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. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Looking for 1 Week punts will WC next GW? Got 2 FTs.
    Which of these are worth doing?

    A. TAA & Shaw > Alonso & Rudiger
    B. TAA & Shaw > Alonso & Christensen
    C. TAA & Shaw > Alonso & Mee / Tarkowski

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

      Alonso and Rüdiger.

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I worry Alonso is benched this weekend

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

    If Shaw is out as well, should I:

    a) Shaw+Ayling to Alonso/Azpi+Marcal/Coady -4

    b) Shaw to Alonso/Azpi (and play Duffy, have Sanchez)

    c) Ayling to Alonso/Azpi (and play Duffy, have Sanchez)

    Both Shaw and Ayling are going out of my team this GW and next GW either way.

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

      Of they’re both outbid do it now for the -4.
      Can you get Christensen & Cancelo?
      Assume you have Rudiger.

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

        Have Rudiger yeah, don't know if I want Cancelo for -4 this GW considering they play Pool away :/.

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

    Pretty close to set on WC now

    Ramsdale, Foster
    Rudiger, Christensen, Cancelo (xxx, Livramento)
    Salah, Son, Benrahma, Raphinha (Luiz)
    Lukaku, Antonio, Jimenez

    xxx = defender up to 5.2

    a/ Tierney
    b/ White
    c/ Semedo
    d/ Cash
    e/ Lowton

    Others?

    1. chriskon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nice team, I have somthing similar but the Son involvement is a nice shout.

      Depends if you want money in the bank but Tierney/Semedo would be my targets here. both have decent fixtures and are on a good momentum with alot of attacking play in them as well.

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

      I think KT is the most exciting option in his price bracket.

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

      Also thinking about bringing Son in myself, getting ahead of that curve.

      I do feel like you could replace Benrahma with someone like Saka, or even Jiminez->Toney & Benrahama up to someone like Grealish? Just at thought.

      Semedo would be my choice out of those defenders.

    4. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I did c

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

      Cheers all!

      Semedo/Tierney seems nice to me.

    6. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Your team value is incredible. I'm .7 short of that team 😀

  4. Reckoner.
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Having to start Livramento (away to Chelsea) and Shaw a doubt, is this lot worth a -4 in defense?

    Foster/Bachmann
    Rudiger | Shaw | Livramento
    Salah | Raphinha | Jota | Sarr
    Lukaku | Antonio | Rodrigo

    Brownhill | TAA | Ayling

    1. Reckoner.
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Can do Ayling > upto 6.4m

      If it was next week would be an easy move to Cancelo, feel Chritensen is the safe move if any this week? Not sure the -4 is worth it?

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

        Christensen as the second Chelsea defender seems good to me. Ayling out. That -4 ‘should’ break even with a 2pt to 6pt swing.

        1. Reckoner.
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          That is what I'm leaning to, the fear in me is saying what happens if Christensen is benched though.

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Same dilemma with picking Christensen for me so maybe tierney?

      2. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Similar situation. I did Ayling to Alonso.

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Semedo or Burnley defender?

  5. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Those who aren’t WC’ing this week but own Traore are you keeping or selling? Good fixture but risk of starting off the bench again

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

      Sell sell sell

    2. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Would never ever own this player. Never an end product

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

      Yeah such a shame as he could do bits if he had the end product, personally I would sell.

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

    I'm doing WC after this GW. How does this draft look?

    Sanchez
    Cancelo - Rudiger - Matip
    Salah - Raphinha - ESR - Gray
    Ronaldo - Lukaku - Antonio

    Foster - White - Livramento - Brownhill

    1. chriskon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      For having 3 big hitters, it's a good team. You have cover on bench if need be and your starting 11 seem nailed into the team.

  7. ExpressoMySonny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which of these 2 options for my WC?
    a) Toney, Ramdale, Grealish,Smith-Rowe
    b)Jiminez, Mbuemo, Saka, Sa

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

      A by a lot imo.

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

        Cheers mate i think so too, just a little worried smith-rowe or ramsdale gets rotated

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

          Ramsdale is pretty nailed. ESR could miss a game or two but he's played well and I think he'll get a run in the team.

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

      Close, probably B though

  8. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    The bad luck of FPL striking again. It just has to happen doesnt it that the week im going to be without trent is the week where my only other defender I can use plays Chelsea away.

