Pro Pundits

The best Wildcard, Free Hit and Bench Boost squads for Double Gameweek 26

Fresh from a 108-point score in Double Gameweek 25, Az looks at the optimum squads for those on a Wildcard, Free Hit or Bench Boost and assesses the leading Triple Captain candidates.


This is it. It’s the big one. Double Gameweek 26: the biggest Double Gameweek we’ve ever had.

Are you excited? Nervous? Do you feel like your entire season is resting on this six-day period that sees 14 teams play twice? Hopefully, you’ve all known that this day was coming and it hasn’t taken you by complete surprise.

If you’re struggling, I’m here to help you with your planning. I imagine your strategy will depend on how your current team is set up and what chips you have remaining, so I’m going to look at it from all angles.

Let’s begin.

No chips planned

Now if you’re like me, you’re not planning on using a chip this week.

Maybe you’ve already used your Bench Boost and Triple Captain earlier in the season. Perhaps you have your Free Hit earmarked for the Blank Gameweek in 29. Some of you might be holding on to your Wildcards until later in the season – or perhaps you played it early.

Anyway, if you’re in this camp, it’s a case of making do with what you’ve got and playing tactically to make the best of it. With the number of teams playing, it’s very likely that you have a good crop of Double Gameweekers anyway.

The absolute minimum I’d feel comfortable taking into this Gameweek would be nine – but 10 or 11 looks the most sense due to the potential for huge returns right across the board.

It’s good to target players from Spurs, Fulham and Villa because they also have fixtures in Blank Gameweek 29.

It’s one of the reasons why I think Harry Kane (£11.1m) is almost a “must get” this week. Not only does he have a good double-header against Fulham and Burnley, he immediately goes into a game against Crystal Palace – before playing Arsenal – and then Aston Villa when so many other teams blank.

The question is, who do you drop for him? Danny Ings (£8.5m) is the obvious player to make way for Kane if you have him but if you’ve held on to Patrick Bamford (£6.9m) and Michael Antonio (£6.5m), I can understand if you are reluctant to get rid of one of them.

Antonio earns back-to-back start for first time since Gameweek 6

I will probably lose one of them for Kane, although I’m undecided at this point. Both have a pretty tricky run of games up until Gameweek 29 when Bamford plays Fulham, which looks slightly better than Antonio at home to Arsenal. However, when Leeds and West Ham play each other, I fancy West Ham to win – so it is a toss-up.

An easier route into the Spurs’ attack might be to just grab Son Heung-min (£9.5m) if you haven’t already. I don’t think the double-up is a must-have but one of the two Spurs attackers does look quite important for this week and beyond. In a straight shoot-out between Son and Kane going forward, I fancy the latter due to his penalties and how impressive he looked when Gareth Bale (£9.3m) got on the pitch.

Aside from Spurs, I like the look of Leicester with games against Arsenal and Burnley followed immediately by matches against Brighton and Sheffield United. Harvey Barnes (£6.9m) is on fire at the moment and James Maddison (£7.3m) has plenty of ways of getting points with an improved eye for goal and set pieces in his locker.

Aside from these two, I think Çaglar Söyüncü (£5.3m) could be an inspired pick given that Leicester will almost certainly bank some clean sheets over the next four games. If you’ve got a bit more cash to burn, why not plump for Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m), who could line up in an advanced role and be an unbelievable differential at just 0.7% ownership.

Whoever you decide to get, remember that every “hit you take, every move you make” means that you’ve got more ground to make up. I’d advise trying to limit the number of hits you take once you hit 10 Double Gameweekers and plan for the Gameweeks ahead accordingly.

Wildcarders

If you’re Wildcarding then you’re going for it this week and I salute you.

I’ve put together a rough draft of something I’d consider if I was playing this chip. Just don’t forget that you need to take into account Blank Gameweek 29 – unless you have the Free Hit in your pocket of course!

If I was Wildcarding, I’d be torn between Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) and taking a punt on Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m). Going for the Belgian would target City’s four home fixtures in the next fortnight. While I don’t think De Bruyne is completely immune to rotation during this spell (especially given that he’s just back from injury), his low ownership makes him a perfect differential. I fancy City to score lots of goals over the next couple of weeks no matter what team they put out.

This team has six players already in place for Gameweek 29 and Barnes can easily become someone like Raphinha (£5.4m) further down the line. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m) could also become Antonio to give yourself a bit of extra firepower.

