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

    A. Raphinha to Barnes
    B. Bamford to Kane

    Leaning towards B and captaining Kane?!

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

      B. Keeping Raphinha even bench boosting due to excellent eye test results

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

      B

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

      Yep I'd do B and captain if you can afford it

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

      Cheers all

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

    Play 2 out or these 3?

    Lowton, Michell and Dallas

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

      Lowton Dallas

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

      I would hit personally

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

      both DGW players

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

    Martinez Pope
    Cancelo Shaw Mee Dallas Coufal
    Salah Bruno Sterling Gundogan Raphinha
    Ings DCL Bamford

    A) Ings, Coufal, Pope > Vardy, Burn, Areola

    B) Ings, Sterling, Coufal > Kane, Barnes, Dias

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

      B

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

    Go to take my 3rd hit this season

    Coufal & Maddison > Digne & 5.7 Mid (-8)
    Playing BB This GW

    Martinez Mccarthy

    Michell Stones Cancelo Ayling ???

    ??? Bruno Salah Son Gun

    Bamford Walkins Kane

    (C) options

    A) Kane
    B) Son
    C) Bruno
    D) Salah

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

      D

  5. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A. Targett & Richarlison
    B. Watkins & Reguilon

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

      A cuz not sure Reggie is nailed

  6. Uncle John from Jamaica
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Chaps

    Is there any reason not to TC Kane. Two games against relatively poor sides. Appreciate Spurs not in form but surely he has a goal or two in him plus must be a guaranteed starter.

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

      Not really, no. Plenty of other good options tho

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

        Are you TCing Kane Whazza

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

      Difficult... I’m on TC Kane but Bruno is turning my head too...

      On paper it’s Kane with two nice fixtures, but Spurs form and the two sides Kane is playing improved defence it’s not as straightforward

  7. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play
    1. Raphina vs AV
    2. Ings vs EVE

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

      1 easy

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

      1

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

      Raphinha

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

      1

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

    Which team please?

    A) TC (-4 - moves were Ings + Son > Kane + Barnes)
    Pope
    Stones - Mee - Dias
    Gundo - Bruno - Salah - Raphinha - Barnes
    Kane - DCL

    (Mccarthy) - Bamford - Coufal - Alioski

    B) BB (-12)
    Pope
    Stones - Mee - Dias
    Gundo - Bruno - Salah - Raphinha - Son
    Watkins - DCL

    (Areola) - Bamford - Pereira - Digne

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

    Who will most popular captain be in top 10k?

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

      I'm sure Kane will be.

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

    Is Josh Maja any good?

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

      He plays in PL, so yes 🙂

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

    This worth a -4?

    Fernandes -> Barnes
    Ings -> Kane

    WCing after GW30 so will get Bruno back in then.

    Bruno’s fixtures until then are:
    che(a), cry(a)
    mci(a)
    WHU(h)

    Only fixture I like there is Palace and there’s every chance his minutes could be managed in that game with Chelsea and City the weekend either side of that game.

  12. tim
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Evening lads!

    Martinez
    Cancelo Dias Targett
    Son Salah Bruno Gundo Barnes
    Kane(C) Watkins

    McCarthy, Struijk, Brewster, Mitchell

    GTG?

    1. Bank$y
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      BB? Gtg either way

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

        WC

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

    Totally confused if I should do Maddison-->Barnes? Don't wanna take hit if Maddy is fit:/

  14. Garam MOSALAH
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Better defender

    A) Dier (BUR,ful)
    B) Holgate (SOU,wba)

  15. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Struijk to:

    A) Digne
    B) Dias
    C) Stones
    D) Targett

  16. MikeLowrey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Last question I hope!

    A) Grealish & Bamford to Lookman & Kane (-8)
    B) Coufal to Ricardo (-4) - bench Jack

    Will FH in 29

  17. Sanguinista
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any comments on this Bruno less WC draft?

    Martinez (Forster)
    Stones Digne/Pereira Reguilon (Dallas) (Cancelo)
    Salah Gundo Son Barnes (4.4)
    Vardy Kane DCL

    Hoping to carry forward 2 xfers to 28 and then bring in Konsa for Digne/Pereira if Everton don't have a DGW. If they do, then will to Barnes to Raphinha and carry forward 2 xfers to 29.

