Pro Pundits

Five-time top 1k FPL finisher Tom Freeman on Bale, the Free Hit and GW33 captaincy

The Hall of Fame number 15, who has five top 1,000 Fantasy Premier League finishes to his name, addresses some hot topics ahead of Blank Gameweek 33.



“It is not a sport if success is guaranteed or if it doesn’t matter when you lose.”

Pep Guardiola

After one of the most hectic starts to a week ever in the game, football matches have felt a little irrelevant in the shadow of the European Super League.

However, as I type this, clubs are exiting en masse from the group and it does at least feel like there is hope that the project is now finished.

So, in this, my latest column, I’m going to press ahead and discuss Tottenham Hotspur and a player who I think may benefit from José Mourinho’s exit. I’ll also touch upon my own plans for the Free Hit chip, and then have a look at a couple of alternative captain options for Gameweek 33.

GARETH BALE

Despite seeing just 10 minutes of action during Spurs’ last four Premier League matches, the player who I think could benefit most from Mourinho’s departure is Gareth Bale (£9.1m) – especially if new interim head coach Ryan Mason goes with an attacking side.

The pair know each other well from the Welshman’s first stint at the club, and the schedule (see below) could allow him to thrive, given the longer rest periods between games.

If he can get enough minutes, I’m convinced Bale can become an option again. 

Amongst midfielders, his 0.48 expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes is second in the Premier League, only behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (£12.5m). His ‘big chances’ per 90 minutes average also ranks fourth. It’s a small sample size (562 minutes) from which to draw conclusions but we have seen what the 31-year-old is capable of between Gameweek 25 and 27, when he bagged 39 FPL points.

The match (and goal) against Southampton was a positive start and the clash with Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final will further allow us to scout the new set-up before they take on Sheffield United in Gameweek 34.

Dele Alli (£7.4m) is worth monitoring, too. Mason played alongside the 25-year-old under Mauricio Pochettino, and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if we see him starting games again soon.

WHEN TO USE THE FREE HIT?

The Free Hit chip is probably my favourite of the lot, as it allows us to think outside of the box and target some differentials. 

Gameweek 33 presents an opportunity to use it with four teams blanking, but for my own squad, I’m not convinced it’s worth it. For context, here’s how I’m currently set up, with one free transfer and £2.0m in the bank:

If I were to Free Hit, I would bring in a new goalkeeper given the uncertainty surrounding Edouard Mendy (£5.2m). I may also add a Wolverhampton Wanderers defender and possibly Marcus Rashford (£9.5m) or Mason Greenwood (£7.1m) for Jesse Lingard (£6.6m). However, my frontline looks okay, and I think I might gain more by saving it till Gameweek 35.

In this scenario, which has been put together by the awesome @Legomané, we would see eight teams double in 35, with four of those sides then blanking the following week. That would obviously be ideal, but let’s see how things play out once the schedule is confirmed.

GAMEWEEK 33 CAPTAINCY

Salah is probably the best captain option this week but it’s worth noting that Newcastle United are unbeaten in three matches and have lost just one of their last seven. Now up to 15th in the table, they have a nine-point cushion above the bottom three and are clearly benefitting from switching to a 3-5-2 formation back in Gameweek 30 (see below).

Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.1m) has been putting up some good numbers during that time, too, with seven goal attempts and eight chances created in just 116 minutes. 

Newcastle’s form probably won’t matter to a player as good as Salah, but what if you don’t own him or fancy looking elsewhere?

An alternative option, and one that I’m quite fond of, is to captain one of Leicester City’s frontmen. The Foxes’ forwards head into Gameweek 33 in wildly contrasting form, with Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.1m) on ten goals in seven games and Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) on just one since the turn of the year. However, Vardy has been unfortunate not to return more, with a -3.13 xG delta during that period, and I wouldn’t hesitate to hand either of them the armband against Crystal Palace.

FORM TABLE

Before I sign off, I’ll leave you with this Premier League 2021 form table, which focuses solely on results from Gameweek 17 onwards. I found it interesting, so I thought I’d share it here so you can have a look too:

So, thanks for reading all, and best of luck this week.


633 Comments Post a Comment
  1. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    RMWCT please. 0 ITB

    Martinez Forster

    Castagne TAA Saiss Dunk Holding

    Lingard Jota Salah Raph Greenwood

    Kane Nacho Vardy

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

      Looks good
      No bruno might hurt if he comes good... if I know

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

    Best move here?

