Pro Pundits - Tom

Five-time top 1k FPL finisher Tom Freeman’s Gameweek 13 plans

Gameweek 12 has drawn to a close, and all in all, it was a pretty good one for me.

A total of 75 points has seen my overall rank rise to 57,377, and though it’s early days, it’s been a positive start.

Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) led the way with 16 captain points but there were also returns for Ben Foster (£4.1m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.8m), Antonio Rudiger (£5.9m), Joao Cancelo (£6.6m) and Adam Armstrong (£6.0m), who has started to pick up some form in recent weeks.

Now, as focus shifts to Gameweek 13, I thought I’d write-up some observations from Steven Gerrard’s first match in charge of Aston Villa, plus my own transfer/team plans for the weekend.

VILLA UNDER GERRARD – FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Steven Gerrard got off to a winning start at Aston Villa on Saturday, with a 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion. Lining up in a 4-3-3 formation, Gerrard’s preferred shape during his time at Rangers, Villa were much improved, especially at the back. As a result, they limited Graham Potter’s side to just 0.52 expected goals (xG) – their second lowest xG total of the season so far – with 0.28 of that figure arriving from one Tariq Lamptey (£4.4m) attempt during the first-half.

While Albion had a lot of the ball with 63% possession, they rarely looked like scoring, something Gerrard touched on after the game:

“Brighton had a lot of possession, but it was in the areas we wanted them to have the ball, so I’m really pleased for the players, proud of them, but it’s only a start, we need to go and back it up now.”

Ollie Watkins (£7.3m) and Tyrone Mings (£4.9m) got the goals on the day, but which players could benefit most from Gerrard’s appointment in Fantasy Premier League (FPL)?

Five-time top 1k FPL finisher Tom Freeman on Villa under Gerrard and his Gameweek 13 plans 1

Aston Villa’s average position map v Brighton and Hove Albion in Gameweek 12

1,026 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Geriatric Unathletic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone here?

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah this place isn't as lively as a few years ago. Unfortunately twitter has pulled a lot of ppl. Tbh, at least this place is pure FPL and not some bs clickbait, drama, sexism, ppl who cant tell difference between a bad mood and depression, and a whole bunch of non-fpl related topics.

  2. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who forgot to give Abe his meds?

    1. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Hulk please

  3. Big W
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Benrahma > Jota for a free?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Lovely, just let him come through tomorrow first.

      1. Big W
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        If he rises tonight I wont be able to afford, can just about afford him now, will he rise?

    2. Geriatric Unathletic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I would if Jota injury free.

      1. Big W
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        might rise tonight!

        1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          It’s closer to falling than rising atm on FPL Statistics

          1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            *he’s

        2. Ron_Swanson
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          No chance

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      yeah

  4. Geriatric Unathletic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    How did United get on tonight? Ronaldo do much?

  5. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Any news on raphinha?

  6. Geriatric Unathletic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Jota still on negative transfers and just over 50%. ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE he RISES TONIGHT.

  7. F4L
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Has Ait-Nouri started to take set-pieces?

  8. F4L
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Rudiger with a stunning assist

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

      Beautifully controlled

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Have to hand it to him.

  9. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ziyech bad for C & J. Corners on both sides with good delivery.

    Chilwell at least in the box for the corners...

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      James took at least one from the right side.

  10. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Nice piece, Tom.
    It would've been an hour podcast for some 🙂

  11. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    lol at Rudiger > Chalobah goal.
    Chelsea have broken fantasy positions this season.

  12. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Comment up for review because I shortened the word assist, lol @ this site...

    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      go with helper

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Lazy

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

      Sounds like a bum rap

  13. Champione
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A) Jota + King
    B) Gallagher + Jimenez

  14. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Chalobah’ FPL record this season-

    6 starts- Returns in ALL 6
    5 clean sheets
    2 Goals

    4.8 too, great player!!

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

    Chalobah will be playing for England soon at this rate.

    Out of nowhere

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      England have needed a Trevor for a long time. Sinclair gave it a go, but not up the gold-star Trevor standards set by Brooking and Francis.

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

        Trevoh, not Trevor.

        1. Boss Hogg
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Close enough.

  16. Walter White (WW)
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Just give Lewandowski the Balon d’or!

  17. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Thought United were poor tonight until Bruno came on. Villarreal's attack were also pretty weak. Chelsea obviously will be much more lethal in front of goal this weekend. James against Shaw or Telles will be a huge mismatch.

  18. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone know who got MOTM in the United game?

  19. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Reece James for captain really does look quite a good shout. He's so attacking and BPs magnet it's ridiculous. I'm not doing it, but a braver man could get 15+ points on that call.

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

      But prime fixture for Mo at home on the back of a rest midweek

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I know, I know. I learnt my lesson. Mo (c) but point is that James' points potential for this weekend is very high.

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

          I agree with you but is it really as high as Salah to even consider it? Think there will be plenty of weeks where you might go different this certainly doesn't seem to be one of those

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He looks so confident. Much braver on the ball than last season.

      Champion's League night against Juventus and he's taking players on and taking risks. Nice strong shot a few minutes ago.

      I'm happy to have James, but Salah is in another stratosphere when it comes to captaincy for me atm.

    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      There's still the slight risk of a benching/cameo with James. Much less likely with Mo. I think Trent is the real differential captain this week

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        This is what I'm going for. Was tempted last week (as well as Cancelo) but think I'll go for it this time

  20. Walter White (WW)
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Managers with double/ triple Chelsea defence are you guys gonna play all vs Utd?