I’d also be sure to target Everton with arguably the best Double Gameweek 26. Lucas Digne (£6.1m) has the potential to be the highest-scoring player with fixtures against Southampton and West Brom – and Calvert-Lewin could be a shrewd captain pick for those going against Kane or Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m).

Free Hitters

If you’ve decided to play your Free Hit this week (and I would strongly advise you to make sure you are covered for the Gameweek 29) then I’m very envious. Using this chip in a Double Gameweek looks a lot of fun.

My squad wouldn’t be a lot different to the one I suggested as a Wildcard team, but obviously, you can free up some cash with some of your bench players to strengthen your first XI.

This means that I could double up on the Leicester attack with Barnes and Maddison while keeping a ‘strong and stable’ backline of premium defenders without much compromise. Possible bad news on the Maddison injury front would, of course, force a rethink.

Salah is the only player who I’d really fear not owning here but with Liverpool struggling and what looks like a difficult game against Chelsea following their away game against bottom-of-the-league Sheffield United, I’d fancy De Bruyne to outscore him if he sees the minutes that I think he’ll get.

Bench Boosters

Ah, the Bench Boosters. It looks like this chip is going to be the most popular this week and I understand the reasoning.

Someone explained to me (after it went completely over my head), that this is perhaps the best time to use it as it’s the most likely time that you won’t need to use your bench due to injuries or sickness from your first XI.

For most people, given that we’ve just emerged from Double Gameweek 25, I expect this means a Bench Boost of at least two Leeds players against Aston Villa.

I’m not completely sold on this idea and if you are willing to take a bit more of a risk, you could wait until Gameweek 30 and Bench Boost when Leeds have Sheffield United at home, which to me, looks much more attractive.

That said, it does seem like a good time to play Villa with Jack Grealish (£7.7m) and Matty Cash (£5.0m) both potentially out. I certainly wouldn’t be making transfers to take Leeds players out just to target Double Gameweekers and would just hope for the best.

I could use the Bench Boost this week, but with Antonio and Coufal up against Man City and three Leeds players facing Villa, I think I’ll hold for now and assess until later in the season. Good luck to anyone that goes for it.

Triple Captainers

I plumped for Patrick Bamford as my Triple Captain in Gameweek 25 so this isn’t an option for me this week, but it looks like a great time to use it.

To me, the standout options for the chip are Calvert-Lewin and Kane.

I have seen some people saying that while they think Kane is a good captain option, they think Calvert-Lewin is a better Triple Captain option. I just can’t see the logic here. Captain – or Triple Captain – the player who you think will do best.

Everton have been quite an unpredictable team in the league over the last few months, losing to the likes of Newcastle and Fulham but beating Liverpool comfortably in their last game. I don’t think there’s any doubt that Southampton and West Brom will give up chances to them and I do think Calvert-Lewin should be at least considered by anyone looking to play this chip.

However, while Spurs have faltered, Kane has flourished against the bottom eight.

Twitter user FPL_Swede pointed out that in 10 games against the bottom eight teams in the Premier League, Kane has delivered in every game, averaging 9.2 points a match. That’s an unbelievable record. He seems a great option for the chip and I think you would be very unfortunate to come away from games against Fulham and Burnley with nothing. He’s almost certainly going to be my captain this week.

Conclusion

Werner, Son and Kane kept quiet as FPL's two best defences impress again

I hope this has in some way been useful in helping you make decisions no matter what strategy you are adopting.

For my team, I think I’m going to reluctantly take out Marcus Rashford (£9.6m) and one of Bamford/Antonio and bring in Kane – just because I do believe he is the best captaincy pick. It would mean that I’d have to grab myself Ademola Lookman (£5.0m) to free up the funds, but I believe he could turn out to be quite a shrewd acquisition as he plays two quite porous defences in Double Gameweek 26 and then can sit on my bench until I need him in Gameweek 29.

Whatever you decide, enjoy this bumper Gameweek and see you on the other side!


My Double Gameweek plans and why the Wildcard/Bench Boost tactic has its downside

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

2,383 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Wow. Hazard has suffered ELEVEN injuries since his move to Real in 2019. crazy.

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

      Top post historical injury update anyone?

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah he’s been dubbed The Glass Man

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

      Broken nail the latest?

