Pro Pundits - Seb

How I plan to approach FPL Gameweek 4 and thoughts on the best time to Wildcard

Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The green arrows of outrageous transfers,
or to take Wildcards against a sea of reds,
and by comparing end them?


Like the Dane himself, we all have a decision to make.

Wildcards are flying, some planned and some as reactions to a tumultuous transfer window.

So, I thought I would take a moment to consider what my current plan is, how that might change and where I want to be in a few Gameweeks’ time in the hope that anyone suffering from similar dilemmas finds good company and perhaps even an alternative perspective.

It’s that or find the ghost of a king to talk to.

CURRENT TEAM

Let’s start with the current team. This is the XV that lined up for me in Gameweek 3:

Fundamentally, there is nothing wrong with this. I have one free transfer and £0.4m in the bank. This does not need Wildcarding for its own sake, but, as with many others, the question of can I Wildcard into an even more advantageous position exists.

Late signings such as Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m) and Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.5m), possible absentees such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.2m), Callum Wilson (£7.5m) and Raphinha (£6.5m), plus first team opportunities for the likes of Diogo Jota (£7.6m) due to the injured Roberto Firmino (£8.8m) are all relevant and pressing concerns.

As things stand, I am resisting. I am a firm believer that the goal of a Wildcard is to maximise the potential gain between the pre- and post-Wildcard squads, both in the short term and the long term. There is no denying there is an opportunity here, but I do not believe my current team is far behind enough for this to be the optimal moment. I do not consider Ronaldo essential enough to rip up a team for. In fact, I would find it difficult to drop one of the mid-priced forwards for him, such is the value on offer in that bracket currently. Famous last words.

This could change, however. Confirmation that Calvert-Lewin, Wilson and Raphinha, for example, are all out for the coming week could force my hand.

IDEAL GAMEWEEK 7 TEAM

Whatever happens this week, I do have a goal in mind. Whether it be by Wildcard or transfers, the below is how I would like to set myself up from Gameweek 7 based on current information. 

Naturally, the Wildcard will get me closer to this (at least without extra transfers and the associated -4 point cost), but it is mostly possible with transfers too. 

Some compromises may have to be made, such as forgoing the luxury of Josh Brownhill (£4.5m) to Moussa Sissoko (£4.5m) or even opting for Raul Jimenez (£7.4m) in place of one of Michail Antonio (£7.9m) or Calvert-Lewin, but that is acceptable.

Something of an inbetween would be to forgo the Gameweek 4 Wildcard in favour of arriving at my ideal team via a Gameweek 7 Wildcard instead, meaning that between now and then I need only focus on optimising the gains possible via transfers in Gameweeks 4, 5 and 6.

Whilst this was my original intention at the outset of the season, contemplating and writing this article has made me believe I can actually navigate this period without a Wildcard and thus hold it back in reserve for the future.

This is something that could prove a massive advantage when we see a second fixture shift in Gameweek 13 (notably, the conclusion of Chelsea’s favourable run and the beginning of one of the best runs in recent memory for Manchester United). Considering so many will have used their Wildcards by this point, the extra information we will have available and the potential future impacts of COVID developments, this is something that is very attractive to me.

THE WILDCARD

Five-time top 1k FPL finisher Tom Freeman on Calvert-Lewin, Wolves and his Gameweek 2 plans 6

As mentioned, there is however a scenario where I am flipped from an adamant no-Wildcarder into a fully paid-up member of the Gameweek 4 Wildcard crew. A few dominos need to fall for that to happen.

At least two of the following need to look likely:

  • Calvert-Lewin is not fit
  • Wilson is not fit
  • Raphinha is confirmed out
  • Firmino is confirmed out for 2+ weeks
  • New, as of yet unidentified, injuries

If, for example, only Wilson is an issue from the above, I will simply make the move to Jimenez. More than this however would tip the balance of most optimal route in favour of a Gameweek 4 Wildcard for me. This would then present the opportunity to maximise the fixtures between now and Gameweek 7 ahead of arriving at (a slightly modified) ideal team.

The big one here, especially with a Wildcard, is Ronaldo v Lukaku. Their strengths and weaknesses have been discussed plenty over the past few days, so rather than repeat that I want to build on the great work of others and look at a couple of FPL-relevant projections.

PROJECTION 1: RONALDO V BRUNO FERNANDES FPL POINTS

Cristiano Ronaldo's FPL price and position revealed

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798 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Russell
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you do Wilson to either:

    A) DCL

    or

    B) Jimenez

    Thanks!

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      DCL.

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yup, DCL

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I have switched between them this week. To be honest not much in it, when you take money into account.
      Slight favouring for DCL just because its easier to switch down than up.

    3. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      DCL

    4. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      DCL.

    5. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

  2. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sorry for re-post;

    I have 9.6 to spend on 2 defenders, I have a few combinations in mind;

    Reguilon & White
    Christensen & Coady
    Tierney & Dier

    Any thoughts?

