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. Alberto Tomba
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    If either Cancelo or Robertson don't start i'm down to ten men.

    Who's the best defender for under 5.9 for the next 6-7 gameweeks?

    1. On The Up
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      James/Dias

      1. Alberto Tomba
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers, any idea which one is more likely to retain their spot most often?

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

      Is robertson really out?

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

        I don't think so as he finished the game in the week. Hopefully Klopp is open about it tomorrow

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      James

  2. On The Up
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    TAA back for the weekend?

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      no

  3. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bench order (may need two this GW):

    a) Mitchell (vs WBA A)
    b) Bissouma (vs Sou H)
    c) Dallas (vs Che A)

    1. On The Up
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      dallas bis mitch

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

        Won't mitch play the 90 if he starts anyway, so no biggie keeping him 1st because that fixture is definitely a whole lot botter than Dallas's

  4. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Pick one:

    Martinez*
    Robbo - Chilwell - Coufal - Dallas
    Bruno - Son - Jota
    Kane - Vardy - DCL
    (Forster) - (Bissouma - Mitchell - Grealish*)

    A) Son -> Mahrez (C)
    B) Son + Robbo -> KDB (C) + Lamptey for -4

    Cheers!

    1. Alberto Tomba
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Robbo may play and do great, and has Vs. I woudn't take him out for a hit

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

        But the whole point of that move is KDB (C), the only way to fund it

  5. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone know if Bielsa gave any update on Harrison's knock in his presser?

  6. Eric Banternaaa
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martínez Steer
    Chilwell Robertson Lamptey Cancelo Dunne
    Salah Sterling Barnes Grealish Stephens
    Wilson Ings DCL

    Too many player out or maybe not play: Jiminez, Robbo, Sterling, Wilson, Grealish, Cancelo, Dunne & Stephens. 1FT 0.7ITB.

    Who’s priority? Jiminez &

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

      Wildcard handy or used?

      1. Eric Banternaaa
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Used unfortunately.

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

    Is Kane going to be fit for the Arsenal match?

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

      Kane will play, most likely even if struggling with a knock.

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

      I dunno

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Probably

  8. Rex Lapis
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Get KDB or Bruno?

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

      KDB

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

      Bruno

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      KDB

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

      KDB for armband this week, gw13 and maybe gw15.

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

      yes

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

      Both are great picks. But even though KDB is my preferred, I'd suggest Bruno just because of the ownership. If bruno hauls this weekend it will hurt you pretty bad, but if KDB hauls then he's a lot less owned so it wont be so bad. Would rate their chances of hauls pretty similar tbh

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

    If Giroud starts on Saturday, Reece James could score big points

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      First thing I thought after I saw yesterday’s game.

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

      I like that. Just got him

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

      Aye, have loved owning him

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

      Giroud was on fire yesterday, some nice goals and he took the pen with his left foot... He's rightfooted right?

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Nope

        • Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          No

        • walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          He's lefty

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

        I dont even think Giroud will start, Werner up front I reckon/hope.

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

          Uh probably not

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

            who do you thinks benched then? Surely both Puli and Werner start, if so where does Werner go?

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

              I expect pulley to be benched

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

                Werner isn't striker material. He's a wide forward like Rashford

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

                  k well as long as he starts im happy enough 😀

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

                    Yeah he was rested midweek so fully expect him to start

        2. Nice to Finally Michu
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Hope they start together with Werner second striker and Kai as an 8

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

          Werner LW Ziyech RW

          50/50 between Tammy and Giroud for CF

        4. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          That would take some balls to bench a striker on a poker in CL...

      3. Carefree Crew
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I don't think Giroud will start either.
        Leeds high line & leaving space behind with their attaching style arguably suits Tammy / Werner pace running in behind.
        I doubt Pulisic starts either. Lamps has talked about managing his minutes.
        Werner, Tammy, Ziyech is our most likely front 3 IMHO.
        All 3 were on the bench yesterday, so it makes sense from a rotation / test perspective.
        I could see both Giroud & Pulisic coming on depending how the game pans out. Giroud deserves some more game time, just don't think this fixture suits him.
        Pulisic hamstring reoccurred, so I think lamps protects him.
        Obviously all speculation on my part but that's my thought process.