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

    Best option here? 1FT 3.8m

    A Ings ->Kane
    B Ings/Antonio -> Kane/Watkins -4 (bench Bamford or Raph)

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Shaw
    Salah Bruno Gundogan Son Raph
    Ings Bamford

    Pope Antonio Dallas Coufal

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

      A - B will depend on the latest on Grealish. I don't like Watkins as a fpl asset without Grealish

    2. sentz05
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Don’t fancy DCL? They’re by far the best paring of fixtures

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Pairing

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

        I do yes, could do Ings to DCL. Can't afford Kane/DCL with 8pt hit.

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

          without

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

    Antonio & Coufal to Watkins & Stones for -4 & Bench Boost?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Maguire Tarkowski
    Salah Bruno Son Gundogan
    DCL Watkins

    Areola Targett Bamford Raphinha

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

      Bringing in Watkins depends on the latest update on Grealish injury. I would prob BB just to get rid of it. Allows you to downgrade your bench and focus funds on your 11 from 27 onwards

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

        Cheers mate

  4. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench fodder keeper
    A. Fabri 3.9
    B. Forster 4.0 - gamble the 0.1 in the off chance he replaces McCarthy

    Main GK is Martinez

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

    Which scores more this week?

    A) Bamford
    B) Konsa -4

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

      A

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

    Which Spurs defenders are ‘nailed on’ for 2 starts in the DGW?

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

      tongen. perhaps/

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

        Dier, of course.

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

      Dier

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

        Is he - if he was I’d 100% get him

    3. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      lloris

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks like Dier.

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

      None atm. I reckon Reguilon gets 2 though

    6. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dier if anyone

  7. GW25 Review
    BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    The Review: GW 25

    Greetings everyone, welcome aboard as I present the latest edition of “The Review” ahead of the biggest double GW in FPL history:

    (Data taken from FFScout with consent)

    Before I begin, I’d like to mention that I post about FPL on my Instagram too. Follow me there if you don’t already!

    http://instagram.com/bigmanbakar

    Q: Are Leeds and Burnley assets worth bench boosting this GW?

    Leeds assets are great options to bench boost this week. Bamford picks himself having just blanked once in his past six home matches but unfortunately one of them was in GW 19 when a large number of FPL managers bench boosted so understandably, they have been scarred. At that point, I’d also like to highlight that Bamford scored a hat-trick the last time he played against Aston Villa in GW 6.

    Raphinha’s underlying statistics were incredible this week – he created more than double the number of chances and big chances than any other player this GW. Leeds have an average xG of 1.6 in their previous six home matches, which is the 5th best in the league, while Villa have an average expected xGc of 2.01 in their previous six away matches, which is the worst in the league, so all signs are pointing to another Leeds goal fest.

    I feel the opposite about Burnley. tot,LEI ARS eve followed by a blank GW is a very tough run of fixtures and I’d be looking to sell their assets instead of playing them in my 11 or on bench boost – even if it is at the cost of a hit. Burnley conceded as much xGc in the West Brom game as in their previous three games combined and were lucky to come out of that match with a clean sheet – I expect that to be their last clean sheet for a while.

    Q: Who is the best Danny Ings replacement?

    Ings’ horror show in the double GW coupled with the fact that he has a single GW when 14 other teams have a double GW this week makes him an easy sell for me. I’m assuming a like for like replacement given his price range, hence I run a comparison between two of the most highly sought replacements:

    Calvert Lewin v Richarlison (over the season)

    Mins per shots inside the box: 38.1 v 52.5
    Mins per Big chance: 85.4 v 203.4
    Mins per expected involvement: 140.6 v 238.6

    This one is fairly straight-forward. Calvert Lewin is the focal point of every Everton attack whenever he plays, so him for me.

    Q: In this section, I analyze the impact of Grealish’s injury on Aston Villa.

    I want to begin by saying that I think that it is unfair to draw comparisons on the basis of one match so it would be premature of me trying to predict how Villa will perform without Grealish. Since I was receiving a lot of questions about Villa and this subject in particular, I decided to dedicate a section to address this issue.

    I run a comparison where I compare Villa’s performance against Leicester without Grealish compared to Villa playing with Grealish in home games:

    Villa in home games with Grealish v Villa against Leicester without Grealish

    xG per game: 1.9 v 1.4
    Chances created per game: 13 v 7
    Big chances created per game: 2.1 v 1

    As seen in the comparison, Villa’s attacking numbers dropped in the absence of Grealish. Before the Leicester game, Grealish was involved in 50% of Villa’s goals this season so his injury having a massive bearing on the numbers is not a huge surprise. I expected Barkley to take over the mantle but he didn’t create any chance in the game either.

