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. LloristheHounds
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC team

    Mendy(Forster)
    TAA, Alonso, rudiger, holding(Mitchell)
    Salah(C), sterling, jota, (Smith rowe, raphina)
    Kane, vardy, ihenacho

    Sterlo to son gw32
    Son to Bruno gw33

    Thoughts??

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

    Why do people think Jota will be rested?

    Didn't he play only 30 mins against Arsenal?

    1. Saka Rice
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      played Madrid midweek then plays them again next midweek?

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

    Mendy (Forster)
    TAA/Alonso/Rudiger (Holding/Dallas)
    Bruno/Son/Salah/Jota/Neto
    Kane/Nacho (Davis)

    1m in bank and no chips. Any improvements? Would you switch Son to 1 week punt? Then back for Dgw.

  4. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Just looked at what a shambles my team is... Tierney, Odegaard, Antonio all injured.

    any chance the injured trio can play? (Any update from pressers?)
    1 FT, 6.4 ITB - what to prioritise?

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

      Antonio could be out for the rest of the season according to the Guardian

  5. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play one of:

    A. Shaw
    B. Raphinha
    C. Watkins

    Thanks.

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

      ABC on that order.

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

      BAC

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

    should i move the (c) from KDB to Kane to play safe? (top of all MLs)

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

      Dont think Kane is a safe pick

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

        who would you say

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

      I have KdB but don't dare to captain him.

    3. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      i think pick KDB but make sure your VC is picked! he may not even feature if he doesnt start

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

    Dean Smith said "Grealish had a setback and won't be available for couple of weeks". Old news?

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I doubt he'll play again this season. Fair play to those who called it a month ago.

  8. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Holding a better option than Chambers?

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

    No love for Castagne here? Nice fixtures, nailed, plays as a wing back

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

      If i was to go Leicester defense I would go with Fofana and spread the funds. Yes he plays wb but has not much to show for it in terms stats or even returns

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

        He was om fire at start of the season. Haven’t really been up to the same standards recently though.

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

        Cheers. How about Fofana vs Coady then?

        1. Gazwaz80
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Wouldn’t go anywhere near Wolves defence with Jonny and Boly out...

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

      Considering him over Fofana. And probably like to keep either of them instead of taking a short punt on Alonso.

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

    How many CS's do we actually see Leicester keeping over the 4 good games?
    WBA just scored 5 and are fighting to stay up, CRY seems the most straight forward, Sou can't be ruled out of scoring with Ings fit and Newastle will have Wilson back by then

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

    Is Stones a likely starter against Leeds?

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

      One of stones/dias will start with laporte

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

        Even Ake and Garcia could start with Laporte. Or all 3 in a 352. Who knows what pep will do...

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

    No WC, use FH this week or other good GWs to FH?

    Think I’m pretty well set for BGW 32 with one more FT and for dgw 33.

    DDG,
    Stones, Dias, Cresswell
    Son, Bruno, Jota, Raphina, Lingard
    Bamford, Kane

    (Bench Martinez, Watkins, Targett, Dallas)

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

      You could have suggested that was a WC draft if it wasn't for your bench - looks good

  13. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Nat Phillips nailed until at least 33?

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

      I would imagine so

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

    My current Wildcard:

    Mendy, Forster
    Rudiger, Stones, Regulion, Shaw, Philips
    Sterling, Fernandes, Salah, Jota, Lingard
    Kane, Iheanacho, Vydra

    All thoughts welcome, Sterling is just for this week and will be Son next for the double.

    No TAA but would be east enough to bring in with a Sterling downgrade, not sold on him at his price just yet.

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

      Weak attack but it allows for that big midfield so it works. Why Reguilon? I would downgrade him personally cause he's not nailed and Spurs arent the best defensively and he can frustrate. But that's just me

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Decent apart from Reguilon - go Fofana?

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

        Not too keen on Fofana or Leicester defence. Mainly on Regi because of the Spurs double. I'm ok with him getting rotated as I have enough on the bench, James was the other option.

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

    Also, would you rather have Raphinha as 5th mid or ESR and spread the extra funds around on WC?

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

      Raphina

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

      If fund is required, Rowe, Otherwise Raphinha.

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

        Not necessarily desperately required but 1.3m (what I would get) is 1.3m at the end of the day, Raph probably won't see the field the next 2 games at least but would most likely want him back later on eventually. Might mean I could get a strike force of Kane and Vardy though

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

      ESR, great player with great fixtures. You can always get raph back in when fixtures turn.

    4. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Raph if you can see him being needed

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Neto for me...

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

    Not been on here for a few days, what kinda teas are most people who are on a WC going for?

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

      Mendy
      Trent, Coady, Rudiger
      Salah, Bruno, Son, Jota, Neto
      Kane, Nacho, Vydra

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have 3 options - see below!

  17. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Biggest priority to transfer in this GW?

    a) Jota (AVL)
    b) Salah (AVL) - means losing Bruno
    c) Trent (AVL)
    d) Nacho (whu)

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

      A

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

      Depends on your captain. If you have a city player to captain then c.

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

      A

    4. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Between A and C - prob A

  18. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any thoughts or changes you would recommend on draft WC?

