Pro Pundits - Tom

Why I’m Wildcarding before a Double Gameweek 27 Bench Boost

Tom Freeman has finished inside Fantasy Premier League’s top 1k a staggering five times in his career. He is back with his latest column outling his plans for Double Gameweek 26 and beyond.


So, where were we? The last time I checked in, Gameweek 23 had drawn to a close and I sat just outside the top 300k overall.

I talked up Burnley’s prospects ahead of their double, specifically focusing on Matthew Lowton (£4.5m) and Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.4m), and also touched upon Lucas Digne (£6.1m) and Raheem Sterling (£11.6m).

Since then, it’s all been a bit meh for my own team with no real rank movement, but for context, here’s how Gameweek 25 shaped up:

So, in this my latest column, I’m going to discuss my Gameweek 26 Wildcard and also run through my chip strategy. I’m not quite ready to share my final team as I’ll be tinkering right up till deadline, but after reading this you should know which players I’m leaning towards.

CHIP STRATEGY

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice to FPL Gameweek 23

Firstly, it’s probably best to talk chips.

The original plan had always been to follow up my Gameweek 16 Wildcard with a Free Hit in 18 and Bench Boost in 19. However, the fixture rearrangements that were announced on New Year’s Eve involving Burnley, Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa, plus Leeds United and Southampton later losing their double, meant that I shelved that strategy.

So now, after much deliberation, I’ve decided to Bench Boost in Gameweek 27. Why 27? Well, I don’t want to hold too much value on my bench for too long after Wildcarding, and I also want to target two specific fixtures which I’ll come to later.

This new strategy of course effects the way I build this Wildcard, and as a result, there has to be some sacrifices as I attempt to spread funds around the squad. I’m pretty sure it won’t be for everyone, but I hope by reading this, you can at least see why I’ve included some players and dismissed others.

I should also point out that I still have my Free Hit and Triple Captain chips available, and plan to use the former in either Gameweek 29 or 33.

THE GOALKEEPERS

Villa bank 11th clean sheet as Martinez bags another haul

Emiliano Martínez (£5.3m) is a bit of a no-brainer in goal, given Aston Villa’s fixtures.

Though the team’s overall level has dropped in recent weeks he’s still making lots of saves. In fact, over the last four Gameweeks, he’s comfortably ahead of any other keeper in the division:

The second spot is harder to decide on, but for now I’ve landed on Sam Johnstone (£4.5m). 

West Bromwich Albion have looked much better in recent matches, now that their new arrivals have been properly integrated into the starting XI. I am realistic though, and do expect more save points than clean sheets.

Alphonse Areola (£4.5m) and Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) are other names I considered, and may still turn to, but for now, Martínez and Johnstone are in my draft.

THE DEFENDERS

A Manchester City double-up makes a lot of sense here, given that their 10-point lead at the top of the table has been built on a solid defensive platform. That’s seen them concede just nine goals in their last 23 Premier League games, which is pretty remarkable. 

However, given my OR and the fact I’m playing catch-up, I’m tempted to double-up in midfield which would give me the opportunity to pair Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) with Ilkay Gündogan (£6.1m).

Going in with one City defender, which would be either João Cancelo (£6.1m) or John Stones (£5.2m), does come with risk though. 

For example, the advantage I gained from Sterling’s goal against Arsenal was pretty much wiped out once they registered a clean sheet. I’ve just got to hope we see a bit more rotation in the coming weeks. It’s probably wishful thinking, but it does feel like I’ve got to at least try something different.

Fit-again Pereira already showing signs of last season's form

Elsewhere, I’ve also found a spot for differential Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) who took up an advanced role as a right-winger against Aston Villa. 

There was talk that Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers had put Timothy Castagne (£5.7m) and Pereira on the same side to double-up on Jack Grealish (£7.6m), who eventually missed out. However, I don’t buy that, and these comments from Rodgers after the game do suggest it’s a tactic we might see more of:

“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 were fit to play. They’re different types. Because of how we play, they find themselves in that attacking third of the pitch quite a lot. Tim will run more without the ball and penetrate, and Ricky’s one who can be inside and manipulate the ball. I just thought that combination of those two, because Ricky is comfortable coming inside, he can turn, he can pass, he’s very aggressive when he attacks. I thought the two of them were very good and combined well together.” – Brendan Rodgers

Pereira finished the match with 33 final-third touches, more than any other player on the pitch. He also took three shots, twice testing Martínez, and took up some nice position’s infield which you can see on his touch heatmap from the game below:

I also like Digne, who is currently owned by just 8.8% of FPL managers.

Everton’s defence isn’t exactly watertight right now, but Tom Davies’ (£5.2m) recent performances and the return of Allan (£5.2m) offers encouragement that they can add to their total of five Premier League clean sheets.