    Mendy - Forster
    TAA - Coady - Rudiger - Phillips - Holding
    Salah - Son - Lingard - Gundo - Fernandes
    Kane - Nacho - Vydra

    0.5itb, 1FT. BB & FH left

    a. Mendy --> Meslier
    b. Forster --> Sanchez
    c. Kane --> Vardy
    d. Gundo --> Trossard
    e. Anything else?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would give the GK situation another GW. I expect Mendy to start as he is the #1 imo. Gundo to Greenwood

  3. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Alonso replacement:
    a. Fofana
    b. Shaw
    c. 5.4def suggestion

    TAA, Holding, Rudiger and Dallas are my other Defs. Current plan is to FH in the potential blank in 36 and use FTs for potential doubles in 35

  4. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Martinez
    Dallas Veltman Shaw Targett
    Jota Bruno Lingard Raph
    Vardy Watkins

    McCarthy Kane Son Holding

    A) Save FT & play this 11
    B) Kane & Son --> Salah (C) + Iheanacho (-4)

    If I go B;

    Martinez
    Veltman Shaw Targett
    Jota Bruno Lingard Salah (C)
    Vardy Watkins Iheanacho

    McCarthy Dallas Raph Holding

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

      A. You'll want both back in b next week?

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Tough one. I wouldn't want to lose Kane and Son but Salah (C) and Nacho are very good picks for this GW. Save FT and Vardy (c)

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

        this is my current team ye

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

    Just for this week, start 1

    A. Dallas (MNU)
    B. Jorginho (whu)

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

      Dallas

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

      Thanks lads!

      I think I was trying to be too smart with b

  6. Friday press conference times
    Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Friday Press conference times

    Smith - 9:30am
    Bruce - 9:30am
    Bielsa - 9.30am
    Nuno - 1pm
    Dyche - 1pm
    Moyes - 1.30pm
    Tuchel - 1.30pm
    Klopp - 1.30pm
    Solskjaer - 1.30pm

    https://twitter.com/ffscout/status/1385489867866583042

    Remember FRIDAY DEADLINE — 18:30 (UK)

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Good work

    2. The Rumour Mill
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Do man city and spurs have press conferences ahead of the final? If so are they also today?

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Both scheduled for 1:30 apparently —

        https://twitter.com/ColmVHayes/status/1385522834924048386?s=20

    3. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Look forward to waiting on news about the GK situation from tuchel, just for him to give a cryptic non committal answer.

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

      Klopp is the big one, Jota news would be good compared to the rumours.

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

      cheers

  7. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Sterling > Rash, Greenwood or Maddy -4?

    With the Jota news thought about Salah but too many hits required!

    Mendy,
    Rüdiger, Shaw, Pereira, Trent
    Lingz, Jota, Bruno, Rashy/Greenwood
    Nacho, Watkins

    Martinez, Phillips, Kane, Son,

    .6

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

      What's the Jota news?

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Greenwood

  8. Mweene
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I'm sure this has been asked a million times so I apologise but is Mendy going to play this weekend? Chelsea fans forum seem to think so.

    I could do Mendy to Schmeichel or Bowen to Maddison?

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

      i'd be tempted to give the GK situation one more week so go with an more attacking outfield switch this week imo

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Chelsea fans have a better feeling than us in this imo. Stick with Mendy for another GW

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

      Wait til presser later

      He shouldnpaly but maybe they're playing kepa to try get some value back in him before selling

    4. Mweene
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks like I'll have to sell Jota instead anyway ...

      1. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Why Jota?

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

    WBA performance last night i think rules Pereira out my thoughts, thoughts on best Neto replacement, £5.7m to spend?

    Johnstone
    Fofana James Rudiger Trent
    Jota Salah Lingard Neto
    Vardy Nacho

    Forster Holding Kane Son

  10. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Alonso to Konsa the obvious choice if you own Fofana? Could go Castagne but seeing as I have 0.0 in the bank it might be worth getting a bit of cash in

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      depends on the rest of the defs that you have

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

      You have Wolves Def?

  11. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    To get 11 on the pitch this week.
    Alonso,Cresswell,Son,Lacazette > Holding,Dallas,Salah,DCL -12.

    Yes or no?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      They are good picks long term but not for a -12

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

    What to do with 3 WHU vs CHE??

    Sanchez
    TAA-Coufal-Shaw-Coady-Rudiger
    Salah(VC)-Jota-Lingard-Bowen
    Vardy (C)

    Forster-Brewster-Son-Kane

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      play them

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Play them , you never know.
      Unless you have a transfer to use.

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

    On free hit. Last decision to make.

    Welbeck or Trossard?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wellbeck

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

        Thanks

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

    Martinez
    Azpi / Cress / Dallas / Dunk
    Jota / Lingard / Raph / Salah (C)
    Nacho / Bamford

    Pope / Stones / Son / Kane

    Anything for a hit here? Jota > Greenwood (C)?

