Pro Pundits

How I’m using the Wildcard to plan for the Blank and Double Gameweeks

With Gameweek 16 fast approaching, it is almost time to activate my first Wildcard ahead of the upcoming Blank and Double Gameweeks.

I am currently sitting around 350k overall with 851 points, which is ‘okay’ for this stage of the season, but it’s obvious I need this Wildcard to act as a catalyst for improvement.

So, in this, my latest column, I’m going to run through my chip strategy for the coming weeks and highlight a pool of players I’m considering for my Wildcard. There is still just under a week before final decisions need to be made, but unless additional fixtures get added, I don’t envisage too much changing.

CHIP STRATEGY

  • Gameweek 16 – First Wildcard
  • Blank Gameweek 18 – Free Hit
  • Double Gameweek 19 – Bench Boost

When I started writing this column on Monday morning, my understanding was that we were unlikely to see another Double Gameweek as big as 19 (which currently features ten teams) in 2020/21. Since then, we’ve learnt that the EFL Cup Final has been moved to a later date towards the end of April, which suggests we’ll now see another big Double in Gameweek 26. 

However, having spent a fair bit of time looking at possible scenarios, I’m sticking to my original strategy and will plan accordingly for future Blanks and Doubles.

A key reason for this is that I like the budget options on offer at West Ham United, Southampton and Leeds United, all of whom feature in this Double and have okay fixtures either side. That means players from these teams can rotate in and out of my starting XI as and when needed, without too much value being left on the bench. Going forward, I’ll probably be looking at an additional outlay of around £1.5m on bench players each week, which I’m hoping won’t prove an issue.

So, if I Bench Boost in Double Gameweek 19, I also have to Free Hit in Blank Gameweek 18. While the pool of players is naturally smaller with only five matches scheduled for that week, I see it as an opportunity to make up ground, with Manchester City looking like one of the teams to target.

My remaining chips, second Wildcard and Triple Captain, will then be used around Double Gameweek 26.

For those wondering, I did consider going a week early with my Wildcard to avoid being priced out of any moves, but felt I’d be losing good players with good fixtures in Gameweek 15, like Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m), Jack Grealish (£7.8m) and Ollie Watkins (£6.1m). By waiting, I also get another week of information, which is often valuable. 

WILDCARD

Losing Son Heung-min (£9.7m) and Harry Kane (£11.0m) for Double Gameweek assets is a risky play, given their fixtures, which see them take on Fulham and Leeds United at home before Gameweek 18. Ideally, I’d hold both, but I’m currently leaning towards keeping just one, and then moving that player on for an additional Double Gameweek player ahead of Gameweek 19. That way I can capitalise on those fixtures.

However, when planning future transfers, I also need to consider what follows the Double Gameweek.

In Gameweek 20, I’ll want De Bruyne back in my squad without taking a hit, ahead of a trip to West Bromwich Albion.

All of these kinds of scenarios are worth thinking about now, to ensure a successful Wildcard isn’t undone in the weeks to follow by a lack of planning. Gameweek 20 is as important as any, and I need to make sure that I can capitalise on any fixture swings without unnecessary hits, and that I also have good captaincy options in place. 

This is where a captaincy planner can be useful, like mine below. It should also mean I have the correct big hitters in place going forward.

CAPTAINCY PLANNER

  • Gameweek 16 – Salah (new), Son or Kane (FUL)
  • Gameweek 17 – Salah (sou), Son or Kane (LEE)
  • Blank Gameweek 18 (Free Hit) – De Bruyne (BHA)
  • Double Gameweek 19 – Salah (MUN, BUR)
  • Gameweek 20 – Fernandes (SHU), De Bruyne (wba)
  • Gameweek 21 – De Bruyne (SHU)

WATCHLIST

GOALKEEPERS

Alex McCarthy (£4.6m), Illan Meslier (£4.6m), Sam Johnstone (£4.5m).

