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

    On WC- with Shaw flag is Fofana a better option?

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

      What happened to Shaw?I wouldn't get a Lei defender.I prefer Coady/Cedric.

  2. artvandelay316
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Does this team look right for subs and captain?

    Pope (Forster)
    Stones, Rudiger, Cresswell (Dallas, Mitchell)
    Salah, Lingard, Gundo (C), Bruno, Mount
    Kane (VC), DCL (Bamford)

    If not Gundo as Cap, then Kane or Salah?
    5 in midfield ok or risky with Gundo?

    Cheers.

  3. tom_p77
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone think there’s a risk that Jota doesn’t start this weekend?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes, there's always a risk but it's even more so now with CL, in saying that he's an impact player so could get a goal off the bench like he has in the past.

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

      It's not a risk. Jota on bench looks normal to me.

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yep, big game coming up midweek

  4. XX SMICER XX
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What would you do on a Wildcard?
    A. One week Midfield punt up to 9.4M
    B. Son in now and save free transfer

    If A who would you punt on?

    Thanks

    1. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I was thinking A but couldn't find any option that I knew would start and be worth it in that price range so unless youcan find one you're happy with B

      1. XX SMICER XX
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Only one I could think of would be Periera for West Brom.
        They have just beaten Chelsea and play an out of form Southampton

    3. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

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

      A but the only option apart from City, will be Pepe...

      1. XX SMICER XX
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks - tempted to stick with Gundagan but forPep rotation, Champs League & FA Cup makes me think he will be benched.
        Would be surprised if both him and KDB are benched though

  5. Jim's Janglies
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    So.... is anyone still left in the official FPL cup?

    I think we are down to the last 256 teams

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Got beat a while back by a team with i think like 2 or even 3 auto subs who haven't done anything since lol

    2. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yep been lucky furthest I've been

      1. Jim's Janglies
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Me too... I only noticed a few weeks ago.... somehow my mismanagement has slipped through the net!

  6. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Better option until BGW33?
    A) Jesus (LEE, avl)
    B) Ings (wba, tot)
    C) Other 7.0 or higher (can't afford Vardy)

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

      Is Jesus nailed?

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        No

      2. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Just saw your post below, seems we're in a similar situation. Don't think he's nailed but also don't think Aguero is. It's honestly a toss up between the two, nostalgia tells me Aguero, but Jesus' minutes, form and not starting in CL but getting some minutes leans me to him.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B for me

    3. Jim's Janglies
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Are you planning to WC later... both may mean an extra transfer if not... Iheanacho possibly?

    4. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Iheanacho

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

    Already taken a -4 for TAA.

    GTG?

    Pope
    TAA, Stones, Rudiger
    Saka, Son, Bruno, Lingard (VC), Jota
    Kane (C), DCL

    Subs: Martinez, Coufal, Bamford, Dunk

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

      Yes gtg

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

        Thanks

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes, but I would upgrade Bamford to 1st sub

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

    Gundo, Bernardo silva or mahrez for this week

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

      Heart is saying Mahrez, head is saying Gundo. I've no idea !

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

        thanks anyway probably go gundo

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

    Martinez (Forster)
    Cancelo, Shaw, Rudiger (Dallas, Dunk)
    Salah, Bruno, Bale, Gundogan (Raphinha)
    Kane, Antonio, Bamford

    2FT, 0.5 in bank

    Bale, Antonio ---> Jota, Iheanacho?

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      100% for me

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Could you afford to do Raph & Antonio, then upgrade Bale to Son next week?

  10. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Sterling likely to start tomorrow?

    1. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      even Pep doesn't know, roulette machine gone for servicing

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      no idea

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

    One week punt striker options:
    A) Aguero
    B) Jesus
    C) Wood
    D) Ings

    Already have Kane and Nacho

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

      Kun for the memories.

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

        Any Man City pick is a call for distress haha, I'd bring Aguero and captain him definitely if sure to start

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      D seems the safest but one of the City lads feels like the most fun. The question is which...

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

        Currently at 17k and leading MLs. I'd play it safe but I know whoever plays man city game will get points

    3. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wood

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

    On WC

    A) Vardy, ESR (bench), Coufal/Dawson
    B) Wood, Maddison, Cresswell

    In B), Wood plays this week, Madders play 32, then reassess striker options in 33/34. Which combo to go?

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

    Guys repost sorry.Need suggestions.

    Current team:
    Martinez, Areola
    Dias, Cancelo, Digne, Dunk, Dallas
    Gundo, Bruno, Raphinha, Son, Lingard
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    Activate WC for this team?
    Martinez, Forster
    TAA, Rudiger, James, Coady, Veltman
    Bruno, Neto, Salah, gundo, Jota
    Kane, Vardy, Vydra

    Salah becomes son nxt gw.

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

      salah has leeds though

  14. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who to captain?

    A) Jota (AVL)
    B) TAA (AVL)
    C) Kane (MUN)
    D) Gundogan (LEE)

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

      And start one;

      A) Dunk (EVE)
      B) Watkins (liv)

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

      Gundo

    3. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      TAA and Dunk

  15. Burger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Chances of Aguero starting this GW?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      62%

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

    Lacazette or DCL guys?

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

      Laca

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Laca too much of a rotation risk

  17. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Fofana worth the extra 0.1 over Fofana?

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

      Haha over Saiss

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

      Yes

  18. wonkeydonkey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) TAA, Holding, Neto
    B) Phillips, Castagne, Maddison,

  19. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Worth having Mahrez this week on WC and bringing in Son next week?

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

      This was my plan but then mahrez played the full 90 in cl so just getting son now

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      This is what I’m trying to work out. Is a 1 week punt worth it?

      Likely will just go Son this week

  20. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC team GTG?

    Leno / Forster
    Azpi/ Shaw/ Dias/ Coady/ Philips
    Salah/ Son/ Bruno/ Jota/ Lingered
    Kane/ Nacho/ Vydra

    1. Wolfman180
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      *Lingard

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yep

      1. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Sweet 🙂

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

    Pick 2 please

    A) Neto
    B) Mount
    C) Saka

    TIA

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Neto and Saka

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

      a b

  22. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    (V)ardy!

  23. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Gundo to Salah(C) for a hit? Or take a gamble on Gundo(C)?

  24. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Pre-match footage from Spurs and United dressing rooms.

    https://youtu.be/Jm_U4D0QMHk

    😉

  25. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is KDB (c) / Jota (v) high risk considering bench/rest likelihood?

  26. artvandelay316
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Captain:
    A) Gundo
    B) Salah
    C) Kane
    D) Bruno

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

      B

      would captain him 100% if I had him.

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

    Captain?

    A. Jota
    B. Kane
    C. Lingard

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

      A

    2. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A, and VC Kane

  28. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is it madness to take -8? Will bring Son back for double.

    Kdb-> Sterling(c)
    Son-> Jota
    Digne-> Taa

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Just keep son, and do the others. Unless you need the cash for the other transfers, then it could pay off.

  29. Big Al Stankovic
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any thoughts on Fofana vs Castagne?

  30. v3n0m
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    a) Azpi + Amartey
    b) Rudiger + James

    b would make Tripple-up Chelsea

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rudiger and Fofana