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. JP\'s
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on a replacement for Bellerin?

    Current options are:
    Keane
    Tierney
    Maguire
    Stones
    Justin
    Targett

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

      stones

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

      Awkward price range. Already got cresswell?

      1. JP\'s
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No Cresswell but already tripled up on West Ham

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

      Stones

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

    Which move to priortise here:

    A) Bamford --> DCL
    B) Raphinha/Soucek --> Son/Maddison
    C) Alioski --> Digne/Chilwell

    Thinking B+C (Son + Chilwell) for a hit

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

      A

      he's the worst player on the list so should be the priority

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

      A and C Digne

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

    https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC/status/1354800368656347140

    Congrats Kane and Son owners...

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

      Kane -> Son x3 please!

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      What the actual fluff balls. First Van Dijk, then Gomez, then Matip, then Fabinho and that’s not mentioning Thiago and Hendo constantly being in and out with niggles. This season man

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

        Do Gomez, Matip and Thiago count? The treatment table is their second home at Liverpool

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

      lets go harryson

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

    Last chance saloon for salah tonight. Held him for too long. Gundos my man!

  5. 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?

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

    RP

    Bamford to DCL worth -4? Already got Kane

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

      question has been asking time and time again by others so you're probably going to struggle for answers.

      Probably would yes.

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

        I see. Thanks for clarification and your answer.

    2. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I am not sure it is worth a ft. Not aline a(-4). I personally see Bamford as a problem child in my team also but I see DCL the same. Ings may be worth a punt but way mord expensive.

      Difficult to overlook Watkins for value

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

        Yeah problem is the hit here. Watkins on my radar as well, especially if AVL get DGW in near future.

  7. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Please help !!!
    What to do with my team ?

    Leno
    Maguire, Dias, Cancelo, Dier
    Son, Madison, Bruno, Grealish
    Kane, Antonio

    Sub: Forster, Neto, Targett, Brewster
    4.6 in the bank
    1FT

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

      Maguire to Digne

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

      Brewster to DCL or Neto to Gundo, bench Maguire.

    3. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks !

  8. LT10
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you start next Gameweek?
    A) Bamford (Leicester away) or
    B) Mitchell (Wolves home)

    Thanks in advance.

    1. royals forever
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      B

    3. LT10
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers

  9. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to sell first

    James
    Coufal
    Dallas

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      James due to rotation

    2. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Similar challenge - I think James as not nailed at the moment

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

      Why sell Coufal or Dallas?

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

      J

    5. LT10
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      James

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

      Sold Dallas but James may a priority here

    7. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      James will probably start against Burnley.

  10. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    KDB and KWP out for Son and Cancelo for - 4 seems sensible?

    Martinez Forster
    Stones Coufal Dallas *** Mitchell
    Salah Fernandes *** Grealish Soucek
    Antonio Kane Bamford

    1. royals forever
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

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

      fo sho

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

      It does indeed

    4. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers both!

  11. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bamford to any forward decides Antonio. Kane the obvious option?

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Has to be - only real option unless you think DCL or Watkins will find form

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

      Yes

  12. TAB
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez (4.0)
    Cancelo - Robbo - Dias - Maguire
    Bruno - Salah - Grealish - Gundogan
    Antonio - Bamford

    Dallas - Brewster - Stephens

    6.8 in bank & 1ft

    A) Brewster > Kane(C)
    B) Stephens > Son(C)

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

      A

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

    Martinez ¦ Forster
    Cancelo Maguire Lascelles
    Bruno Rashford Barnes Saka
    Jesus Ings Wilson
    ¦ Soucek Holding Coufal

    1 FT, 7.2 ITB

    A) Soucek -> Grealish/Zaha, Bench Wilson
    B) Holding -> Digne, Bench Lascelles
    C) Suggest a transfer?

  14. Make ManeMane Make ManeMane
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Really want to get Gundo in, but also have Saka and Soucek who are red hot. I'm still not convinced Soucek can keep it up, particularly with the fixtures, but it feels wrong to drop after that haul.

    Soucek to Gundo?

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

      There's an arguement to be had that Soucek has been the most consistent of all...

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

      i wouldn't be that keen to lose Soucek.

      But Gundogan is the player to own right now in my opinion. City scoring more freely, he's nailed, probably on pens, playing advanced, finishing chances like messi.

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

      Saka to gundogan

    4. LT10
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Do it.
      Gundo very likely to outscore Soucek over next 4-6 gameweeks, in my opinion.

    5. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have the exact same problem. I kicked myself lastweek for getting Soucek in for the Double GW but thought it harsh to have judged him on that showing alone.

      Owning all three doesn't seem like a sensible option especially with Vardy out injured.

      Guess you must ask yourself which one of Soucek or Saka you plan on benching most in the medium term and that player may be worth swapping for all the rage Gundogon.

      Either way it is difficult cause seems like all three could haul inequal measure over time so come down to preference.

  15. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thinking Martial + KDB > Sterling + DCL for -4 this gw. Gives me -

    Martinez
    Dias - Dier - Mitchell
    Sterling - Bruno - Son - Grealish - Foden
    Bamford - DCL

    Button - Wilson - KWP - Holding

    Thoughts? 🙂

  16. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pick one to bench

    Bamford (lei)
    Raphinha (lei)
    Watkins (sou)

    1. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bamford

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

      Bamford. if there was an option beyond the bench, i'd put him there.

