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

    Any suggestions for transfers here?

    Martinez Areola
    TAA Dias Azpi Dallas Targett
    Salah Bruno Lingard Gundogan Raphinha
    Kane Iheanacho Bamford

    1 FT, 0.4 ITB, No chips left

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

      No game this week: dias gundogan kane
      Possibly out injured: raphina

      .4 won't get you much without a hit in midfield so maybe dias out?

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

        I could do Dias Gundo -> Holding Jota. Bot sure about Jota yet though. Whats the latest?

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

          not sure*

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

    Morning all, any thoughts on what to tweek on this free hit ?

    Martinez
    Taa dunk castagne
    Salah (c) mane greenwood pulisic
    Vardy ihenachio Watkins

    4,0 veltman dendonker 3.9

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

      I like that, just not convinced by Salah Mane double

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

        Morning mate, not sure I am either but willing to roll the dice a bit on this one I think

        1. Tango74
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Morning Steve
          How did the week go?

          Team looks good for this week, though it always looks good till 1min after deadline ???

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

            Morning tango week was quite good 70 points and a jump to 520k how did you get on?

            Team looks good until lingard hatrick

            1. Tango74
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              74 this week though in trouble as blank bench and Laca out ,Lingard? Jota doubt

              Thinking
              Vardy/martinelli or nacho/ Greenwood

              I’m 64k but I’m not interested in OR , I just want to win my ML. Too many people on here worried about red/green arrows for me

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

      Interesting mid, I like it

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

    Bottomed... Possible moves here?? 1ft, 0.4itb

    Mendy
    TAA Alonso Coady
    Salah(c) Bruno Jota Lingard Maddison
    Wood Nacho

    Forster Holding Cresswell Kane

    A) Alonso to Castagne
    B) Alonso to Dallas (start Holding)
    C) Cresswell to Dallas
    D) Jota (not pictured in training?) to Greenwood
    E) others

    Cresswell could be a hold for me as I won't need him until Gw36.

  4. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who would you want in your team for this gameweek:

    A) Welbeck & Salah
    B) Vardy & Greenwood

    I have Nacho, Bruno, Jota & Trent in the team already!

    Thanks

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

      B for me

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

      This week a
      This week and beyond b

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

    Mendy
    TAA Holding Fofana Coady Rudiger
    Salah Jota Lingard Greenwood
    Vardy

    Forster Kane Son Davis 1.1M ITB

    A Mendy to Sanchez/Martinez
    B Jota (if injured) to Traore/James/Mount/Trossard
    C Kane to Nacho (bring him back next week)

    1. Mufc202020
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

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

    3 options this week, help me choose:

    A) (-4) Dias -> Trent + maybe Moura -> 6.7mid (suggestions pls?)
    B) (-4) Dias -> Robbertson, Moura -> Greenwood
    C) (-4) Dias -> Holding, Son -> Salah

    cheers

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

    Mendy
    TAA Holding Rudiger Shaw
    Jota Fernandes Lingard Maddison
    Vardy Vydra

    Forster* - Masuaku Kane* Son*

    1 FT, 3.2 itb

    Son to Salah and captain, right?

    I know it's lacking Iheanacho who's in the form of his life. I'm hoping the Vardison double up can guard against Nacho's returns somewhat though.

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

    Would you save FT?

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

    Forster/Davis/Son/Kane

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

      Anything itb? Guessing no

      Looks good

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

    Am I GTG?

    Martinez
    Evans Rudiger TAA
    Bruno Trossard Salah Greenwood Lingard
    Iheanacho Watkins

    Forster, Vardy Semedo Shaw

    0.3m itb

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

      Vardy on the bench, what?

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

        Who would you replace him with?

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

          Lingard or Trossard. Vardy is a captain option this GW. No way would I be benching an explosive differential in him.

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

      Switched Evans with Costagne

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

    Used FT to move Stones to TAA, was planning on Son > Salah this week but my defence was in a bit of a state. If Jota is confirmed out switch him to Greenwood (-4)?

    0FT 1m ITB

    Martinez
    Digne Targett TAA Azpi
    ESR Bruno Jota Lingard
    Nacho (C) Bamf

    Fabri - Cresswell* Kane* Son

  11. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Fan ownership has turned the Bundesliga into a monopoly. In the last 20 years, Bayern have won the title 15 times. Bayern have won the last 8 titles and are on course to win in 2021 too.

    In contrast, in the last 20 years, 6 clubs have won the PL and the longest sequence is 3 (Man Utd in 2007, 2008, 2009).

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

      The grass is always greener, as the old saying goes, my friend

    2. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      PSG have won 7 out of 8 and Juve had won 9 out of 9 but these clubs aren’t fan owned. So surely there’s a different issue at play.