    Ollie Watkins had recorded big chances in six of his previous nine home appearances before the Leicester game but this week he failed to register a big chance which falls in line with the fact that Villa lacked attacking threat and creativity.

    I admit it might be a little early to draw any conclusions, but this might be something to keep an eye on before going into the double GW. At the moment, Watkins is an easy hold for me – but I wouldn’t be in any rush to buy had I not owned.

    Q: In this section, I talk about Leicester and assess the impact of Maddison’s absence on Barnes and Vardy.

    Vardy being the ever-dependable FPL asset that he is, is top among all players in the league for big chances in the past six matches. And then there’s the flavor of the GW, Harvey Barnes to talk about as a possible Grealish replacement. I run a comparison to analyze both of them:

    Vardy v Barnes (in the last six games they have started together)

    Mins per shot inside the box: 28.3 v 49
    Mins per big chance: 107 v 108

    Despite Vardy’s premium price tag, Barnes seems to be matching him in terms of big chances of late which suggests that he might be a better value for money pick. I now assess the impact that the loss of Maddison might have on either:

    Barnes with Maddison 20/21 v Without Maddison 20/21

    Mins per shot inside the box: 56 v 35.88
    Mins per big chance: 184 v 305

    Vardy with Maddison 20/21 v Without Maddison 20/21

    Mins per shot inside the box: 29.14 v 42.27
    Mins per big chance: 76.5 v 58.13

    The sample used for the analysis above is of seven games so that’s a reasonable size. Without Maddison, Barnes tends to shoot more but the quality of his chances drop while the reverse is true for Vardy who witnesses a slight improvement in the frequency of his big chances but his shots inside the box drop – perhaps due to a more direct style that Leicester adopt without Maddison.

    On the topic of Leicester, it’s also worth monitoring Ricardo Pereira. He is less than 1% owned at the minute and started on the right wing vs Villa – his position on the opposite wing was as high as Barnes’. “It’s been something I’ve been waiting to do for quite a long time, but this is the first period where both of those boys (Castagne and Pereira) were fit to play. Castagne will run more without the ball and penetrate, and Pereira’s the one who can be inside and manipulate the ball.” Rodgers said after Sunday’s win at Villa Park.

    Q: In this section, I share my thoughts on Spurs’ assets.

    It’s tough to back Spurs given the underlying numbers at the moment. Defensively, they are in the bottom four for shots in the box and xG conceded over the past six matches (even though they were unlucky to concede against Lingard this week who now has three goals despite an xG of 0.6!). Over the same sample, they are in the bottom two for big chances and xG. Son has scored just once in eight games, and seems to be going through a bit of a rut like the team in general. What is in his and Spurs’ favor though is the fixtures (BUR ful). I think owning one of Son or Kane is enough given their form. Which one to pick if picking one this week?

    Kane is more of a flat track bully than Son and even this season has scored the majority of his goals against the bottom ten sides. Son meanwhile, is averaging 6.5 FPL points per game against the top ten sides and 6.7 FPL points per game against the bottom ten sides so there’s not much variance in his output. I now share their numbers in recent times when the duo have started together:

    Kane v Son (last six games they have started together)

    Mins per shot inside box: 32 v 60
    Mins per big chance: 107 v 77
    Mins per expected involvement: 151 v 176

    While Kane seems to be shooting far more, Son is getting the better quality of chances. Even though this won’t have any impact on this double GW, it’s also worth keeping an eye out on Mourinho’s comments as to how he might prioritize the Europa League as he sees it as a more realistic means of getting Champions League football. It might change the way we look at Spurs assets should Mourinho decide to prioritize the Europa League over domestic commitments.

    Q: In this section, I cover Manchester City and weigh De Bruyne’s impact on Gündoğan FPL’s prospects.

    Manchester City’s FPL assets are the gift which keep on giving. Since Stones has become a regular in GW 10, Man City have conceded just six big chances in sixteen GWs. Those numbers are truly phenomenal and precisely why their defence delivers FPL points week in week out. Sterling, meanwhile, has blanked just twice in his previous twelve starts but continues to fly under the radar because he hasn’t been very explosive despite being incredibly consistent. He has recorded just one bonus point in the last six matches he has scored in. What goes against him is the lack of his multiple involvements and the fact that City’s defenders inevitably record monster BPS scores whenever they keep a clean sheet. These are fine margins but result in big swings.

