Pro Pundits

My latest FPL Gameweek 8 Wildcard team: Foden, Son and Hwang in, Antonio out

A lot of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers have pushed the Wildcard button, including me, so I thought it would be a good time to talk about my current draft after tinkering for about five days.

Please take note that this is a draft and I don’t know where I will be with my team when Gameweek 8 eventually arrives.

GOALKEEPERS

The best FPL goalkeepers for a Gameweek 7 Wildcard

Currently, my goalkeepers are Aaron Ramsdale (£4.6m) and Ben Foster (£4.0m). Foster currently sits in my team as the second ‘keeper because he’s the most likely starting £4.0m goalkeeper out of the other options but obviously, we don’t know for sure what the situation will be with Claudio Ranieri now at the helm.

The goalkeeper spot is one I’m struggling with the most at the moment. Ramsdale does look like he has the number one spot and it is between him, David Raya (£4.6m) and Robert Sanchez (£4.6m) for me. Arsenal with their new-look defence have looked fairly steady and like I mentioned last week in my article, we are not relying on the short sample size of this season alone. In the second half of last season, Mikel Arteta’s team were the fifth-best defence for expected goals conceded (xGC) in 2020/21. Also, Arteta does come across to me as a defence-first coach whereas the Bees might go out and play a little. I also like the look of defenders from Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford, who offer a slightly higher goal threat compared to the £4.5m options from Arsenal.

DEFENDERS

Jimenez ends goal drought as Arsenal claim convincing north London derby win 7

In my defence, Tino Livramento (£4.2m) picks himself because of Southampton going on a great run of fixtures. He has shown a lot in attack and the Saints have shown some newfound defensive resilience as well right now.


 1

Only those with a Fantasy Football Scout account can read this piece in full but you can pick up yours for free via this link.

 1

And if you want to know more, me and my fellow Pro Pundit Zophar chat Wildcards on the latest episode of The FPL Wire which you can view below.

362 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Stockport Hatter
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Morning

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

      Evening from Australia

  2. Don Van Vliet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Good morrow, sir.

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

    Increasingly liking the Foden inclusion. I had a look at the numbers for Torres, Foden, Grealish:

    Foden
    2 starts, v tough - Che and Liv
    xGI 1.14
    minutes per xGI: 171
    Penalty area touches: 13 (1 per 15 minutes)
    Big chances created: 1
    Big chances scored: 0/2

    Grealish
    started all 6
    xGI: 2.54
    minutes per xGI: 202
    Penalty area touches: 40 (1 per 15 minutes)
    Big chances created: 1
    Big chances scored: 0/2

    Torres
    started 4/6, easier games: Tot, NOR, ARS, Lei
    xGI: 2.08
    minutes per xGI: 117
    Penalty area touches: 25 (1 per 12 minutes)
    Big chances created: 0
    Big chances scored: 2/3

    Grealish for me seems further behind Foden. His stats compare even less favourably to Foden for the last 2 games when they have started together.
    His xGI drops to 0.6 (250 mins per x GI) although the same number of penalty area touches.

    Also, Foden has the same number of big chances created and scored, in less games.
    As you might expect from Torres playing OOP, he hasn't created much.

    Foden for me atm. If only we knew if he would play!

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

      Very nice. Olise stats against Leicester were even more special. He is a talent. So is Leon Bailey.

      Certainly ones to watch

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

        yeah, Olise looked very good when he came on last week. and only £5.4m

  4. Mr Bird
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC draft? Going for maximum flexibility with 0.3 ITB to move Jota on after Watford.

    Ramsdale Foster
    TAA Azpi Rudiger Cancelo Livra
    Salah Jota* Raphinha Mbuemo Doucoure
    Lukaku Antonio Hwang

    *Jota stays for Watford due to Firmino’s Brazil commitments then moves on to Foden or similar.

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

      Looks good but might have some benching headaches there. Is Firmino with the Brazil squad? I thought he hadn't been called up.

