Pro Pundits

The merits of a Gameweek 26 Wildcard and what my new FPL squad could look like

How Fantasy Premier League managers navigate the upcoming series of Double Gameweeks could prove season-defining for many of them.

We are currently facing the potential for back-to-back Double Gameweeks in 24, 25, 26 and 27, which is exciting indeed.

The bigger of the Doubles is likely to be in Gameweek 26 and traditionally, the practice has been to Wildcard before this sort of round so you are ready to Bench Boost in it. What is different this year is that the big Double Gameweek does not fall in Gameweek 34 or 37 like previous seasons, but much earlier. 

With it falling at a later stage, there was less worry about setting up long-term for the rest of the season but using the second Wildcard as early as Gameweek 25 means that you have to make sure you don’t handicap yourself by getting tunnel vision and looking solely at the Gameweek 26 fixtures alone. 

What is beneficial though, is that most of the top teams, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs, have the Double Gameweek in 26 and assets from these teams are good picks long-term. 

However, due to these expensive assets having a Double Gameweek, setting up a Bench Boost team is quite tricky. I had a go at a potential Wildcard team, with a view to Bench Boost in Gameweek 26, which you can see below. There is £2.6m in the bank there to convert Danny Ings (£8.4m) to Harry Kane (£11.0m).

The Bench Bwho have a single Gameweek fixture at home to Aston Villa, which is decent and Leeds on their day can score a few past anyone. 

Still, they’ve not been as free-scoring at home so this could be a disappointment. Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) would be the Bench Boost keeper, but I am a little bit concerned about his recent performances and Fraser Forster (£4.0m) waiting in the wings.

Antonio Rüdiger’s (£4.6m) possible Gameweek 26 fixtures are Manchester United (home) and Liverpool (away) so I am not really confident about a clean sheet in either. Matthew Lowton (£4.5m) is likely to have Spurs and Leicester where, again, I don’t feel too confident about his point potential. 

Now let’s have a look at what I could do by focusing most of the money in the starting eleven while still retaining five starting defenders.

Right off the bat, I like having Jack Grealish (£7.8m), he is as nailed as it gets with the European schedule coming up and I trust Villa’s attack to deliver. I included James Justin (£5.2m) as a placeholder as he can be changed for any other Leicester defender now that we know about his long-term injury. The Foxes have a great run of fixtures from Gameweek 27 with Brighton (away), Sheffield United (home), although are not playing in Blank Gameweek 29.

Jannik Vestergaard’s (£4.7m) potential Double Gameweek 26 is not as appealing, which could see Southampton travel to Everton and Spurs but the Saints play Sheffield United (away), Brighton (home), Burnley (home) and West Brom (away) between Gameweeks 27 and 31 which I like. Ben White (£4.4m) is also a great budget option from a decent defensive side. 

Another factor that cannot be underrated – information. Closer to Gameweek 26, we will have more clarity about injuries, European rotation, upcoming doubles and in general can set up the Wildcard better for the rest of the season. 

Like many of you, I have left plenty of points on the bench in the last few weeks and while we have been fortunate that money was not an issue with many of the heavy hitters injured or out of form, it is likely to be scarce going forward. 

I really don’t like having to make a decision who to bench out of Raphinha etc every week. Yes bench strength could be useful but most of the players I have picked are reliable starters. I also want to have every last bit of cash available going forward and not have it tied up in the likes of a bench goalkeeper, and/or an eighth attacker. That’s about £1.5m which can go a long way in the coming Gameweeks. 

This is how my team currently looks:

I have two free transfers and £3.0m in the bank for Double Gameweek 24. Before the flags on Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.7m) and Michail Antonio (£6.7m), I was pretty set on using the two free transfers on Eric Dier (£4.9m) to James Tarkowski (£5.3m) and Forster to Nick Pope (£5.5m) and activating my Bench Boost. 