    Mendy (Forster)
    Holding, TAA, Rudiger (Shaw, Coady)
    Lingard, Fernandes, Salah, Gundogan, Jota
    Wood Kane (Nacho)

    One spurs player for double maybe an issue. Strong bench required for BB & rotation. Have 0.3 to play with.

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Like it - good strong BB squad also

      Gundo may be a frustrating hold though longer term

      1. JoeSoap
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. Any City player could be frustrating the rest of the season. Will monitor and could become Raphina.

  19. Stewarts11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you prefer :
    Alonso and constagne
    OR
    Rudiger and TAA?
    on my wildcard and can’t make the choice

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B every day of the week

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

      Definetly Rudiger and Taa.

    3. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Easy B

  20. Zola
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any suggestions for improvement here? Have exact cash for this on WC and main concerns are no Lingard and no Man City.

    Mendy, Forster

    TAA, Fofana, Coady, Rudiger, Holding

    Salah, Bruno, Son, Jota, Neto

    Kane, Wood, Ihenacho

    This is with BB GW32 in mind, though maybe I should forget about that and downgrade a striker to Davis, spread funds elsewhere and save the benching headache each week?

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think it looks v good as a WC with BB in mind mate - I'd stick

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

      I am thinking of doing Gundo/Lingard as opposed to your Son/Neto. Would only be bringing in Son for double if I brought him in.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Why Holding?

  21. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Still flip-flopping between these 3 WC options and can't decide! The decision centres around players who are either rotation risk or have uncertain form so it's not an easy one! Which would you pick?

    A)
    Mendy, Forster
    Trent, Rudiger, Shaw, DIAS, COADY
    Salah, Bruno, Jota, LINGARD, MADDISON
    Kane, Iheanacho, WOOD

    B)
    Mendy, Forster
    Trent, Rudiger, Shaw, FOFANA, Holding
    Salah, Bruno, Jota, SON, MADDISON
    Kane, Iheanacho, DAVIS

    C)
    Mendy, Forster
    Trent, Rudiger, Shaw, MASUAKU, Holding
    Salah, Bruno, Jota, LINGARD, STERLING (change to Son in 32)
    Kane, Iheanacho, DAVIS

    Cheers and GL all!

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

      C

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks mate

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A or C.

      Will Jota play this weekend?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I think he will yeh. Hasn't been totally overplayed and I think his fitness levels are high enough and form too good to rest. May play 45-70 mins but that is enough for him to get returns

    3. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A or C. Probably C based on the Son transfer.

  22. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who would be city's 2 starting CBs if both Stones and Dias were rested?

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

      Laporte and Richard Dunne

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

      Laporte / Ake / Garcia. Even walker could play in a back 3, if 352/343.

  23. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Not sure whether to do KDB -> Salah or Raphinha -> Lingard this week. Which scores more?

    A)
    Salah Captain (AVL)
    Raphinha (mci)
    Salah (lee)

    B)
    KDB Captain (LEE)
    Lingard (LEI)
    Lingard (new)

    Leaning towards A for a safe captain pick this week!

    Cheers!

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A - too much doubt around KDB

  24. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Good morning everyone!!! I’ve done Grealish and Antonio to Jota and Nacho this week, who do I captain??? Team is below....
    Martinez
    Digne Azpila Dunk
    Bruno Jota Son Lingard Raphinha
    Kane Nacho
    Subs- Areola Bamford Cresswell Dallas
    Cheers everyone and best of luck this weekend!!!

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

      Jota

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers mate he’s who I’m on currently with Kane VC

  25. tjostolv
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    RMWCT pls:
    Leno (Forster)
    TAA, Philips, Digne (Coufal, Dallas)
    Gundo, Salah, Maddison, Lingard, Son
    Kane, Ihenacho (Adams)

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

      I wouldnt have Coufal on a WC. Probably wouldnt have Digne. Get Rudiger and Mendy

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

        rudiger and mendy are not nailed...?

      2. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        No alternative at that price, not bad if playing 352

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Probably Rudiger, and Shaw

  26. alexl1989
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On the WC, which combo do you prefer:

    TAA / Lingard / Davis

    Phillips / Raphina / Vardy

    Thanks!

  27. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A:
    Leno Forster
    TAA Semedo Rudiger Holding Christiansen*
    Salah Jota Neto Sterling* ESR*
    Kane Iheanacho Vardy*

    B:
    Leno Forster
    TAA Semedo Rudiger Holding Reguillon*
    Salah Jota Neto Son* Jorginho*
    Kane Iheanacho Aguero*

  28. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Captain:
    A - Sterling
    B - Aguero

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

      Raz

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

    Come down to the final 2 drafts. Who wins?

    A)
    Mendy Forster
    TAA Rudiger Holding Cresswell CASTAGNE
    Salah Bruno Jota Lingard MADDISON
    Kane Nacho WOOD

    B)
    Mendy Forster
    TAA Rudiger Holding Cresswell COADY
    Salah Bruno Jota Lingard ESR
    Kane Nacho VARDY

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A but I don't love the Cresswell and Castagne picks tbh. You not a fan of Shaw, Fofana, Dias .etc?

  30. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    G2G? Gundo>Jota(-4)?

    Areola
    Dias Azpi Veltman Shaw*
    Salah Bruno Son Gundo*
    Kane Iheanacho

    martinez raphinha bamford dallas