    1. YoungPretender
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Rudiger & Williams another options

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      This is a tough one. Each combo has its problems. Probably Tierney and Dier.

    4. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I like Tierney in the 5m slot.
      As for the 4.5s, none of them offer anything attacking wise, so im more tempted just to get Williams (promote Livra to first sub) and keep the change.

  3. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which option is better
    A: Mahrez, Fernandes and Ings out for Ronaldo, Sarr and Son (-4) (Can't get DCL next week)
    B: Mahrez, Fernandes and Ings out for Ronaldo, Sarr and Torres (-4) (3.8 ITB DCL in for obafemi next week)
    Thx

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Prob A

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

      A, I think. I'd expect Son to outscore Torres. I brought him to accommodate a move for Ronnie but I couldn't afford Son too

    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Option B involves bringing in a playing option for a non-playing option, so presumably you'd be benching someone different next week?

      Depending your team that might be needed squad depth or inefficient use of funds.

      1. Tabbara
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Exactly, that is my worry
        Thanks

  4. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Afternoon all!!! Latest draft, quiet solid I think, any advice welcomed!!!

    Sa
    TAA Shaw Rudiger
    Salah Greenwood Raphinha(will be Benrahma for Southampton) Gray
    Ronaldo Antonio DCL
    Subs- 4.0 McArthur Livramento Williams

    Cheers everyone!!

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good.

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      GTG

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

        Nice one !! Cheers fellas!!!

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sorry mate, I have to have Lukaku in my team.

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

        In place of or with Ronaldo mate??

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

          *in place of, or with Ronaldo

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

            Or lose TAA to accommodate??

  5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Can Livra and Williams be viable 3td and 4th defenders to go with TAA + a 5.0 defender? Rotate perfectly well and can help you upgrade in other areas of the pitch.

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Rotating a... Southampton and Norwich defender? Not a fan.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Felt exactly that when I hit the "post" button! Late realization though. Hahaha.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I'd say they'd make a good 4th/5th defender pairing, so if your 4th mid has a terrible fixture, the 'good' one can step up. Wouldn't want one starting every week.

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Agree. Going with that.

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No, but if they are 4/5 on bench and you are playing 3 nailed ATB then I think its fine.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yes. I think I am going 7.5, 2 × 4.5 and them both.

  6. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bench one:

    A. Coufal (sou)
    B. Veltman (bre) -- not a Sanchez owner
    C. White (NOR)

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      B

    4. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      b

    5. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers all!

  7. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    That GW13 fixture swing looks a lot more juicy than the GW8 (Chelsea only?) fixture swing.

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If able, would you hold your WC to 13? I hear a lot more info around using it as early as you ca for the biggest advantage.

      1. Mambino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I'm considering it, depending on how things look come GW7/8

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Who swings that would entice you? Presumably Man Utd for one.

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Leicester, City, United, Liverpool even Burnley if they ever sort their defence out.

        I guess we will have assets already from these teams but gives us a chance to double/treble up.

  8. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    My question is, can Wolves maintain their attacking numbers against deep lying defences in their upcoming fixtures?

    Traore has been key to their attacking numbers this season but he plays mostly on counter attack and has played against teams in first 3 gameweeks where he could do so.

    Thoughts?

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I think Wolves generally will maintain good attacking numbers, based on the fact that their manager has a fundamentally attacking approach.

      The question for me is more specifically whether Traore will maintain his attacking numbers as his skillset in particular possibly lends itself towards counter-attacking set-up. It might be that the dynamics of their attack change against weaker sides.

    2. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Put 2 players infornt of Traore, he will dribble both of them and crosses a ball either to head of Jimenez or to the moon.

      1. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        So the deep lying defence wouldn't stop him.

  9. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Tierney or Semedo?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tierney.

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tierney.

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Although I like Saiss if you fancy Wolves defence.

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I can afford Saiss but am still triggered by memories of him being dropped last year

        1. Weak Become Heros
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I think it’ll be Boly Coady Saiss as CB when all fit. Killman misses out IMO.

  10. jon.terry.tfh
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Kinda different wc draft

    Bachmann
    Semedo Tierney TAA
    Torres Jota Salah Raphina
    DCL CR7 Jimenez

    bench: 4.0 gk, Williams, livra, Sissoko.

    Torres and Jota are both punts but they can be easily swapped to Sarr, Mount or Traore. No west ham assets is scary but they play utd in gw5, and with the europa league coming i am not sure if they can sustain the performance. Tierney is a punt and will be swapped to James in gw7 alongside cr7. thoughts?

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

    Which is better GK and Defender Combo for 9.9?

    Current Backline:

    Steer XXXX
    TAA Shaw Livramento Williams XXXX

    A- Pickford + Semedo
    B- Sa' + Dier
    C- Bachmann + Reguilion
    D- Something else

    1. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      D. Raya + Saiss.

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sanchez Tierney and pocket that 0.5

    3. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      D. What about Meslier and Tierney.

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

    5. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Probably easiest to see the rest of the Team. Probably B, maybe Ayling instead.