It’s also worth noting that their opponents on Monday night, Southampton, have conceded the highest number of chances from their right-flank over the last six Gameweeks, and will be without Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.7m) and Oriol Romeu (£4.5m).

Luke Shaw (£5.1m) and Antonio Rüdiger (£4.6m) are also in my thoughts, I’m just not convinced now is the time to invest given their immediate schedules. 

THE MIDFIELDERS

The biggest decision here is that I can only pick one of Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m) and Son Heung-min (£9.5m).

Potential reasons for losing arguably the best asset in the game include fixtures (che + cry, mci, WHU, blank) and the fact I probably won’t captain him until at least Gameweek 32. Despite this, Fernandes usually finds a way to return so I need to think this through carefully.

The alternative is Son. I’ve heard some say he isn’t in form, which is probably fair, but tougher fixtures can do that to a player and we are talking about one of the league’s most clinical forwards. There is potential to do well beyond the double too, with games against Crystal Palace and Arsenal to follow.

City duo De Bruyne and Gündogan will be included, and I’m also considering Harvey Barnes (£6.9m).

The 23-year-old has already netted 13 goals in all competitions this term, and I see him getting plenty of joy down Arsenal’s weaker right-flank this weekend. James Maddison (£7.3m) being out isn’t ideal, but I’m hoping it won’t disrupt their flow too much.

Above: Harvey Barnes’ xG shot map in 2020/21

However, if I decide on Fernandes over Son, I might need to drop down to a cheaper option in this slot, someone like Ademola Lookman (£5.0m), Bukayo Saka (£5.2m) or Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m).

This of course means I can’t fit Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) in, which is kind of scary, but if there is ever a time to leave him out it’s probably now. 

Since beating Palace 7-0 back in December, Liverpool have played 11 Premier League matches and won just two. The injury to Jordan Henderson (£5.4m) is a further setback, and my feeling at this moment is that I’ll make a move for Diogo Jota (£6.6m) once fit. The Portugal international recently returned to full first-team training, and it’s hard to argue against the value he offers when available, having scored nine goals in his first 17 appearances.

THE FORWARDS

harry kane fpl injury return spurs west brom gameweek 23

Harry Kane (£11.1m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.7m) are obvious inclusions given their respective schedules, and it’s likely I’ll hand the former the armband too.

The final forward spot is still up for grabs, which unfortunately means I have to lose Patrick Bamford (£6.9m) who has been in my team since Gameweek 1, and is one of the few highlights of my season so far.

I’m looking at Mbaye Diagne (£6.0m) as a possible replacement, who has made a big impact since he joined West Brom and has been getting shots off in some good areas.

Above: Mbaye Diagne’s shot map (shots on target in green) since making his debut in Gameweek 21.

In fact, no forward has registered more big chances since he made his debut, despite sometimes looking isolated. 

Other options include Michail Antonio (£6.5m) and Ollie Watkins (£6.5m), and it’s likely I’ll make a late call on that one.

THE BENCH BOOSTERS

As I mentioned earlier, I’m planning a Gameweek 27 Bench Boost with an idea to focus on two fixtures.

West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United

Albion have put in a couple of much improved displays against Man Utd and Burnley in recent weeks, and appear to have found a system which seems to be working. Signing a proper holding midfielder in Okay Yokuslu (£4.5m) is huge for them, and that improved defensive setup means I’m willing to take a risk on differential Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.5m). 

Following Semi Ajayi’s (£4.8m) red card at Burnley, the on-loan Arsenal man shifted out to a wider attacking role, which manager Sam Allardyce has hinted we might see more of in the coming weeks. I don’t have any stats to back it up, it’s more of an eye test thing, but for just one match I’m willing to give it a go.

West Ham United v Leeds United

The second matchup I want to target involves West Ham United, who are now in the top four and have a few players tailor-made for a Bench Boost.

Opponents Leeds United have now conceded eight goals from corners this season, a league-high alongside Sheffield United. Jannik Vestergaard (£4.7m) almost added another earlier this week, and given that the Hammers approach is largely based around crossing, I’m considering Craig Dawson (£4.5m). He’s already scored two goals in 10 games this season and always carries a threat from set-pieces.

I also think Marcelo Bielsa’s side can struggle against players who run directly at them, which is why I like Jesse Lingard (£5.9m) who has looked lively since moving to East London.

Above: midfielders sorted by shots since Jesse Lingard made his West Ham United debut in Gameweek 21.

So, I know this Wildcard won’t be for everyone but I hope having read this, you can at least understand why I’ve chosen the squad I have.

