Pro Pundits

How an early Wildcard helped me into the top 1k – and what I have learned

Currently sitting well inside the top 1,000, Let’s Talk FPL’s Andy looks back at the success of his early second Wildcard – and explains how he plans to cope without the prized chip going forward.


Nearly a month ago now (January 6, to be precise), I wrote an article about the pros and cons of playing the second Wildcard early in Gameweek 18, especially for those of us that had used the first one early as well.

After starting Gameweek 18 ranked at 41,610th, I’ve now moved up to 679th at the start of Gameweek 22. It’s safe to say that the early Wildcard has worked pretty well. In this article, I want to quickly touch on why it worked well, and what my future plans are without a Wildcard in hand.

Why did it work

As I mentioned in my article at the time, we were in a unique situation where there was a chance to attack a big Blank Gameweek followed by a big Double Gameweek, without any “normal” Gameweeks in between. They also both involved teams with good fixtures, good players and perhaps even more importantly, good fixtures following the Double. Those teams were Manchester City and Manchester United.

Of course, along the way, you need some lucky. Back in my January article, I wasn’t predicting John Stones (£5.2m), João Cancelo (£6.0m) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.4m) to all score 17+ points in an individual Gameweek. Sometimes the luck comes all at once, and I couldn’t have been much luckier, really.

But the logic was there of targeting a Blank, Double and following fixtures all at once. At the time I had no Manchester City players, and they looked key going forward. A Free Hit would have plugged the gap in Gameweek 18, but I’d have been left with lots of hits from that point forward.

I’ve seen a few people now contemplating an early Wildcard but it does feel like the boat has been missed on the opportunity now. We’re so close to Double Gameweek 24, which is when we’ll likely have all the information we’ll need for a potential Blank Gameweek 29, and Double Gameweek 26, that using the Wildcard in Gameweek 23 could be a disaster. I’m not sure anyone’s team is in such a bad state they need to use it now, and Wildcards are such a good way to attack a set of Gameweeks that using it now would be sub-optimal, I would say.

Future Planning

One thing I’m finding is planning feels even more crucial than normal without a Wildcard, and so many big Gameweeks still to manage. I’ve already seen several content creators talk about getting players in for a few weeks because they’re Wildcarding soon, and I don’t have that luxury.

That’s why in Gameweek 21, I bought in Son Heung-min (£9.7m) and Jack Grealish (£7.8m) and ended up ignoring Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m). It’s likely that Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa will have a good Double Gameweek so I felt they were better long-term moves, to essentially save my transfers down the line. Everton have, of course, ended up getting a Double Gameweek before that – and this is naturally one of the downsides to Wildcarding so early.

With the Free Hit chip, I’m keeping my options open. Before we get more confirmed fixtures, I’m essentially trying to get in players like above that are good for right now, but also for the Doubles. If my team is set for Gameweek 26, then I will use the Free Hit in Gameweek 29 – but depending on how my team is looking for Gameweek 29, I could just use the Free Hit in the big Double Gameweek instead. I do have my Triple Captain as well but due to the number of fixtures that still need to be rearranged, there’ll probably be other chances to use it.

To Keep Doing

Fernandes stakes captaincy claim ahead of Gameweek 9 meeting with West Brom

I wanted to quickly touch on some things that I’ve changed in my strategy to FPL this season which I plan on carrying on for the rest of the season. I’m sure some of this will be simple to many, or things you’re already doing, but it’s helped me so far.

I will caveat straight away to say again that of course luck is a big part of FPL. Just because this has worked this season doesn’t mean it will work next season, but for now I’ll keep doing with it.

Captaincy

I think sometimes we underrate just how important the captaincy is. We might hear things like “I’ll just captain him instead” or “I’ll take a punt on him”. Both ways of doing things are fine, but this year I’ve made a conscious decision to always have who I believe is the best captain each week, even if that means transferring out a big hitter. This sounds simple, but often FPL managers will forgo the best captain because they don’t want to sell a big hitter. Obviously who the best captain is, is subjective but I’ve tried to target them in advance, and unless there’s something major which happens in between I won’t change my mind, even for “form”. For example, my next captain in Gameweek 23 will be Son.

I’ve sold Salah, Son, and Kane twice already this season and I’ve found not having value wrapped up in them makes my decisions much easier knowing I can just buy them back as there’s no money “lost”.

