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. FantasyTony
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) Digne + Diagne
    B) Wakins + Keane

    Who scored more this week?

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

      Scores*

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

      I don't know

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

      A

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

      I'd definitely prefer A

    5. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Di(a)gne

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

    Best DGW defender 4.0M if any?

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

      Mitchell

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

      Mitchell? Kilman?

    3. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe Phillips from Liverpool

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

        Do you think he plays both games?

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

    Would you BB:

    Areola (cry, TOT)
    White (wba)
    Tete (cry, TOT)
    Raphina (AVL)

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

      Surely

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

      Yeah

  4. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best defender 5.1 or under with a DGW and GW29 fixture?

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

      Targett

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

      Targett

  5. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) KDB (-8)
    B) Kane (8)
    C) Barnes (-4)
    D) Vardy (-4)

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

      Kane (8)?

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Typo, -8

    2. All de Gea
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C Barnes running hot

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

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

    Will De Bruyne be back on penalties?

    Any chance of Ederson getting them? (I only hope he does a little bit as I’m transferring him in!).

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      reckon Ederson is on pens once they've won the league (or are 3-0 up when they get one) otherwise it will be KDB I think (all imo)

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

        Tend to agree.

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

    Having doubts over Bale and Reguilon now... Reguilon mainly bc he was benched vs Burnley last time 🙁

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

      That’s wild! You think it’s a physicality thing?

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

        Yeah

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

    Play Taylor over Raphina?
    And worth a second hit to do Grealish to Barnes, giving 11 DGW'ers?

    Martinez
    Cancelo, Dias, Digne, Taylor
    Salah, Bruno, Gund
    DCL, Kane, Bamford
    (Fabri, Raphina, Coufal, Grealish)

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

      I would get Barnes and play Raphinha

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

    Too many playing safe then moaning about templates. Cancelo TC, sht or bust

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

      Yeah it's me o/ one of them, I hate it

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

      Bust.

  10. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I’m 50:50 torn between TC Bruno or Kane but I suppose what it comes down to is I’d be more gutted not captaining Kane and him hauling than I would be not captaining Bruno and him hauling...

  11. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A. Raphinha to Barnes
    B. Bamford to Kane

    BB’ing and can’t do both.

    Martinez (Pope)
    Shaw Cancelo Lowton (Dallas Lewis)
    Sterling Gundogan Fernandes Son (A. Raphinha)
    DCL Watkins (B. Bamford)

    1. Dichio24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

    That extra days rest for Salah though....

  13. Janda
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which is the best option here? All chips left, 1ft and 0,8M in bank. Going to play BB this week and FH 29.

    Team at the moment:
    Martinez - Forster
    Cancelo, Dias, Lowton, Targett, Dallas
    Bruno, Salah, Gundo, Grealish, Raphinha
    DCL, Kane, Bamford

    A. Forster, Grealish -> Areola/Pickford, Barnes (-4)
    B. Forster, Grealish, Bamford -> Areola, Pereira (WBA), Richarlison (-8)
    C. Forster, Dallas, Grealish, Bamford -> Areola, Digne, Barnes, Diagne (-12)
    D. Other?

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

      A

      1. Janda
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. That is what I was thinking too but then went overthinking things.

  14. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Konsa Stones Cancelo
    Salah Son Bruno Gunda Raphina
    Bamford Ings

    Steele Tarkowski Dallas Antonio

    Ings and Antonio to Kane and Brewster? -4

    Ings and Cancelo to Kane and 3.9m defender? -4

    Ings/Antonio/Tarkowski/Cancelo to Kane/DCL/3.9m/4m and start Dallas

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

    Kane TC locked in...

    Other options in my squad, Bruno, Salah, DCL...

    Made the right decision yes?

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

      I would if I had him

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

        Same

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

        Okay, this reassures me..

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

      I've done the same. Kane TC, just hope he delivers.

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If it's locked in no point in asking.

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

        Well, can still be changed can't it.. but i'll end up falling asleep and forgetting the deadline if I don't sort tonight!

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

      Don’t sleep on Salah!

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

      I'm doing the same.

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

      If I wanted to play it safe yes, if I'm chasing I'd go Salah/DCL

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

    Raphina OUT
    for Barnes, -4

    Worth it?

    1. Pops15
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nah

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

      No

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

      Yeah

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

    Big question for those going without Kane. How will you get him in for GW29 or will you also ignore him then?

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

      Salah to Jota

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

      Ignore. Son is enough for me.

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

      FH

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

      Swap from Bruno next week on the cards.

      Palace is a much better game than either of the ones this week and in 29. Bruno has a frankly poor record in big matches this season.

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

      Vardy > Kane in 29

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

    Would you do Foden to Gundo for -4?

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

      No

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

      Yes, Foden has been killing me for weeks

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

      not for a hit

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

    TC
    A) Kane
    B) DCL
    C) Bruno
    D) Gundo

    1. HD7
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A for me

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

      I'd do A) if I owned him

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

    Hell, I cannot figure out who is more nailed. Godfrey or Holgate? Any chance of them getting benched in the DGW?

  21. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Did Cavani Sterling to Kane Gundo(-4)

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Mitchell
    Salah Bruno Gundo Maddy*
    Ings Bamford Kane

    Fraser, Mee, Strujic, Bissouma

    A) Save and play Mee if Maddy is out
    B) Maddy to Son or Barnes (-4)
    C) Ings to DCL (-4)
    D) Both transfers -8

  22. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    The guy who started the Watkins rumour transferred him in. WTF

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

      Who's this guy?

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        HinduMonkey on Twitter.

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

          He had transferred him in before starting the rumour

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

      Aye before the rumour... Hardly relevant

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Ah okay.

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

        Was on here earlier saying he was keeping him and said he thought rumour was fishy

  23. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Konsa or Bamford?

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

      Bamford

  24. 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 for gw29

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

    Take a -12 to do...

    Pope -> Ederson
    Bruno -> Barnes
    Bamford -> Watkins
    Ings -> Kane

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

      No

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Noo

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Absolutely no.

  26. FusionFC
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On a Wildcard:

    Martinez (Steer)
    Cancelo Stones Digne (B Davis Strujik)
    Salah Gundogan Son Fernandes Pereira
    Kane DCL (K Davis)

    Lookman or someone else instead of Pereira? Digne too expensive? Any help welcomed. Thanks.

  27. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Reguilon or Targett?

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      R

  28. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you

    a) play Grealish (Dallas 1st on bench)
    b) play Dallas
    c) Grealish > Barnes (-4)

    I've already upto to -4 so it would be -8 if c

  29. buzdo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Im guessing Stones and Gund probably not shoo-ins for both games?

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

    Also, if you own Stones & Dias..

    Would you do Stones > Cancelo for -4?

    1. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No Canc will prob only play 1