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

      Not sure about going without arguably the best player in the game

    2. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Do it play your own game I took him out for -4 I done Fernandez Bamford to Kane Barnes. Let's hope he blanks

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

      Awful. Banking on vardy matching bruno, good luck with that

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

    A Digne
    B Regulion - plan for 29

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

      A

  19. Thunder Warrior
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Gw26&27 how many games for KDB and Foden?

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

      3 each imo

  20. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    https://twitter.com/robguesty/status/1365301647526793219?s=21

    Look it’s probably bs and might not be in the double but this does really worry me C him I think I’ll switch to Bruno. Thoughts?.

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

      I wouldn't let that change your decision. Kane plays if fit

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

      Kane will be rested when Europe comes around again

  21. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    The only way I can do Bamford -> DCL (-4) is by doing Robertson - > Any other defender (-4).

    Is selling Robertson this week for a hit worth it? I'd probably be buying Digne

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

      Yeah I probably would

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

      Same boat with TAA

      No defence, no Henderson and no form

      I’m thinking yes if it’s to get DCL

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

      Definitely worth it

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

    I need to make two FT’s (and most likely a hit) to finalise my BB26 team.

    - Is Bamford + Anguissa to Kane + Lookman decent moves? I’m also considering Mee to another def, but not sure who. Could be a 5.7 or less def.
    - Alternatively, I could do Bamford + Anguissa to Kane + Traoré, but that means a Mee downgrade instead. Maybe Maitland-Niles?

    Martínez
    Cancelo - Dias - Digne - Mee*
    Gündogan - Raphinha - Fernandes - Salah
    DCL - Watkins
    (Pope - Bamford* - Dallas - Anguissa*)

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

      Elmo or Konsa?

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

        Instead of Maitland-Niles, you mean?

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

          Yes, in case they have dgw 28.

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

            Ah, that's a good point, thanks! Certainly makes a Villa def a better option. Konsa probably most likely to feature out of the two though

        2. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          But Lookman isn't bad option either...

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

            He's one I'm considering at least. Don't know what to expect from those two fixtures, but you got o save cash somewhere, and he's one of the better options at that price.

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have:

      Pope/Martinez
      Dias, Digne, Dier, Stones, AWB
      Salah, Bruno, Gundo, Barnes, Raphinha*
      Kane, DCL, Watkins

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

        Really nice team! I'm a -8 from getting a team that includes both Barnes and Kane (which would be ideal), and it would involve dropping one of the City defs or Digne – which makes it less ideal to have them both.

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

    Which option would you go for? Cheers

    A. Pope and Soucek to Fabri and Barnes (-4)
    B. Holding to Targett/Aina
    C. Soucek to Lookman

    TC26 WC31 FH33

    1FT 1.1itb
    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Digne
    Salah Bruno Gundo Raphinha*
    Kane DCL Bamford*
    (Pope Soucek Cresswell Holding)

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

    Hope Lowton, Grealish, Jesus -> Reguilon, Son, Kane doesn't backfire!

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

    Grealish > Barnes worth a hit ?

    Yay / Nay

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

      Yay.

      Who would you play otherwise?

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

        Dallas

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

      Yes grealish is probably out of the double. Don't trust what smith said

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

    Am I the only one getting Bruno out?

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

      KDB in, for me

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

        I’m doing it to allow for Kane to come in

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

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

    Fraser, Mee, Strujic, Bissouma

    Did Cavani Sterling to Kane Gundo(-4):

    A) Save. Play Mee if Maddy is out
    B) Maddy to Son/Barnes (-4)
    C) Ings to DCL (-4)
    D) Both transfers -8

  28. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    1st Question

    Who to play

    A) Firmino

    B) RAF

    2nd Question

    A) Would you take out Justin for Castagne -4

    B) Play Dallas

    Thanks

  29. ronpateluk
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ings and Soucek to Watkins and Barnes for -4?

    1. Ch0udini
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Good for me

  30. Ch0udini
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Choose one:
    Current team
    Johnstone Mendy
    Stones Cancelo Cresswell Dallas Lowton
    Salah Bruno Gundo Barnes Raphinha
    DCL Bamford Antonio

    WC draft, managing 29 without FH:
    Ederson Sanchez
    Digne Pereira Cancelo Dallas Targett
    Bruno Son Barnes Gundo Raphinha
    DCL Watkins Kane

    Which is better?