I’ve also not looked to take any punts. It’s whoever I think the best points potential is regardless of what everyone is doing. Will that player be 150% effective ownership or 50%? I don’t particularly care, and have ignored ownership so far this season.

Form and data
WOLAVL dd

One thing I said I wanted to do at the start of the season was using a more statistic-based approach to my decisions, but also reduce the amount of statistics that I use. Expected data incorporates so many other statistics so I’ve stuck largely to that, especially ‘per 90’ data.

I often look at the season-long data as well, rather than looking for differences in much smaller sample sizes like last four Gameweeks. There’s obviously a balancing act here, but I’ve tried to trust players putting up good numbers over a long period of time who have good fixtures. Simple, but so far effective.

An example of this is Grealish vs Harvey Barnes (£6.9m) vs James Maddison (£7.3m). I can see that Barnes and Maddison have scored well recently but when I needed a £7m+ midfielder recently, there was no question in my mind that Grealish was the one.

Grealish has an expected goal involvement per 90 minutes (xGp90) for the season of 0.51, compared to Barnes at 0.37 and Maddison at 0.28. Maddison has scored a few goals recently, but his xGp90 is just 0.14 which is low, and his creativity isn’t that high despite creating lots of chances through corners. I’m ignoring an “in-form” player right now in the hope his returns will start to dry up, but there’s no doubting he’s playing well at present.

There’s nothing wrong with looking at recent Gameweeks to spot any major differences, but too often we are looking for something to confirm what we want to see.

Form is something we could probably talk about in a separate article, but it’s something I’ve largely tried to ignore, hence choosing captaincies in advance. Rather than look at what they’ve scored recently in pure FPL points, I’d rather look at their underlying numbers for the season and their opponents. Son this week is a great example. Spurs looked really poor against Brighton, and I’m writing this before a game against Chelsea that I’m not expecting anything from, but West Brom are a truly awful defence. Even without Kane, I’d still back Son to get points, although I can see why people might be wary, especially with Antonio as a good alternative this week.

Limiting Defender transfers

Wildcarding twice before Gameweek 19 will help with this of course, but I’ve tried to limit defender transfers. Outside of the occasional big return like we’ve seen recently, the majority of the time a defender’s ceiling is quite low. You’re looking at six points a lot of the time.

This is one of the reasons I’ve only made four defender transfers all season (outside of Wildcards). I’m trying to make sure I can focus most of my transfer on attack and captaincy where the biggest amount of points are likely to come. The only defender transfers so far are:

  • GW2 – Vinagre to Digne
  • GW7 – Alexander-Arnold to Chilwell
  • GW15 – Chilwell & Lamptey to Robertson & Coufal

It’s something I’ll try and continue doing, especially when we have Manchester City defenders in the form of their lives, who are also very cheap and carry fairly big upside, like with Cancelo.

Gameweek 23

This is how my team is currently looking:


1,848 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Gundo or dcl?

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo

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

      Gundo

  2. Perthite
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Worth any change - have a bit in the bank for a possible upgrade?

    Maybe Bednarek out?

    Martínez (McCarthy)
    Justin Dias Stones
    Gündogan Fernandes Son Salah
    Antonio Bamford Wilson
    (Soucek, Bednarek, Mitchell)
    1FT 4.5m

  3. TOLV TUMS
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Okay, so a non-FPL topic but not entirely off: Does Haaland fit with City, in a post-Aguero world? I haven't seen enough of his matches (apart from highlights) but I could see him being a similarly "direct" option in the way Aguero always was. Dunno. Any thoughts?

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

      Did you read the BBC Football analysis yesterday? Interesting. He seems versatile - he would be terrific up front alone in Aguero's role; on the other hand, he'd be the missing link in a front 2 for United, and also as a partner in a front two with Werner. He tried to make a case for replacing Firmino in a Liverpool front three but I don't see that as being straightforward.
      My hunch is that his dad's history would steer him towards City as Aguero's successor.

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

        I doubt his dad's footballing history is particularly important to Haaland's himself. He'll go to wherever he believes suits his ambitions and talents best.