Right now, I’m leaning towards pairing Meslier and Johnstone together, despite Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion’s ongoing defensive issues. That combination gives me a solid fixture run right up until Gameweek 25:

LEE, ARS, Free Hit, BHA + SOU / wol + whu, new, FUL, shu, CRY, ars, bur

Ideally, I don’t want to use transfers on this position up until my second Wildcard, which this setup should allow.

While clean sheets may be hard to come by, what these keepers will provide is save points, and lots of them. In fact, no other keepers can match them for saves this season, with 120 between them.

Hopefully by the time the Double Gameweek comes around, Sam Allardyce will have had sufficient time on the training ground to tighten Albion up, but if I do have doubts around this, McCarthy at Southampton is another option I’m comfortable with.

DEFENDERS

Can Robertson sustain value advantage over Alexander-Arnold after 10-point haul?

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m), Andrew Robertson (£7.2m), Rúben Dias (£5.7m), Reece James (£5.3m), Aaron Cresswell (£5.2m), Eric Dier (£5.0m), James Justin (£4.9m), Stuart Dallas (£4.7m), Vladimir Coufal (£4.6m), Charlie Taylor (£4.5m), Fabián Balbuena (£4.4m)

In my current draft, both Liverpool defenders feature having delivered a combined 19 points in Gameweek 14. Over the last three Gameweeks they lead the way amongst defenders for final-third touches, and if anything, I see them upping their output in the coming weeks.

Ideally, they’d be joined by James (if fit), but team value may restrict this, so I will likely have to select two or three of the sub £5.0m options listed above. If money is tight, Balbuena dropping to £4.4m may be useful.

Of the single Gameweek candidates, I like Dias and Dier, who may also come into my thinking.

MIDFIELDERS

Salah building up massive power in top 10k after Gameweek 14 haul

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), Sadio Mané (£11.9m), Bruno Fernandes (£11.0m), Son Heung-min (£9.7m), Jarrod Bowen (£6.4m), Theo Walcott (£5.8m), Raphinha (£5.4m), Tomas Soucek (£5.1m)

It’s almost certain I’ll include Salah and Fernandes as my midfield heavy hitters, and compliment them with a couple of budget options.

Raphinha looks like he’ll make the cut, and has been posting some encouraging numbers since making his first start in Gameweek 9. Amongst midfielders, only Mané has attempted more shots in the box over that period, while he also ranks sixth for chances created. With a great looking Double, he should offer real value.

West Ham duo Soucek and Bowen are also appealing, with the latter’s share of corners heightening his appeal, while Walcott is a differential pick. If Danny Ings (£8.4m) is set for another spell on the sidelines, I’m quite fond of this move. In the three games Ings missed earlier this season, Walcott deputised up front with only four midfielders registering more shots in the box during those games.

I won’t rule Chelsea midfielders out either, but with points often spread around the team, I will probably look elsewhere.

FORWARDS

Harry Kane (£11.0m), Jamie Vardy (£10.2m), Patrick Bamford (£6.4m), Chris Wood (£6.2m), Che Adams (£6.0m), Rodrigo (£5.7m)

As discussed earlier, I could do a transfer hokey-cokey with Kane and Vardy or go cheap. Either way Bamford is a certainty, but the other spots are up for grabs.

A Leeds’ attacking triple-up may be a bit too much, but considering their expected goal (xG) total this season is only behind Liverpool, for a short period, a move for Rodrigo could work. However, Wood may be the better bet. He isn’t someone to get too excited about, but has been consistent in recent seasons and does tend to pick up bonus points when he scores, which I like. The fixtures before the Double Gameweek are about as good as it gets for Burnley too.

Michail Antonio (£6.2m) may become an option, but with ongoing injury issues, time is running out and it’s hard to see him featuring right now.

So, I hope this have given you some ideas for the coming weeks. 

I’ll be finalising my team at the weekend, but will update you on how it’s been going the next time I check in.

Thanks for reading, and best of luck to you all over the Christmas period.

632 Comments Post a Comment
  1. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    i have no clue who to replace chilwell with. robertson is too expensive.