    Thanks!

  15. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Cresswell to dunk for -4
    Or son to trossard/rashford for -4?

    1. CapK
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Prefer A, as think holding Son for GW34 vs Sheffield is decent

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

    Son+Davis to Greenwood+Watkins for free?

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

    Ballers, Best replacements for Moura and Reguilon.

    Currently thinking on only 1FT and holding the other till DGW is released.

    A) Lingard
    B) Maddison
    C) Greenwood
    D) Other

    1) shaw
    2) Castagne
    3) Azp
    4) Other

    TIA

    1. CapK
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Moura > Greenwood

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

    Our Differentials XI in GW32 saw 6 players return, so let’s see if we can better than in GW33

    https://jumpersforgoalposts.info/fpl-gw33-differentials-xi/

    Are there any you are considering? Anyone we’ve missed?

    (Aware you can only have 3 per team in the real game, but this is just highlighting the best differentials in each position, which is why there are 4 from one team this week)

  19. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any news about Jota?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Klopp 1:30pm

  20. jimbobmij
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play Shaw or Digne this week?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Shaw

  21. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Those wildcarders under us. Who are you bringing in?

    Salah, TAA, Castagne, Nacho, Greenwood? No Bruno anymore? I'm chasing

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

      Also would you get Guaita in for his double gw?

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

      On WC and have:

      Martinez, Sanchez
      Reguilon, Rudiger, Coady, TAA and Dallas
      Salah, Bruno, Jota, Lingard, Son
      Bamford, Watkins, Iheanaco

      Anyone you'd change?

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

        Think I would go with Kane and not Son don't like Watkins. Also going for Castagne over Reguilon

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

        + Might get Greenwood for some space instead of Bruno

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

        Regi and Bruno to Digne and Greeny

      4. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        And thinking about getting DCL in? Alot of questions still

  22. Plagued by indecision
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I have 2 FTs and nothing in the bank. Finally into the top 100k thanks to WC/TC success. Don't want to mess it up!

    Mendy* / Forster*
    TAA / Rudiger / Coady / Lowton / Holding
    Salah / Jota / Son* / Bruno / Lingard
    Kane* / Iheanacho / Davis*

    1) Change one of the keepers and downgrade Son > Greenwood for this week.
    2) Just do Son > Greenwood (get him back next week)
    3) Just change Mendy, and play 5-4-1.

    Is Jota injured?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would give the GK situation another GW. I wouldn't want to lose Son as they probably will be more attacking under Mason and have decent fixtures. Keep an eye out for Klopp's presser

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

    Would you save FT? Have 0.1ITB.

    Mendy
    TAA/Castagne/Shaw/Rudiger/Holding
    Salah/Bruno/Jota/Lingard
    Nacho

    Forster/Davis/Son/Kane

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Depends if Jota is out

  24. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi guys, got my TC and WC left, 1 FT and 0.6 ITB.. see current team below with a few issues to fix. time to WC? I am chasing as well..

    LLoris Areola
    AWB Dias Veltman Struijk Cressewell
    Jota Bruno KDB Raph Lingard
    Ihenacho Kane Watkins

  25. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    RMWCT please!! 0 ITB

    Martinez Forster

    Castagne TAA Saiss Dunk Holding

    Lingard Jota Salah Raph Greenwood

    Kane Nacho Vardy

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

    Mendy
    TAA Shaw Rudiger
    Son* Salah Jota Fernandes Lingard
    Kane* Iheanacho

    Forster Holding Vydra Kilman

    0.3 itb, 2FT

    1. Mendy Son >> Schmeichel Greenwood
    2. Son >> Greenwood (save FT)

    Thanks

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

      Anyone... please

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

    Morning!
    What should i do with Mahrez?

    a) keep
    b) --> Pulisic
    c) --> Havertz
    d) --> Rodriguez?

    who could play safely. Pulisic played 90 minutes against Brighton, Havertz only 60.

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Greenwood maybe? Chelsea fixtures not great

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

        Have already greenwood. Its only a one week punt, because mahrez have a BGW

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Maddison? Out of those C

  28. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What would you do here with 2ft and 0.0itb? No real options in Gundogans price range, and who to sell if i want to do Gundogan to Lingard for example? Time to sell Alonso?

    Martinez
    TAA Alonso Shaw Rudiger Phillips*
    Jota Fernandes Raphina*
    Iheanacho Cavani

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Bench: Kane Gundo Son

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

    Who to (C)?
    Vardy or Salah

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd go Salah

  30. leeboy104
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Do you think tuchel will play Alonso this week? With a hit to transfer him out? Only have 11 players this week.