Pro Pundits - Tom

Should we be targeting teams playing Newcastle for FPL attacking assets?


Five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman reveals his latest thoughts and plans for upcoming Gameweeks…


So as I write this, we’re four games into Gameweek 20 and I sit at 244,571 overall in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

The last couple of weeks have been a bit of a slog having decided to not play any chips, but after picking up 53 points last night, it at least feels like we’re moving in the right direction again.

The plan had always been to Free Hit in Gameweek 18 and Bench Boost the week after, but with Burnley and Manchester United’s fixture getting added to the Blank Gameweek, and then Leeds and Southampton losing their doubles, I shelved that idea, and will now use them in 26 (BB) and 29 (FH).

I’ll talk about that in more detail in future columns, but for now, I thought I’d use this article to discuss a few players and teams on my radar, and then highlight why I’m considering them.

ZAHA IN

I’ve always been a bit sceptical of Wilfried Zaha (£7.2m) as a fantasy asset. In fact, I don’t recall ever owning him before. Crystal Palace have always been a bit uninspiring going forward, but having spent a bit of time over the weekend looking at their upcoming opponents and respective weaknesses, I decided to make a move.

Their schedule really is about as good as it gets for an attacking player, with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle and Leeds in the next three.

Crystal Palace’s Gameweek 21 to 28 schedule

Now, prior to making the switch ahead of deadline, Zaha wasn’t in form. He’d scored just one goal since Gameweek 12. However, I’m a firm believer that fixtures can dictate form (just ask Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.3m)), which is why I think he has the potential to do well in the coming weeks.

Following last night’s opener, he now has nine goals and three assists in 17 league appearances. Eight of those attacking returns have arrived against teams ranked 10th or below in the table too, which is encouraging.

Despite playing in a free role as a second striker, you can see from last night’s touch heatmap (see below) that he naturally moves into areas on the left, which can hurt Wolves and in particular Nélson Semedo (£5.3m), who has often been criticised for his defensive performances this season.

There is a lot of competition for places in our midfields right now, but if you can find a spot for Zaha, I think he’ll do well.

CALVERT-LEWIN NEXT?

Calvert-Lewin offsets longest goalless streak with another Fantasy assist

Everton are a different proposition when they can get Lucas Digne (£6.0m), James Rodríguez (£7.7m), Richarlison (£7.8m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m) all on the pitch at the same time.

In fact, in the six league games they’ve started together this season, the Toffees have scored a massive 17 goals.

Rodríguez is key to unlocking that potential. Against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup he was so, so good, and ended the match with eight key passes, two assists and the man of the match award. That takes his total to seven assists in nine appearances at Goodison Park in all competitions.

With games against Newcastle and Leeds up next, I’m confident Everton will score goals, and I’m looking at upgrading Chris Wood (£6.2m) to Calvert-Lewin later this week.

TARGETING NEWCASTLE

You might have noticed that this week’s transfer (Zaha), and probably next week’s too (Calvert-Lewin), both take on Newcastle in the next seven days.

The Magpies are without a win in 11 games in all competitions and have only scored two goals in nine matches.

(Teams sorted by expected goals conceded from open-play, last six matches)

Towards the end of Steve Bruce’s reign at Aston Villa, they were lacking any kind of structure with the same approach in every game, and there are a lot of similarities at Newcastle now.

There were protests outside St James’ Park at the weekend, and you get the feeling a new manager will be in place sooner rather than later. Surely that instability is worth tapping into and targeting then?

WHO ELSE IS ON THE RADAR?

Cancelo finally delivers big haul as Gündogan shines in KDB's absence 12

Ilkay Gündogan (£5.7m) is getting hard to ignore. I talked him up in my last column ahead of Gameweek 18, and he’s since gone on to score four in four.

I’m considering him as an Emile Smith Rowe (£4.5m) replacement this week, as the no. 10 looks like he might be injured, and will now face increased competition from Martin Ødegaard (£6.0m) for a spot in the starting XI.

I’ll also be closely watching Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel later on, and looking ahead, it’s imperative I have at least one of Son Heung-min (£9.7m) or Harry Kane (£11.2m) in my team for Gameweek 23, with captaincy in mind.

Finally, having watched a fair bit of Leeds this season, something I’ve picked up on is how vulnerable they look when opponents dribble at them. I don’t have any data to back it up, but it makes me think that players like Harvey Barnes (£6.8m), Richarlison and hopefully Zaha can get some joy against them in the coming weeks.

So, thanks for reading all, and best of luck in tonight’s games!

528 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Assisting the assister
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking Bamford>DCL -4
    Just to give me the Soucek benching headache again 🙂

  2. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Meslier
    Cancelo Dias Mitchel
    Salah Bruno Gundogan Rashford
    Antonio Bamford Adams

    Forster Coufal Holding Anguissa

    1ft 7.8itb

    Which move looks best?

