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

    Is this worth it or likely to backfire? Pod/Robbo v each other should mean not too much.

    Podence/Robbo -> KDB/Dallas?

    Martinez
    Chilwell Zouma Robbo
    Bruno Son Podence Jota
    DCL Vardy Bamford

    Forster Grealish Lamptey Mitchell

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

      Not sure I’d drop Robbo with the fixtures they have. Would you captain KDB?

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

        Yes I'd likely capt KDB, I could also do Podence to Mahrez instead.

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

      Could pay off very nicely. Interestingly I’ve almost been persuaded to keep Podence, at least from comparing his stats to Hamez last 4GW when deciding how to get KDB in.

      Are those moves for free? If so I probably would chance it yeah. Help below?

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

      I'm never bothered about players playing each other.

  2. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mendy Steer*
    Cancelo Justin KWP Taylor Mitchell*
    Bruno Sterling Son Grealish* Romeu
    Kane DCL Watkins*

    0.2 itb, 1ft

    0.1 short for just Sterling to KdB. Sterling + Watkins to KDB(C) + Adams or keep Sterling and Bruno(C)?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Take out Cancelo

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

      I like the move for Kev here

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

    Any of these worth a hit?
    A) Cancelo to Dias/Reguilon
    B) Watkins to Bamford

    If I don't take the hit, I'll have to play Riedewald which is a likely 1-pointer

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

      B is nice

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

      None worth a hit this week imo. Put yourself ahead of the masses who are taking hits!

      Help below?

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

    Chances Saiss drops tonight? Looks like James will rise

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

      Hmm let me close my eyes. What's that I hear a voice? What are they saying? What is it? Wait. It's a number. Yes, oh.. Yes it's coming to me now... minus.. minus 73. Wait? Point 9. There's a chance, a probability even that the voices... the voices tell me there's a -73.9% chance.

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

        Not really sure how accurate that site has been which was part of the question I guess. Should have made that explicit to avoid this type of reply

  5. 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. Can’t decide on Hamez v Podence to stay another week (likely selling for Jota after that)

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

      Hamez looked great against Leeds I thought

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

        Did he? Interesting. I’m just hearing he’s much more of an assist the assister type recently. Obviously had the goal ruled out I know, but Podence has outperformed him on stats recently, which swayed me to keep the latter.

        Which moves would you go for this week bro? Can lose Podence rather than Hamez in A, just means less ITB

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

          He was heavily involved and scored but just offside.

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

      No sure if I like A or B tbh. I really don't think Cancelo starts so maybe him to James/Chilwell?

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

        Fair yeah both have downsides. Just feel like I need to get KDB in more importantly than remove Cancelo this week, even if it’s unlikely he starts. Have Coufal ‘cover’ off the bench for Cancelo

    3. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A this week then Ziyech to Salah next

  6. bobbyg
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Son and Grealish to

    KDB(C) and Jota -4?

    W/c next week

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Depends if you can get back in grealish value?

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

      Not sure about taking a hit just before WC, just do Grealish to Mahrez(C) maybe?

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

      Thanks guys

      Would lose .2 on Grealish

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

      Why use WC next week? Save it for Gw 16, prepare for the blanks and doubles in 18/19. Trust me..

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

        Good point. Thanks Motty

  7. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Save FT or move out cancelo?

    Ryan
    Cancelo, dier, kwp, Taylor, Ferguson
    Mane, Kdb, Bruno, grealish, Bissouma
    Dcl, Werner, adams

    Or Werner to Jesus punt?

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

      Save

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

      Save

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

    We'll likely have our first 3.9 GK today!

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

      Who’s that?

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

        Walton from Brighton

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

      Haha!

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

      Things are looking up for the world.

  9. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Barnes unlikely to start on Sunday if he plays much more of this Europe match?

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

      Was JUST about to ask this aswell, may need to remove him aswell

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

      Expect so, Maddison lurking

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I don't know why Maddison and Barnes aren't both nailed. You think Praet/Under are just preferred by Rodgers?

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

          Not sure at all, just going off the fact he was benched at the weekend and might play 90 tonight, they only have 2 days rest

          Then again he did score, either way he’ll get some minutes

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

    Son is such a troll, looking awful tonight and probably blank at the weekend then when people sell for salah he’ll pop back up with a massive haul

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

      he'll score against CPL and Arsenal

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

      Perfect timing.

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

      And he scores

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

        Lol thats really funny

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

          Haha I did the same with kdb at the weekend

          Won’t stop people selling for salah before his next massive haul

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

    Should I make the short-term, mid-term or long-term move here?

    A) Son -> Mahrez (C)
    B) Son + Robbo* -> KDB (C) + Lamptey [-4]
    C) Son + Kane* -> KDB (C) + Adams (leaves £ for Robbo + Jota -> Salah + X in GW 12) [-4]

    Cheers!

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

    Mayday mayday. Bale is on penalties, especially if Kane is injured it might work

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

      Awful fixtures though

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

        Yeah, can't ever see Bale doing anything spectacular against Liverpool when they play.

