Pro Pundits - Tom

Why unpredictable Wolves formation has me worried about their FPL assets

Tom Freeman has finished in the top 1k five times in his Fantasy Premier League career. He has been weighing up Wolves and Leicester ahead of Gameweek 31.


As we approach the business end of the season, in this week’s column, I’m going to have a look at Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have a tasty run of fixtures from Gameweek 31 to 35.

I will also pick out a few players that I’m considering for the run-in, and include my plans for Gameweek 31.

Shall we begin?

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

With eight games remaining, Wolves sit 14th in the Premier League table, nine points above the relegation zone. It looks like they are destined for a mid-table finish, and with seemingly very little to play for, it’s a tad off-putting. 

However, their next five fixtures come against teams below them in the table, and are as good as you are likely to see in FPL terms:

At the back, Jonny (£5.4m) has suffered another ACL injury, and Willy Boly (£5.4m) is self-isolating having tested positive for COVID-19. 

That raises alarm bells, especially given their performance without them earlier this week, but rather than the personnel available to Nuno Espírito Santo, I am more interested in the system he settles on for the remainder of the season.

The 4-2-3-1 formation they used against West Ham United in Gameweek 30 is naturally more attacking, and boy is it fun to watch, but it does leave them open.

Above: Wolves’ average position map in Gameweek 30.

Results like Monday’s, plus the goal-fests served up against West Bromwich Albion and Brighton and Hove Albion back in January, highlight the unpredictable nature of the setup. 

If they are to persist with it, with one eye on 2021-22, Pedro Neto (£5.7m) becomes an excellent FPL option. In Gameweek 30, the young winger provided an assist, created four chances and had five goal attempts, more than any other player on the pitch. 

The 4-2-3-1 does have implications at the other end though, and definitely makes their defensive options less appealing. The current midfielders just do not offer enough protection to a back four, which often leaves Conor Coady (£4.8m) and Romain Saïss (£4.9m) exposed.

However, in their usual 3-4-3 shape, they look more solid and tend to defend much better. In fact, in their past five games using a back-three they have conceded just six goals, and four of those were at Manchester City. In this setup, Coady becomes more appealing, especially now he is going up for set-pieces.

Frustratingly, at this stage we have no idea which formation Nuno will use in the coming weeks. Due to that uncertainty, I’m avoiding for now, but am hopeful tomorrow night’s meeting with Fulham will tell us more, and reveal if I should be targeting Coady or Neto in Gameweek 32.

JAMES MADDISON

Another player I’m eyeing up for Gameweek 32 is fit-again Leicester City midfielder James Maddison (£7.1m). The playmaker recently missed six matches through injury, but returned with an appearance off the bench against Man City last weekend.

He has already scored 11 goals this season, eight of which have come in the Premier League, and as you can see on the graphic below, he has been shooting in better locations, and closer to goal, since the turn of the year.

Above: Maddison’s shots heatmap from Gameweek 1-16 (left) and 17-30 (right).

Everything goes through him at Leicester, as he leads the way amongst team-mates for final-third touches, successful crosses and chances created, plus expected assists (xA). 

Personal motivation could be a key factor, too. The only way Maddison can force his way back into the England setup is by playing a starring role for the Foxes during the run-in, which sees Brendan Rodgers’ side take on West Brom, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Newcastle United between Gameweeks 32 and 35.

GAMEWEEK 31 + CHIP STRATEGY

Having used my second Wildcard in Gameweek 26, and Bench Boosting the week after, I’m left with the Triple Captain and Free Hit chips.

I will probably Triple Captain Harry Kane (£11.7m) in Double Gameweek 32, then FH in 33 or 35.

This week, I’m considering selling Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m), who will probably be benched, for Mohamed Salah (£12.4m), who I will then hand the armband. I may also look at a defensive move, with Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) a likely target if I do take a hit.

So, thanks for reading all, and best of luck in Gameweek 31.

1,126 Comments Post a Comment
  1. KeepCalm
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Burn starting? What do you guys think?

    Start Konsa or Burn?

  2. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Gtg on WC?

    Mendy (Forster)
    TAA, Dias, Holding (Rudiger, Shaw)
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Jota, Lingard
    Kane, Ihenacho (Davis)?

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah it's strong, good team value to be able to keep Dias.

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

    Where would you squeeze in 0.2 on this WC? Please and thank you

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Alonso Fofana Coady Holding
    Salah Jota Bruno Son Lingard
    Kane Nacho Davis

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Downgrade Alonso to Rudiger/Christensen

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Alonso can go imo

      Also I’d have a son to Bruno spot which allows for more cash to spread about anyhow

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

        A lot of value tied up in Bruno, he is the sole survivor of this wildcard

    3. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Coady to 4.6

    4. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have only just realised I wrote this so badly 😆

      I meant I want to make use of my 0.2 in the bank!

