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. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I want to do a 1 week punt this week before switching to Son in GW 32. It'll be my only booked in transfer post wildcard.

    Some of the options are very expensive and require a few changes to the rest of the team

    Best option?

    A) Sterling, Saka 5th mid
    B) Auba, Saka 5th mid
    C) Ferran Torres, Lingard 5th mid
    D) Mahrez, Lingard 5th mid

    1. King of Kings.
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm doing this but going relatively "safe" with Gundo.

      Mahrez could also work out nicely but I'd want to be sure he plays. He can be explosive when he hauls..... This leeds fixture is a good opportunity if we can get it right.

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Gundo could be gold if he plays, I guess he's slightly more likely to start than Mahrez.

        Mahrez and Foden playing mid week really screwed with my plans

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd go with A out of those.

  2. Pedaso Pirates
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Final draft, head spinning...

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Rudiger Shaw Holding Phillips
    Salah Bruno Son Lindgard Neto
    Kane Nacho Vydra

    Only 0.6 ITB

    Any worries?

    1. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No jota???

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

      No easy route to Jota as you have 3 pool. Would consider Phillips to another cheapie to give you a bit more flexibility there.

      1. Pedaso Pirates
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Can't find a cheapie that makes this work. £4m doesn't buy much. Sacrifice Shaw for a cheaper option? Reguilon for the DGW?

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like it, Jota will be rotated also so no worries not including him! Nice Liverpool double defence..

      1. Pedaso Pirates
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. Reaching exhaustion trying to get this right lol

        1. Balls of Steel
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Me too mate 🙂

  3. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Nacho nailed for the next 5/6 games or should I plumb for Vardy?

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

      It's time for Vardy Party

    2. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      There’s no Harvey Barnes yet so nacho should be nailed for the next couple of weeks

      1. Balls of Steel
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This

    3. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think he'll start most games until Barnes is back but Perez could get a couple of games.

    4. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      (up front with Maddison if midfield)

  4. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play Raphinha or Watkins?

    1. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Watkins

  5. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Blimey bottomed, last spot long term midfielder
    A. Gundo
    B. Raphinha

    1. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Same boat for me. I'm selling one for Jota, and I think I'm keeping Raph

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

      B I guess, Gundo is more of a rotation risk and has a blank coming up.

  6. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best 3 Strikers for only this GW ?

    1. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Laca, Jesus, Ings

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jesus, Laca and Ings maybe?

    3. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      ha, too slow.

    4. Dammit_182
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’m playing free hit and punting on wood, ings and Jesus.

    5. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Cheers

  7. King of Kings.
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I think I'm good to go. What do you think lads?

    Mendy, Forster
    TAA, Shaw, Rudiger, Holding, Fofana
    Bruno, Salah, Jota, Lingard, Gundo (for 1 week then switch to Son)
    Kane, Nacho, Vydra

    It's getting exciting. I'm 4 pts ahead of my mini league rival and he doesn't have his WC.

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

      Yeah it's good. I don't like the booked in transfer, but it's good.

      1. King of Kings.
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah not something I'll usually do but the city - leeds game is too good an opportunity to ignore, especially if it's just a one week punt to take advantage of.

  8. ManUtdFan977
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it worth going for a city midfielder as a one week punt over son and if so who should I go for

    1. King of Kings.
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm going for Gundo but maybe Torres or Mahrez would also work. As always it's hard to know who will play.

  9. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    1) Who ..to buy? Mane or Sterling?

    2) Who...to captain? Mane (c) Sterling (c) or Auba(c)?

    1. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1) Sterling for a one week punt
      2) Sterling or Mane

  10. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any concerns with Holding holding his place?

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not with Arsenal's current injury list.

    2. Louis Van Gaalstones
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think the more pressing concern is whether Holding will hold onto a cleansheet any time soon

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Surely at Sheffield Utd is a good place to start?

        1. Louis Van Gaalstones
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          You'd hope right? But they have no cleansheet in the last 14 games in all competitions.

          1. Balls of Steel
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Ouch!

      2. JasonG123
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I’m holding on hope.

  11. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which option would you prefer for next 2GWs only?

    A) Auba + Nacho

    B) Jota + Vardy - 4

    C) Salah + Vydra/Watkins/Raphinha -4

  12. Wayne Enterprises
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How’s this for a WC squad?

    Mendy. Johnstone

    Dias Shaw TAA Aina Coufal

    Maddison Rashford Jota Lingard Mount

    Augero Ings Kane

    Thanks 🙂

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like it. Something a bit different to the template.

      Aguero to Vardy next week?

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

      This is so off the wall I kind of like it.