  12. GE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Lost on last page

    Son -> Greenwood a good move here and then bring Son in next GW for another player?
    Or other suggestions?

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

      (2FT, 0.3 itb)

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

      Bench: Forster, Kane, Son, Dias

  13. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Still trying to find the most painless way to get TAA (2FT 0.0ITB):

    Mendy* Forster*
    Rudiger Shaw Fofana Phillips* Dias*
    Salah Bruno Lingard Jota Son*
    Nacho Vydra* Kane*

    a) Phillips + Son => TAA + Trossard
    b) Phillips + Dias + Jota => TAA + Dallas + Burke (-4)
    c) Other suggestion?

    1. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I brought in TAA & Trossard this week.
      But my rank is in freefall and I'm massively chasing.

      So take or leave this!

  14. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who scores more:

    a) Vardy vs Crystal Palace
    b) TAA vs Newcastle

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

      Like 2pts between imo. 6/8 something like that.

    2. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm backing TAA for a haul.
      Just hoping Wilson & ASM don't ruin the party.

  15. nolard
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who would you captain:

    a) Vardy

    b) TAA

    c) Jota

    d) Bruno

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

      d

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

      thanks!
      Hmm...Not confident in him really.

    3. Enrico Palazzo
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Edging towards B myself. You just never know with Newcastle though

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

    Big day today.

    Either
    Mendy to Martinez
    Alonso to Castagne
    Jota to Greenwood

    Pressers will tell all

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

      I did Dias to Castagne myself.

      But others would have to be for a hit, so holding off for now.

  17. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you Free Hit this ? No ft
    Sanchez
    Trent Shaw Konsa Targett
    Jota Bruno Raphina Lingard
    Nacho Bamford
    Bench - ederson Dias Kane Son

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

    Mendy
    TAA, Rudiger, Holding, Coady, Amartey
    Bruno, Salah (c), Jota, Lingard
    Iheanacho

    Forster, Davis, Kane, Son

    1ft 0.3 itb

    My main worry with this team is I don't think amartey will play and the lack of second and third striker. Some thoughts.

    A Amartey > Burn
    B Son > Greenwood (then bring son back for gw 34. Don't usually do this but I will probably FH in 35)

  19. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone tempted with a punt on mane if jota out?

    Already got salah

    Thanks

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

      Whats your midfield flynny?

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

        Salah son lingard greenwood jota

        Actually wonder if madduson better option as keeps cash back for the dgw....

  20. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Aubameyang, Lacazette, Kane, Moura, Raphinha and Stones. Plus a defence including Alonso and Pereira. Ouch!

    -8 taken.

    Aubameyang > Salah
    Lacazette > Vardy
    Moura > Martinelli (5m max otherwise I may have gone Saka)

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

    Those of you (us) with no chips left. Are you aiming to try and rise from current rank, or should the ambition try to be to hold?

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

      The aim is always to rise further but think I’m going to have to take a rank hit this week with injuries and blanks forcing hits.
      Currently around 90k which was only a dream 3 months ago when I was 2-3mOR.
      So I should be happy really. Ultimately hoping for top 50k now.

      Alonso,Cresswell,Jota,Lacazette,Son ,Kane may force a -8 or -12.

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

      I went down from 13k to 33k in the last 3-4GWs so i'm trying to push back up to the 10k mark. But no easy when my differentials won't get good returns.

  22. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    2 FT and 0.5. Looking to only use one transfer and carry the other:

    A - Mendy > Scheichel
    B - Jota > Greenwood
    C - Other suggestion?

    Mendy
    Fofana - TAA - Coady
    Bruno - Lingard - Salah - Maddison - Jota
    Wood - Nacho

    Forster - Rudiger - Holding - Kane

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

      Mendy will start. B and roll 2nd FT.

  23. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    With Bruno's current form, would taking a pubt on Trossard, and benching Bruno in his place, be such a bad idea?

    I'm 8th in my mini league, so I'm just playing for pride, but trying to see how far I can climb, with the remaining games.

    1. C'mon the Fylde
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Punt*

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

      Play bruno... can't keep doing poor in fpl

  24. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I’d never bench a penalty taker unless it’s someone like Jorginho.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Oooh, a reply fail

      1. C'mon the Fylde
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I spotted it,haha! Thanks.

  25. Gameweek 32 Rough with the Smooth
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How was your Gameweek?



    Were any of your players benched? Did your transfers pay off? How did your bench perform? Did your captain return?



    Share your tales of joy and woe from Gameweek 32, here:

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      The Kane injury was such a shame. Could have been a monster haul.

      Iheanacho and Lingard carrying my team each week, it seems.

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

        TC?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yep

      2. C'mon the Fylde
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Everyone had Kane, though.
        The vast majority captained him, so there wasn't, really, a win or loss with him.

