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. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Good ebening folks. WC active. What to change? Who to upgrade and who to downgrade?

    Emi
    Holgate-Dias-Reguilon
    Son-Bruno-Gundo-Barnes
    Kane(C)-Diagne-DLC

    Fabri-Raph-Dallas-Dunk

    Cheers all.

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

      No Salah ?

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Terrible TV so no.. i can downgrade Kane and get Salah..

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

      I'd change it to the WC team that I posted above but looks pretty strong.
      The defence could do with work, have you pla ned out their fixtures/rotation up to week 30?

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. Yea i did.

        Also 3rd City spot open for City Mid and TC. Probably Bruno to Sterling next GW.

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

    Bamford Struijk > Kane Digne (-8)

    Worth it? Will give me this team for BB:

    Martinez
    Stones Cancelo Digne
    Salah Bruno Barnes Gundo
    Kane DCL Watkins

    Areola Shaw Targett Raphinha

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

      Watkins will score less than Bamford this game week

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

        What makes you say that? Injury rumours? SHE and LEE are plum fixtures offensively

    2. Dele
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Absolutely

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

        Great thank you 🙂 still debating Bam Bam to Kane for -4 though

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

      Deffo. Bench Watkins, play shaw

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

    Pick One to get From DGW 26 TO BGW 30.
    A- Salah
    B- KDB
    C- Vardy

    1. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

    Bruno, Maja and Bamford to Vardy, DCL and Lamela for -4?

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

      No

  5. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pope > Martinez worth a hit? With one eye on GW29.

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think it would pay off

  6. 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. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think that has positive value, yes

  7. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any basis to the Watkins injury rumours?

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

      Think it was someone trolling but I'm selling over Bamford anyway

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

    Is Reguilón fit to play 90 minutes again ?

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

      Yep. Alternatively, he'll be subbed at the 70th to bank a clean sheet befere we inevitably concede in the 87th

  9. LABILLETHEGOAT
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    40pts behind leader. Would you do Mee + Antonio > Digne + Watkins for -4?

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

      Looks a good move. 40 points is nothing

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

        cheers mate

  10. hogree
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Strujik or Burn? Who's more likely to play in GW29?

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

      I've seen Strujik miss a few absolute sitters, he has to score soon and he's played about the last 9 games so he gets my vote.

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

    Worth to bring in Digne for Lowton for a - 4 hit?

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

      Or just play dallas to save the hit?

    2. Bees4Lyf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have Dallas and will be taking the hit for the same move, only cos I have poor in goal. Don’t want to double up on Burnley defence.

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

    Will there be any better GW to use BB than this one ? Would have to do -12 for some normal bench for this GW...

    1. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      There wont be. But also a -12 is tough, might not be worth it

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

        Thanks. Btw , how many teams could get a DGW in the next best DGW ?

        1. School of Poch
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I'm not certain. But check Ben Crellin on Twitter for anything related to blanks and doubles

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

            Thanks , will do !

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

      I'm going for week 30 as my cheaper players have good fixtures.
      Very good point from a previous article is that your players are more likely to make an appearance this week so a bench boost makes sense.

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

        Hey Snevitz - saw you've got Gundogan in your WC you posted couple pages back.

        Thoughts on whether he'll get rested after 90 in CL? I'm actually considering WCing him out for KDB and getting ahead of the curve..

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

          Not expecting 180 mins but at his price I'm happy with reduced minutes. He's performing like a £10m mid and costs less than £6m, no excuses for not owning him.

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

            Dude i like ur WC who is ur C BTW ?

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

              Kane at the mo but really tempted by DCL so it might change if I get up early enough.

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

                Cheers i want to gamble too on C and Put it on DCL or Burno cuz all ppl go with Kane

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

              I need to mention that every season my total Vc score beats my captain score...

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

                Want ask u a question what about Gamble on one of Traoré or Pereira instead of Son ?

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

                  Son is a higher price for a reason. Both the options you listed could do well short term but over the season Son will be one the best scorers in midfield, particularly this season when he hasn't missed as many games.
                  There is always the value question but Son has been in my team all season.