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

      dier

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

      Reguilon or Dias or Dier are shouts without a dgw

    3. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      i have dias. Leaning towards coufal. very close between him and dallas, wich one should i go for?

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

      What's your team, budget and strategy for 18/19

    5. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Coufal

    6. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      free hit 18

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

        Matip

    7. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Matip

    8. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Matip?

    9. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      matip have played two games in a row only once this season.

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

        this

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

      justin?

  2. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Leeds have been looking great attacking however I worry that their intensive style of play will affect them during the busy schedule making them less attractive for the dgw. I'll probably go with one attacker and no defenders for the dgw.

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

      No defenders is the right call even if it wasn't hectic

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

      I agree with no defs. I'll probably go with Bamford (already have him) and add Raphina

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I'll go with one of those two.

  3. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    If DCL starts tonight against United, is there a chance he gets rested against Sheffield this weekend and then starts against City next week?

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

      Of course there is a chance but they don't have a good enough replacement

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

      Who starts in his place? Unless he goes richarlison up top on his own they don't really have a replacement.

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

    If Chilwell is out for 2-3 GWs:

    A) Play Coufal (BHA)
    or
    B) Sell Chilwell for Dier (wol) (-4) and play over Coufal?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      A easily

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

      A for me since Dier has a low ceiling. If it was for Robbo or TAA, I would take the hit

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

        yep would be all over that

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

      thanks for the confirmation

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

    Nuno almost gave clear player availability updates in his presser today: https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/1341735059167064066?s=20 and https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/1341734437986439168?s=20. Close, but still clear as mud... We go again at Nuno's next presser, with hope

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

    I feel like FPL has gotten very hectic over the last week with DGWs, blank GWs and injuries.

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      All of this makes it more interesting!

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

    Merry Christmas yo. What to do with this mess?
    Plan is/was to avoid FH in GW18. Perhaps FH in 19.

    Martinez
    Gabriel Bellerin Lamptey*
    KBD Bruno Grealish Saka Mahrez
    Martial Bamford

    McCarthy | Lewis, Brewster, Mitchell

    A) Brewster > Aguero
    B) Bellerin + Mahrez > Cancelo + Son *
    C) Bellerin + Mahrez > Robbo + Son ¬
    D) Bellerin + Mahrez > Robbo/Cancelo + Neto ^

    * Money for Bamford/Martial > Aguero
    ¬ Money for Martial > Aguero
    ^ Money for Brewster > Aguero

    I quite like D as I can keep Bamford and Martial for after the DGW if they are good options at the point, and I wouldn't need Robertson who has no GW18 fixture. Would also like Son though...

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

      Any comments about Arsenal (and therefore coverage) shall be ignored. All other comments much appreciated 😀

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

    Who scores more:

    A) Che Adams (ful)
    or
    B) Bamford (BUR)
    ..?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      This week A

    2. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B. If you go with facts

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

      Hopefully B

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

    Who should I get as a second MCI defenders - already have Stones
    Prefer to get Walker but thinking that if I get Dias then at least one of them should start each week - a combo like Walker and Stones could mean both players missing (gw18)

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

      Crazy. Just ask Mark Sutherns. Wasted like 4 trades flip flopping between Dias, Walker and Cancelo. Besides, 11 m so you have 1 guaranteed player in def most weeks..? Makes no sense.

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

    Which 2 should I bring in just for this week?
    A) Vestergaard vs FUL
    B) Mina vs SHU
    C) Matip vs WB
    D) Walker vs NEW

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C & D

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

      CD

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

    Mahrez to Raphina and

    Kilman to TAA? -4

    Yay or nay?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

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

      Yes

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

      Thanks Pep and Tony

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

    Is it reckless to do the following given I have already used my first WC?

    GW17: WC
    GW18: FH
    GW19: BB

    Will only leave TC chip for future gameweeks?