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I had TC so disagree

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

            Same here. Pulled back 12 points on the minileague, but was hoping for closer to a 20 point swing.
            Still, better than Mane last year

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

      Yes Mendy was. Luckily I had Forster to come in...
      Fofana and Veltman warming the bench but 76 points to sneak me up to 879th.. nose bleed territory

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

      Red arrow on TC, would have been much worse if I dodn't move DCL + Gundo to Son + Nacho (-4) though

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

      Smooth.
      78. OR rise 116k >> 89k (first time this season in top 100k)
      Bamford > Iheanacho

      Rough.
      Left with numerous injuries. So looking like hits this week.

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

      Alright. Mendy and Forster benched. OR still bad but improving slowly. M Pereira punt is over. Madison still not up to snuff but will keep. Took a - 8 to rectify.

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

      Rather painful GW with 3rd red arrow in a row, made all the worse since I felt very optimistic about a Stones haul. 7 points in total from defence, while majority of competitors enjoying Wolves, Leicester or Brighton cs points.
      On a positive note, my template front 7 should be all right for GW33

    7. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rough:

      After wildcarding last week and getting just 46 points (leaving 24 on the bench), I deployed benchboost this week.

      Forster, Dawson and Phillips all chipped in combing for an impressive -3 points.

      Smooth: Azpi not playing meant Dawson would have autosubbed in regardless, this brought my benchboost back up to the magic break even.

      Vardy 10 pointer gave my bench a respectable score and turned it into a green arrow. After red arrows on wildcard 1, 2 and triple captain earlier in the season, it was a truly magical gameweek.

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

      Achieving gameweek rank 1.255 out of 8.195.022 total players.

      I'VE PEAKED!!!!

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

      Smooth
      71-4 and a small green arrow, did Cancelo to Reguillion for the -4 which i regretted after game one, then Mourinho got the sack with Reggie getting an assist game two putting the move in profit, made even better because Cancelo didn't even play and i would have got Dawson's - 3 from the bench if i hadn't of done that move 😆

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

      For me, the smooth was Wolves defence bagging me nice points
      The middling was the Kane injury on my TC chip
      The rough
      5 points from Salah, Bruno & Lacca
      Also, lots of injuries to players just brought in on a wildcard. Makes chasing in some mini leagues tougher as a lot were differentials.
      Overall I got a good score, so can't complain, but a few more performances from the big guns would have seen me pull back a bigger chunk of the gap.
      Only chip left is FH, so lets see what happens

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

    Thoughts on Alonso and Jota to Shaw/Fofana/def 5.4 and Greenwood?

    2FT 0ITB FH36
    Mendy
    Rudiger TAA Dallas Holding Alonso*
    Salah Bruno LLingard Jota
    Nacho
    (Forster Kane Son Davis)

  27. Ian Davis
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which moves to make?:

    A) Dias > TAA
    B) Gundo > Jota
    C) Dias/Gundo > Castagne/Jota
    D) Dias/Gundo > Castagne/Greenwood

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

      Wait on jota news

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      What for jota news. C or D if for free.

  28. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on the WC? Still unsure on mason, lack of chelsea,and my arsenal duo.

    Martinez meslier
    TAA Dallas Coady Castagne Holding
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Lingard Saka
    Kane Iheanacho Watkins

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

      Bb left? 2 good gks and bench

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        More for fixture swing, cover 36 blank, and possible rotation.

    2. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Morning all. Is anyone else looking at the potential dgw 35 FH? It means that any transfers now need to be players that don't have a blank in 36 to help get a full team out for that week. I need to bring in one today and it looks like being Raphina if fit or Bowen.

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

        Yeah absolutely the conclusion I came to last night aswell. The transfer would be in for Jota assuming he's injured. Narrowed it down to raphina, Bowen or trossard. Raphina the best of the 3 I think and no chance of being subbed or rotated unlike the other 2. Better fixtures too. Just needs to be ruled fit now!

  29. Babelcopter
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    My team is a mess and I’m in big trouble I think. Should I use my FH now?

    Should I use my FH now?

    Martinez (Steer)

    *Alonso Rudiger Shaw TAA Burn

    *Jota Salah *Raphinha Lingard (*Son)

    Nacho (*Kane, *Antonio)

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

    10% of the top 10k still have the wildcard chip in their pocket. If you are one and planning on using it this week or next we’ve put together a squad we feel would get you through the upcoming reduced gw33 and also planning for doubles to come.

    As everyone’s budget is different now we also give you a few alternatives if you have a bit more/less money to spend.

    Hope you enjoy the picks and the stats and reasoning behind them...

    https://jumpersforgoalposts.info/fpl-weekly-wildcard-gw33/