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

    Son not look good tonight?

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

      In steady decline since the United game.

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

      Not up to much, only the one goal so far.

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

      just scored

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

        Lol nice

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

      Timing

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

    Never thought I'd be considering a West Brom keeper for a hit...

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

      Ha ha same here unless I use my free one for him I guess...

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

    Son goal

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

    SOOOONNNN

  17. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who to remove to bring in Salah ahead of gameweek 12 -

    A. Bruno
    B. Kane
    C. Vardy

    I’m wildcarding ahead of gameweek 16 by the way

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

      B

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

        Why?

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

          Mainly fixtures and I heard he was a doubt.
          Bruno defo not.
          So between Vardy n Kane. Vardy has 2 golden games next whereas Kanes are tough, but I get he’s fixture proof however his underlying stats haven’t been great recently tbh. Just my thoughts, but up to you of course...

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

            Thanks mate, much appreciated.

            Vardy has looked lethargic recently so I’m inclined towards selling him

    2. The Sun'll Come Out To…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B or C

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

    Anyone got any advice for me please? 1 FT 2.0 ITB (Team linked)

    Martinez Forster

    Chilwell Cresswell Cancelo Lewis Kilman

    Sterling KDB Bruno Grealish Riedeweld

    DCL Bamford Watkins.

    Was thinking Johnstone in for Forster and Adam’s in for Watkins, but I can afford Tammy? A -4 will give me 1 sub assuming Cancelo n Sterling play.

    Cheers!

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

    Son goal

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

    Son season keeper

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

    Son officially inform going into weekend.

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, crazy to drop him. He's always got a goal in him. Especially when Spurs really need a goal.

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

    Now take him off Jose...

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

    If you got the money ITB, and are able to field a somewhat decent team using your FT to fix the keeper situation, then I think 4.0 -> McCarthy could be good.

    McCarthy against Brighton this week (can't be worse then going without a goalkeeper surely)
    McCarthy against Sheffield next week (Martínez got Wolves and will more likely concede)
    McCarthy against West Ham in GW16 (Martínez got Chelsea)

    And you still got Martínez for his double double GW's

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

      Fair points tbh

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

    Would you rather keep Podence or Hamez this week?

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

      Hamez

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

    Martinez (Forster)
    XXX, Chilwell, Cancelo (Dallas, Mitchell)
    Bruno, KDB, Son, XXX, Grealish
    DCL, Bamford, (XXX)

    Which trio would you rather have?

    A) Robertson + Ziyech + Adams
    B) Bednarek + Salah + Brewster (-4)

  26. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Fofana as a replacement for Saiss? Cant have James and limited to 5.4. am tempted by Dallas but doubt Leeds will keep a cs at Chelsea this he. Thanks

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

      Fofana is quality so yes

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers. He's nailed isn't he ?

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

          I believe so yes

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

            Goal incoming as well. Looks decent

            1. Ajax Hamsterdam
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              cheers 🙂

  27. Stockport Hatter
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Free Hit team for this week - please spare me the lectures on using it now peeps! Any changes though?

    Johnstone
    James Zouma Justin
    Salah KDB(c) Mahrez(VVD) Bruno Son
    DCL Adams

    Steer Mitchell Bryan Davis

    Thanks in advance.,

    1. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      VVD should be vc!!!!!

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I'd take him off VC then. Don't think Klopp will start him this weekend.

        1. Stockport Hatter
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I meant Mahrez is vc. VVD should have read “vc “

    2. George James
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Can you not save the free hit?

      How many you have out?

    3. The Sun'll Come Out To…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      There might be an outside chance Justin gets dropped with Pereira back.

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

      Decent although Justin may be at risk of being replaced perhaps?

      1. Stockport Hatter
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks all! I’ll take all your points on board.

  28. George James
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best move?

    Martinez*
    Lamptey / James / Chilwell / Robbo
    Son / KDB(c) / Podence
    Werner / DCL / Vardy

    Steer* / Coufal / Bissouma / Grealish*

    A) Martinez >> Mcarthy / Messlier - 4
    B) Roll with 10.

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

      Roll with 10. Martinez will come in handy later.

      1. George James
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah leaning that way. Thanks

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

    I'm on 12 points worth of hits and no wildcard played. How are you guys doing on that front?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wc played and no hits

    2. The Sun'll Come Out To…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      why not just play the wc?

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

        I mean -12 on the season!

        1. The Sun'll Come Out To…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Ah. I see. Well, as long as I'm here: -8 and WC played 2 weeks ago.

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

            I've never counted before but I'm going to this year.

            1. The Sun'll Come Out To…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Could be a good idea to accrue that data over seasons, to see if you did better in years with more or less hits. Let me know how it turns out in 10 years.

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

      wc played and done 3 hits, got a green arrow each week I hit (last 3 weeks coincidentally)

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

      O hits this season and the last

  30. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What are Rashford owners doing this week? Oles comments are still too vague. No idea if he will be fit for the weekend

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I imagine his comments are vague because he doesn’t know if he will be fit or not.