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

                    Cheers mate

  13. Will J 256
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys who would you play this week?
    Lowton or Raphinha?

    1. Bees4Lyf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Raph

  14. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    No Kane, so considering one of these 3 for (C)?

    A) DCL
    B) Bruno
    C) Salah

    1. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No Kane crew member here, I've narrowed down DCL above B and C as have them as well. But can't decide between DCL and Son.

      A in short imo.

  15. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to captain?

    A: DCL
    B: Son

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

      A for me. Fixtures too good to not

  16. Mile Plankton
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you rather have Sterling or KDB this week?

  17. PogChamp
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I transferred in Richarlison instead of DLC as my template team is boring AF.

  18. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know if there will be a blank for the fa cup semi finals? If so which gw

  19. xtina
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Cavani -> DCL
    Raphina -> Barnes for -4?

    Martinez (Steer)
    Dier - Dias - Stones Mee (Holding)
    Salah - Fernanes - Raphina - Gundogan - Son
    Bamford (Ings, Cavani)

    I have BB, WC, FH

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

      Wish I had FH.
      I think the - 4 makes sense with Barnes next 4 fixtures

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

        Thanks! Nervous about shipping Raph but hopefully it works out over the next few

  20. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Don't need to use WC here, right? Only SGW players are Bam and Raph.

    Pope
    Dias - Stones - Robbo
    Salah - Bruno - Rashford - Raph - Gundo
    DCL - Bamford

    Fodder - Antonio - Chilwell - Fodder

    A) Save
    B) Bam/Antonio > Watkins
    C) Rashford > Son
    D) Chilwell > Digne
    E) Something else

    Cheers!

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

    Who scores more?

    A) Watkins + Digne + Soucek
    B) Watkins + Coufal + Barnes
    C) Diagne + Digne + Barnes -4

  22. S3
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard A or B. Plan to BB GW 28

    A.
    Martinez
    Digne Pereira Stones
    Salah Bruno Gundo Barnes
    DCL Watkins Kane (C)

    Sanchez AMN Raphina Shaw

    B
    Martinez
    Pereira Stones Shaw
    KDB Bruno Gundo Barnes Son
    DCL Kane (C)

    Johnstone Maja Burn Targett

  23. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    WC team gtg guys? Thanks

    Marti
    Digne Pereira Cancelo
    KDB Gundo Bruno Barnes Raphinha
    DCL Kane (c)

    Fabri Bamford Burn Struijk

    1. S3
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thinking of something similar but the fear of losing Salah against SHU

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Im willing to risk it

  24. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I've currently got 5 single gameweek players (I'm BBing this gw) in Ings, Bamford, Raphinha, Dunk and Coufal

    Was going to take a hit to change Coufal and Raphinha to dgw players but I now thinking just to move Coufal on. With nothing itb, thoughts on swapping to Rudiger?

  25. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Dunk worth 0.5 more than White on WC?

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

    99% of FPL content creators/youtubers/self professed gurus sound like they're picking kane (C) with the exception of @fergie

    I don't have him.

    Massive red arrow for me this week?

  27. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you play Lowton (tot, LEI) or Dallas (AVL)?

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

      Low

    2. Wolfman180
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Lowton

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

    It is worth bench boosting with 11 DGWers or should I WC?

    1. Wolfman180
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Depends who's on your bench

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

        Soucek, Coufal, Raphinha and Pope. Also Ings in starting 11.

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

    Current squad:

    Pope*
    Cancelo Maguire Targett
    Salah Bruno* Son Gündogan
    DCL Bamford Ings*

    Meslier; Strujik Soucek Coufal

    Worth a -4 to go to...?

    Ederson*
    Cancelo Maguire Targett
    Salah Barnes* Son Gündogan
    DCL Bamford Kane*

    Meslier; Strujik Soucek Coufal

  30. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Good to go lads? No hits taken 😀

    Johnny
    Dias Stones Targett Dier
    Son Salah Bruno Barnes Gündogan
    DCL (TC)

    Pope Bamford Antonio Dallas

    1. Bees4Lyf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      All g2g, good luck m8!

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

        Thanks.