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

          Yea I think you and Miguel right, makes sense

      4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Definitely. Those two James' crosses last GW were wasted by Tammy. My first thought when I saw them during the game was; where is Giroud?

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

      Hart beaten from range low to his left. Textbook.

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

        Is he hartbroken

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

          often

    6. vandebeek
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      So there's no chance villa-newcastle game is played in time which could be counted as this GW in fpl?
      If so, cancelo to james for free? Only playing sub is brewster

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Really doubt it.

    7. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/sharks/sharks-evander-kane-wants-knock-out-youtube-stars-jake-logan-paul

      So you're telling me this is why FPL has Kane flagged with a knock?

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

        Not clicking as URL already kind enough to warn about the Paul bros.

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

          Good decision 😀

    8. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      What do you think of Bruno may get a rest this weekend before next week Leipzig capital game and City game?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Doubt it. He’s incredibly fit.

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

        yep

      3. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        You dont rest your best player in a competition where you´re already trailing behind...

      4. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Solskjaer in no position to start resting his best player.

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

        Yeah sure, Bruno should be rested, and Martial, Cavani and Rashford too. Might as well play the B team

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

        Nope I don’t think so

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

      Quick one

      Best striker to bring in for Watkins for GW11 (WC next week)
      A) Bamford
      B) Adams

      Captain
      1) Vardy
      2) Bruno
      3) Sterling

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

        B1

      2. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        B
        3

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

        B1

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

        Cheers all, Vardy certainly much safer, can't help but feel I'll end up going maverick with Sterling come Saturday morning

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

      Manager's still bringing in Wilson to their teams. Don't they even have time to check the fixtures? 10k additional Managers brought him in after yesterday's news.

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

        They are the sort I'm still chasing

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

        preparing for the doubles 😉

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

        Boggles the mind really. Same was happening when Salah was declared fit to play Brighton, and yet another 50k or more carried on selling. I just dont really understand

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

      Pen for Spurs

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

        And Bale scores.

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

        2nd in line to Kane?

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

          Maybe if he is on the pitch.

    12. SomeoneKnows
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Would you lose Robertson & Ziyech in order to fund Salah and have a midfield of Bruno, KDB, Salah & Son?

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

        I will be doing that yes by gw14 all of it will be done. Salah next week. Son gw14

    13. Hktrader88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Any Leeds fans around? Was considering brining in Dallas.. but I noticed that Alioski has had a run of matches. The 0.1m saving would be very useful. Does anyone know how nailed be is?

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Dallas is playing in midfield at the minute

      2. Boly Would
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Alioski will lose his place before Dallas.
        Likely scenario would be Rodrigo back in the starting XI, Dallas back to LB and Alioski makes way.

    14. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Gtg all? 0ft 0.8itb. Vardy son to bamford salah -4 next week potentially

      Martinez**
      Chilwell lamptey kwp
      Kdb(c) Bruno son soucek
      Vardy Werner dcl

      Forster Mitchell balbuena Burke

    15. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Doherty limped off before HF. If he's out long-term, Aurier is a must as far as I'm concerned.

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

        Did it look bad?

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

          Heavy limp, but was walking. So dunno. Just have to wait and see.

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

        Prefer Reg

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

          If they were the same price, I'd still prefer Aurier.

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

        Same for me, but it didn't look so bad.

    16. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Justin benched this weekend?

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

        Should have one last hurrah

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

        They've just lost Soy, Roy.

        So I think there is still room for him but days may be numbered.

    17. SomeoneKnows
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Which pair is likely to score more points this week?

      A) Robertson + Ziyech
      B) Kane + Brewster
      C) Kane + Dallas

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

        I'd guess A

      2. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        A

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

      If Kane still out injured at the weekend, should we expect Bale to be ahead of Son on penalty duties?