      2. TOLV TUMS
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Didn't read the BBC analysis but I can see what you're getting at. I still think United are punching above their weight and thanking stars that Bruno isn't hurt, I'd honestly not wish him there, see DVB - not that I think he'd be relegated to same status, but I still don't think there's a mature plan there. If he wants to win stuff and develop it's City and then Chelsea after. Liverpool (and I'm a supporter) tough to say these days.

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

      For that kind of player, you adjust your tactics to fit.
      That is what the best managers are capable of doing.

      1. TOLV TUMS
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Well, true in theory but see most of Pogba's ManU career to date

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

      Halaand has some of the worst link up play in football. He can't complete a two foot pass.
      Also his hold up play isn't great, which Aguero did brilliantly.

      But in his defense, you don't need that in the Bundesliga.
      Also he can learn.
      But there's no doubt that he's the best finisher in World football right now. Not even exaggerating.

  4. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ooh, lucky lucky lucky.

    GW21 won my FA Cup tie and weekly $25 ML thanks to Bamford coming off the bench.
    GW22 won my FA Cup tie and weekly $25 ML thanks to Reece James coming off the bench.

    Pays to have a strong bench, so!

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

      only if it works...

    2. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      hear hear!

  5. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Maybe made a mistake that to bring grealish for gundo ... but some people said that villa will be that team with double gw

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

      likely to get a double in 26

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Can't you have both?

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

    Thoughts on Dallas?
    Think he suits my strategy well as he has a good fixture this week when I need to play him, a DGW and even plays in BGW

    He can be easily benched in the other weeks

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

      Get him

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

      Decent pick if you are fine with no CS and completely relying on attacking returns

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

      Yes in my side and looking to keep.

    4. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I still don't trust Leeds to keep CS, but as you say, bringing him out for the DGW and BGW and leaving him on the bench other times would be a sensible tactic, so long as he isn't blocking other players such as a Burnley defender.

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

      With leeds having a decent run of upcoming fixture, i would prefer to set and forget.

  7. Purefection
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Stones or Targett? I have Dias.

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

      Targett

    2. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tar-getttt

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

      Targett

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

    Everton, City, Burnley all have DGWs in 24 while United play West Brom. Who are you looking at for captaincy next week?

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

      It's a tricky one as City will probably rotate heavily. I might still favour Bruno!

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

      Ideally a city player but game time will be an obvious concern. Not sure if I should even keep sterling or transfer him out for grealish this gw.

    3. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ederson

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

      Ruben Dias

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

        Him, Cancelo or Gundo for me most likely

    5. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It's Pope time.

  9. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Morning dzzz, suggestions on how to get Pope in here with only 0.3m itb

    Martinez
    Cancelo Dallas Coufal -- Digne Stones
    Salah Bruno(c) Grealish Rashford -- Gundog
    Bamford Antonio Dcl

    Antonio, Rashford, Grealish seem to be cash cows but antonio has a great gw24 fixture (SHU)...whilst none of the dgw teams have a midfielder to replace for Grealish/Rashford

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

      Not so sure games against relegation threatened teams with slim hopes of survival are as great fixtures as look at first glance.

      1. UnitednationsXI
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        probably but the lure of dgws

  10. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Don’t think digne is worth a 4 point hit for the dgw. No clean sheet vs Liverpool. Potential clean sheet and attacking points vs Fulham

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

      Better clean sheet potential if Olsen plays.

  11. Jindaljain
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Whic Chelsea defender in for Robbo?

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

      Rudiger looks like a very good option though the loss of Silva will be a big one.

    2. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Alonso

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

      I struck lucky with James last night but wouldn't call him nailed. I would've suggested Tilva but he got crocked. So it's either Azpili or the seriously good value Rudiger. You won't get any offensive points, but he's reliable for CS and the odd bap.

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

        Isn't Rudiger a decent threat from corners?

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

          If Zouma doesn't start he could be, but hasn't produced anything as yet.

          i only for James' 8 points because Chilwell stayed on the bench, but I would expect England's #1 LB to share pitch time with Alonso, rendering the latter a poor FPL asset.

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

      Alonso, as you have enough with the excess from the sales of robbo. High chance of attacking returns

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

    Bench one:

    A) DCL
    B) Gundo
    C) Soucek

    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bravo

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

    I think I've stumbled on a brilliant strategy for my team to reach optimum points for the upcoming gameweeks!