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

      Looks good but I'm personally wanting Son in my WC team. I'd downgrade Doucoure and Either Ass pee or Rudiger and get Son instead of Jota

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I like that D. Nice team.

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

      Firmino isn't with Brazil!

      1. Mr Bird
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Ah must have missed that. Thanks!

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

      Feels a bit indecisive to me but it's a good 14 without question.

      Specifically not sure about double Chelsea defence over double City - pretty much all the data point the other way and not sure immediate fixtures should count too highly as power defence is more likely a long term play.

      A Hwang sceptic 🙂 Not seeing anything in his career history to suggest much at all.

      1. Mr Bird
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah maybe you’re right. Azpi over Dias was an attacking decision and depending on TAA’s fitness I could easily move either to Dias. I can downgrade the bench but unless Raphinha returns early from international duty it would mean playing Mbuemo vs Chelsea.

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

    Hey lr. You think that boomer is way out in front of Smith - Rowe, in that price bracket?

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

      Yep imo yes

  6. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Play Livramento or Sarr for GW8?

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

      I'm playing Livramento. But by the time deadline arrives, Sarr will probably be gone...

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

      Sarr

  7. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Could this work? Thoughts? Supposing James fit…

    Ramsdale Foster
    Rudiger James Cancelo Livramento Duffy
    Salah KDB Foden Raphinha Mbeumo
    Antonio Jimenez Iheanacho

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It could but I would be a bit concerned about no TAA and the risk of rotation with City and James. You do have bench cover in case if this however.

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

      In effect you are losing TAA to get an 8th attacker. Doesn't add up to me especially when the 8th attacker involves Nacho and Foden.

  8. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Well that random Son rise has made me bitter. Off he goes out of my WC

  9. Fodderx4
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Morning All, currently on a wild card....
    Who would you prefer to rotate with Hwang and Mbumbo
    a) ESR
    B) Townsend (Already have Gray)

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

      B

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

      A

  10. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here?

    Sanchez
    Alonso, Rudiger, Reguillon
    Salah, Jota, Raphina, Benrahma
    Ronaldo, DCL, Antonio

    Steele, Livarmento, Semedo, Bissouma .3itb

    Thanks

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Don't think so

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

  11. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Been offered Gundogan for AWB in a draft league (position not an issue). Snap his hand off right?

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

      Gundog undoubtably worth more if KDB gets injured, otherwise it might be kinda even

  12. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Foden looks like a guy that has a City triple up and has just seen the team sheets on match day in that picture above.

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

      His owners reaction will be the same 😆

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

    Looks decent. What do we think of christensen as a way into Chelsea defence?
    Would allow me to go for son as well on wc...
    Sanchez foster
    TAA cancelo christensen White livra
    Salah son raphinha mbuemo gilmour
    Lukaku antonio hwang

    If not son could be foden and upgrade hwang and christensen

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

      With White and Livramento as backup, it shouldnt be an issue. But there will be weeks when he wont play and other CHE defenders can score big, could get annoying.

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah very true, that's what I'm concerned about. Has to be rudiger then right?

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

          Yeah, Azpi would be ideal for me.

          1. waltzingmatildas
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Is he nailed?

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’d much prefer Foden over the next 3.

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Hmm. Very tempted to wc to go for it.....
        Sanchez foster
        TAA cancelo azpi white livra
        Salah foden raph mbuemo ESR
        Lukaku antonio Armstrong

  14. AD105
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts/suggestions on this WC team? Only major concern is no TAA but would plan to bring him in in a few weeks time

    Ramsdale Foster
    Cancelo Dias Rudiger Duffy Livra
    Salah Son Raph Mbuemo Brownhill
    Lukaku Antonio Toney

    1. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Who do you think you'll sell to free up enough cash for TAA? Currently I have a similar WC team but ESR instead of Raph so that I've enough cash to get TAA in a single transfer.