The flags on those two forwards have made things a bit trickier. I don’t mind taking a hit for Ings this week as I was planning to do that next week anyway. I could then do Tomas Soucek (£5.4m) to Raphinha and possibly another hit for Dallas to ‘dead-end’ my team in Gameweek 25, and then Wildcard out the Southampton and Leeds assets in Gameweek 26. I am not too keen on taking a minus-eight just to Bench Boost though. 

I imagine a lot of us are in the same boat, I was initially thinking of even navigating Gameweek 26 without using the Wildcard but West Ham not having a Double then has made that a bit tricky. 

I should also mention that I have my Free Hit chip intact, so navigating Gameweek 29 is not that much of an issue. 

Plenty to think about! Hope this article gave you food for thought, thanks for reading. 

4,305 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Good to go?

    Ederson*
    Dias* / Tarkowski* / Mee* / Coufal
    Salah / Bruno / Rashford / Gundogan* (c)
    Bamford / Antonio

    Bench: Steer, Soucek, DCL, Struijk

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe play soucek over coufal? Burned me last time I played them that way around

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

        Ownershipwise also yes.

  2. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Looking to bench boost with Martinez, coufal, Bowen, ESR. Would you take a hit to switch any of them? (7m ITB)

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not really anything else in those price brackets apart from maybe Burnley defenders whom you would probably start anyway, and probably already have.

      Who'd have thought you'd BB with 7m in the bank at the start of this season!

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

      Rowe to Rashford?

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

      I’d be tempted to put that 7m in use if I was Bbing.

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

        This.

      2. fish&chips
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I know but there seems to be limited options. Already have rash and bruno. Punt on siggy or lookman maybe? Bowen could do well but he may well also get 1 point. Maybe I should just BB in 26 but wanted to set my team up with a power 11

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

          Both ways have merits tbh. I would probably just roll your BB to 26 and wait for a clearer plan. Good luck whatever tou decide.

          1. fish&chips
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks mate, appreciate the comments

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

    Bench one:
    A. Soucek (SHU)
    B. Son (mci)
    C. Antonio (SHU)
    D. Bamford (ars)

    Leaning towards benching Soucek but I've been burnt before. Help!

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Soucek I guess. Tough one

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

      Tough. Soucek or Bam for me. Toss a coin.

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

    Bottomed!

    Too much confusion. Forgetting everything that's coming and saving a FT now, even if I end up WCing on 25. Will just do Justin>Lowton for now and with 2FTs next week, probably Coufal+DCL> Dallas+Ings. Have all chips but probably better to wait for more info and WC26.

    DDG
    Stones, Cancelo, Lowton,
    Grealish, Bruno, (G)undo, Salah, Son
    Antonio, Bamford
    Forster, Coufal,DCL, Mitchell

    Gtg? Would you start Coufal ahead of anyone?

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Team looks good for this week

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

        ありがとう!:)

        1. fish&chips
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          どういたしまして

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

            Ha ha
            Good one !

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

              We both live in Tokyo. So, just a customary Japanese greeting 🙂

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

                Translated.
                He said you're welcome right ?
                Ha ha

                1. fish&chips
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 1 month ago

                  Actually I moved back to Cambodia now 🙂

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

      Roll the FT

  5. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    This week only:

    A) Cavani (wba)
    B) Richarlison (FUL/MCI)

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

      I'd go A

    2. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DGW fever. Take a punt on rich

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A, but not much in it

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

    Morning. Woke up at 5.55 am to the niggling sensation I should go for Digne -> Tarkowski with my ft that I was set to save. Then again I’m probably wcing next week so why save? Help!

    Martinez
    Digne Stones Dias Cresswell
    Son Salah Bruno Grealish Gundo (c)
    Antonio
    Steer Bamford Dallas DCL

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

      If wildcarding next week i think I'd punt on son to siggy

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks nice, that side! Good to go!

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

      Or id bench son for bam bam and do mart to pope

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

        Thank tou both!

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

        Would lose 0.5 on marty and would want him straight back in. Best keeper in the league.