    Current team

    Martinez, 4.0
    Cancelo, Dias, AWB, Holding, Mitchell
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Gundogan, Soucek
    DCL, Bamford, Antonio

    2FT, 5.2itb, all chips available

    So my strategy is as follows (based on the expected teams progressing in the cup and MCI v SOU added to gw27)

    GW23 - Mitchell to Mee

    GW24 - Holding & sub keeper to Pope and Tarkowski. TRIPLE Burnley defence playing Palace away and Fulham at home. 7 dgw players in total for this week and a differential with a huge upside as most would have 1 or 2 Burnley defenders.

    GW25 - WILDCARD

    Martinez, Mccarthy
    Cancelo, Dias, Shaw, Davies, Phillips
    Salah, Bruno, Gundogan, Barnes, Zaha
    Bamford, Ings, Watkins

    Preparation for BB26 and getting rid of the excess Burnley players plus other single gameweekers for gw26. Ben Davies and Phillips should play due to Reguillon injury and Liverpool CB injuries. 5m still left in the bank. 3 players will have double gameweeks from LEE & SOU.

    GW26 - BENCH BOOST

    Bamford to Kane/Vardy. This leaves me with the full 15 double gameweekers to BB with.

    GW27 - Unknown transfer at this stage but I'll have 5 players from MCI & SOU already in the team to have a double gameweek

    I think this strategy aggressively attacks the double gameweeks, leaves me with a stronger BB26 team than if I built to that week by using transfers and hits, and I've got a solid team going forward after gw27. FH will be bgw29.

    Thoughts? If all goes as expected, I would anticipate a huge increase in rank.

    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Well-written; I was tempted by a snarky tldr response when I first saw the prodigious length but took the time to read. Seems sound to me

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

        Thanks! It is a long piece but the strategy is so brilliant (imo) it warranted the detail

    2. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      The only flaw is that GW26 is yet to be confirmed and it's based on assumptions. If it is correct then yes it looks good, else I wouldn't be so quick to pull the trigger.

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

        I think by wildcarding in 25 it allows flexibility for any fixture changes for gw26 (as the games will be set by then) and would still allow for 15 double gameweekers for that week.

        The triple Burnley for gw24 doesn't affect the team if I'm wildcarding the following week plus it gives me 7 players with 2 fixtures that gameweek

        1. UnitednationsXI
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          couple of issues
          - Only 1 leeds dgw25 player whereas most will have 2 (or 3)
          - Zaha has horrible fix from gw27
          - Davies and Philips will be deadwood anytime

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

            I'm not that sold on Leeds and am okay going into gw25 with just Bamford and 2 x Southampton. Plus those with multiple Leeds will end up having to sell to accommodate players with double gameweeks and better fixtures.

            Zaha would be a short term pick to attack home fixtures against Fulham in gw26 (this also being a potential dgw) and wba in gw28. I would most likely sell after this and there are several similarly priced or cheaper alternatives.

            Davies has some potential double gameweeks (albeit for an out of form team) but can easily be replaced by Holding or Rudiger. Phillips I'm happy to keep as a 4.0 enabler

            1. UnitednationsXI
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              i get that but my point around davies and philips is that they aren't nailed for a BB..cant rely on them playing both

              also, whats you TV?

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

                TV is 101.3 with 5.2 itb

                I think monitoring BD & NP for the next few games will give a better indication before I hit the wildcard chip. Should also have more news on the injuries to Reguillon and Fabinho by then.

                Right now I think they look like good options and I think they'll keep their spot in the team purely because everyone else that can play their position is injured.

                Even if by gw25 they do not seem good choices, then it's nothing a minor bit of tinkering can't fix

  14. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    AWB/Stones/Justin
    Salah/Fernandes/Son/Gundo/Soucek
    Watkins/Bamford

    Peacok-Farrel/DCL/Mitchell/Killman
    1FT
    A. Mitchel to Cresswell, Bench stones
    B. Gundo to Grealish
    C. DCL to Anonio Bench Gundo

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

    Never thought I'd find myself owning Matt Lowton again, but here we are... can finally get rid of Dunne and bring him in for that fantastic DGW24.

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

      Perfect for that one cheeky GW.