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

      yes dont use your 2nd WC this early

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

      Wouldn't feel comfortable with no second WC

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

      I learnt the hard way earlier this season not to use a wildcard early unless it’s really necessary

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

    Play
    A) Taylor (LEE)

    B) Dallas (BUR)

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

      B

    3. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B for me, also have taylor on bench

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

    I would love to bring in Robbo or Trent but I’ve used my FT this week so I think I’ll just hold tight and hope West Brom score!

    All being well, I’ll save a FT next week and use both in 17 to keep building for BB19.

    Good to go here?

    0FT 0.0ITB
    Martinez / McCarthy
    Zouma Coufal Taylor
    Salah (c) KDB Bruno Son
    DCL Bamford Watkins

    Martinez/McCarthy Soucek Justin Struijk

    Thanks!

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

    Chilwell and Justin to Robbo and Kilman for free gives me the below team for GW15. I will WC next week so not too fussed about that abomination of a bench. Seem okay?

    McCarthy
    Robbo Zouma Taylor
    Bruno Salah (C) KDB Grealish
    DCL Adams Bamford

    Button - Bissouma Kilman Mitchell

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

      Good moves, wildcard sounds good

  16. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Robbo, Dallas, Coufal, Mitchel

    Who’s the best DGW defender to replace Chillwell with?

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

      Don't know how much cash you have. Could say Robbo, could say Taylor.

    2. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You clearly struggle to read

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

        chill bro lmao

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

        *TAA

  17. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any thoughts guys? 2 ft
    chilwell and kdb( current (C)
    to
    salah (C) & 1 coufal 0r 2 dier?
    Thanks

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

      Salah could do very well v west brom but so could kdbz tough one !

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

        Was gonna do they kdb to salah move last week to
        Salah big cap pick this week to
        Cheers

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

    Lads I have my fist WC and Im wondering is the WC FH in 18 BB in 19 the best strategy?

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

      If you have that luxury, definitely. Just make sure you WC before it expires! Mate of mine used his second by mistake last season!

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

        Ouch. I just have to submit it before the start of GW 16 correct?

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

          yes

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

          Yes, correct. Good luck with it!

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

            Thanks appreciate it

  19. yanky
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    best one week chilwell replacement before wc??
    a) Walker
    b) Matip

    Dias Creswell ___ (Lamptey Mitchell)

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

      B

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

    Have Martinez. Steer ->

    A McCarthy,
    B Meslier
    C Johnstone

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

      I think I prefer the SOU def over the LEE and WBA at the moment but still undecided. I don't think big sam will turn around WBA defence in time for DGW with the players the currently has

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

        Leaning on A too.

    2. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      My ass

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

        Lol. Having a bad holiday?

    3. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’m jus kidding that was rude of me, I apologise have a good day

  21. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Start taylor or justin

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

      Justin since his stats show he is more attacking. I don't see either of them keeping a CS.

      CS odds
      https://twitter.com/FPL_Salah/status/1341284839287267329?s=19

  22. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I have a feeling of impending doom that I'm going to miss out on a lot of points in GWs 17/18 the way I'm set up.

    Big, big opportunity for others to make up ground.

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

      thanks, will do.

  23. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    best replacement for chillwell.

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

      Robertson

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

      Robbo

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

      I'm going castagne or fofana

  24. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I cant afford robbo

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

      Me too.

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

    Mitchell down to 3.9 is a real pain ...

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

      Not if you bought him at 3.8 😎

  26. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Frank Lampard reports Ben Chilwell and Reece James are both doubtful for the next two games.
    #ARSCHE

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

      Frank Lampard on Ben Chilwell and Reece James: “They’re both doubtful. So I can’t give you an answer at the moment. We’re not sure whether they’ll be fit for either game (Arsenal or Aston Villa).”

  27. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Just a small town girl...

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

      Living in a Boly world

  28. Ron_Swanson
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone know if Kieran Trippier uses this website? Thanks

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

    So Pope with CS, all 3bps and muitlple save points against Leeds?

  30. backstreets
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any decent man city predicted line up fan sites? Thinking of a one week punt on Aguero before bringing in Kane