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

      You both think Digne is a keeper with DCL out? Also no Burnley defence could hurt.

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

        If you are looking for a one week punt id be looking to replace a sgw player with a dgw player. Even if dcl out digne still got decent Cs chance vs Fulham and can assist other players...

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

          Tbh I just think Mee/Tark will outscore Digne.
          Kinda like my front 7 atm and see no point in changing starting order if i bring someone in for DCL. So the change would have to be from my starting 11. Comes down to Cresswell who i like for this gw and Son. Son to siggy might just tempt but we’ll see.

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

    How many DGW players you have ?
    I have 5 (City*3 & 1 each from Everton and Burnley)

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      4 and DCL whom I'm likely going to bench :/

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

      Have 5 but playing 4 (see above). Still got 1 more FT but not sure if I will get another dgw player.

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

      4 (3 Man CIty and 1 Burnley)

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

      Just 3. All Man City. And I’m happy with my team.

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

      Nice ...
      I have DCL on bench otherwise it'd have been 6.

      Good Luck all. I guess we'll have a highscoring GW this.

    6. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      6

      Would you go double Burnley def or Hamez?

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

        Double Defense (especially if it's a CB. I fancy a set piece goal for them vs Palace)

    7. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      4 atm, will likely have 5.

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

        Great ... It's important we attack these GW's while not losing heads

    8. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      7 including DCL

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

        Boom !

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

    Did Antonio to Cavani. Surely fatigue flag + (relatively) easy fixture = Antonio on the bench. On the other hand, i can see Cavani getting 90 minutes. Cavani (C) as it stands!

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

      Surely you can't be that sure

  9. Ray In Bruges.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pope (Walton)
    Cancelo Shaw Stones (Alioski**, Douglas**)
    Grealish Salah Fernandes Son Gundogan
    Bamford Antonio** (DCL**)

    1.2 ITB, 0FT

    Good to go or anything worth a hit?

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

    Play creeswell or soucek...?

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

      Cresswell. Another haul incoming.
      Not trading him for Bur defender for free.

  11. lelou881
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What is the latest on DCL, Diaz, and Antonio?

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

      Dom to miss one game atleast
      Dias fit
      Antonio is still 50-50

      1. lelou881
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks!!

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL confirmed out for Ful (H) but may have a chance for MCI (H)
      Dias was ill but trained yesterday
      Moyes has said they're doing thier best to get Antonio ready for this GW. Sill 2 days to go

  12. LABILLETHEGOAT
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    salah > sterling for -4? 34pts behind leader in my league

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      34 points is not a lot at all at the moment, especially with the DGW's. What other City players do you have? And depending if you're WC'ing soon also

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

        yeh. Have gundogan and stones. Not thought about WC actually

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

    1 FT, Exact money to get in Kane!!

    Martinez | Forster
    Cancelo Maguire Coufal Lowton
    Bruno Rashford Grealish Gundogan
    Jesus Ings
    ¦ Saka Wilson* Holding

    Wilson -> Kane & bench Coufal?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Don't think this is the week to get Kane in but if you were going to do it anyway, and not liek Wilson is playing, it can be done as rest of your team looks solid.

  14. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Will Hamez start both?

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

      Fulham is the game you'd want him to start. Somehow I don't like him as an option

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

        Me neither

      2. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I have never rated him myself, Rich neither, now may end up owning both, just have FTs and money to burn before WC, seems more upside than Tarkowski...

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

    Help please!

    Play 3 out of these:

    A) Coufal vs SHU(H)
    B) Antonio vs SHU(H) (Cameo risk?)
    C) Son vs MCI(A)
    D) Robbo vs LEI(A)
    E) Chilwell vs NEW(H) (Will either start or play 0 mins anyway)

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

      Bench Son Robbo

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

      I would play ACE with Antonio as 1st sub

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This

  16. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench Coufal or Soucek?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Coufal

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Souchek for me

  17. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    1 FT and 5.5 ITB

    Having second thoughts, would this be worth doing to BB? Struggling to bed down my chip strategy.