    I now assess the impact of De Bruyne’s return on Gündoğan’s numbers:

    Gündoğan with KDB v Gündoğan without KDB

    Mins per shots inside the box: 38.05 v 48.88
    Mins per Big chance: 114.17 v 65.17
    Mins per Chance created: 52.69 v 39.1
    Mins per Big chance created: 685 v 195.5
    Mins per expected involvement: 168.7 v 81.1

    The sample I have chosen for my analysis above is from GW 13 onwards because that was the time Gündoğan really started to find attacking form. As we can see from the analysis I ran, Gündoğan seems to be more of an attacking threat without De Bruyne on the field. Both his creative threat and his direct threat to goal tend to improve. What helps Gündoğan is that he has an incredible conversion rate of almost 33% after GW 13 – compare that to 5% of De Bruyne’s throughout the season and you can see why one of them has been able to translate his stats into FPL points while the other hasn’t.

    Even though Gündoğan isn’t as dangerous with De Bruyne on the field, keeping his price tag in mind, I think that he is a good asset to own even if he performs at 60% of his current output. His stats are more than decent for his price. I wouldn’t be bullish on captaincy for Gündoğan this week – he has also started the Champions League game so is at even higher risk of being rotated in one of the games in the double GW.

    Q: In this section, I write about a few defenders who have caught my eye.

    After having made just three appearances under Lampard this term, Marcos Alonso seems to have been given a new lease of life under Thomas Tuchel. Alonso has started four of Chelsea's last five Premier League games and doesn't seem likely to lose his spot any time soon. Sure, he might miss a game here or there due to rotation but the same is the case with someone like a João Cancelo – these are sometimes the risks you have to take for upside, particularly with premium players.

    Chelsea are ranked second only to Man City for big chances conceded and xG conceded since Tuchel has taken over. What helps these numbers is the fact that Chelsea have so far, under Tuchel, kept on average ∼67% of the possession per game so that makes it difficult for the opposition to create chances. Alonso himself is top among defenders for shots in the box and penalty area touches among defenders so has the potential to deliver at both ends of the field.

    Lucas Digne is another top differential to own. Digne is top for chances created and big chances created among all Everton players in the past six game weeks. Southampton are in the bottom two for xG in the last six matches whereas West Brom are bottom for both xG and big chances in all home games this season – so clean sheets might be on the menu for Everton in the double GW.

    Luke Shaw impressed again despite failing to deliver FPL points this GW. He created five chances against Newcastle, which was the 2nd highest in terms of chance creation for all players this GW. This now takes Shaw up to 6th of all players for chances created in the league this season which is remarkable given that his counterparts have played significantly more minutes than him. Newcastle with a xG of 0.3 were the second lowest for xG for all teams in the league this GW which just highlights how unlucky Shaw was not to register any FPL points. He is now up against a Palace side who despite having scored twice, had the worst xG this week and a Chelsea team who seem devoid of creative ideas – only six teams have a worse xG non penalty than Chelsea since Tuchel has taken over.

    Q: In this section, I discuss captaincy.

    Kane v Salah v Bruno (over the season)

    Mins per shot in the box: 38 v 35 v 66
    Mins per big chance: 120 v 101 v 141
    Mins per big chance created: 161 v 287 v 124
    Mins per expected involvement: 151 v 119 v 114

    I’ve already spoken about Kane and Spurs at length. Salah’s numbers, despite Liverpool’s form this season, are still extraordinary and unwavering. I can only imagine what his numbers will be like if Liverpool start creating more. They have scored just twice at Anfield in their past six home matches. During this spell, just six teams have recorded fewer big chances than them. Bruno, meanwhile, is averaging almost eight FPL points per appearance and is 59 points better off than any other asset since his debut which makes him the undisputed king in FPL right now. I have shared the facts and the stats. I will leave the decision up to you!

    Q: In this section, I cover Fulham.

