Pro Pundits - Az

My key decisions for the final FPL Gameweeks of the season

This is it, my friends. My final Pro Pundit article of the 2020/2021 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season. What a rollercoaster ride it’s been.

Things have improved for me since the mid-point of the season. In Gameweek 19 I was ranked 1,032,380 and now sit just outside the top 100,000.

My target for the season is to finish strongly enough just to get inside that top 100k, reflect on all that’s transpired this year and gear up ahead of next season, where I’ll attempt to put yet another frustrating campaign behind me.

With two Gameweeks to go I feel as though my modest target is within my grasp, but there’s a couple of key decisions I need to make which I am sure many of you are also wrestling with.

What to do with Diogo Jota?

This is the big question and, with an effective ownership of around 70% in the top 10k (which is usually a fair metric of how many engaged managers own him), some FPL managers with good squad depth may be happy to just bench Diogo Jota (£7.0m) this week and re-assess next week.

However, I am looking to get rid of Jota this week as I am losing my faith in Jesse Lingard (£6.6m). He has blanked in the last four games, in what appears to be a deeper role, and I think I would rather bench him than have Jota’s injury force me into starting the West Ham man.

If I didn’t already own him, my number one target would be Mason Greenwood (£7.2m). As my captain for last week’s chaotic Triple Gameweek he really delivered for me and now goes up against a Fulham side who are conceding a big chance every 27.7 minutes, the worst in the league.

Greenwood has now returned in five of his last seven games, including three double-digit hauls. I was particularly impressed with him against Leicester City where he played in a heavily-rotated team but led the line with a maturity that far exceeded his age. I expect him to start against Fulham, although his minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers might be limited.

 1

With Greenwood already in place, however, I’m looking to the other end of the M62 and Leeds United, where Jack Harrison (£5.5m) caught everyone’s eye with his 16-point return at Burnley. Harrison is now the best value midfielder in FPL and 152 points in his debut season is a fantastic return for a player who has so often been over-shadowed by the likes of Patrick Bamford (£6.5m), Stuart Dallas (£5.4m) and Raphinha (£5.5m).

Mark Sutherns presented some great stats on Harrison during this week’s FPL BlackBox (48:25). Harrison has really improved on his attacking input over the last eight Gameweek’s (coinciding originally with Raphinha’s injury), boasting improved numbers across almost all of the key areas (shots, big chances, xG, xA etc.).

Raphinha is undoubtedly a class act, but looks like he is still recovering after missing a few weeks and I’m leaning slightly towards Harrison as my replacement. Surely Leeds will pull out all the stops to make his loan from Manchester City permanent in the Summer?

Final day punt

Everyone loves the final day of the season. It’s like a birthday, Christmas and Easter all rolled into one. It’s even more special this year given that we have had so few weekends with multiple games on at the same time and it promises to be a real treat.

One of the best feelings in FPL is throwing caution to the wind and plumping for a player that few others have, or taking a bit of a risk with a captaincy to try and propel yourself up the rankings at the last opportunity.

There are some attractive looking fixtures on Sunday, with Leeds, Newcastle United and Burnley each playing the relegated teams (West Bromwich Albion, Fulham and Sheffield United respectively). This will be an opportunity for fans to be in the stadium for Leeds, making their assets even more favourable, perhaps even left-field captaincy options.

I like the look of Joe Willock (£4.7m) for Newcastle, who has a rather incredible five goals in his last five games played, despite only starting two of them. Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.1m) is another consideration, but I do worry about his ability really to provide goals and make assists directly.

He does undoubtedly make his team-mates more attractive propositions, though, and the likes of Willock are likely to benefit from his strength and trickery.

Chris Wood (£6.5m) had a pretty poor game against Leeds, but that is likely due to the relentless pressing and eventual complete domination of the Whites in the match. Going into it, Wood had eight goals in ten matches and, while I’m not expecting a haul against Liverpool, Sheffield United may prove more obliging opponents. I think a switch from Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m) could be on the cards.

Outside of the teams facing relegation-bound opposition, the Aston Villa game at home to Chelsea could be one where we see some interesting differentials emerge. While Tuchel will want to preserve his team as best as he can ahead of their Champions League final, they will need to beat Villa to secure a top-four position. Villa are limping over the line a bit recently, with only one win (against Everton) in their last seven matches.

Kai Havertz (£8.3m), who stung me so brutally at the start of the season, may actually emerge as a decent pick for this game. Lately Chelsea have looked a lot better when he’s played and it may be that he is finally finding his groove after a difficult first season.

Mason Mount (£7.3m) is another reliable, if perhaps slightly less explosive, pick. I’d also love to take a punt on Christian Pulisic (£8.3m), who has started six of the last seven Premier League games. I think any one of these three players could provide decent returns in their most crucial match in the Premier League season.

So that’s that. I just want to thank everyone for reading my articles, for all the kind words Mark and I have received for FPL BlackBox this season and the support I have had in my new role with Fantasy Football Scout. I’m really looking forward to getting involved with the EURO Fantasy game this year for the first time… and, of course, to building my first draft for next season.

