Pro Pundits

Gameweek 7 Wildcard team reveal: Lukaku over Ronaldo plus double City and Arsenal

Ex-FPL winner Simon March: How to avoid getting carried away with your GW1 picks

After a Gameweek 6 score of 44 and a fourth red arrow in succession, I embraced the ‘Sunday night Wildcard’ cliche and finally pushed the button. For this article, I’ll be sharing my current draft and a bit of the thinking behind it.

First off, a word on the timing of the Wildcard. While I had my fair share of yellow flags and underperforming players, it was mainly the concern that I would be priced out of the team I wanted that made me choose this Gameweek. As you’ll see, this necessitates greater investment in the Liverpool v Man City fixture than I’d ideally have liked and a Gameweek 8 Wildcard would not only have avoided that but, also, have allowed me to better mop up any problems that might occur during the preceding international break. 

However, neither of those factors seemed significant enough to warrant holding off and, equally, there are opportunities to be gained from tapping into some of the good Gameweek 7 fixtures.

Finally, I’m approaching this Wildcard with a fairly long horizon and am targeting the players and teams that I think can deliver for the foreseeable future. Equally I’m seeking enough depth that my squad can cope with the unexpected. My hope is that this will help me establish a reliable enough foundation that I can use my transfers progressively rather than reactively going forwards.

So, without further ado, here’s my current Wildcard draft.

Goalkeepers

The Kasper Schmeichel (£5.1m) / Danny Ward (£4.0m) Leicester goalkeeper rotation is a hill I’m willing to die on this season having already had it from the start. While they are not the most popular picks between the sticks (ooh that rhymes), at least not in the FPL community, they haven’t done badly, averaging 3.0 points per game so far, despite Leicester’s dismal defending.

Schmeichel is second for saves made, which helps him in terms of save points and bonus points but just the one clean sheet is not all that convincing a return. That said, I do believe Leicester will improve, particularly with the return of Jonny Evans (£5.4m), and, also, that it is more likely that they will sort out their defensive problems than some currently better-performing options are likely to maintain their defensive solidity.

Finally, at £9.1m combined (£9.0m for me), Schmeichel/Ward offers a strong certainty of a playing goalkeeper for a fairly low cost.

Defenders

My strategy for the defence is to get three near-to-nailed-on players from what appear to be the three best defences in the league (Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea) and then, ideally, leave them for the rest of the season so I can focus my transfers elsewhere.

1,736 Comments Post a Comment
  1. winchester
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    when will Ole announce shaw's fitness? Need him to start.. otherwise won't be able to field 11 without a hit.

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

      Wouldn't be surprised if half of us are taking a hit.

    2. zes
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Tbh I think people stress a bit too much about playing ten players. I’ve been down to nine before and still got a green arrow. It tends to be the bulk of your points come from three or four players anyway

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

        True. I was planning on getting rid of Shaw for Rudi next week anyway, so I just brought it forward. Only take a hit if you intend to keep the incoming player long term.

  2. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1ft and 1.2itb. Current team:

    Foster
    Veltman Livrmaneto Shaw*
    Salah Bruno Jota Raphinha Benrahma
    Antonio Jimenez

    Bachmann; TAA*, Ayling*, Scarlett

    Ayling -> Rüdiger, Silva or Christensen? Livramento 1st on the bench if Shaw doesn't play. Wildcard will be acticated on Saturday after the deadline.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rudiger

  3. 1lifesoccer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Has Alonso really become a major doubt this week. Am i a dreamer for thinking he was taken off at half time to be rested....

    Sanchez
    Alonso Rudiger Laporte
    Salah Benrahma Sarr Odegaard
    Ronaldo Lukaku (c) Antonio

    subs .. Livramento Allan Hoover

    Am i good to go

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      What's soccer?

      1. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Is the slang word for football that actually was coined by the English but uses to bash Americans/Aussies who also love the beautiful game

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Thank you. Back here in the twelth century we call it joustball.