  17. jammie26
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bamford to DCL &
    TAA to Digne for a - 4?

    Or TAA to Digne this week, followed by Bamford to DCL next week.

    Bamfords form has dropped off and I've been meaning to get rid of TAA for a while, his form is nowhere near last seasons. Obviously will watch tonight's gane 1st to see if he improves.

    Everton have a number of players back from injury and i think they'll start scoring more goals again.

    1. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Everton have gotten quite defensive of late. It is not just as easy as flicking a switch. I suspect them to be a little more creative but I wouldn't double up on them personally.

  18. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Need a Son and Kane special tonight. Robbo haul though would not be appreciated.

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

      EO is much less than 100 for both too, lovely

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

    Thoughts on Digne?

    Good option or a trap?

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

      Bought him already

    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Great option. Think I’m prioritising DCL in but he’d be my other if I had 2 FT

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

    Cannot believe I'm captaining Gundogan. Maybe if he was a sexy 12.5M midfielder I'd be happier about doing it

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

      he's that good right now that i wouldn't get KDB back even when fit

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

        Definitely, see no reason to break up my Cancelo-Dias-Gundo trio. KDB is unnecessary.

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

      Well rested, on PK, shooting from everywhere, even assisting in FA Cup in limited minutes. What's not to like?

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

        You failed to mention his dreamy smile

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

          Life begins at 30 for him

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

      He's playing centre forwards for the best attacking team in the league, is on penalties and they face the bottom side. You're right though, it's the price that trips us up sometimes.

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

        When you put it like that... 🙂

      2. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Well this little thread has convinced me to change from Kane to Gundo for captain next week. Captaining premiums isn't working out for me anyway.

        Last 9 games base scores from my captains: 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 6, 3, 1, 2

    4. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pep loves Gundogan... He’s his favourite player, if listen to some of his interviews...

      6:17
      https://youtu.be/91Wt5GHm77M

  21. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Already have Sterling, is it worth swapping Neto - Gundogan or should I do Neto - Smith-Rowe and save the cash? Thanks

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

      Gundogan

      Smith Rowe is an injury doubt.

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

      Get G

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you guys, I appreciate it!

  22. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is it crazy to triple up on Dias, Stones and Cancelo.

    Already got Dias and Stones but thinking of Cancelo for my James replacement

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

      Shame to miss out on Gundogan or another City mid though

      1. DMP
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This. Im currently considering One defender and 2 Mids with Gundo/Sterling.

  23. Doctor Evil
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How’s she looking?

    Martinez

    Chillwell TAA Stones Cancelo

    Bruno Son Salah Gundo

    Kane DCL

    Bench 4.0 Phillips Mitchell Davis

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

      No Soucek??

      1. Doctor Evil
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Can’t have them all

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

    How much of a benefit would it be to have your WC intact post GW29?

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

      what answer are you looking for?
      No one knows.

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

      Quite a lot may depend on how GW29 falls.

      If it's a DGW big BGW with non template teams doubling then dead ending in 29 could be great for those without WC.

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

    Out of curiosity can anyone recall a City outfield player getting every minute of 20 plus games on the bounce under Pep. Given the jammed packed schedule I can't help but feel that Dias is due a breather.

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

      Hope Pep will rest him in cup games.

  26. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Need a Son and Salah masterclass today. Kane can save it for next game 😛

  27. Party time
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I feel really bad for my cup opponent, he benched Soucek & gets knocked out

      1. Team Bobcat
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I benched Soucek and Saka. I need Salah toremain on sigle digits to advance to the next round.

        Saka has hurt me more than the Soucek benching. Soucek was a certain bencher this week anyway.

        I played Bednerek over both. I somehow fancied Sou to keep Ars out. Ah well..

        1. Party time
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Yikes. Wish you good luck tonight buddy

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

        Bought Digne already.

        Not sure DCL is worth a hit, Richarlison and the mids can always steal the show now.

        1. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Rodriguez Digne Richarlison are all back, so I’m confident for next 2 fixtures

      3. golden skulltula 69
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Hi everyone!

        Best option?
        A. Bamford -> Antonio
        B. Wilson -> Antonio

        Cheers!

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

          B

          1. golden skulltula 69
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Thank you!

        2. DMP
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Wilson. Newcastle sucks. Leeds continue scoring. Its a matter of time before Bam Bam scores again. Help below, pls.

          1. golden skulltula 69
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Thank you!

        3. sunzip14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          B

          1. golden skulltula 69
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Thank you!

      4. DMP
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Crazy??
        Sterling + Vardy + ESW --» Gundo + Kane + Son (-8)

        McCarthy (Johnstone)
        Dias Stones Dallas (Coufal, Justin)
        Son Salah Fernandes Soucek Gundogan
        Bamford Antonio Kane

        Can downgrade Justin or Johstone to fund Vardy to Kane for (-4) either.

        1. sunzip14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          If Salah and Liverpool look poor again, Salah+Vardy>Son+Kane (-4)?

        2. golden skulltula 69
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          -8 point hit is too much...
          I would do Johnstone to 4.0 & Vardy to Kane