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

        Could get a double in 26 too 😆

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Its not all about mee, mee, mee

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

        No need to be Tarky 😉

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

      I've had max lowton since the other DGW and benched him for Dallas...Regretted that move. Was planning to remove him for Rudiger but decided to hold off and was surprised with the DGW news.. Let's hope he plays both games

  16. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Worth taking a 4 point hit to do Johnstone to Pope?

    Have Martinez and no BB chip

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

      Almost never but in fact Pope has a serious chance of 4 CS plus save points in a row inc the DGW, so I definitely would.

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

      Quite possibly - both Pope and Martinez are out scoring loads of mids

  17. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pope or Martinez for rest of the season ?

    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

    2. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Martinez .

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

    Real joy to have cricket on tv - might save me from unnecessary fiddling with my team!

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

    Anyone has GW23 CS percentages?

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

      All of us - it's in the hot topics.

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

        Thanks!

  20. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Areola
    Cancelo Cresswell Dallas
    Salah Bruno(C) Sterling Grealish
    Wilson Bamford Antonio

    AWB Stephens 3.9def

    2 FT 1.4 ITB

    Salah> Auba/Rashford/Son This Week
    And
    Get Mee- Tarkowksi next week to play 5 atb.

    Thoughts??

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why need to sell salah? Auba/rash/som? Nahhh

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        To get funds for double burnley defence next week. Anyways Wildcarding in GW25

        1. Letsgo!
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Sorry but the burnley defence to me, its like a single gameweek. No point.

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

            Liverpool aside, their CS tend to come from weaker sides, and they have 4 non-prolific oppos in a row upcoming.

            1. Letsgo!
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Firstly, brighton will surely score against them. So even if u want to take burnley defenders, do it after this game

          2. HammersXI
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            As much as the fixture is good, I'll also be only having 1 Burnley defender. The opposition may be toothless but they will try to get a result for survival

  21. Djemba-Djemba
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Transferring bednarek out. Pick one:
    A) Alonso
    B) James
    C) AWB
    D) Shaw

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Rudiger OR c/d

    2. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Do you want a Burnley defender for the DGW? With Silva out Rudiger seems the most safe.

      If you want a flair player, Shaw might be good, but Telles is waiting to come on for the odd game

  22. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Seen a lot of people planning WC25 & BB26.

    Big problem with that is Leeds will have a DGW25 and only single game against Villa in 26.
    Want triple Leeds for 25 but then it ruins the BB in 26.

    Think I might just use BB next week for DGW24.

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

      Does it ruin the BB26? You'll get the points, just a week early. The loss is purely psychological.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Ideally you want have 4 players with doubles on the bench for BB.
        3 Leeds vs Villa is not the best use of BB.

    2. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm trying to understand why would people WC in 25 tho. Leeds don't have easy fixtures, and they lost the reverse game against Wolves. (and yes I'm a Leeds fan and I'm even questioning whether it's worth to get Raph over the other premium options right now)

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Many will WC in 25 to setup for BB26.

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

          Yeah but is 26 even confirmed. We have seen how FPL has trolled us big time with the fixtures this season, hence I gave up planning weeks ago

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            It is kind of confirmed mate. There are no free midweeks for games to be rearranged.

            Also these fixtures were not a surprise. Ben Crellin had mentioned that PL can rearrange fixtures for non EL/CL teams in any gameweek.

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

              I just took a look at his thread, I guess for me I'll only make a decision once the orange turns into green (which means confirmed fixtures). With this season, there's really no point planning so early with COVID, weather etc. Things can change massively within 1/2 weeks.

              Thanks for pointing it out tho. Haven't been tracking this season that closely

      2. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yes Raph is worth it as your 7th attacker on WC. I am probably WC'ing on 25 and going with Bam and Raph. Will get one of them out in 26(BB)

    3. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would have been a lot better if Leeds DGW was in 26.
      I will be Wildcarding in 25 and have double Leeds. Will ship one out for 26.

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

      I'd also say that Southampton is more of a priority than Leeds considering it's likely they will have double gameweeks for 26 & 27 whereas Leeds won't.

      I would just have Bamford for wildcard gw25 from Leeds and upgrade him next week to a double gameweek player to attack BB26

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

        I'd be happy with Bamford and maybe Raphinha and Dallas, but even with 4 games, who would you want from Saints on current form?