    2. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Almost certainly rested is my opinion

      1. zes
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Rested at half time when his team is losing? Come on man

        1. Kellz86
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Not rested indeed, tactical switch, Chillwell is a better defender than Alonso but as I stated below I don’t think Chilly did enough to directly oust Alonso yet

          1. zes
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Fair but it adds a question mark. Chilly won’t sit on the bench all season, eventually he’ll be back in the squad

          2. bench boost for every gamew…
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Tuchel is pragmatic, so he saw that Alonso was not suitrd for high tempo game and was caught in being out of position too often, with Juve breaking up play to counter. When Chelsea need pace in that space of the pitch Chilwell is a better option. But there is so much variance to this which we dont know, so why Tuchel have played Alonso is sp3cularion based, it looks like Chilwell not in the best physical condition, that could be part of it, but trying to read how Tuchel is going to line up vs Southampton om not sure its doable on the basis of that Juve game.

            1. bench boost for every gamew…
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              1. All those substitutions, how do you read that? Will Christensen be more likely to play vs Saints because he was talen off early or was it something Tuchel saw he did not like? Same with Azpi.
              2. IB is coming up and all defenders minus Chilwell is going to be part of their National teams, with variance of how much, but was that in Tuchel's mind? We dont know.
              3. What kind of defense do Tuchel thinks suits vs Saints? Point is: so many factors its almost impossoble to read clearky from.

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

          He did have a yellow card so that may have been part of the decision

      2. 1lifesoccer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        it was 0-0 @ half time mate .... so Alonso was not responsible for the 2nd half collaspe

    3. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Alonso off was tactical, but Chilwell didn’t perform strong enough to directly oust Alonso imo.

      If you have good bench cover I’d go with Alonso

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

        Whilst that's true, I'd posit that although Saints are a damn good side, they are no Juventus. It might be a good opportunity to start Chillers and get him up to spec.

  4. La vida FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    If TAA is confirmed out... will Tsmikas play?

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

      Milner and Robbo most likely.

    2. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nah it will be Milner or even Gomez will play at right back. Tsimikas is a pure left back

    3. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If it rains in Africa, will it be sunny in Europe?

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Funnily enough, I'd imagine there's some type of logic that makes it slightly more likely

    4. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You need to get your mum to knit 'left' and 'right' on your mittens.

  5. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) play Livramento
    B) Ayling > Cancelo (-4)

    I had planned to do B next week anyway, but currently have TAA and Ayling out this week.

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Don't take a hit

  6. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    TAA to Rudi or Jota to Raph? Wildcard next week probably

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rudi

  7. The Knights Template
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Daniel Sturridge to Perth Glory. His career reaches its highpoint!

  8. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have Rudi already but need to get someone else for a hit this week, which option would you choose?

    1) Get Cancelo, Greenwood out next week to Saka

    2) Get Alonso, means no City def but Greenwood to Grealish next week

    1. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      City def over Grealish IMO, I’d go for the Cancelo/Saka route

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      1

    3. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks!

  9. Kellz86
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On WC almost set to go:

    Ramsdale (Foster)
    Cancelo, Alonso, ?TAA? (Livramento, White)
    Raphinha, Salah, ESR, Benhrama (Brownhill)
    Lukaku (c), Jesus, Antonio

    0.6 ITB

    Thoughts on TAA -> Rudiger? It would leave me enough extra in the bank to get TAA back after the IB in one FT.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It's a popular move.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep, I'd make that move

    3. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I play White and bench TAA

  10. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Final(ish) WC draft. GTG? Got decent cover for Raph in GW8, and 1.8 ITB in case I want Trent or Grealish after the IB.

    Ramsdale Foster
    Alonso Rudi Cancelo Tierney Liv
    Salah Raph Saka Sarr Benrahma
    Toney Lukaku Antonio

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Like it

    2. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’m moving off Sarr on my WC as fixtures get tougher after this week

    3. DMP
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Benching headache.

    4. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Tierney money seems wasted on the bench, White offers better cover for subs/Raph and saves you more

    5. Il Papera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm on very similar so hopefully looks good! Happy to risk Alonso?