      1. JabariParkersEyelid
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Save it for Son to Rashford in 33.

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

          Nice shout actually! Leeds and Sheffield for Son after 33 though, maybe a hokey-cokey 🙂

          1. JabariParkersEyelid
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            It's definitely on my mind, having the option to do it is worth leaving your squad as is I think.

  4. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I have nailed my wildcard down to 3 teams:

    XX XX
    TAA Rudiger XX Coady XX
    Sterling Fernandes XX Jota Salah
    Kane Nacho XX

    XX can be:

    1. Forster, Mendy, Fofana, Holding, Lingard, Vydra
    2. Forster, Leno, James, Veltman, Lingard, Vydra
    3. Fabri, Leno, James, Holding, Maddison, Davis

    Any thoughts or suggestions welcome 🙂 thanks!

  5. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Will Amartey keep his place ??

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Unlikely when Soyuncu returns.

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Unlikely when Soy is back

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Don't think so

  6. JabariParkersEyelid
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Fellow wildcarders, how are we feeling? Confident in your squads?

    Who are you most afraid of not owning this week? For me I am very worried about Raphinha to be honest as expecting City defence to rotate and his ownership will remain high. Just don't have room for him.

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

      The City attackers if they start could be murder

      1. JabariParkersEyelid
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        That too haha, think I'd just blocked them out of my mind...

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Had planned to WC for a couple of weeks now in two minds.

    3. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It’s when you start worrying about ownership that FPL becomes a chore instead of something enjoyable IMO.

      1. JabariParkersEyelid
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Fair enough, but I'm certainly enjoying myself. Love wildcard weeks.

  7. rowdog24
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Do we think Laca starts against SHU?

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

      I think Auba as a 9

  8. Mikei
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play Gündogan or Iheanacho?

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Start Gundo but Ihenacho first sub. Unlikely Gundo comes on if he doesn’t start

    2. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Has to be Gundo, doubt he gets a cameo.

    3. Mikei
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thank you.

  9. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) Vardy & lingard
    B) son & nacho

    Son would make way in the blank probably so it’s mainly with the double in mind

    1. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Shaun Goater is my all time favourite Man City player.

  10. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    0FT - 5.2m ITB - Only TC remaining

    Martinez
    Stones Digne Azpi
    Bruno (VC) Gundogan Lingard ESR Jota (C)
    Kane DCL

    Fabri - Bamford Cresswell Targett

    Any hits needed here? Planning on Gundo to Son next week.

    1. Jässi
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No hits worth it IMO

  11. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    It’s baffled me for a few weeks that people have been interested in Wolves players. They’ve been average all year and have nothing to play for. Add to that that last season ran from July to July for them and they are missing their best player. I think they’ll end the season with a whimper, but I could be wrong.

    1. Blue Moon Rising
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I don’t fancy them. Having said that, with a lot of uncertainty around city/chelsea starters, Coady is a nice comfort blanket at a fair price

      1. JabariParkersEyelid
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This is it. I've not got Coady but he's utterly nailed at 4.8 which makes him a good bench option to come on in case of rotation.

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I mean they cost next to nothing, context needed

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

        Neto has 13 attacking returns for the price of 5.7. Still won't make most WC squads so no need to worry about it

        1. Hangman Page
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah I understand Neto is good and cheap, but there are so many mids in teams who have something left to play for.

          I guess the fixtures are one persuading factor.

  12. Blue Moon Rising
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On WC

    Mendy Forster

    Shaw Holding Williams XXX XXX

    Bruno Jota Son Lingard Salah

    Kane Ineanacho Vydra

    10.0 ITB to fill last two positions

    Which two from:

    A) Coady
    B)!Rüdiger
    C) /Alonso
    D) Masuaka
    E) Stones
    F) Another

    1. Jässi
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B and D?

    2. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rudiger/Fofana.

    3. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Who's Williams?

  13. Jässi
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What percentages would you give for Salah and Jota to start? Salah played 90 minutes mid-week and Jota 81 minutes. Surely Salah should start but I'm worried about Jota.

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

      Think both start Jussi

    2. The-Red-1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Likely to be out of the CL. Need top 4, so I think full team out every week

    3. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      'pool won't have a Champion League next year if they don't start strong sqauds in the FPL. Already shown they can lose to some of the worst in the league - you think Klopp will take a chance on overturning a 3-1 vs Madrid and then winning the competition as their route into next year's CL?

  14. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best combo:

    1. Mitchell(sub) Davis(sub) Stones
    2. Lascelles(sub) Vydra(sub) Holding

    Thanks all

  15. ZAMUNDA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mendy
    TAA - Rudiger - Coady
    Jota - Son - Bruno - Lingard
    Kane - Nacho - DCL

    Forster - Raphinha - Shaw - Dallas

    ITB: 3.0 and 1FT.
    Thinking of a solid striker other than DCL for only a one Gameweek captain punt. Any thoughts?

