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. Rider on the Storm
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A . Bboost with dallas raphinha bamford
    B . Tcaptain Kane
    ?

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

      B

    2. Michu stole my mojo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      A

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

      B.

      Bench boost gw 30 with those guys 🙂

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

      A

  2. Aussie Rules
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    If you can only keep 1 of Dias and Cancelo - the winner is?

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

      Cancelo

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

      Cancelo

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

      Is Allison out of the weekend game on compassionate grounds? I can only presume he is?

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

        Apologies.

        Cancelo

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

          What's happened?

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

          Please elaborate

          ... a now worried owner

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

            what's wrong with him

          2. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            pretty sure it was a reply fail, Viper posted the same Allison question below. Nothing wrong with Cancelo. Allison's dad drowned in Brazil.

    4. Michu stole my mojo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dias

    5. Luton_Fan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dias. Im doing same methinks

    6. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dias

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

    -16 too much for a bb right

    Thinking

    Salah, madds, coufal and mcarthy out for barnes, son, digne and martinez.

    Should i stop thinking? 🙂

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

      -16 hahaha

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Im toying with a -12. You take each hit on its merits and over a longer period than one week

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

    Martinez
    Dias Cancelo Shaw
    Salah (tc) Bruno Gundo Son Raph
    DCL Watkins

    Areola Bamford Dallas Coufal

    0FT 3.7ITB
    No WC or BB. FH still intact.

    GTG?

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

    McCarthy
    Stones, Cancelo, Tarkowski
    Salah, Gundogan, Bruno, Son, Raphina
    DCL, Bamford

    Forster, Ings , Coufal, Mitchell

    1ft 2.2itb WC BB and FH available

    A) ings, Tarkowski and son > Kane(c) digne and Barnes -8
    B) ings, Tarkowski > Kane (c) + 4.9 defender? -4
    C) Tarkowski > Digne (captain Son)

  6. michaelington
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Watkins injury rumour. Should I worry or not?

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

      Nope just have a good first sub

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

        No help on a bench boost

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

      Depends who you have on the bench

    3. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Really... where this rumour comes from

  7. 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??

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

    What is perfect midfielder for this dgw, up to 8.0

    Except Barnes and Gundo as they already in my team

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

      James Rodriguez

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

        J Rodriguez looks might not play both games, they playing on Monday night then on Thursday

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Traore Villa

  9. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Last time I sold Bamford he threw 15 points back in my face

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

      law of averages says its a good time to sell him then,

  10. osceola31909
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Should I BB this or WC? I have done a -4 so far. The biggest weakness I see with. BB is 1) not having Kane, 2) playing Cresswell against Man City, and 3) probably seeing Cancelo benched for one game.

    Martinez - Areola
    Cancelo - Dias - Cresswell - Shaw - Dallas
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Gundo - Raphina
    DCL - Richarlison - Bamford

  11. VaVaVoom14
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Rumours on Twitter kane is injured?

    1. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Where on Twitter?

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

        Look under T for Trolls

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

      It's a running joke all day of different players. Watkins, DCL, Kane..

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

      Arsenal fan spreading rumours about Kane.................

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

    Is Allison out of the weekend game on compassionate grounds? I can only presume he is?

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

    Which option for this team?
    A) Adams/Mee/Sterling —> Kane/Cancelo/Doucoure (-4)
    Or
    B) Bamford/Mee —> DCL/Mitchell (free)

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

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

    Anything worth a hit ?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Dias Shaw
    Salah Bruno Son Gundogan
    Kane DCL Watkins

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

      Very gtg

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

    Best TC option out of these lot?
    A) Salah
    B) Gundo
    C) Kane
    D) DCL
    E) Bruno
    I really can't decide, need some help!

  16. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi Guys,

    Would you bench boost with this bench?
    Steer, Dallas, Raphina, Bamford

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

      Would keep it for gw30 if you can wait

  17. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Guys, have 2 questions for my WC. Appreciate your opinions.
    1) Shaw or Pereira?
    Have 2 city defs and leaning towards Pereira as a more fun pick + immediate fixtures are really nice: ARS, bur; bha; SHU. Shaw has che, cry; city; whu

    2) Burn or White from Brighton?
    Leaning towards Burn is more attacking and March is out for this season, but is he 100%nailed considering Lamptey is coming back? In case Potter plays. Veltman and Lamptey, and drops Burn.

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

      Pereira
      White for safety

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

      Pereira

      Dunk?

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

    Bamford & Vestergaard to
    1. Vardy+R.Pereira
    2. Kane+Dier

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

      1

  19. Kim Jong Kün
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I can’t find anytime scorer odds anywhere can someone help me out?

    1. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sky Bet - player odds.

  20. Park the bus
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Lloris or Martinez as Fab replacement? No Spurs or Villa defenders

    1. Park the bus
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Edging to Lloris so I can get Targett in next week

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

      Lloris

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

      Who will you go
      A) Lloris + Konsa
      B) Matinez + Dier

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

    Who will you pick just for GW 26

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

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

      Dier - spurs usually more solid.

    2. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Both?

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

      Dier is a rotation risk. Can't see him playing both

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

        Sanchez wasn't in the EL squad. Makes me think he has an injury? Meaning Dier plays?

  22. nolard
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    GTG or take a hit somewhere?

    Mendy
    Dias, Stones, Rudiger
    Barnes, Salah(c), Bruno, Gundo, Raphinia
    Vardy, DCL

    Bench: Steer, Bamford, Coufal, Strujik

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

      Gtg but you sure about Salah (c)

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

        No, I am not. Many options this week.

        Who would you pick out of this lot and why?

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

          Bruno

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

            He is VC, so I will sleep on it.

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

    Why not just TC Son instead of taking -8s and -12s to get Kane?

  24. MattysFantasyFooty
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Mitchell or Dallas?

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

      Dallas, attacking potential.

    2. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Will you think Mitchell will play both games..?

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

    With 2FTs, who would you downgrade for Kane? Or keep the players I have?

    A) Sterling
    B) Salah
    C) Son

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

      Got to be Salah, but rather you than me

  26. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Currently on a -4pts. GTG or any changes needed- scared going no DCL....Right to TC Kane over Bruno?

    Pope
    Cancelo Stones Konsa
    Salah Son Gundo Son
    Bamford Kane (TC) Watkins

    McCarthy Soucek Alioski Coufal

    Any of the following changes worth it

    A) Bamford + Soucek to DCL + ESR -12pts total
    B) Bamford + Son to DCL + Barnes -12pts total
    C) Pope to Lloris/Pickford for -8pts

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

      Gtg. tc kane

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

      GTG

  27. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Gtg?

    Pope
    Dias, shaw, digne
    Gundo, salah, bruno, traore, raph
    Kane, Dcl

    Bench: bam, dallas, coufal, mccarthy (gk)

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

      Can you get barnes into the midfield?

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

        Tried to but not enough itb so went traore instead

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

      Y

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

      GTG

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

    Think I'll confirm this & be done with it. If Everton double in Gw28 that would be a bonus!

    Robertson & Bamford -> Digne & DCL (-8)

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

      Transferred them in too.

  29. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pick one from each iam really want gamble
    1- Barnes or Pereira or Traoré
    2 - Watkins or Diagne or Maja

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

      1. barnes
      2.waktins

  30. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Stones,Mee,Wan-Bissaka
    Salah.Gundogan,Son,Bruno(VC)
    Bamford,Watkins,Kane(c)

    Peacock-farrel, Dallas,Rapinha,Mitchell

    Already did -4 hit

    Is it Worth to doing Peacock-Farrel to Pickford for another -4 and BB..?

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

      I would