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. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ziyech to who folks?
    Need to do it to fund KDB

    JWP
    F Torres
    Maddison

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

      Jwp

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

      A

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

      Jota / Raphinha

    4. Tamer fawzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Jota
      Torres
      Neto

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

    Thoughts on this free hit build?

    Johnstone
    Dias - James - KWP (Phillips - Neco)
    KDB - Bruno - Mahrez - Jota
    Vardy - Kane - DCL

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

      Dont waste your free hit - will need it in gw 18

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

      Am almost the same but have Chilwell Werner and Jesus over Dias Vardy and Kane

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

    Mahrez over KDB if that allows me to get Salah in for Ziyech for GW12..?

    Noticed Mahrez started 8 out of 10 GWs and for the other 2 he didn’t feature at all (giving a chance for bench points coming on)

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

      Age old question, can a player "cover" another? Mahrez covering KDB? Not for me. Jota covering Salah? Not for me. If you want the points, get the player, otherwise look elsewhere and find another alternative

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

    1ft, what to do....
    A=martinez to Mccarthy
    B= sterling to Salah
    C=both -4

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

      B

    2. FPL Laurenzo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      maybe not the best week to get rid of Sterling. Consider saving and double next week to bring in Salah. It's a risk for sure but could have great upside if Sterling starts with low own%.

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

    Damn it, why is Son playing tonight!?

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

      He can't have seen Son's ownership stats.

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

      No worries.

      Will alwaya start against Arsenal unless he gets injured tonight.

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

      He’ll be subbed early don’t worry

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

    Which team would you prefer?

    Martinez -- Forster
    Chilwell James Lamptey -- XXX Lewis
    KDB Bruno Son XXX -- Burke
    DCL XXX Watkins

    A: Dallas + Jota + Kane. Means 10 starters this gw + decent bench longrun but means i need take a hit (son/kane > salah/bamford) if i want salah in gw12 or just avoid salah.

    B: Mitchell + Salah + Bamford. Means 9 starters this gw, weaker bench but avoids any gw12 transfers/hits to get salah.

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

    A. Grealish to Mahrez
    B. Robertson, Grealish to James, KDB (C) for -4

  8. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    As a stubborn Jota non-owner I hope he will prove soon that he is still a very streaky player and will go on a dry run.

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

      Thanks for weighing in hoss

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

      If you don’t own Jota by now you may as well just give up

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

      gl boy

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

      Non-owner as well. He looks good to be honest, but theres always the niggling doubt that he will be dropped randomly. I'm still on the fence and will watch on for another few weeks, theres no harm, he's literally only 7m still, very cheap.

      But my suspicion is that Firmino has actually picked up some really good form recently, and Klopp loves what Firmino brings. He's not going to drop Mane or Salah, so that leaves Jota playing in attacking mid, but this will depend on the fixture. If its a more difficult fixture will Klopp want to risk that 1 less man in midfield helping? And then theres also when Thiago, Fabinho, Henderson are all fit and can play in midfield, is there space for Jota as a starter? Not sure yet

      1. Mighty Wings
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Good points

      2. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I hope you're right pal.

  9. Misunderstood Genius
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Keep or sell Cancelo?

    1. Cruyff Turn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Keep and start.

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

        If you like 1 point cameos yeah go ahead

    2. Cruyff Turn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I hope you kept Cancelo.

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

    Anyone considering Mane over Salah? 10% owned...

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

      Nope

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

      Not sure about owning any of them

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

      Never crossed my mind.

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

      Not me

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

      Last couple years yes, but this year, no. Watch him play recently, he's out of form unfortunately. Missing big chances he normally finishes and not looking fully sharp when hes been at his best. If anything i'd be worried he'd get benched for Jota for a fixture soon

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

    Zaha expected to start against brom?

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

      Judging how well they play without him I'd hope so

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

        idk if 1/2 training sessions is enough, if he is returning tomorrow

  12. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Soyuncu essential?

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

      Must have for sure

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

      Nice one! Didn't think he'd be back before January.

    3. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hasn’t he gone off injured tonight already?

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

      He's injured himself again tonight

  13. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Kane or Werner this GW?
    I have Son

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

      Neither

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

      I’d say Kane, both have great potential, but Arsenal have turned into a joke in defence again.
      Wait, is Kane not injured no?

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

        Oh, did you mean to get rid of out of Kane and Werner? Then Werner.

        1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          lol I meant play one
          Have Kane and was thinking get in Werner
          Might need to rethink

  14. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Did Soyuncu get injured again?

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

      One less in Justins pond...

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

      Yes boy

  15. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy, Nyland
    Chilwell, Konsa, Taylor, Justin, Tierney
    KDB, Son, Bruno, Jota, Bissouma
    Kane, DCL, Bamford
    (0.5M in the bank, 1ft)

    Will Kane play?
    A) Kane to Jesus
    B) Kane to Vardy
    C) Tierney to Dias
    D) roll ft

  16. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cancelo woth taking out for -4 If th bench is Mitchell, Grealish, Watkins?