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

          Current Saints form is they lost 9-0......which only happens once a season for them

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

    Will their be any double after GW26?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes 27 and maybe one or two smaller ones after that.

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

        27 will also be double? 😮

        Exciting stuff.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Of course.

  24. Sloane426
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    When are people with WC and BB planning on using it?

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

      BB26 WC30

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

      WC25 and BB26.

      My strategy is listed a few posts above

  25. HammersXI
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Am clueless of what moves to do honestly,

    Martinez Forster
    Lowton Dallas Dias Stones Coufal
    Maddison Son Salah Bruno Sterling
    Antonio Bamford Vassilev

    2 FT and 0.4m ITB. Which transfers will look more ideal? Was planning to transfer out Lowton for Rudiger before the DGW news but held out. Currently am not playing both City defenders against Pool..

    A) Maddison -> Raphinha
    B) Maddison + Stones -> Grealish + Rudiger
    C) Do suggest cause I've really no clue on what to do

  26. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Morning all, terrible season for me

    Should i roll my transfer and hold kane for now? £0.7itb

    Martinez
    Dallas, Dias, Stones
    Salah, Bruno, Gundo, Son
    Antonio(c), Bamford, kane

    4, Dawson, Keane, Jones

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

      What's the benefit to holding Kane?
      You can always trade him back in, you're losing points by the week.

  27. Akshatjazz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on my team after announcing DGW 24&25. I have FH, TC & Wildcard still to go.
    My team - 6.4 itb & 2ft

    McCarthy
    Dias, coufal, AWB
    Son, Gundogun, Bruno, Soucek
    Watkins, Antonio, bamford

    Bench - Martinez, Salah, stones, Dallas

  28. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy Forster
    Dias Cancelo Coufal Alioski Ferguson
    Salah Sterling Bruno Son Soucek
    DCL Antonio Brewster

    2FT 0.6 itb

    McCarthy to Pope is the plan.

    Who do I sell to fund it?
    A. Son
    B. Sterling

    Who do I get in as replacement?
    1. Rashford (Can't do with Son)
    2. Grealish
    3. Hames
    4. Gundo
    5. Foden

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Selling Son before WBA doesn't seem like a good idea.

      Also don't you want Sterling for DGW24?

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I do. And that's why there's the confusion.
        Selling Son before WBA just looks wrong, but he and Spurs have been poor.
        Sterling doesn't seem like exploding. I can sell him to free up cash for Pope and then get a City midfielder again next week for Son (Might have a better idea of who's likely to play both games after the FA Cup game)

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          It's a tough situation to be in. Would have better if you could save FT this week.

          1. WE GO FOR IT
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Ideally would've loved to just get Pope in. But he's expensive.

    2. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would upgrade Soucek for Raphinha since you don't have Bamford. I would get rid of Ferguson for Lowton maybe and forget about Pope. Selling Son / Sterling doesn't make sense

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Soucek has Fulham and Sheffield. Can sell him when I WC in 25. But could work.

  29. kobewan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez > Pope for Burnley DGW24 is must? Villa v BHA is GW24 a sure CS?

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

      Get Targett + Pope. Covered.

    2. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      There is no such thing as a sure CS. Brighton hasn't been playing badly and they are at home. It all depends because Martinez will have multiple DGW incoming and whether you will lose any value selling him. Would rather go for the CB in Burnley

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

        Likely might have been a better word.. Thank you

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

          Yeah but if you have Martinez keep him. He's good value for money.

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

            Probably. I have him.. Made some error last match still got 4 pts.

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

            agree. don't trade Martinez, for me personally I have far too much $ tied up in him for my liking.

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

          More like unlikely.. Brighton are favourites to win that game

    3. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Firstly if u got martinez jus keep.

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

        Yes I have Martinez, Might just keep it that way. addition .5 to get Pope might be better use for other players

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

          I can afford to keep Martinez and get Pope for the DGW and GW25. He may get another DGW in 26.

  30. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Vestergaard -97.5, 4.6 would be a dream.

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

      Saints badly this guy back

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

        One of the top defenders in the league before his injury.

        His attacking play has been the biggest miss, his long diagonal passing abilities and his threat from jwp set pieces.

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

          I had before him got injured solid CB, after he got injured I got Martinez and put McCarthy on the Bench.