  15. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Not a bad side. Your 7 to 9 mids are missing and going to this price point could be a problem. Duffy is a risk in terms of fixtures and rotation imo

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Sorry. Alexis

  16. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    An unexpected Sonrise at 2:30am

    Interesting

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah that came out of nowhere.

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

      Think the surprising rise all but prices me out of him, maybe it’s a blessing in disguise though. Just means my WC tean will be more balanced, but I know he loves to troll me so get ready for another 200 point season when I won’t have him again…

  17. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Do I need to wc or just take a hit to do Ronaldo to Lukaku?

    Sanchez
    Alonso Azpi TAA Marcal Tsimi
    Raphinha Salah Benrahma Sarr Gilmour
    Antonio Toney CR7

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

      Not at all clear that Lukaku is a better choice than Ron this week in any event.

      I'd be more concerned by the Alonso Tsim combo personally with a highly unlikely start for Raph - although don't see that is worth a hit either.

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

        Lukaku got back to scoring ways with Belgium v France. That must help.

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

      The straight swap for a hit would be fine for me. Don't think it requires a wildcard to save that hit unless you think you want to move a few others

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd save and get Kaku next GW. Brentford are top 6 or 7 in the PL for most defensive stats this season which is much better than Leicester who have conceded more shots in the box than anybody this season.

  18. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Guys,
    Is this team worth wildcarding to the below?

    Sanchez foster
    Shaw christensen ayling White livra
    Salah raphinha benrahma sarr gilmour
    Lukaku Antonio Ronaldo

    Sanchez foster
    TAA cancelo azpi white livra
    Salah raph foden mbuemo ESR
    Lukaku antonio Armstrong

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      So
      Shaw christensen ayling benrahma sarr gilmour ronaldo
      To
      TAA cancelo azpi foden mbuemo ESR Armstrong

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

        I think them changes are decent, and enough to merit wildcard. Depends what stock you put into holding wildcard. Personally getting it out of the way is a positive for me

        1. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah, it was always the plan to do it this gw but i couldn't decide. I know I probably don't need to, but I think it does improve the team massively.
          I think the only concern is losing ronaldo this week....

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

            Having the plans are great, but also the landscape of game can change quick. Your ok without w/c, short term possibly better with.

            The concern is real and I get it but don't worry about it. I ain't owned Ronaldo or lukaku once myself

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

        Could be worth a WC. I would downgrade ESR or Mbeumo to a 4.5 and upgrade Armstrong.

        1. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Hmm with cancelo, azpi possible rotation risks, and no raph this week, I think it's worth having 8 playing fwds. Thanks though

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

      Much prefer the second team but don't see that this is necessarily the right week for WC.

      I actually like the Ron Rom combo this time around and can see two clean sheets from more or less any combo in defence. Ayling isn't the worst this week for example. It's not as if Southampton have been banging in goals and Leeds restricted Watford to nothing last time with no one in defence.

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, reluctant to lose Ron just this week. Hmm tough, maybe I stay strong for one more week

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

          It's really the multiple uncertainties of a post IB week that would kill it for me.

          I'm not at all sure that I wouldn't hold off from WC until after the next IB when CL is essentially done and dusted and form defences are clearer. It may take a couple of hits but I'm not seeing anything especially broken in your team. White could very easily match Rudiger after all.

          1. waltzingmatildas
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Cheers!

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

    1ft any suggestions please!?
    Thanks

    Sa
    Semedo Trent Livra Christensen
    Salah Gallagher Raph
    Lukaku Ronaldo Antonio

    Steer D.Luiz Sissoko Williams.

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Any money in the bank?

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

        Sadly not

        1. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Would probably save for now, then downgrade Ron next week and upgrade elsewhere

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

      Roll

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

      Ronaldo to Hwang, Sissoko to KdB

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

    GTG??
    0 ITB 0 FT.