    A. Anguissa > Son
    B. Adams > Kane
    C. Bamford > Kane
    D. Something else

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B and how on Earth are you so patient with Rashford

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Lol. He’s going next week

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

    Guys would u WC this team?

    McCarthy

    Stones Maguire mitchell Lewis Cresswell

    Gundogan Son Salah Bruno Soucek

    Bamford Vardy Brewster

    1FT 6.7 ITB

    1. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Vardy to Kane, Lewis to Cancelo/Dias play 3-5-2

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This.

    2. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Def not i think 1 or 2 swaps a strong team

    3. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Okayy thanks all

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

    Rashford to Son may be the easiest transfer I will ever make.

    I don't want that lazy, disinterested guy near my team ever again, regardless of what he does from here on in. Seems to be too preoccupied with his day job, which is a noble cause but a clear issue in FPL terms.

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

      ...watch the Sheff U second goal and be astounded by his attempt to stop it.

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      i don't think it's about being pre-occupied, he just isn't the world beater many make out. He is one of those players who drives huge over reactions whenever he does something half decent (get the odd goal, or score a hat trick at the end of a european game when the other team has given up).

      I remember seeing comments on here that night at it was ludicrous.

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

    Any of these for a hit?

    A) Adams > Watkins
    B) Bamford > Antonio/Watkins
    C) Raphinha > Gundogan

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Did C for free and considering either adams>watkins/antonio or bamford>DCL for a hit

      1. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        C is the one I like the most too, had to get Kane in early with my FT to enable it though

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

      1. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

  6. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Cancelo Dias Regulion
    Sterling(c) Salah Bruno Grealish Soucek
    Bamford Antonio
    (4.0 Holding Lewis Brewster)
    3.4ITB 1FT

    Which moves look best:
    A) Brewster->DCL and bench Soucek
    B) Lewis->Digne and bench Soucek
    C) Save and play Soucek
    Or any other moves?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would never ask someone to bench Soucek, C.
      A looks tempting though.

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Reg out for about 3 weeks. Reg to Digne looks good

  7. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What to do with this team?

    Went Maddison over Gundogan, which might be a mistake but need Maddison for this GW vs. Leeds at least.

    A) Bamford+Dier >> DCL+Digne(-4)?
    B) Bring in someone for ESR? Upto 9.2m. But would require benching mighty Soucek.
    C) Any other suggestions?

    Martinez Button
    Cancelo Stones AWB Dallas Dier
    Salah Bruno Maddison Soucek ESR
    Kane Watkins Bamford

    1 FTs. 4.9M itb.

    Thanks.

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        ESR to Gundogan and bench Soucek or Bamford?

  8. KirkhamWesham
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is this team GTG?

    Martinez
    Dias Cresswell Cancelo
    Son Bruno Gundogan Maddison Soucek
    DCL Kane

    Meslier Watkins Bednarek Coufal

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good.

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I know soucek scored 2 goals but would play watkins over him this week

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Peachy

  9. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Team for the weekend

    Mccarthy
    Cancelo Stones Cresswell
    Salah Son Bruno Gundogan
    Adams Kane(C) Bamford

    forster soucek coufal ayling

    any of these options worth a hit ?

    A. Bamford>DCL
    B. Adams>Watkins/antonio

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

      *johnstone not forster

    2. KirkhamWesham
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A before his price drops.

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Can you do Adams to DCL? If not, I would just play Soucek over Adams.

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

        nope 0.3 off, could play soucek over adams

    4. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      This

  10. BW25
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Lloris ( MCcarthy )
    Cancelo Stones Kilman (Bednarek Coufal)
    Soucek Son Bruno Ziyech (Esr )
    Watkins Kane Bamford
    Thinking of Esr to Gundo Bamford to DCL

    Thoughts.

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ziyech to gundo

      1. BW25
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Looking for big differential. Might benefit from new Chelsea system.

  11. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    This is the most confusing time for selecting your midfield slots. So many high potential options:

    The Premiums:

    Salah
    Bruno
    Son

    Mid Price:

    Grealish
    J.Rodriguez
    Zaha
    Maddison
    H.Barnes

    Budget:

    Gundogan
    Soucek
    Raphinha
    Saka

    The playing mids depending on your formation, have to be among these I guess

    Which 5 is the question

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      And that's leaving out Sterling and Auba who both hit 20+ league goals last season.

  12. George James
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    In order who would you make priority to bring in?