    1) Aguero
    2) Jesus
    3) Ings
    4) Wood

  16. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which backline to go with TAA on WC?

    A) Alonso+Castagne+Coufal+Holding
    B) Rudiger+Castagne+Cresswell+Holding
    C) Rudiger+Shaw+Cresswell+Coady

    1. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C

  17. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Risky going without a City attacker against Leeds?

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Of course, but I'd rather go without the headache.

  18. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone still with free hit when are you looking to use ?

    I have 4 spurs and city atm so could quite easily navigate 33 without them

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Maybe 35, if we get that DGW.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Probably in GW35 if double happens or GW38

  19. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How’s this WC draft lads? 0 itb

    Martinez Forster

    TAA Rudiger Holding Veltman Lowton

    Salah Bruno Jota Lingard Son

    Kane Iheanacho Davis

  20. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    1 FT and 2.5 ITB (WC and BB remaining)

    Pope
    Stones Shaw Alonso
    Bruno Gundo Son Raphinha Lingard
    Kane Antonio*

    (Martinez Bamford Coufal Dallas)

    A) Raphinha to Jota
    B) WC

  21. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    is there a better alternative to Cresswell that can save me some money?
    (i have Shaw)

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

      Plenty. Dawson/Coufal if you want likewise

    2. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Masuaku?

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not really better but if you fancy West Ham defence then Coufal might be your money saver.

      1. Meme2011
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Has cresswell moved to a back 3?

  22. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Start

    A. Dcl
    B. Ihenacho

    1. Coady
    2. Rudiger (have Mendy)

  23. Assist me a river
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Last WC decision. A or B guys?

    A: Rudiger - Fofana
    B: Azpilcueta - Castagne

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B is far better but also costs like 1.9 more? Hardly a fair fight.

  24. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which option?

    A) cresswell raph to rudiger jota
    B) watkins cresswell to davis Taa
    C) watkins to davis (next week areola to Forster, veltman to Taa)

    1. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A for me there

  25. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC mk247383!

    Schmeichel Forster
    TAA Rudiger Coady Masuaku Mitchell
    Bruno Son Mount Jota Lingard
    Kane Vardy Davis

    Trying to have a few premiums! Son will go after the double to enable upgrades elsewhere...

    Thoughts please?

    1. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Mendy and fofana not cheaper than Kasper and rudiger?

      1. Bubbles1985
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Nope, 0.1m more.

  26. arkom
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why Bale minutes are so limited.. Managed well in the past weeks when allowed to play.

    Double GW incomin so wouldn't be interested selling him!

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He can't get any points when he doesn't play. 2 x 0 is still 0.

      1. arkom
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Are u sure that DGW minutes are 0 + 0.. Have some doubts about this...

  27. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Wildcard draft, anything missing ? Not sure on vardy but a nice differential. Basically A or B ?

    A. Vardy, Dias, Lingard
    B. Watkins, TAA, Son

    Mendy(forster)
    Rudiger Phillips Dias (Shaw, Holding)
    Salah(C) Jota Gundogan Lingard Bruno
    Vardy Kane (nacho)

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

      So you have BB? Prefer B but play Nacho

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        No BB but need good all round team with rotation that might come up.

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

          Fair. I guess without Gundo you could opt for a cheaper striker

  28. RamboRN
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC team gtg?

    Mendy forster
    TAA dias rudiger holding fofana
    Salah jota lingard Bruno son
    Kane inheanacho vydra

    I am worried that I'm gonna struggle on who to bench from the defenders as can only really play 3 at the back to keep the main front 7.

  29. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone going without Salah on WC?

    I’m considering getting KDB(C) for next 2 and tripling up on Phillips, TAA and Jota

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

      Think he is benched for Leeds but good luck

      1. CrouchDown
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Does Salah not have an equal chance of being benched?

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Will KdB play?

      1. CrouchDown
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        KDB is actually rarely benched compared to Sterling etc

    3. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      o/

    4. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Double pool defence is brave

      1. CrouchDown
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        It’s more so that Phillips is such a good enabler it’s a shame to miss out on due to 3x Pool

        1. The Red Devil
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          i know, but personally don't see pool keeping many CSs, arsenal game was an outlier. they'll have to score plenty to win, so if i was on WC, i'd go 2 mids & 1 def

    5. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Go with what you think: if you ask on here you’re just going to be told not to do it.

    6. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Think I’m selling KDB this week, don’t see him starting either of the next two league games tbh, but could be wrong.

  30. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    GTG? Subs order correct?

    Sanchez
    Stones/Shaw/Rudiger
    Salah/Son/Fernandes/Lingard
    Kane/DCL/Vydra

    Martinez/Raphonha/Phillips/Dunk