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. noahzark22
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Salah, Pogba, mbeumo, Benrahma.Ings, Antonio, shaw, Digne

    Need to get 0.4 to fund my Vardy to Ronaldo for free transfers this week

    I'm looking mostly at Benrahma to Gray or Doucore or Ings to Toney/maupay/ pukki.

    Any other thoughts?

  2. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On WC, would you have Dier for one week and transfer to Ayling next, or,
    Play one of Ayling, Livramento or Williams?

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

      Livra

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

      Probably play Livra, planning transfers is a pain.

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

    Best option?

    A) Save ft (Capt Salah)
    B) Toney + Bruno ----> Ronaldo (C) + Jota/Raph (-4)

    1. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      hmm, probably B.

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

    4. One Wheels Enough
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A (Capt Bruno)

    5. luk46
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B looks good, can still give captain to Mo if you want

    6. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    How's the below looking chaps?

    4.5
    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

    1. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jota to Doucore

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

        Thanks, not really a fan of Doucoure and don't fancy the EVE double up. I'm assuming we get some Firmino news and he's out for a bit, but let's see.

    2. jay01
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If you went with lukaku how would it look

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

        It's basically:

        DCL, Jota, Greenwood, ESR

        vs.

        Lukaku, Raphinha, Sarr, Ayling

        1. jay01
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          If lukaku is fit i am actually going for the latter.. exact players!

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

            Cheers, just can't decide to go with big Rom or not!

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

          Apart from DCL I think I prefer the Lukaku option personally. Raphinha, Sarr and Ayling are nailed and all have a good run of fixtures, Jota is a risk unless Firmino is out for a while, and while I'd imagine Greenwood is pretty safe until Rashford is back I can still see the odd benching. Not too keen on ESR, if you're going for a 5.5 off of Arsenal I'd go for Odegaard, playing no.10 and looked decent v City before the sending off.

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

            Hmm yes, good shout. This would be my 'Lukaku Team':

            4.5
            Trent, Shaw, Coady,
            Salah, *RAPHINHA*, *GRAY*, Smith-Rowe
            Ronaldo, Antonio, *LUKAKU*

            (Steer, Ayling, *SISSOKO*, Livramento)

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

              Looks really strong to me with a very capable bench. Your call in the end of course, two good options but I definitely like the look of that

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

                Cheers. Think Im heading towards Lukaku!

    3. luk46
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      not a massive fan of Coady and ESR, would want Raphinha since its a wc?!

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

        Cheers. Coady should be decent with their fixtures!

  5. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A - Salah + Said
    B - Lukaku + Jota

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

    Allan or Sissoko as fodder?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Allan

    2. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sissoko looked great

    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Allan

  7. jay01
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Are premium goalkeepers useless? Like is there any point getting them?

    I predict Mendy to get 18cs this season, wonder if hes worth the 6 mil

    1. jay01
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Was thinking mendy and duffy (10 mil) over rudiger and sanchez (also 10).. with rudi more likely to rotate with CL

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

      I started with Martinez and shifted him for Sá this week. I think one of the 5.0m keepers will be value this season.

      1. cravencottage
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Agree- Sa, Meslier, Schmeical all look good

        1. jay01
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I agree.. just wonder if theres ever a situation that a premium 5.5+ is of value? Or are premium gks useless in all situations

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

            It tends to be the case that premium keep the most clean sheets but get few save or bonus points because their defences are so good. They can block a third spot if you later want to triple on a top side; mind you, Ederson can save you rotation-ache.

            1. jay01
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              How many total points would you say its worth it for a 6mil keeper?

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

      There will be better value ones, but it’s not always easy to know which - my main issue is that it blocks a Chelsea spot, wingbacks, Mount and Lukaku all nicer picks imo

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Ngl my plan for chelsea was 2 defenders and Lukaku. Feel like the likes of mount kai hakim pulisic and maybe even CHO may rotate a fair bit.

        In an ideal world for me its Lukaku, Chilwell and a nailed defender/gk.. but cant tell who is nailed bar Mendy

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

        Best value is at 5.0, I reckon. I can keep hold of Sanchez up to GW7, but then I'll need to decide between Sa, Meslier and whoever has the gloves at United. Need a few weeks for a clear contender to emerge.

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

          Yeah agree, Meslier and probably Sa look good - have a feeling Guaita is the best 4.5 but no real evidence of that just yet

        2. jay01
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I get that but say if a team keeps 18cs do you think a 6 mil gk is worth it?

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

            Ederson might be. But you might want 2 Chelsea defenders plus Lukaku, or TAA, Salah and Jota from Liverpool - something like that. So you get loads of points from your keeper, but at the expense of not getting any from a third player who could outscore him.

  8. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Final piece of the puzzle...

    a) Shaw, Tierney/Semedo and Gray

    b) Tierney, Semedo and Benrahma/Traore/Sarr

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

      A

  9. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Please pick one from each
    1) Dias
    2) Cancelo
    3) Rudiger

    A) Jota
    B) Greenwood

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Rüdiger Jota

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

      2a

    3. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2a

    4. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      3b

  10. The Fantasy Doctor
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A: Martinez and Ings to Sa and DCL (if fit)
    B: Martinez, Fernandes and Ings to Sa, Torres/Jota/Greenwood and Ronaldo (-4)

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      if you pick A, is there any possibility of getting Ronaldo in?