      I'd reconsider the strikers as all 3 blank in 33.

    3. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A lot of differentials
      I like it

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

    I’m probably a lil late dunno, but has everyone seen the latest article saying Antonio to miss 4-6 weeks?

    https://amp.theguardian.com/football/2021/apr/09/michael-antonio-could-miss-rest-of-season-west-ham-david-moyes

  14. Simmich
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best week to use BB?
    WC'ing this week...GW32?

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

    Which one?

    1. Castagne/Holding/Davis
    2. Fofana/Masuaku/Vydra

    Castagne or Fofana - preferably a regular starter along TAA and Shaw. Others preferably for bench and rotation.

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      2, I dont think Cast is worth the extra

    2. King of Kings.
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      2. But i'm going Fofana, Holding, Vydra.

      Mainly because of fixtures and Holdings more nailed and cheaper. I think Arsenal and West Ham are both pretty unreliable for clean sheets right now.

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

    Mendy
    TAA Shaw Rudiger
    Son Salah Jota Fernandes Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho

    Forster Holding Vydra Lascelles

    Is this good to go, starting lineup correct??

    Thanks

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yep looks good.

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

      boring but solid

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

        Thanks mate, means a lot haha

  17. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Morning all, tried to avoid spamming with RMT posts but any obvious holes in this draft? Would ideally have Mendy instead of Forster but don't really want to downgrade Dias or TAA.

    Martinez, Forster
    Dias, Coady, Shaw, TAA, Rudiger
    Son, Salah, Jota, Lingard, Fernandes
    Kane, Vydra, Iheanacho

    0.0 ITB

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

      No worries here great team.

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

      no city attack might hurt, leeds/villa and palace coming up

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

      Your TV must be so high

  18. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    would you buy Lacazette on WC and then switch to Vardy the week after?

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

      will he start

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

      I wouldn't book in a transfer.

  19. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Start Vydra or Kelechi?

    1. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’ve got the same problem I have no idea might start both and bench son

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      K

    3. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Both on my WC.
      I'm benching maddison this gw

  20. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Still contemplating whether to wildcard now or later. Would you wildcard this lot now?

    Pope, Martinez
    Rüdiger, Shaw, Dias, Cresswell, Dallas
    Gündogan, Son, Salah, Lingard, Raphinha
    Kane, Watkins, Bamford

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

      Do you have any transfers left?

      I think you can get away with holding it.

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        1 FT

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

          Then yeah I think you can hold for sure.

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

    Final draft, got work so locking this in if no errors jump out?

    Schmeichel Forster
    Trent James Rudiger Shaw Veltman
    Salah Bruno Son Lingard Jota
    Kane Iheanacho Davis.

    .2 itb

  22. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play one?

    A. Coufal
    B. Bamford
    C. Raphinha

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

      C.

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C

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

      b

    4. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Raphinha is going to terrorise mgaw tomorrow. Hopefully.

  23. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) Masuaka or
    B) Holding

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B on my WC

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

  24. rjcv177
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Wc31, city punt for C?

    A) Sterling
    B) kun
    C) Jesus

    Will move on 32 or 33

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

  25. ManUtdFan977
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Fofana or shaw

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Shaw

  26. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Does it look ok? Who do I captain? Thinking of punting on TAA.

    Forster
    TAA Rudiger Coady
    Salah Bruno Maddison Gundo Raphinha
    Kane DCL

    Martinez Bamford Konsa Struijk

    Thanks!

  27. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play Martinez or Forster?

    1. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Forster

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’m on Forster

  28. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play 2 of 3 or bench one which ever way you want it. Thanks.

    Son
    Shaw
    Nacho

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Bench Shaw IMO

  29. Hktrader88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Think I'm ready with the WC, similar to most others but if there's something I'm missing please let know

    Mendy / Forster

    TAA. Shaw James Holding Fofana

    Salah Jota Bruno Son Neto

    Kane Iheanacho Davis

    I have £0.8m ITB which I don't know how to use.

    I considered Davis to Vydra but in the next 5 gameweeks I would probably only play him this week Vs Newcastle, and that would mean benching Son so probably not worth having him

    I prefer Neto to Lingard for now, until I see how the hammers do without Antonio.
    Could get Alonso instead of James but that could leave me short in GW33 if he's rotated out.

    Any other ideas or gtg? Thanks

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

      Personally I'd go for Castagne over Fofana as you have the funds spare. More attacking threat.

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Holding to Rudi.

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

    Which one week punt(c) to go? Or just do Salah(c) from the start and keep him until the end?

    A. Sterling, change to Salah on 32
    B. Auba, change to Salah on 32/33
    C. Salah from the start