    A) Grealish

    B) Watkins

    C) DCL

    D) Son

    E) Barnes

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

      CADBE

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DACBE

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      CDABE

    4. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCAEB

    5. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DACBE

    6. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      CDAEB

      Assuming you already have Kane

    7. umerlfc
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Son & Grealish first
      DCL next
      Watkins & Barnes Last

    8. George James
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      cheers all.

      Yes have Kane

  13. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys any thoughts appreciated

    McCarthy Forster
    Taylor Justin Stones Alioski Coufal
    Salah Gundo Son Fernandes Soucek
    Bamford DCL Brewster

    A) Brewster to Kane -4pts and bench Soucek
    B) Taylor to Cancelo for -4pts and bench Coufal
    C) both for -8pts
    D) stay as I am and play 3-5-2

  14. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What a tune - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RNuUgbUzM8U

    Me at 2:08 when Soucek nails a brace 😎

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Me at 2:31 when Gundogan nails a brace....

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Me at 2:41 when Kane & Salah nail their brace tonight....

  15. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What's a better transfer?

    Rashford > Kane
    Soucek > Son

    (FanTeam - Rash is a FWD in that)

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Kane one

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I like Soucek vs Sheff utd and Fulham coming up before GW25 because of the number of headed chances they concede. But Rashford has Southampton, West brom and Newcastle so I'd favour keeping Rashford as I cant separate Kane and Son

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I could get both in a few weeks.

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          If its for this week, Rashford for Kane

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

  16. House Frey Wedding Planner
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Should I:

    a - Soucek to Son
    b - Bamford to DCL
    c - both for -4

    Martinez, (4.0)
    Cancelo, Dias, AWB, Holding, Mitchell
    Salah, Bruno, Gundogan, Soucek, Jones
    Kane, Bamford, Antonio

    1FT, 7.1itb

    Cheers

  17. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    DCL captain too rogue for next week?

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Faces Newcastle

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Owning him is enough imo

    3. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Im considering it. Not too confident about Spurs vs Brighton

    4. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No

  18. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bamford to DCL worth -4? Already got Kane

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yep

  19. STONEROSES
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Bamford (lei) or Soucek (LIV) ?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Soucek

  20. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What is the best transfer here?

    A. Soucek or Saka to Grealish
    B. Bamford to Watkins
    C. Tierney to Digne

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C, if Tierney confirmed out. Otherwise, A Soucek.

  21. STONEROSES
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A

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

    Anyone getting Chelsea players? I think I'll be waiting 2 more games before I decide...

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nah.,, too early. Think am gonna ditch chillwell for cancelo tbh

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I want to see what his ideal team is first. I don't think Timo will be benched for long.

    3. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I reckon Pulisic will be an option, Tuchel knows him well. Having said that I sold him yesterday. He'll come back in if he starts doing anything

    4. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shipping Mount to Son

    5. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Im really tempted by defenders, their fixtures are so good for CS

      Chilwell should be relatively nailed?

  23. grooveymatt65
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys this is my team:

    Martinez Martin

    Dias Chillwell Justin Holding Bernado

    Gundo Sterling Fernandes Son Smith Rowe

    Wilson Adams Antonio

    Wanna sort my strikers out.. what move sounds best?

    A. Adams/Wilson to Kane for free
    B. Adams and Wilson to Kane and DCL for -4
    C. Adams and Wilson to Kane and Ings for -4
    D. Adams and Wilson to Kane and Watkins for free
    E. Other

    thanks guys!!!!!!

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      BB

    3. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hey Grooveeymatt!

      I’d just do Wilson to Kane for free

      Cheers,

    4. grooveymatt65
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      thanks so much guys!!!!

  24. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) Play Dier
    B) Dier to Digne (-4)

    Thanks.

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Just play yer man Dier

  25. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Gundogan matching Kane in a FPL captaincy poll. Absolutely unreal

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Seems bit tooo much doesn’t it!

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundogan should be, the way he plays, treated like a 12 million player these days. Rightly reflected.

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Currently have the armband on him myself over Kane/Son/DCL but it's amazing to see these numbers

    3. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundy gone ahead thanks to my vote!

    4. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldn't imagine that Gundo will once have such role in that City team, especially being 30 now and playing rather number 6 role though his career.

  26. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Martinez or Areola?

    XX
    Maguire Cancelo Targett

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  27. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Dias | Targett | Mitchell
    Sterling | Gundogan | Grealish | Son | Bruno
    Kane | Bamford

    Forster | Dallas | Brewster | Struijk

    Anything worth a hit here with 5.3 ITB?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Contemplating Bamford to DCL here, for a hit

      1. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Can do Brewster => DCL as well

  28. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Can't decide whether to punt on DCL or rather go with safer options like Saka, Lei mids or Watkins/Grealish. Thoughts?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Im more tempted by Leicester mids or even Digne

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL is safe. He plays Newcastle next then Leeds.

  29. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is anyone considering Chilwell for the next 5-6 games?

    Fixtures are crazy good and seems like Chelsea are solid enough for CS under Tuchel (albeit only one game). Should be nailed as well right?

    1. Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Have a look at the average position of Chilwell for yesterday night's match. Not for me.

  30. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Foden to Gundo -4?