    And to who? 0.1 ITB no to Chelsea defender

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

      Yes absolutely

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

      Yes

  17. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez
    Chilwell - Lamptey - Dias
    KDB (C) - Bruno (vc) - Salah - Son
    DCL - Bamford - Watkins

    Subs: Forster, Burke, Ayling, Mitchell.

    1FT £0.2 ITB

    What do you think the best play is here?

    A) Martinez -> Johnstone
    B) Watkins -> Adams/Antonio
    C) Roll FT

  18. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) McCarthy, Targett, Coufal
    B) Martinez, Zouma, Mitchell

    Which combination best long term? Have Chilwell already?

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

    Is Abraham now a bad pick after Girouds performance last night ?

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

      Nope...but it will be a lot of rotation. CFC is new MCity (nobody is nailed....so far)

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

      he was already a bad pick and now hes worse

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

        Interesting

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

      Doubt Lampard will start Giroud vs Leeds.

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

    Wanna get rid of Sterling...
    A) Sterling to Mahrez
    B) Sterling&Martinez to KDB&Meslier - 4 (acutally only have 0.2 itb so need an extra move)
    C) Save and risk few minutes from Sterling and get Salah next week for free, forget KDB for now.

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

      12M player must bring pts....and Sterling is not even nailed (if you understand me 🙂 )

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

        Then A or B yes 🙂

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

          B....but McCarthy oe some other keeper

    2. jb1985
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I am going C. Last chance for him since owning since GW3. I think he will start and predict some attacking returns. Will get KDB if it fails and also have money itb for Salah next week.

  21. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Man every expert, Pro, pundit, top finisher, legend and so on have kdb captain. Certainly kdb is gonna explode with like 2 goals and 2 assists this week. I dont even own him yikes

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

      Well....i got my first minus transver points in thos seson, only coz of him 🙂

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I got KDB, Bruno and Vardy - really torn with this weeks choice .

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

        If I had him i would captain for sure

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah but then its Vardy away against Blades (he is Wednesday lad)... could be massive differential pick.

  22. 824545201
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Some hubbub about the NLD getting postponed.

    Anyone has more info?

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Reason?

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Why?

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        p.s. NLD= North London Derby for those outside North London. 😉 (like me)

        1. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I am outside UK and I know NLD, maybe you inc Arsenal fans as well. 😀

          1. ZeBestee
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            And a few Spurs fans 😛

    3. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      where did you hear that, the meat counter at tesco?

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

      1st time to see this.......

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        he is either trolling or naive, probably doesnt even realise Arsenal and Spurs are both playing tonight. So hardly hit by covid are they. And what other possible reason could it be postponed for

  23. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Problems all over the place here. Was planning on saving a FT this week but might not be possible now. Any suggestions?

    *Martinez
    Chilwell Cancelo Lamptey Coufal
    KDB Bruno *Zaha Riedewald
    DCL Vardy

    Forster Neco *Watkins *Grealish

    1FT

  24. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Whom will you captain out of this lot?

    1) Son
    2) Mahrez
    3) Vardy
    4) Salah
    5) Jesus

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

      Vardy

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

      2 or 5

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

      Vardy.

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

      Jesus

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

      Mahrez

  25. cemal
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Antonio or Gabriel Jesus?

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Jesus

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

      Jesus but price difference and how long term you're looking is important here

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Antonio.

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

    Is it alright to play 2 of Dallas,Lamptey,Coufal every week? The other one will be the 1st sub besides Riedewald and Neco Willians...

  27. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy
    Chilwell, Cancelo, Coufal
    Salah, KDB (C), Bruno, ziyech
    Watkins, Bamford, Brewster

    Forster, Grealish, Lewis, Targett

    2ft 0.3 itb

    Watkins > Adams pretty much happening.

    Need to deal with Cancelo. Who to replace with?

    A Dias/Mendy (worth the risk of benching?)
    B James (double up on Chelsea)
    C Lamptey
    D Dallas (good fixtures after Chelsea)

    Really stumped for ideas. Any advice would be massively appreciated.

  28. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Very cowardly putting your hands up to protect your face especially for a pro footballer.

    Why would you go into a free kick wall if you don't have the courage to do what needs to be done?

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Expound!

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

      Wouldn't get on an U10 hurling or gaelic football team with an atitude like that.

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

        He should have his hands tied behind his back in training while his team mates punt gaelic footballs at him until he learns his lesson.

        He would never again fear a soccer ball after getting hit in the face with a gaelic football a few times. 😉

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

    Start KWP or Justin?

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

      KWP ez

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'd probably go KWP, but I dont particularly like Justin so im probably biased. 😀

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Justin.

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

    I'm looking to fill 2 defender spots for this week only. Have 9.9M to play with. Currently got Fofana and Dier in place (I'm on a free hit week and happy with rest of team selection (maxed on Man City so can't pick them for def)
    What combination would you have? any ideas? thank you so much

    Examples:
    Fofana
    Dier
    Justin
    Keane
    Southampton Defenders (could have a 4.5 leaving 5.4/5.3 free for someone like Tierney/Maguire/WanBissaka/Aurier/Soy/Gabriel etc)

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Probably 2 of these:
      KWP, Lamptey, Reguilon/Dier
      Maybe even Stones, but no idea if he starts, did he play mid week?