    1. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If you’ve seen him play this season, and seen how suspect Chelsea’s left side can be, you should be encouraged

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Would have to disagree with this. The chance of Livramento getting any attacking returns are extremely minimal and he obviously wont get a clean sheet. Also Im not sure what is making you conclude that Chelsea are suspect down the left hand side. Alonso has played very well which is also relflected by the defensive stats. 4 clean sheets and Chelsea are joint 4th best in the league for chances conceded down the left flank.

        1. SouthCoastSaint
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          How many goals did Saints concede away at Man City? Likely up there with the lowest chance of a clean sheet this season. Chelsea were hugely fortunate not to concede against Villa. Chelsea are great defensively but from what I’ve seen of livramento, I’d be happy fielding him for Trent this week.

          1. gooberman
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Yes Southampton are up there with the lowest chance of a clean sheet. The lowest in the league in fact with just a 14% chance of a clean sheet which is the point Im making!!

        2. SouthCoastSaint
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          There ya go

  9. BIG TONES
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    ASM or Jimenez for the next few weeks?

    1. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Jimi for me. Looked hungry against saints - coming into form. Bit like Vardy when he gets going

      1. BIG TONES
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Tempting as he's potentially a set and forget through that great fixture run.

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

      Jim Jimenez, Jim Jimenez, Jim Jim Jerooooo

      His goal was brilliant las weekend, showed hunger and desire. Also, fixtures are looking good for him.

      1. BIG TONES
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks for your comment mate! I'm actually leaning that way now.

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

      You're welcome and good luck!

      Come on Jimenez!!!!!!!!

    4. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      ASM much better on stats , though. Wolves doesn't create much chances for Jimi

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

    Trying to line up the pros and cons of :

    Rudiger (5.7) vs Azpi (6.0) vs Alonso (5.9)

    and

    Raphinha (6.5) vs Saka (6.3)

    What do you guys think the best choices are?

    Rudiger:
    +Most nailed
    -Less attacking output

    Azpi:
    +should be nailed while Reece is out. and maybe even when he is back
    +can score and assist
    -expensive
    -subbed off in UCL after 62min showing that he can still rotate

    Alonso:
    +the best attacking output by far
    -has been poor in last two games and chilwell will surely play some of part of the season
    -subbed off in UCL at half time which is a really bad sign (Chilwell also played vs Villa in the Cup)

    Raphinha:
    +great underlying stats. can even be more attacking without bamf
    -risk of international travel

    Saka:
    +central to arsenal and good underlying stats
    -arsenal is unpredictable

    1. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rudiger Raphinha the sensible picks

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

        not worried about raphinha getting rested in gw8?

        1. Shark Team
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          No because he has massive potential, he can get a goal and an assist this weekend

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

      Reece isn't out though??

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

        he seems out

  11. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    who is selling TAA? he can do damage if he is back right after the international break

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

      I did last night, saw he was at 100 something at FPL statistics, didn't want to lose value on him and Shaw.

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

        you wouldn't have lost value on Trent

        1. Will Kane
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Exactly

          1. Will Kane
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Unless bought him at 7.6m?

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

          Oh f***... That's right, I didn't take that into consideration. Well had to lose him either way my defence was, Shaw-TAA-Ayling-Tsimikas-Duffy. So TAA had to go to fund Chelsea defender.

    2. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Keeping for now but I have the luxury of strong defence, Alonso, Rudiger, Cancelo, Livra

    3. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I sold him, but bringing back on WC GW8

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

    Bottomed:

    I've taken my first hit of the season, Torres > ESR and then Bamford > Toney last night. Am I G2G for this week? Will bring in Lukaku next week and some city defence in the coming weeks.

    Sanchez
    Rudiger - Marcal - Livra
    Salah - Jota - Gray - ESR
    Antonio - Toney - Cr7 (c)

    Steele - Sissoko - Williams - TAA

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

      Gtg yeah

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

        Amazing thanks mate.

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

      G2G.

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

        Cheers mate.

  13. vova
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bench 1:

    Dias
    Cancelo
    Toney

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

      dias

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

      Dias maybe? Cancelo with bigger chance of a attacking return. Don't see City keeping a CS away to Liverpool.

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

      Horrible benching headache

  14. Ëð
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    If I'm going to take a hit to get Lukaku in for Ronaldo next week anyway, should I just take the hit this week?

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

      Also thinking the same thing but I actually quite like Ronaldo this week so I'd personally hold off for this week anyway and bring Lukaku in next week.

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

        Cheers!

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

          Cr7 is my captain if that helps..

    2. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Think United-Everton will be a goalfest this week.