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

        no

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

        Doubt Bale starts

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

        Unlikely Kane not playing - but in your scenario, I would say clearly yes Bale would be on Pens before Son because theyre both on the pitch tonight and Bale took the Pen.

    19. royals forever
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      In your opinion what is the better set of transfers for a -4

      Lookman & Son > Mahrez & Podence
      Lookman & Kane > Mahrez & Bamford

      Any ideas would be welcomed

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

        Interesting you’re bringing Podence in as I think of selling! Why’s that?

        I’d probably say the latter option is better

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

        Seems totally backwards to me, especially the first one. Lookman actually looking like a decent option, Son is a nailed starter and you want to swap for Mahrez, and also podence? Weird.

        Not a fan of Mahrez, you play with fire.. Stick with Son and Kane

    20. Maddi Son
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Johnstone
      Aurier, Mendy, Chilwell
      Bruno, KDB(c) Mahrez, Jota
      Vardy, Welbeck, Werner

      Peacock, Webster, Jones, Neco

      Anyway I can improve this free hit team? Would appreciating critiquing the team rather than telling me what a stupid mistake I've made. Cheers boyos.

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Aurier could become James but feel like I want to spread the risk. Chelsea should keep the cleanie but Leeds are a weird one.

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

        Yea its alright, lack of Spurs attack hurts a little, but I understand if ur reserved about Kane. All u could do is ditch a city for Son

        1. Maddi Son
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I did consider losing Vardy for Son and switch to a 3-5-2. Leicester haven't exactly been firing on all cylinders lately. What you recon?

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

            idk hard call, both good options this week. Only you can decide

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

      Hiya all. 1FT 2.6 ITB here - which moves would you prefer? Decided I may lose Hamez rather than Podence...
      A) Kane Hamez to Bamford KDB (-4) 3.2 ITB
      B) Ziyech Hamez to KDB JWP/Bowen (-4)
      C) something else

      Martinez** (Steer**)
      Robbo Cancelo Lamptey (Coufal Mitchell)
      Bruno Son Ziyech JRodriguez Podence
      Kane DCL (Davis)

      Cancelo obviously on the chopping block too - and may lose Podence for Jota next week, but think I may ditch Hamez first?

    22. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Martínez Steer
      Chilwell Robertson Lamptey Cancelo Dunne
      Salah Sterling Barnes Grealish Stephens
      Wilson Ings DCL

      Too many player out or maybe not play: Jiminez, Robbo, Sterling, Wilson, Grealish, Cancelo, Dunne & Stephens. 1FT 0.7ITB.

      Thinking Jiminez Robbo Barnes > Adams James KDB. Thoughts?

      1. Eric Banternaaa
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        KDB (C)

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

        Can you do the move but replace Cancelo rather than Robbo?

        1. Eric Banternaaa
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          No not another. That was my preference

        2. Eric Banternaaa
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I could just do Jiminez Cancelo > Adams James

    23. Just_Ty
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Despite being flagged, Zaha should play right?

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

        Has he recovered from COVID?

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

          Not been tested due to self-isolation but should be on Sat i.e. on time for Sunday if negative. But of coin toss

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

            Bit*
            So sold on doing Son -> KDB (c) that I’m a little reluctant to act on Zaha

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

      Good read AVFC, Raphinha is an interesting option but hard to fit him in if not impossible. The only way would be an injury to Grealish or Jota, or if Jota starts getting far less minutes/goes off the burner.
      I think many will be in the same predicament, so that will make him a great differential

      Could possibly get him as bench cover for Xmas period, that might be sensible given the fixture congestion, covid and other issues

    25. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Roll the FT and play 10?

      Martinez
      Chilwell,Bellerin,Dias
      KDB(c), Fernandes,Ziyech,Jota
      DCL,Vardy,Bamford

      Steer,Ayling,Grealish,Ferguson

      Then next week for Free . Ziyech,Vardy >> Salah,Adams.