  12. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    the second highest upvoted comment on this article contains 'If only healthcare workers had the freedom to leave you to die a very painful death.' and the MODS have let it remain, mob mentality doesn't only affect FPL transfers it seems

    I remember when people got banned for writing 'lol @' posts 😆

    1. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      In his defence that was a response to much more harmful/stupid commentary.

  13. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is having both Torres and Jota too risky? Wary of finding myself in the situation a week or so down the line where they're both benched or have majorly reduced minutes

    1. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'd go one or the other tbh.

  14. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I have been thinking of TAA to Dias, dunno why...

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Don't do it!

  15. squ1rrel
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Tierney + Sarr/Traore or Shaw + ESR?

    1. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Seen hundreds of teams with Traore .. he has 6 points from 3 games . Don’t get the hype .

      1. squ1rrel
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Great underlying stats just can't finish, nice fixture run coming up

        1. Baines on Toast...
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          The problem is better fixtures won’t improve his finishing ability

          1. Brimble82
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            7G & 15A over his previous FIVE PL seasons.

            Yes - that is stats for the total of FIVE seasons. Not an average. A TOTAL!

            Baffled by people being drawn in.
            The only way I’m considering him is if this site has switched to ‘Fantasy Athletics Scout’. Then he’s a great shout.

      2. Rassi
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        It is called trying to get ahead of the curve. Could pay big. Could fail too ofc.

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Shaw + ESR for the next few.

  16. sovietrockettes
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I’ve got a sexy one:

    A) Allan
    B) Sissoko

    1. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Anybody but Sissoko . He is complete garbage who’s game consists of passing to the nearest player no matter how many opposition is around that player .
      As an enabler who will never start is his only redeeming feature.

    2. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Allan for me.

    3. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I have gone Allan. Sissoko may not be as bad as others are suggesting though.

  17. Eman47
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you rather have

    A) grealish + fornals + .6 itb

    B) mount + Torres

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      b

  18. George James
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best option for next few game weeks

    A) Gundo + Mount

    B) Gray + Son

  19. as33
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Mahrez>Pogba? or any other?
    Have greenwood already

  20. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How's the below looking chaps?

    Bachmann
    TAA, Shaw, Coady
    Salah, Jota, Greenwood, ESR
    Ronaldo, DCL, Antonio

    (Steer, Ayling, Allan, Livramento)

    Just about decided to go without Lukaku for now, and will likely monitor Jota-Greenwood-Torres over the next few weeks as we see who gets rotated...

    Cheers

  21. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Wildcarding in GW5*

    Bruno and Toney -> Saka and Ronaldo (C) -4?

  22. cigan
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Barnes & Ings > DCL & Torres for exact cash looking good?

    Got Gundogan and no Everton

  23. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    2FTs. 1.2 ITB

    Sanchez
    TAA Coufal Shaw
    Salah Raph Bruno Benny
    Antonio Ings Toney

    Steele White Gilmour Tsimikas

    A) Ings --> DCL and roll other FT
    B) Bruno + Ings --> Torres + Ronaldo (free)
    C) Bruno + Ings + Toney --> Torres + Ronaldo + DCL (-4)
    D) Ings + Toney --> DCL + Ings (free and keep Bruno)

  24. Geordie19
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who you think scores more over next 3 weeks

    A) Wilson, Ings and Bruno
    B) Ronaldo, DCL and Jota

    1. Geordie19
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Who you think scores more over next 3 weeks

      A) Wilson, Ings and Bruno
      B) Ronaldo, DCL and Jota (-8)

      1. space mercenary
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        B

  25. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Think I'm approaching a final draft here. Any advice/opinions greatly appreciated.

    Sanchez / Steele
    TAA / Tierney / Coady / Williams / Livramento
    Salah / Raphinha / Torres / Jota / Allan
    Ronaldo / Antonio / DCL

    1. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty much in the same place.

      At the moment I have Shaw+Traore instead of Coady+Raph. The rationale being I want Raph but likely will just give up Torres for him when he gets rotated.

      1. Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thats sound logic, especially with Raphinha a potential doubt after international break.

  26. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How's this wildcard looking?

    Raya
    TAA Dias Shaw
    Salah Greenwood Torres Benrahma
    Ronaldo Antonio Dennis

    Gunn Allan Williams James

    Too risky with the at risk rotation players?

  27. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    is everyone wildcarding now then?

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, all 25.7% of voters in the poll are wildcarding.

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It will feel like it. But I can guarantee you that after the gw it will feel that everyone still has theirs.

  28. Mike2795647
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Mount or Torres? Torres gives me the ability to upgrade Jimenez to DCL if I need to.

  29. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ings, Toney, Bruno, Brownhill

    How likely is another price drop before deadline for these players?

  30. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    If you were to have a 1 week punt this week on any defender who would it be?

    1. Westfield Irons ⭐️
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Alonso

    2. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      mnf digne

    3. fc_skrald
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cancelo (or Tsimikas....)