    Sanchez (Raya)
    Dias - TAA - Rudiger - White - (Williams)
    Salah - Saka - Jota - (Sarr B1) - (Allan B2)
    Lukaku - Antonio - Jimenez

    Got in Dias and Raya for a hit.

  21. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Saturday mornings just aren’t the same without an fpl deadline !

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

      this

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

        Have they improved in the last few years? I used to frequent and it was page a minute stuff with lots of posts, no replies and multiple cut and pastes! Give me a slower pace of page any day

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah that’s true! I’m more talking about just generally looking forward the game week (before the inevitable disappointment)

          I don’t post on here before deadline really as it’s just a million A or B questions from people who’ve already made the transfer and just looking for validation

  22. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez
    Azpi Rudiger Coufal
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Raphinha
    Ings Antonio Toney

    Foster Semedo Allan Veltman

    A. Bruno to Salah
    B. Azpi to Cancelo
    C. WC
    D. Roll
    E. A better move?

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

      A but you've listed Salah in your team already

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

        Thanks. It had to be Bruno to Son. Let me repost.

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

      A ? otherwise B

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

        Thanks. I made a typo. Will repost.

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

    On WC

    1. Antonio and Townsend
    2. Hwang and Foden

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

      i like 2 as a long term move but wouldn’t lose Antonio just yet

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

      As I have both 1 and none of 2, I should side 1. That said, 2 does look appealing

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

    can’t get Cancelo with a straight transfer got to take a hit by losing one of Ron or Jota
    a. Do it cause it’s a long term move
    b. Save ft and do it next gw

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

    Timooo!

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

      Werneeer!

  26. Gentle_Turks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I'm sick of the price manipulation. I'm talking about the Son rise last night. Only a net 60k transfers in this week and yet he rises. Prediction sites had him around 50% only. Of course the people who run this game make the rules and they can do what they want but surely we deserve a level playing field with all price changes working the same way regardless of player / timing etc?

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

      Tin foil meet hat

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

        The facts speak for themselves.

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

      Surely it is a level playing field when no-one knows? Could say the same with people who have access stats etc. Personally the rise/falls are what they are, part of the game. Make a transfer early if price is an issue(you know the risk of that)

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

        I'm not asking for the algorithm (although why the timing of price changes should be a secret at all is a pertinent question) but I object to the occasional human touch / nudge.

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

          Guess it's fair if you think that is what happens. Its not a new gripe so I can see your angle. I would go the other way and say as soon as the threshold is met, it changes there and then, none of this roughly same reset time. Doesn't bother me as I dont put much stock in price rises any longer, so apologies if my initial reply sounded snide

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

            No worries. The unexpected Son rise has messed with my wildcard, hence my sour mood.

    3. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just a game.

  27. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    G2G for GW8, taking a punt on Torres, good enough bench to cover:

    Sanchez
    Cancelo Azpilicueta Cash Tierney
    Salah Torres Raphinha Gray
    Lukaku Vardy

    (Steele, Benrahma, ASM, Tsimikas)

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

    Sanchez
    Azpi Rudiger Coufal
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Raphinha
    Ings Antonio Toney

    Foster Semedo Allan Veltman

    A. Bruno to Son
    B. Azpi to Cancelo
    C. WC
    D. Roll
    E. A better move?

    (Reposting due to error in the last post)

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

      Roll

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

        Thanks. Why not B?

  29. Father72
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bissouma and Ronaldo out; Salah and Hwang in a good shout?

    1. Father72
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Haven’t taken a 4 point hit in nearly a season hence the Q…

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

      Yes, assuming you dont have any other route for Salah

    3. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yup

    4. CoKane & Zohores
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Bissouma out with his Hwang in. K give you consent for that.

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

    Weekends just aren't the same without the emotional rollercoaster that is FPL.

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yup … IB sucks.

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

      Breaks are important, otherwise it will result in exhaustion 😀