      1. The Fantasy Doctor
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Not without hit(s).

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

    1.0 ITB needing help to finalize this team.

    Sanchez
    TAA, Shaw, Rudiger, Coady
    Salah, Greenwood, Torres
    Lukaku, Pukki, Antonio

    Bench: Raphina, Brownhill, Williams

    If Firmino is out then Jota can come in for Torres.

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I would try to go Pukki > DCL or downgrade him to 4.5m and upgrade Coady

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

        Coady and Pukki will rotate - Raph will play most weeks just not this one against Pool

  12. luk46
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    what do you prefer? both moves would be for a hit.
    A - Tsimikas + Fernandes + Ings > Duffy + Jota + Ronaldo
    B - Fernandes + Toney + Ings > Gray + DCL + Ronaldo

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Depends on Firmino/DCL.

    2. A Fat Spanish Waiter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hard to say without knowing the rest of your team, but a few observations: 1) wait to get more news on DCL and Firmino; 2) if you don’t have a playing defender, then A is better; 3) if you do have a playing defender, then I like B better.

      However, if DCL and Bobby are hurt, AND if you have a playing defender, why not do just Bruno + Ings to Jota and Ronaldo?

    3. luk46
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      got quite a good defence with TAA Coufal Shaw (Livramento), so I guess I prefer B myself, even tho it would mean I cant get Jota in (triple Liverpool already)

  13. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Last Man Standing

    Over 2700 qualified for GW4.
    Scores needed after hits are 71, 55 and 50 for GWs 1-3

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/6dcode to enter.

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

      Have a feeling i would be the last standing man this season.

  14. jay01
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Assuming Lukaku is fit, what do you think of this WC?

    Sanchez (Steele)
    Rudiger Shaw Digne Ayling Livramento
    Salah Jota Raphina Sarr Gray
    Ronaldo, Lukaku, 4.5 striker

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

      That midfield is pretty inflexible - I don’t know if having those two premiums up top is worth the sacrifice

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        7.5, 6.5, 6.0, 5.5.. feel i can make any switches and i am not feeling any other mids above 7.5 atm.

        Guess its picked on gut feeling. Think the front 2 are fixture proof but i can downgrade one if it somehow goes terrible lol

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

      Very Nice team!

      Compromises are no TAA, A slightly weak midfield and maby A bit too much spent on defence. But luke it!

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        The no TAA is my achilles heel atm. I feel lack of squad depth and a tough CL run will catch up with liverpool. But yeah hes the one im missing.

        With the mid im not aure who else i want haha

        And the defence.. well i could get taa, a 5 and 4.5 but that is similar price to rudi shaw and digne who i think will get cs

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

          Agree! With 3 good 5+ defs pretty assured to play, you could save 0.5 on going Williams over Ayling, and upgrade the 4.5 def

          1. jay01
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Maybe.. i guess.i got ayling cos leeds have a good run, its just in case someone gets rested or i suddenly hate gray lmao

  15. Mogger11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Everyone on here seems to think Torres is a huge rotation risk. Granted, every City player is but why, with Jesus playing well from a wide position and no other number 9 at City, is there so much scepticism about his minutes? Have I missed something? Any words of enlightenment will be gratefully received.

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

      When fit KDB has played as a 9 and with Foden returning it’s likely all city players will see more rotation.

    2. A Fat Spanish Waiter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He is a class player who could be benched at any time. If you can figure out Pep, you will win FPL.

    3. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Quite likely he starts the next game and then one more atleast, but the amount of times people have been burnt by Pep's roulettes, it's pretty understandable where the skepticism is coming from.

      1. Mogger11
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks guys. I’m more than au fait with Pep roulette but could you make the case that it’s only Torres (and maybe Jesus who has been wasteful in the past) who can actually lead the line? Could you argue that Torres’ minutes are actually some of the most secure?

        1. Mogger11
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          KDB has had a few spells as a false 9, I know, but nobody sees him needing to play there soon do they? Ah blow it. It’s Pep. Who ever knows. Just trying to decide whether to do Ings and Bruno to Ronaldo and Torres.

    4. Smell the Lavender
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lots of false 9s at City.

  16. 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)

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

      Save one transfer if you can. There is an Ings on both side of the equation in D)...

    2. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

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

    Gilmour away against Arsenal - is this the time to actually play him? (will be instead of Ings)

  18. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I’m starting to think Ronaldo is benched

    Really messes up my plans

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What makes you say that?

      I expect he'll be thrown straight in given he is fit and his status.

  19. AleksaMaster
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    1) Raphina + Rudiger or
    2) Jota + Coady

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2

  20. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    a very nice article. What it obviously does not consider in its entirety is the possibility of bouncing between the big hitter forwards. Going from Ron to Kaku is an easy move; abit more difficult the other way round. Hence the need for 2 big hitters and TAA in each group (Def Mid Forward).Bouncing is a lot easier then.