      I have Dias over Tierney and only 1.4 itb rest the same.

      1. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, I think there's enough on the bench to absorb the Alonso rotation risk for now.

  11. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Rank them as fantasy assets regardless of price (FPL Draft Game):

    A) Pinnock (BRE)
    B) Jansson (BRE)
    C) Cash (AVL)
    D) Mings (AVL

    Cheers!

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

      C,D, A,B in that order.

      1. Ibralicious
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks!

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cdba

      1. Ibralicious
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers!

  12. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Nothing worth a hit here right?

    Sanchez
    Rudiger Shaw Livramento
    Salah Raph Benrahma Greenwood Sarr
    Ronaldo (c) Antonio
    No bench

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No

    2. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks solid. No bench needed fingers crossed

  13. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hi all,

    Would really appreciate some advice

    Foster/Sanchez

    TAA/Shaw/Duffy/Ailing/Livramento

    Bruno/Jota/Greenwood/Gray/Salah

    Jiminez/Antonio/Obefemi

    2 free
    TAA/JOTA/OBEFEMI------> Marcal/DLuis/Lukaku? -4

    Can't see any other way to get Lukaku in.

    1. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I like the move. Jota TAA not playing anyway, Lukaku and Marcal have great upside this week. For -4, go for it!

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Some are worried Lukaku won't score.

  14. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Last FPL Draft question- who's the better FPL asset, regardless of price?

    A) Ferran Torres
    B) Barnes

    Cheers!

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Barnes. They need to actually play to be an asset.

      1. Ibralicious
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        😀 I have Mahrez so fully subscribed to the pep roulette at this point

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          The house always wins!

    2. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’d keep Torres in draft

      1. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        In draft yeah, over the season he will get more chances

  15. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    So sounds like taa back against Watford right? So my plan taa Jota bam to Christensen raphinha kaku -4 is not worth now?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Where did you hear this?

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

      Right????

    3. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Groin issues never seem to resolve in the projected timeline, I wouldn’t bank on TAA being fit until we hear more around the IB

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        They take forever and you can't just come back and go hell for leather.

    4. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think it depends on what you think is best for your team. To me, without knowing who you have on bench to come in, those moves looks fine, as 2 players not playing and Jota plays City.

  16. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Annoyed Kane scored as he was my secret weapon.
    Anyway folks how is this wildcard?

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo Rudiger Christenson
    Salah Raphinia Saka Gallagher
    Kane Lukaku Antonio

    Foster Luiz Livra Williams

    1. zes
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn’t worry about people buying Kane en masse

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Raph gw8 plan?

      1. Tinmen
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        What you mean?

        1. Kellz86
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          He means if Raphinha doesn’t play gw 8 due to being called up during the international break

          1. bench boost for every gamew…
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Of he plays that last game, there could be some arrangements here. Jimenez is most likely to only play his 2 first games and then is permitted to leave for the third, this could be for several of those South Americans. Brazil does not need all those european based players as they have No problem in that group, and also so much quality players to choose from. We will know more during the Ib

  17. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Any thoughts on this WC please?

    Ramsdale, Foster,
    Dias, Alonso, Cancelo, Rudiger, Livra,
    Salah, Raph, Gallagher, ESR, Brownhill
    Lukaku, Antonio, Jiminez

    2.6 ITB to get Trent back and an extra 1.2m spare.
    Might get Azpi instead of Rudiger?

    1. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Bold, I like it.

      Sounds like you’ve got it sorted

    2. Couch Potato
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nice, but would do Brownhill > Duggie Luiz for only an extra 0.1

    3. unholysmoke
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Consider Azpili in for Alonso. Rotation risk after rubbish outings last weekend and midweek. Otherwise this is a lot like my draft, although I don't think the Wolves goals will suddenly start flowing. I have Alain Saint-Thankyoumaam instead.

  18. Kellz86
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Double Chelsea def is getting busy by Southampton isn’t it…?