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

      On paper you'd think getting Lukaku in now makes sense because of the fixtures HOWWWEVEEER, I've got this feeling Ronny's gonna bang this week. Tough one. Good luck.

  15. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who do you think will score more points this GW?

    A- Saka
    B- Gallagher
    C- Zaha
    D- Jota + 4 points

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

      d

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

      D

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

      D

  16. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    TAA & Traore > Rudiger & ESR for -4??
    Y/N
    Would give me enough money in the bank to do Williams to Cancelo/Dias next GW
    Sanchez
    White/Rudiger/Semedo
    Salah/Sarr/Doucoure/ESR
    Ronaldo/Lukaka/Antonio
    bench...Steel/Sissoko/Livramento/Williams

  17. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Has that Everton clean sheet against *Norwich* made people think they are suddenly an impenetrable force or something?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Recency bias

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

      They're not. But they still have Benitez as a coach and he drills a pretty organized defense if nothing else. I don't see it being a cakewalk.

    3. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      For the joke team that is Man United, most teams are somewhat impenetrable

  18. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Ayling to Rudi, keep it simple
    B) This + Jota to Raph for a -4, free the cash for Cancelo next GW

    1. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  19. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who should you pick for a 1-week punt?

    A. Wood vs Norwich
    B. Sarr vs Leeds
    C. Jimenez vs Newcastle

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

      I'm a bit of a sucker for Chris Wood, A

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

      B

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

      Jim

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

      Like A, Norwich are that bad

      1. FPL ElasticO
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I'm also thinking what about Saka

  20. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Play:
    A) Semedo (NEW)
    B) Cancelo (liv)

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

      A

    2. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      a

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

      This was 1 of my dilemmas. Heart saying A.

    4. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  21. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    thoughts? w/c this lot, 1 ft, 0.4 itb

    sanchez

    taa* shaw* coufal* white
    salah raph benrahma jota
    Bam * lukaku antonio

    steele, bissouma* livremento

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

      Is Coufal out?If so, wc.

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

        hes a doubt, can do shaw to rudiger, maybe bam to toney/jimi for hit
        will be w/carding next week anyway, chel/city def in etc
        maybe just do it now

  22. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Jota and Ayling to Raphinha and Rudiger for a hit?

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

      Yes

    2. Pops15
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just the Ayling move if you can afford it

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

      yes

  23. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Worth losing Bruno to bring in Lukaku?
    Dont have any other Man U attackers and that would leave me with Salah & Lukaku as my only 2 premium players.

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

      No United is fine

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks. This confirmed my initial thoughts.

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

      Probably not for a hit this gw

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        have 2 FT and 8.1 for a Bruno replacement.

  24. boc610
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    so koch has injured his pubis...is bielsa taking the ****? 🙂

  25. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Come on give me a push

    1. Ten players playing
    2. Ayling to Rudiger (-4)

    (Def: alonso marcal / taa ayling tsimi)

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

      2.

    2. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      2

  26. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    a) TAA to Alonso- bench Marcal.
    b) a+ Marcal to Rudiger for a hit- bench Gallagher.

    Thanks.

  27. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    One week punt before wildcard. this would be for a -4.

    Jota >
    A) Havertz
    B) Bowen
    C) Raphinha
    D) Mount

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

      D.

    2. ace3.1415
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I would keep Jota

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

      C

  28. ace3.1415
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Wood, Jimenez or Rodrigo for this week only?

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

      Jimmy.

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

      Wood/Jiminez

  29. focaccia
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which is the best City mid ?

    1. ShaunGoater123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      my feeling would be foden going forward.

  30. curious_zombie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hi Could you pls RMT my thremium WC:

    Ramsdale, Foster
    Cancelo, Alonso, Rudiger, Duffy, Livramento
    Salah, Sarr, Mbuemo, Douglas Luiz, Sissoko
    Antonio, Lukaku, Ronaldo

    0.9 ITB

    Plan:
    1. 442 with Duffy/Livramento rotating nicely with good fixtures (Is Duffy nailed though?)
    2. Sarr to be moved on next week. Most likely to another 5.5-6m player(Gallagher/ESR). This will give me enough cash to bring in TAA, though I could go without him for the next 6 GWs and get another city defender instead as well.
    3. Convert Ronaldo + 4.5 m midfielder into one 7-8 mil forward and another 7-8 mil midfielder if any emerges
    4. I feel threemium is the most flexible formation - Would be difficult to get Ronaldo back if I spread the cash on midfield

    Thoughts?