    Fulham are definitely on an upward trajectory as far as defensive trends are concerned:

    Fulham GW 1-12 v GW 13-25

    Shots in the box conceded per game: 8.5 v 7
    xG conceded per game: 1.7 v 1.2
    Minutes per chance conceded: 7.6 v 9.3
    Minutes per big chance conceded: 37 v 48

    Fulham have kept three clean sheets in their previous four games which shows that these defensive improvements are producing results. Fulham now face goal shy Spurs and a Palace side who are “going back to basics” (prioritising a defence first approach) so chances are that the owners of Fulham's defensive assets might have even more joy in the upcoming GW.

    Q: In this section, I talk about Liverpool’s defence.

    After another dismal performance against Everton, Liverpool now hold the unwanted record of being the team to concede the highest number of big chances for three successive GWs. Hence, it is no surprise that they have the worst xG conceded over the past three GWs too. When I compare these underlying numbers to Man City, Liverpool have conceded more than twice as many big chances in their past three games that Manchester City have conceded in their previous 15 games combined. Henderson’s injury is another massive blow which might weaken the defence even further.

    We still have three months remaining in the season yet and Liverpool have already conceded ∼83% of the big chances than they did last season. Further, Liverpool in the past three GWs have made four direct errors leading to goals, which is twice as much as any other team during this spell. To put things into context, Liverpool committed just five such errors which resulted in a goal last season.

    Andy Robertson was a fantasy favorite earlier on in the season, but his numbers have dropped big time. I don’t think he is worth the premium price tag anymore. Here is why:

    Robertson GW 1-14 v GW 15-25 (position among defenders for relevant stat given)

    Mins per chance created: 48 (1st) v 66 (5th)
    Mins per big chance created: 210 (2nd) v 493 (12th)
    Mins per expected involvement: 420 (3rd) v 483 (13th)

    The comparisons you see are all the hard work of my friend @urboihamza (on Twitter). I would appreciate it if you could offer him some encouragement for the time he puts into my articles (follows/feedback appreciated!). He is becoming a key contributor week in week out!

    This brings me to the end of the article. Do share your feedback as always. For more FPL related content, follow me down below:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/bigmanbakar

    Instagram: http://instagram.com/bigmanbakar

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtIPFexB6PLKNNl0XH3SKKw

    YouTube Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefplwire

    THANK YOU! 🙂

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

      Damn that's way too long to read whilst on the toilet at work

    2. Horlicks esq.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bakar with the big one. Are you back with Rambo this week?

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

        I'm on the FPL show this week. 😛

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

          Then so am I. Its a big one. 'WildernessKid' - on Twitch, Mod extraordinaire.

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

            Got you! 🙂

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yesss my favourite part of the GW!

      Hulk it boys!

      Outstanding work as ever

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

      Thumbs up

    5. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Great review and analysis heading into such a big GW.

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

      Great post as always; agree with most everything here (which is the nice thing about data driven approaches).

      Have to say I question the bit about Burnley not keeping CSs for a while. The sample size of judging them on WBA’s (unrealized) xG doesn’t seem to take into account the good run of form they’ve had on the defensive side of the ball. I would be surprised if they don’t frustrate their opponents over the double, and I expect them to continue to be one of the better mid table defenses moving forward.

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

        Love the BR quite btw, Periera would be one of the first names on the sheet if nailed

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

        You seem to really like the Burnley defense. I'm not as convinced. The sides they're playing this week also aren't great.

        Spurs might have underperformed of late, but they were missing Kane for a few of the games and now they have Bale to start who is looking like he can become an actual threat again.

        Leicester meanwhile are one of the strongest teams in the division arguably behind only City and they have the attacking stats to back it up.

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

          You are right, I may be overvaluing them. I tend to place a lot of value on predictability of points and they are pretty reliable at home and against all but the best teams. I also didn’t own them during their rough spell early in the season. With Leicester, I am pricing in the idea that no Maddison has a significant effect on their attack. Barnes could very well kill me this week in more ways than one.

    7. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Captain King Bruno. On the road...

      And

      Shun Kane against lesser opposition? In London for both games.

      ?!

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

      Really helpful analysis. Thanks!

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

      I need a BigManBakar tattoo

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

        Ahahaha

    10. Danny Dyers chocolate homun…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Great overview, well done

    11. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks a lot for the encouraging feedback!

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

      Thanks Big Man - and to @urboihamza as well.

  8. Dannyb
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A - Sterling, Ings and Cavani to Kane Mahrez and DCL - 8?
    B - Ings and Cavani to DCL Vardy - 4
    C Ings, Cavani and Bamford to DCL Vardy and Watkins - 8

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

      I wouldn't be getting rid of Sterling after subbed off early tonight. I would go with B.

