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. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Meslier, Dallas, Bamford, Holding. Worth a BB?

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

      If you can change Holding, could be worth it

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

        Not keen on -16 pts hit in total

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably not

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have Ramsdale Bamford Dallas Taylor on my BB. Anything itb?

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

      Might be worth Holding on to your BB

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

      Worth. Leeds home game against this Villa now.

      Nearly impossible to have a better chance to use BB this season.

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

    Who to ditch for Digne?

    A) Coufal
    B) Dallas
    C) Mitchell

    Considered TAA as a reds fan, but Liverpool are just out of sorts

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

      C

  3. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    WC team so far

    Martinez
    Ricardo Digne Cancelo
    Sterlo Gundo Barnes Bruno Raph
    Kane DCL

    Sanchez Bamford Dallas Veltman

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No Salah or Son worries me tbh

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

      Yeah I'd WC that lot...

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Oi

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

          😉

          WC looks good, I'd personally have KdB over Sterlo, but that's just me

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Should stick with Sterlo then 😛

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

              Exactly 😀

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

      That's a strong bench for a wc draft..do you have a bb left as well?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yes bb left and also no FH hence need Brighton or Leeds players for GW29

  4. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Still can't decide myself whether to sell Grealish or not if he is back by next week.

    What would you do ?

    A) Start Rafinha, bench Grealish
    B) Replace Grealish

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

      A

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks for reassuring guyz 🙂

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

      Who would be the Grealish replacement?

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

      A

  5. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Right, gonna try this a different way.

    Okay ruling out Martinez & Mee for TC.

    Only nine to go...

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

      Sure about ruling out Martinez? I think that needs revisiting.

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

    Pretty template. Gtg?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Digne
    Salah Son Bruno Gundo
    Kane DCL Bamford

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Template and proud

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Arise, Sir Tinear!

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

    It seems that it is not possible to sort comments by rating. Tried also on internet explorer and on my phone, cant do it. Anyone else having the same problem?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Doesn't work for me either. I flagged your comment for the mods

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

      Iphone?

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

      Been highlighting this for weeks now

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        and it's being worked on for weeks now, so clearly it isn't an easy fix...

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

    Ederson (Sanchez)
    Targett Pereira Digne (Dallas xxx)
    KDB Son Barnes Gundogan (xxx)
    Kane DCL xxx

    Help fill in the blanks

    A. Konsa, Lookman, Richarlison
    B. Reguilon, Raphinha, Watkins (play Reguilon over Targett)

  9. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Rather than being a huge opportunity to climb the ranks, this massive DGW feels more like damage limitation not to fall too far 😆

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pretty much. I've taken a -8 and used BB, but don't have Kane.

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

        -4pts with TC here, which might just cancel each other out if wrong pick 😮

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Who are you going for?

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

    Is Targett/Amartey > Konsa/Burn worth -8 for my BB?

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

    A) Raph

    B) Digne (-4)

    Which?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

    On a WC.. would you prefer B.Traore or Ward-Prowse?

    Traore can sub for Watkins this week if rumours are true, but Ward-Prowse can be played in 27 for the double

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      What rumours

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

        Watkins injury

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Ahhh fech it

  13. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    G2g? Or any hits needed here?

    Martinez
    Dias Cancelo Digne
    Salah Bruno Gundagon Rafinha
    Kane (TC) DCL Watkins
    - Grealish Mee Dallas

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

      Very nice team. You're good.

  14. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Worth a BB this?

    Martinez
    Dunk Stones Taylor
    Salah Gundo Bruno Lookman
    DCL (Kane) Vardy

    Sanchez, Raphinha, Burn, Dallas

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Or is it better to go with tripling Kane's captaincy?

    2. In Bale We Trust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      TC Kane

  15. C_G
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    havent been on here much, are most TCing? And if so, who?

    I have:

    Kane
    Bruno
    Son
    Salah
    Gundo
    Watkins

    Please help

    1. In Bale We Trust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would strongly suggest Kane. Hasn’t blanked against bottom teams yet

  16. In Bale We Trust
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Areola
    Targett, Cancelo, Dias, Lowton
    Salah, Son, Bruno, Gundo
    Kane, DCL
    McCarthy Raph Bamford Mitchell

    Bench boost or TC Kane?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Change Mitchell and we're gtg I think.
      I'm in a similar boat(have been since two days now) and still not sure which way I should go. Just think there'll be no better opportunities for BB down the line.

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

      I’d BB

  17. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    any chance Mo falls in price today ?

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

    Play Martínez or Areola?

    1. In Bale We Trust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Emi

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

    Thoughts on this wildcard.... any recommended adjustments?

    Plan to BB in GW 28

    Martinez
    Shaw Pereira Stones
    Salah Bruno Gundo Barnes
    DCL Watkins Kane (C)

    Sanchez Cancelo Targett Raphinha

    Benching Cancelo as I suspect he will get a rest in one of the games

  20. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    So what is the consensus after that Watkins injury tweet ? sell or hold ?

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

      It must be BS otherwise several other sources must have picked it up.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        annoying though

  21. ch33kych4ppy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Good morning all can't sleep so what the hell wildcard time any advice gratefully received.
    Ederson
    Digne Stones Shaw
    Barnes Salah Gundo Fernandes
    DCL Kane(C) Diagne

    Steer, El Mahamody, Raphina, Dallas

    0.1 itb
    Any obvious changes?

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

    Should I use my TC on DCL this week or save it for Spurs in GW 32

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      entirely up to you trust ur gut

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

      I’m capturing DCL this week. If I was going to do my TC it would be on him.

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

      Gut definitely says armband on him. Can’t decide if I want to TC or not. Not many better GWs left

  23. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    OHN25 Fantasy Football Scout Member8 Years27th Feb 2021 9:20
    Hey guys, which one would you start out of these?

    - Grealish (definitely not playing leeds for the first of the DGW but haven’t been completely ruled out for the second against shu)
    - Dallas (single GW against AVL)
    - Mitchell (have a DGW against FUL and MUN, however is he likely to start one or both?)

    Thank you

  24. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who'd you start between Eze & Mitchell ??

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Eze

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

      Eze

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

      Thanks both 🙂

  25. pratul09
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What do guys think about using Triple captain on Bruno or DCL this GW?

    1. pratul09
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Do you*

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you don't like Spurs options i think DCL is a good bet

  26. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What to do?

    A) Play Dallas
    B) Dallas to Konsa (-4)
    C) Dallas to Digne/R Pereira, downgrade second keeper (-8)
    D) Dallas to AMN (-4)

    The slot of any of these players need to start at this week and week28. Could always get back Dallas before 29.

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  27. Djemba-Djemba
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Need to drop Maddison and replace with DGW player. Would have 8.4 OTB

    I'm between
    A) foden
    B) mahrez
    C) b Silva
    D) someone else? Who?

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

      All rotation risk, go with barnes then..

      1. Djemba-Djemba
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Already have Barnes

  28. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    is burn nailed or should i spend 0.2 more for ben white?

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

      Thinking about this as well. Veltman looks a decent budget option too at 4.3 and he's on 9 BPs for the season (only 1 less than Dunk). Anyone know if Veltman is nailed and if Lamptey's return will affect his minutes?

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

    A. Targett, Richarlison
    B. Reguilon, Watkins

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

      A, just cause of Rich really

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

    Which would you prefer for up to GW28?
    A) B.Traore
    B) Ward-Prowse
    C) Minamino

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

      Probably A