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Keep

      3. 824545201
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Meslier best alternative by far.