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

      B

  9. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Are price changes expected overnight?

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

      Calvert-Lewin Everton F A 37.6 £7.6m -1 102.1
      Areola Fulham G A 4.2 £4.5m 0 949 98.5
      Cancelo Man City D A 25.6 £6.1m 0 2706 95.7
      Vardy Leicester F A 19.3 £10.1m 0 2835 95.5
      Stones Man City D A 23 £5.2m 0 5843 90.8

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you

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

          fpl statistics my guy. Although probably having its least accurate season to date.

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

    Son or Kane?

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

      Kane

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

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

      Son

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

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

      Kane

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

    Best 4.5 GK just for DGW26:

    A) Johnstone
    B) Areola

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

      B - don't trust wba def

  12. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Grealish definitely out vs Leeds?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’m pretty sure he is, but if he was 100% out, you’d know.

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

        Would you though? The first rule of Dean Smith is...

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

    What seems to be officer, problem?
    You get one TC a season and I'm looking at freaking Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ditto

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

      Me three

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

      Snap!!! I really don’t want to but I’m fairly sure I will.

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

    What would be the most gung-ho defence this week? Alonso, Pereira...Digne?

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

    Do we think De Bruyne plays both games this week since he didn’t play in the Champions League?

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

      Might start both but minutes could be an issue.

    2. Horlicks esq.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm all in on KDB (c) for 26 and 27. thats just my thoughts.

  16. WraithRovers
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero or Jesus for double game week???

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

      it depends if you poo with the toilet lid down. If not, Jesus.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Namaste

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

    Mee, Sterling, Ings to Pereira, Gundogan, Kane (TC) for -8?

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

      actually yes

  18. FPL Bargain
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think it's worth transferring out Lowton this week to someone like

    A) Holgate
    B)Konsa
    C) Hold Lowton one more week

  19. Pachi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do you believe that reguilon is nailed enough for both matches on dgw26?

  20. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Neither. Kane, DCL and Vardy are the 3 to get

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

      Failed reply to WraithRovers

  21. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    For christ sake.

    Been in this forum for 11 years and only just realised I can up vote - I assumed it was a members move only.

    1. Ejaaz11
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Wow just found out now because of your comment...

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

        and so the love is shared.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      😆 😆 😆
      What a slow learner. Maybe switch to coffee.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It doesn't really lead anywhere tho does it?

  22. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) Grealish Coufal to Son Digne - 4
    B) Grealish Antonio to Kane Lookman - 4
    C) Grealish Antonio Coufal to Kane Lookman Castagne/Reguillon - 8

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

      B

  23. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Where can I check anytime goalscorer odds?

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

      Just about any bookmaking site should have a market, not sure about posting links here but has to be all good as there is a weekly article from Bet365?

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

      I use oddschecker

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

    A. Sterling, Ings to Son, Vardy -4
    B. Sterling, Ings to Gundogan, Kane

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B... You need Gundo

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B. As it’s for free.

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

      B but don't be surprised Gundo is rested at the weekend

  25. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Realising that my essential WC conundrum comes down to Ollie Watkins vs Harvey Barnes. Who scores more points in DGW?

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

      Barnes

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

      Other factors - Watkins might also have a double in 28 and definitely has a game in 29

      1. Tinfoil Deathstar
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yep. I have no FH left for 29 so definitely factors to consider. Also prefer fixtures for him this DGW and allows for a more rounded bench. But lack of Grealish is a big worry.

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      With Grealish probably out I’d say Barnes.

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

      Barnes. But Watkins has a game in 29 and a potential game in 28 as well.

  26. The Riders of Mohan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    GTG?

    Martinez (Forster)
    Digne Dias Stones (Dallas, R.James)
    Gundog Son Fernandez Barnes (Raphina)
    Vardy DCL (TK)ane

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

    Rank from best to worst option!

    A. Dias
    B. Stones
    C. Digne
    D. Pereira

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A
      D
      B
      C

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You have it done. Thanks.

  28. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Enough tinkering. Bonsoir all. KDB (c) for the glory.

  29. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this -4?

    Adams - Sterling - Mee —> Kane - Lookman - Cancelo

  30. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do we think Gundo plays both games after playing 90mins tonight ???

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes.

    2. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      nope

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

      Starts but comes off on 60 in both. He is the engine of that team now.