Also, before I sign off, earlier this week I was fortunate enough to join fellow Pro Pundits Lateriser and Zophar again on The FPL Wire.

We talked strategy, Wildcards and captains, plus loads more.

The chat complements this column, and goes a bit deeper into some of the players and teams covered, so if you’re into that kind of thing please check it out on the link below…

I’ll update you on how it’s going next time I check in, but for now, thanks for reading and best of luck in Double Gameweek 26.

4,459 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Steve McCroskey
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Evening gents.

    Should I do:

    A. Ings > Kane, start Raphinha

    B. Ings, Raphinha > DCL, Barnes (-4), go without Kane for the DGW

    1. Steve McCroskey
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shameless top post

      1. Vardy boys
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Kane is a must IMO and Raph is in top form - ideal against villa without grealish

    2. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A is what I've done but B has a larger ceiling. Are you feeling brave?

      1. Steve McCroskey
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I just know that lots in my ML will only have the funds for DCL so if he hauls I'm in trouble

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

    A) Soucek to Son (Play Bamford and Dallas)
    B) Soucek, Justin, Bamford to Barnes, Digne, DCL (-8)

    1. Steve McCroskey
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      Would need to get Bamford back for GW29

      1. Steve McCroskey
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Depends how much value you've got tied up in him

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

    A. Mane & Watkins
    B. Traore & Kane (-4)

    Kane would be my captain, and it would give me one more player bgw29

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

      I like B

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      In isolation for 26 no probably not, but most will tell you to do it for Kane this week

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

        This

  4. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hey guys, on BB:

    Would you do Dunk -> R Pereira (-4)

    FH'ing in 29 so won't need Dunk then.

    Yay or Nay

    1. Steve McCroskey
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yep I would

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes with FH in the back pocket

  5. Big Hands Barry
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Rudiger or Mee?

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

      Rudiger

    2. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Rufi

      1. Saka Punch
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Rudi*

      2. Hooky
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I could do with a Rufi

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

    Keep changing my mind on who to triple captain, I have too many good choices... on Kane currently, stick or change?

    1. Salah
    2. DCL
    3. Bruno
    4. Kane

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      All good picks and ultimately it will be luck that decides the winner. Throw Gundogan into the mix too

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        And Vardy

        I'm going with Salah tho. Doing my head in trying to put any element of logic to it if I'm honest

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

          Not bothered by Henderson out?

          1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Not particularly. Salah will still play the same way

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

      Same dilemma. My original plan was Kane, but Spurs form and to decent defencive teams (BUR/FUL) is putting me a bit off thb. Can't see a goal feast here. Might go with DCL for the fun of it

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

        Kane v DCL, people may argue DCL has better fixture due to BUR/FUL recent def performance. If only DCL is on pen, Kane on pen sways me.

    3. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think Kane. It’s between him and DCL for me.

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Got all 4, stick

  7. Vardy boys
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Should I do:

    Ings and Salah To Kane (TC) and Son?

    Worried salah might haul against a sheff utd depleted defence!

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You know the risks, follow your gut

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

      Not for me

      1. Vardy boys
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Why not?

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

          Too much Spurs

    3. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Need to keep Salah if you can mate

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

      I would not remove Salah before a double including SHU. Can't see Kane scoring more than 1 goal in those two tbh

  8. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Dias - Stones - Mee
    Salah - Bruno - Rashford - Gundogan - Raphinha
    Kane (TC) - Bamford

    (Pope) (Dallas - Antonio - Bednarek) - 0FT - 0.4 ITB - WC & TC left

    Is this team all set, or would you make any changes? Thinking maybe Antonio -> Watkins (-4)?

    Cheers!

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      G2g. If you do the hit you'll likely need 2 goals from Watkins to really profit from it, and that's assuming a leeds blank

  9. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ings or bamford to DCL ? Own raphina.

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

      Ings

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

      Ings, yes

  10. cm790
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I've already taken a minus 8.

    Take another -4 for Maddison to Barnes? and drop Raphina or just play Raph?

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Raph

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

      Play Raph

  11. Nemanja Vidic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    1 FT 0.0 ITB
    WC TC and FH available

    Martinez Forster
    Cancelo AWB Stone Mee Couf
    Salah Bruno Son Gundo Raphinha
    DCL Bamford Ings

    Want to bring Kane and TC him, but have to sacrifice someone good

    a) Sell Bamford or Ings?
    b) Sell Salah, Bruno or Son?
    c) Bring Barnes or Pereira?
    d) Go -8 sell Bamford Ings Mee for Kane Davis Konsa

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

      Please don't do D

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

    Martinez ¦ Forster
    Maguire Cancelo Reguilon
    Rashford Bruno Gundogan Son
    Kane Ings Bamford
    | Saka Holding Coufal

    G2G?