Good luck in the final few Gameweeks, everyone!

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

237 Comments Post a Comment
  1. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Dont see much love for bale, explosive option and 2 good fixtures to end the season.

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Im basically all set to get him for Jota. Then get Mane for him next GW

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Will probably captain him too because im chasing top10k and why not

        1. drughi
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I like it, he has scored 71 points in the last 6 home fixtures

    2. Lemongrab
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm probably getting him in for Jota.

      Although Leicester away isn't a good fixture gw38

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I think that game could suit him. I predict a back and forth type of game

      2. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Depends on Evans' status me thinks

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Is that not a good thing? More OR gain for you if you choose to go there

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        yeah sure just a bit surprised

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          You've been on FFS for 11 years & you're suprised... That's... suprising 🙂

    4. Monty123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm a Spurs fan and wouldn't get him.

      Villa at home is all about Kane and Leicester away is tough.

      Bale did nothing really against Wolves and appears to be holding back for the Euros, but famous last words.....

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        really thats intresting

      2. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Why is Villa at home all about Kane?

        1. Better off with a pin and a…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I guess it's the only home game in front of fans and he's trying for the Golden Boot?

  2. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is Siggy to Raphinha/Harrison worth a -4 hit?

    Could just play Siggy or Foden (yes im ready to be hurt again by Pep)

  3. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Maguire to Dallas for a hit or just start Holding?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Play Holding but get Dallas final week if nothing else is more urgent.

  4. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best Jota replacement from these?

    A) Lingard
    B) Harrison
    C) Gundogan
    D) Pereira
    E) JWP

    Cheers!

    1. Lemongrab
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      D

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      D, maybe E.

      or Torres or Willock?

  5. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    That was Salah's 1st double digit haul in 15 game weeks and he only got it because of some dodgy bappage!

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Captain Kane then?

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah I think so

  6. GP 50
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    transfer in Dallas or Bamford?

    1. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dallas 100%.

      Bamford's minutes look very dodgy now.

      Get Harrison or Raphina if you're going to pick a Leeds attacking asset.

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dallas

  7. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who would you rather have this week?

    A) Antonio (sou)
    B) Havertz (LEI)

    1. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Antonio is away at West Brom.

      Antonio but people are scaring me about whether he can handle 3 games in a week.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Ahh I keep mixing up the Leeds & West Ham fixtures. I think he will start all games. Played on Sat next game on Wed and then Sun. Plenty of rest time.

      2. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Also remember West Brom will have fans back. First proper away game for West Ham this season

  8. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Whos’s everyone’s cap?

    A. Kane
    B. Salah
    B. Bruno

    1. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bruno atm but so tough.

      Fwiw, on Mark and Az both said they would cappo Bruno is they had him on the Black Box podcast last night.

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm shocked by the poll, Salah on 30% compared to Kane's 15%!

    4. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    5. Avery
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B - good reasons to not over think it

    6. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm on Greenwood right now. All of 3 of your suggestions good options, though.

  9. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is Bielsa's presser finished, wondering if he said anything about Rodrigo starting?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Rodrigo look quality, Bamford did not!

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Bielsa does say it in presser if he is willing to start him over Bam though?

        1. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Klich is gone for Euros, Will probably end up being Bam and Rodrigo starting together

  10. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Eze has served me well- can I still squeeze some luck out of him vs Arsenal or sell for Willock or ASM

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

    1FT, 0 ITB, thoughts?

    Mendy / Forster

    TAA / Shaw / Ward / Phillips / Coufal

    Salah / Fernandes / Greenwood / Zaha / JWP

    Kane / DCL / Bamford

    Thanks

    1. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Play 3-5-2 and bench Bamford and keep 2 FT for GW38.

  12. OLLY G
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Brought in Bamford last week and regret it obviously. Who do l start please?

    (A) Bamford
    (B) Digne

    Thanks.

    1. leeboy104
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bamford still.

  13. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hey fam! Who would you play in GW38?

    A. Dunk vs Arsenal (A)
    B. Digne vs City (A)

    1. A. PRISE
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dunk

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Dunk

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers all

  14. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Currently set up like this, would anyone change anything?
    1ft 0itb

    Forster
    Taa digne Dallas shaw
    Salah(c) bale lingard greenwood
    Dcl kane(v)

    Guita Watkins zaha veltman
    Cheers

    1. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      wouldn't bench Zaha against arsenal

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Same here

        1. In a Rush
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah must admit benching zaha and Watkins doesn’t sit right usually always play 3 at the back.

          Which defender to drop?
          Digne?

          1. Bonus magnet
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            of those maybe Dallas ( and then he scores 17pts)

          2. Better off with a pin and a…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Tough, but I'm benching Digne given how Everton have been playing at home. Tricky though because they'll have fans back in the ground this week.