    Mitchell and Brewster to Dias and Richarlison - 4

    Pope
    Shaw Dallas Cancelo
    Salah Son Bruno Gundo Raphinha
    Bamford Antonio

    (McCarthy Coufal Mitchell Brewster)

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

      Tbh it's a great bench for this GW

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers, starting to think I need to be more aggressive, just not making any ground.

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

          Go with your gut. BB can work out this GW.

  18. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    DCL to Rich for a hit?

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

      Who is coming in from bench for DCL ?

    2. Ray In Bruges.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL might be back this GW I'm not sure if it's worth the hit looking ahead, particularly if you have someone else that can start.

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure for a hit, who plays if DCL doesn't?

    4. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dallas coming in. I was planning on not hitting, Rich looked good in the FA Cup match but hasn't delivered in PL for a while though.

  19. LABILLETHEGOAT
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which one would you bench? Thanks
    a. coufal
    b. son
    c. bamford
    d. antonio

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      a

  20. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    1) Antonio to Richarlson
    2) antonio to ings
    3) play antonio ( coufal 1st sub)

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      3

  21. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Will Ben Mee rise in price tonight?

  22. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Antonio to Ings -4?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No.

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

        Thank you

    2. Poison Apple
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Who is first on the bench?

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

        Dallas or Holding

        1. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I'd be more than comfortable with Dallas first on bench.

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

            Thanks mate

  23. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is this worth a bench boost?

    Martinez son anguissa coufal

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

      I’ve got Maddison and Ings instead of Anguissa Coufal and am leaning to no in your case I would say definitely no

  24. Chopmahoney
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Really need help on whether to bench boost or not was leaning to no but feedback I previously received all said yes.

    Martinez (Brighton)a
    Maddison (Liverpool)h
    Ings (Wolves)h
    Son (Man C)a

    Pope
    Shaw Cancelo Stones Tarkowski Mee
    Salah Fernandez Gundogan
    Watkins Antonio

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      4 great players but not the best fixtures - tough one.

      I'd lean to no slightly too

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

        Thank you that’s what I need to hear

  25. Dirty Harry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Justin > Shaw

    Have Pope already so not keen on the double up at the back.

    1. Ray In Bruges.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Done the same with Pope in goal as well.

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Gotta run into 25/26 with 2FT at this rate haha

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

      Yes

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  26. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Select one to the bench:

    Son

    Soucek

    Bissaka

    Shaw

    Ty

    1. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Who's Ty? Heyooooo 😉

      But, really, Bissaka.

  27. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    hello dz, my team now after 1 transfer:
    Martinez,
    Coufal, Cancelo, Stones
    Raz, Bruno, Son, Grealish, Raphinha
    Bamford, Antonio

    4.0, R.James, DCL*, Mitchell

    I still have 1 FT remaining with 4.0m itb.

    A) good to go? Roll FT and save cash for Antonio -> Kane
    B) DCL -> Cavani and play Cavani ahead of Raphinha
    C) DCL -> Watkins and play Watkins ahead of Raphinha
    D) R.James -> Dallas

  28. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Cancelo, Stones, Mee
    Bruno, Salah, Grealish, Gundo, Soucek
    Antonio, Bamford
    (Forster; Coufal, DCL, Kilman)

    2FTs, 5.7itb
    All I can really think of: Forster > Pope & save (then start Pope)
    Yea or nay?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't change any of your other players, so I see that as the only move really.

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

    Play bam or Antonio? Currently start Bam

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bam - guaranteed starter this GW

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

        Thanks mate. Antonio on first sub , think he might come from bench and bamford on penalty too

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

      Bam could do damage to Arsenal defence

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

        Thanks mate

  30. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any stats for Richarlison without DCL?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He’s shite with or without

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      His stats are always terrible, played striker quite a bit without DCL last year, but I think He plays in a partnership with King