    Think I’m tempted tbh but I’ve got triple Chelsea defence. Don’t know if I should play all 3

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Double, no doubt in playing them both.

      Who's your first sub vs Rudiger?

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Duffy

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Ugh, enjoy the headache 😛

          If you're a Sanchez or Raphinha owner I'd just go with the three Chelsea boys.

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Only have single and it's going to hurt my rank again. Another CS and attacking returns for the Chelsea defenders for sure!

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Oof. Think you should double/even triple up for the upcoming fixtures

        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah, my only hope is United score and Chilwell/James get rested vs. Watford and then I'll double+ up. Betting on Man Utd to do anything though is futile, basically a guaranteed CS this weekend!

          1. Walter White (WW)
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Think Utd could nick one tbh

    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I think you need to ask yourself why you own triple Chelsea defence if you're not going to play them

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Hahaha

      2. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        To rotate Rudiger with my many mid priced mids and fwds depending upon fixture.

    4. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Rudiger is my 3rd Chelsea defender, I keep swapping between him and Raphinha vs bha.
      Currently starting Raphinha.

      1. Walter White (WW)
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Tough call tbh. I’ve got Mendy, Chilwell, James

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Do not bench the full backs!

          1. Walter White (WW)
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Thanks 🙂

            I won’t

        2. Snevitz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          You definitely have to start those 3.

    5. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yeh playing mendy & chilly

  21. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone worth getting in this week for Demarai Gray? Max 5.7m

    a. Mbuemo
    b. Smith-Rowe (and sell Livramento for a 4.2m or less defender) -4
    c. Keep Gray

    Something else?

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Could also do Foden and Gray to ESR and Jota/Raphina.

    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I like ESR a lot - Arsenal have the easiest schedule in terms of days between games for the next few - so I expect him to play all - and think he's the best of those by far.

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks.
        It would mean losing Foden though.

    3. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Team?

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Sanchez (Steele)
        TAA, Cancelo, James, Chilwell (Livra)
        Salah, Gallagher, Foden, Gray (Bissouma
        Kane, Jimenez (Antonio)
        0.1m itb

        1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Maybe Antonio to King and Gray to Jota. OR wait 1-2 weeks and do Jiminez to King instead.

    4. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      What's your team? Formation is important. Maybe you could downgrade to a 4.4 like Brownhill and go big at the back

  22. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Great win for Utd and a clean sheet. They should probably give the job to Carrick.

  23. Fish up a tree
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    2FTs

    Thoughts on these options. Don’t have any fodder on bench at present

    No doubt Brentford hammer Everton this week & Mbeumo hauls!

    A Mbeumo & Foden for Jota & Gallagher
    B Mbeumo & Antonio for Jota & King
    C Mbeumo & Raph for Jota & Fodder
    D Mbeumo & Toney for Jota & Fodder

    1. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure about any of those but maybe C as Raphinha has some bad fixtures coming.

  24. Boo Ya Ka Sha
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Am i taking crazy pills for going Reguilon over Chilwell for the 4th defender spot? Already have TAA, Cancelo, and James.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not if Chilwell concedes vs both Uniteds and misses Watford.

      Spurs are still poor defensively though and Reguilon won't get a goal as lucky for a long time.

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Agree on both parts. But Regi is pretty much a forward now, so I think his 'luck' could tick on a little bit. Yeah, I wish Romero was back, but hopefully there's enough talent available to keep out Burnley, Brentford, and Norwich.

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes imo. Just get both Chelsea wing backs. Lateriser said it right. If Chilwell was a 6m midfielder, you'd buy him.

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yeahh, I guess I can get him if he's certain to start the Watford match. Just a couple concerns. Tuchel rotates. Their fixtures are toughening up. Kante's injured.

        Also, is it safe to say that Lukaku's return helps Chilwell?

    3. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I now have the same back 4 and am happy moving forwards.
      I got Reg in for Rudiger last week though, so that cost me 5 pts unfortunately!

  25. the Chaser
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Do away goals still count in the group stage ie to decide head to head between teams finishing on the same points?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      If it goes down that far.

      H2H then GD then GS...

  26. Cruyff's Eleven
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Mount rested tonight, or just not preferred by Tuchel?

    Contemplating if I should stick or twist...

    1. the Chaser
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      As a Chelsea fan, at the start of the season I felt he was nailed on, now I don’t get that feeling - so I would ship him

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah? You think his position is under threat by the likes of CHO, Pulisic, Ziyech etc?

  27. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Which pair is better going forward?

    A) Antonio + King
    B) Raphinha + Toney

    I'm leaning A atm just because King is the player I most want to keep going forward.

    1. tangtastic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      a.

      I've brought in King this gw

  28. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Benteke rising tonight?

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks 96.9 so unsure

        1. tangtastic
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          hard for any of us to say, we'd just be guessing too.

          there are wc trasnfers factored in, so the 96.9 is probably over what it actually is - but how much so... again its impossible to say.

          if you're tight for money and have to move, I'd say do it. Barring training session injury he should be good.

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Ok cheers

  29. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Chalobah on 50 pts :thinking:

  30. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    CHO wasteful … always needs to take another touch … seems very one footed.

    1. Will Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Just scored with his left foot

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      More like it … that’s what happens when you take it first time lad.