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. Steager
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Cavani out?

    Cavani to DCL, Will put me on -8. Is it worth it or stick?

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

      I sold him, does not sound like he will play twice in 3 days, or even once.. Hit for DCL worth it imo

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

      Sold him. Too much uncertainty.

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

      Do it!

    4. Steager
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I rarely take a -8, Here it goes,

  2. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dallas out for a hit? If so, 5.9m itb

    A) Zinchenko
    B) Targett
    C) Holgate
    D) Dier
    E) Other

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

      Pereira

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

      Nope.. Targett if you want

    3. jernej93
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Perreira

  3. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any truth in the Watkins injury rumour?

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Doubt it

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

      Nah. Just a Dean Smith giggle.

    3. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      The seagulls follow the trawler because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea 😉

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

        Namaste

  4. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    BB Guaita, Foden, Mee, Bamford?

    1. Alli's Dele
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would

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

      100%

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

      Yes

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

    Pope Johnstone
    Shaw Cancelo Alioski Mee Coufal
    Raphinha Bruno Salah Gundo Sterling
    Bamford Ings Antonio

    0.4m itb, 1ft.

    What to do?? (I need more players for 29 blank gw)
    Ings and Bruno to Kane and Barnes? (-4)

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

      Burnley & WBA blank, Pope > Martinez or Johnstone > Sanchez in GW29

      Mee > Targett?

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

    You think that Luke Thomas (of LEI) play will both games?

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

      no

  7. jernej93
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Perreira or Digne for this GW only? 🙂

    1. Kay317
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Digne

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

      Digne

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

      Diggy

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

      Digne for me

  8. indy13
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hey, spent -8 pts so far (ITB £1m)

    Team = Martinez, Shaw, Cancelo, Digne,
    Bruno, Sterling, Gundogan, Barnes,
    DCL, Kane, Watkins.
    Bench is Pope, Mee, Raphina, Dallas

    is it worth another -4 to bring in any of the following:
    a) no you're all set ...nothing is worth another -4
    b) KDB for Sterling/Bruno
    c) Salah for Sterling/Bruno
    d) Son for Bruno
    e) Pereira (Leicester) for Mee

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

      A or E are only one of those options I'd consider

  9. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Planning on BBing this week and stuck with 2 SGW keepers Sanchez and McCarthy. Worth doing either to Areola for a =4? I could do Sanchez because Areola has a game in 29 as well as Sanchez and McCarthy has a DGW next week

    Thoughts?

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

      Areola -4 vs Spurs doesn't seem worth it when you have a 29 keeper. McCarthy could be dropped so keep your eyes on it

  10. Adamdashi
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you bench boost this:

    Pope / Dallas / Raphina / Dunk

    Want to get the chip out of the way but would be putting a lot of faith in Leeds..

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

      Good enough

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

      Looking forward do you see a better BB option?

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

    What's this Watkins injured bulshit?

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

    A. Mee/Mitchell>Digne (-4)
    B. Ings/Mee>Kane/Aina (-8)
    C. Ings/Pope>KaneAerola (-8)
    D. Play Mee/Mitchell

    No FH for 29 so arguably B/C are -4 subject to injuries.

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

    Gtg?

    Martinez
    Dias Stones Digne
    Gundo Salah Bruno Son
    DCL Bamford Kane (TC)

    Bench: Foster ESR Kilman Coufal

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

      Looks good

  14. FPL Tikka
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A Grealish > Barnes -4
    B Play Raphinha

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

      I think A is worth it although chance Grealish plays second match

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

    Start Bamford or Rsphina?

    1. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If I don’t BB I will be starting Raphina ahead of Bamford.

    2. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Start Raphina.

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

      Thanks lads

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

    Who will you pick; BB -4

    A) Lloris + Konsa
    B) Martinez + Dier
    C) Martinez + Holgate

  17. vincentwsho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    If ignoring the Watkins injury rumors, which would be a better pick?

    A) Watkins
    B) Richarlison

    Will FH in 29 so that is not an issue

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B if money not an issue.

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

    Would you do Bamford & Mee —> DCL & Mitchell? Have 2FTs & 0.1itb...or find a way to fit Kane in?

    Johnstone
    Rudiger - Stones - Lowton
    Sterling - Gundogan - Salah - Son - Bruno
    Watkins - DCL
    (McCarthy - Mitchell - Adams - Alioski)

    Still have BB chip/TC chip & WC...(not sure when to use)

  19. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Targett, Dier or someone else up to 5.0?

    1. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Targett

  20. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi all. Does anybody know how nailed Reguillion is for Spurs? I know Davies has played quite a lot recently.

    I'm looking between Reguillion, Digne and Ricardo Periera. Reg has the advantage of a game in GW29 but that's not much good if he's going to be sharing minutes with Davies.

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

      Digne or Ricardo Periera

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

    On WC here.

    I can do Watkins to DCL if I downgrade Dias to Stones, yay or nay?

    1. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes.

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

      I have both DCL and Stones so I'd be a Yay

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

        Cheers lads!

  22. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best Everton defender if you can't afford Digne?

    Was thinking Keane (3 goals), but saw he had got rotated a couple of times lately.

    1. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I was planning on Burn to Keane but you have me worried now. I assumed Kean would be fine until MIna returns.

  23. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    BB all locked and loaded. How’s she looking?

    ......Martinez (McCarthy)
    Cancelo - Stones - Shaw -
    Mo - Bruno(v)- Barnes - Gundo
    .....(K)ane - DCL - Watkins
    Bench: Raph - Holgate - Lowton
    0FT & 2.6mil ITB
    Bench is a bit meh to be fair but happy with 13 DGW’s overall.
    Just realised though that I could do Lowton > Perreira for a -4 (to make a total of -8)

    Crazy?

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

      Looks great, love the Lowton move!

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sounds good as long as you don't mind future benching headaches. Or do you have a WC to get money off your bench?

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

    WC team, good to go?

    Martinez (Fabri)
    Cancelo Dias Digne (Rudiger Dallas)
    Salah Fernandes Barnes Gundo (Smith-Rowe)
    Kane DCL Bamford

  25. One Man
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How many double gamesweeks left ?

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I was wondering the same as I still have all chips

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

    I have all the top attackers for the GW but I'm nervous about Kaptain Kane blowing it for me.

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

    No Son in the scout picks. What the actual F!

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

      itll be budget related.

  28. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    FINAL ROUND OF HELP BOYS, A or B for - 4

    A) Areola Barnes Maja

    B) Areola Lookman DCL

    Gonna BB with Areola, Bamford, Raphinha, Dallas

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

    Current bench: Button, Dallas, Soucek, Coufal

    Would you do -8 to BB this: Lloris, Dallas, Soucek, Digne?

    1. JamieC180
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      for tmo alone

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn’t

    3. Alli's Dele
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      how is your 11 strong enough that you'd bench Digne and Lloris after the hit

  30. JamieC180
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dallas or Mee?