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

    Bench this week will be:

    Pope Lowton Bamford Ferguson

    0.6 ITB

    Odd to do Ferguson > White (-4) and BB? White transfer will be useful down the line for 29. Or just avoid the BB altogether this week and use it in 30?

  14. Better luck next year
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Son (c) Ings, Antonio > Barnes, Kane (c) Calvert for a -8 worth it? Gives me two more DGW players so basically a -4.

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ings to DCL for free. Seems a big gamble to swap Son to Kane for hits

  15. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pope (McCarthy)
    Stones Lowton Targett (Coufal Dallas)
    Sterling Gundogan Bruno Salah (Saka)
    DCL Bamford Antonio

    Thoughts on Saka and McCarthy to Barnes and 4m Gk for a 4 pointer?

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

      Keeping Antonio on the bench this week to play him home to Leeds next gw

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

    Martinez
    Stones Shaw Rudiger
    Salah Fernandes Barnes Gundogan
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Areola Raphinha Dallas Burn
    2.2m 0ft

    Worth taking a hit to do Rudiger to
    A) reguilon
    B) digne
    C) cancelo

  17. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Triple cap Kane or wait for his other double gameweek?

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

      Go for it

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      As good a week as any

  18. cm790
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Martinez or Areola?

    Most of my ML will be Martinez, I'm top at the minute but thinking Areola may be a surprise.

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Martinez probably for form and save points (see recent stats). Big gamble to bet against him if all your ML have him too but follow your gut, certainly could come off

      1. cm790
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I'm 50 points ahead, could be a reckless decision to go for the differential.

  19. Irish Villan 1985
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Lads, need some urgent help please!!

    Contemplating the following....Have 2 FTs!

    Barnes for Grealish, but do I need anything else?

    Team would be....11 DGWers

    Martinez

    Cancelo, Stones, Shaw, Alonso

    Salah, Barnes, Son, Bruno, Gündogan

    DCL

    Bench: Johnstone, Bamford, Antonio, Justin

    Any advice?? Alonso to Digne maybe?

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Great team. Save the second transfer as you even have a strong bench. Justin needs to be your next transfer though not alonso

  20. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Folks, how nailed is Colman?

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

    Can't find any replacement for Ings if I'm not getting Kane fora hit.
    Any suggestions?

    Other forwards are DCL and Bamford.

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

      Watkins or Diagne

  22. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any preference?

    A. Digne/Bamford +4 (probably capt DCL, Bruno or Salah)
    B. Aina or Konsa/Kane (Kane an option for captain and bench Bamford)

  23. arkom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pereira or Reguilon?

    I´m on WC. Free hit used.

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

    Lowton to Dier for a -4?

  25. Olee
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is this worth -8?

    Mee, Dallas, Brewster -> Struijk, Veltmann, DCL

    Will give me a BB team of:
    Martinez (Forster)
    Cancelo-Dias-Targett (Veltmann-Struijk)
    Son-Salah-Gundo-Bruno (Raphina)
    DCL-Bamford-Kane(c)

  26. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ings to one of the below for a hit?
    A) richarlison
    B) watkins
    C) diagne

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

      Watkins

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

      Watkins (assuming injury rumours are nonsense)

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

    Why the obsession with Kanes fixtures, they are not good at all..

    Only Chelsea, Man City, Brighton & Wolves have conceded less goals than Fulham & Burnley in the last 6 matches.

    Fulham are ranked 3rd in league for shots conceded in the last 6, only Chelsea & City have conceded less.

    Only Chelsea, Man City & Brighton have conceded less Big Chances than Burnley in the last 6.

    The last fixtures of Spurs vs Fulham/Burnley were low scoring 0-1 & 1-1.

    I am a Kane owner, but I think TC ends in tears.

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

      Burnley were lucky they didn’t concede 3 to 10 man wba

    2. cm790
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      There's always the threat of a Kane haul, he's Kane after all.

    3. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Burnley is NOT a good defensive team. Average at best. Fulham is better, but nothing to be afraid of.

  28. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    MARTINEZ in for Mendy for a -4 .... for the rest of season probably?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, no blanks, just doubles

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

      Yes

  29. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    thinking of pushing the wc now but would involve removing bamford and raphina who did so well for me. However would mean going all out on the dgw

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

      I sold Raph for a hit to get Barnes. Can always get him and Bam back before GW29

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

    Does Reguillon play twice or get benched in one?

    Him or Coleman for a minus 4 to remove mee, also have Lowton will sell mee re price. Leeds def on bench. Keeping for double in 29.

    For 3rd defender slot. Stones and digne starting in a 3 4 3