    1. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Busted*

      1. Denis Tueart on the wing
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Possibly, is why I'm questioning below!

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

      Saints attack has not been too prolific so far.

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Easy CS you'd think.

      1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        That would be Burnley the week

    4. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      yep

  19. Denis Tueart on the wing
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On wildcard:
    a) Tierney & Kovacic
    or
    b) Alonso & Douglas Luiz
    (already got Rudi & Lukaku)

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B. Alonso is the most exciting player in the game and Tierney will get injured

  20. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    One week punt before WC -

    A. Raphina (LEE)
    B. Havertz (SOT)
    C. McNeil (NOR)
    D. Gallagher (LEI)
    E. Barnes (cry)
    F. Toney (whm)
    G. Some else ( upto 9.7m for a mid or 6.6m for a striker)

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B or E

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Raph the clear candidate

    3. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    4. PURPLE-RONNIE
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rodrigo

  21. Herogrows
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    The number of people taking hits this week, I reckon if you don’t make any it’s a sure fire greenie incoming!

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just need a Jota return

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      At the start of the weekend.... Maybe not by the end tho.

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

      Yeh, that's not how it works. Was it GW3 I took a -8 to get Ronaldo and Lukaku when they both hauled?

  22. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you :

    A) Jota > Saka (play Livreamento)
    B) TAA > Rudiger (play Jota)

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      B

    3. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Definitely A

  23. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Everton's training video had DCL doing some individual work, but expected to miss the United game, correct?

  24. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    play:
    a. Marcal
    b. Duffy

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

      A

    2. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  25. tuvok
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Does anyone know if we will get further updates from West Ham? (particularly worried about Coufal)

    1. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      They usually post the latest team news before Premier League games so yeah. Perhaps Moyes will talk to the press today as well. Watch out for press conferences timings.

      1. tuvok
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers!

  26. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anything here worth a hit?

    Sanchez
    Tierney, Shaw, Dier, Semedo
    Salah, Raphinha, Sarr
    Ronaldo, Antonio, Jimenez

    (Steele, Gray, Sissoko, TAA)

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Play gray

      1. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah? For whom?

        1. Chelsea91
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Dier

        2. Arteta
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Instead of Dier. Villa will score.

          1. The Knights Template
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            This

  27. Chelsea91
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Mendy
    Rudiger,Coady,Marcal
    Sarr,Raph,Salah,Gray,Benny
    Antonio,Lukaku

    Steer Livra Taa Scarlett

    0 FT , 3.0 itb

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Three Chelsea, you made it! Outstanding (but I don't like the Scarlett Witch).

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I will get Dias for Coady or Marcal. Scarlett will sit on my bench until next WC or i need extra striker.

  28. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    This is my WC Team

    Ramsdale (Foster)
    White / Cancelo / Alonso / Rudiger ( Livra)
    Salah /Raph /Saka (Biss.- Brownhill)
    Lukaku / Ronaldo / Antonio

    Your advice needed plz.

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ronaldo and Lukaku kill your team.

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Will downgrade Ronaldo and upgrade someone to TAA but right now it seems the better WC to me

        1. Chelsea91
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Cheers

    2. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks solid! Little light on defense, but I am a fan of the attack and this formation in particular.

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Trent will come after he he gets fit

    3. Herogrows
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Luiz instead of brown hill the rest looks aces !

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Brownhil has the fixtures and he has slightly better attacking threat

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks fine. Good luck.

  29. as33
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to start this GW ESR or Toney?

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Toney

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      ESR

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Both ideally.

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Toney

  30. Jafalad
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Got 2 frees - what would you do with this lot?

    Sanchez Steele

    TAA, Christensen, Semedo, White, Livra

    Salah, Greenwood, Allan, Benny, Jota

    Lukaku, Antonio, Bamford

    Cheers 🙂

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Bamford to Jimmy?

      1. Jafalad
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yes thinking that one too.

        Also Greenwood->Raphinha

        1. Chelsea91
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Bamford injured , better bamford to jimmy. Greenwood will start.