            1. In a Rush
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              Yes fans in will give home teams a bit extra now,so leans me towards Dallas on the bench but as bonus magnet points out that usually ends in tears.

  15. pjomara
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    April 2nd was the last day before today to have no football game involving a Premier League team.

    1. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cups and leagues, yeah?

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        league*

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      We need a rest too, but trying to work out the Ole shuffle and Pep's ongoing roulette and Chelsea full strength picks is exhausting.

      Should have gone for Newcastle United and Sheffield United!

      As well as Liverpool and Leeds.

  16. SKENG
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What would you do with this team? 1 FT, 1.1 ITB

    Martinez
    Dias Dallas Coufal
    Salah Son Raphinha Zaha
    Kane Watkins Iheanacho

    4.0 Jota Maguire Veltman

    A) Iheanacho > Antonio
    B) Jota > Foden/Greenwood (or anyone under 8.0)
    C) smth else?

    1. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would definitely get rid of jota as he’s injured at least nacho will play even if you end up benching him.

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B to Greenwood if you have cover for 38

  17. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is it worth -4 to get TAA?

    Jota + Castagne >> ASM + TAA

    For no hit option, I could simply get Raphinha for Jota.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would.

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think a hit for TAA is worth it. I can see him getting a monster haul in one of the last two.

    3. leeboy104
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Hit is worth it, but if going Newcastle I'd want Willock.

    4. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thank you for assuring the idea.

      Willock is in better form than ASM. My toon army friend also told me that he would pick him over ASM too. Thinking.

  18. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Salah started the season with a hatrick, got a good fixture to finish with a bang too

  19. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Should I just do Jota to Greenwood or is anything else more pressing on the below?

    Pickford (Meslier)
    TAA / Digne / Dallas (Coufal / Stones)
    Bale / Son / Raph / Salah (Jota*)
    Ings / DCL / Antonio

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Who would you bench then?

      1. The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        It's not going to be easy but I think I'll bench Raph / Digne / Coufal

  20. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best 1 GW keeper punt?

    Meslier, Johnstone or Ramsdale

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Johnstone.

  21. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Jota to ?? Upto 7.7 and not Greenwood
    A) Harrison
    B) Mount
    C) Willock
    D) Any other?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Why not Torres?

      Or C.

  22. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    who in for Jota?

    A) Raphinha
    B) Harrison
    C) M.Pereira
    D) Greenwood
    E) Eze
    F) Willock / ASM

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A safe
      C the best for next 2

    2. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      D

  23. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on Gundy, folks? Play? Sell? Reckon he will start with KDB out?? Have no money ITB... 🙁

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      It looks like he's a more essential pick for the team structure.

    2. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Was going to sell for Raph before the Jota issue. Might as well keep now in case he plays. I think KDB was training but let’s assume he’ll start on the bench at best. Gundo was on set pieces so although he’s playing deep he may get points. Feeling a bit more optimistic about him than I was a week ago

  24. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Get Coufal or pay the extra for Cresswell?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Coufal has looked better than Cresswell lately

      1. OneDennisBergkamp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        oh really, i havent watched but i saw Cresswell got bonus points last game?

        1. WVA
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I did not know that, ridiculous! I guess if you have the spare cash get cresswell.

        2. The Ilfordian
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I think the stats were saying Cresswell is playing well. Coufal and him seem to share good patches but both good shouts imo. Gone Coufal on the basis he’s been getting more points recently (except last match)

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Creswell for me

  25. Matt Sk
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    The Southampton GK situation is now a coin toss before every match?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think they get 2 then swap

    2. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah I own Forster and guita hope one of them plays this week.

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Guaita should play

        1. In a Rush
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah I think he will too, butland has had his match. Fingers crossed!

  26. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    1FT and 0.4 ITB.

    A) Save FT, bench one of Zaha (ARS), Lingard (wba) or Holding (cry)
    B) Jota -> Raphinha/ASM/Greenwood

    Mendy
    TAA, Digne, Shaw, Dallas
    Salah, Bruno, Zaha, Lingard
    Kane, Bamford

    Forster, Holding, Vydra, Jota*

  27. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Punt on:

    A) Willock
    B) Harrison

    Cant do Raphinha since ML leader has him

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

  28. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    for Free JWP to:

    A Raphina
    B ASM

    1. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      keep jwp

  29. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Forster
    TAA, Shaw, Dallas, Coufal
    Salah, Mahrez, Lingard, Bruno
    Kane, Iheanacho
    (Sanchez; Holding, Vydra, Jota**)

    Jota > ...
    1) Raphinia
    2) Jack Harrison
    3) JWP
    4) Other suggestions?
    FYI - Greenwood out of reach without a hit; also leading ML, fwiw

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1

  30. RamboRN
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy
    TAA Phillips regulion
    Salah Bruno greenwood lingard son
    Kane Antonio

    Subs forster, coufal, rudiger, vydra
    0.3m itb, 1ft. Any transfers you would make or roll the transfer into last gw?