Fantasy Bundesliga

Fantasy Bundesliga: Longer-term planning with the unlimited transfers

Our Fantasy Bundesliga picks will follow later on Friday but for those thinking about longer-term planning with their unlimited transfers, world number three FBL Thinker discusses the best options.


With the Rückrunde (second half of the season) beginning from the weekend, we look to build our Fantasy Bundesliga team for the upcoming fixtures. Whilst selecting it, here are a few factors taken into consideration:

  • With the ongoing Covid situation, player picks have tried to be distributed amongst several teams so that a game postponement can be managed by having squad depth.
  • With the next unlimited transfer window being on Matchday 27, these players are for the long run, as the three transfers given per matchday will be mostly used to replace players due to Covid or dealing with such match postponements.
  • The squad value considered while building this squad is 169.0m, as this is roughly the average team value for most active squads in Fantasy Bundesliga.

Now let’s get straight into the player picks.

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GOALKEEPERS

MARK FLEKKEN (7.8m), MARVIN SCHWABE (1.2m)

Freiburg’s Mark Flekken has been one of the standout ‘keepers after registering six clean sheets in the first half of the season and also saving around 80% of shots on target, thereby becoming the highest-scoring goalkeeper in the game. With a stable Freiburg defence that has been difficult to breach and an upcoming fixture against shot-shy Bielefeld, he remains the one to own.

Marvin Schwabe got his place in the starting line-up due to the injury of first-choice keeper Timo Horn. However, he has done well in his five starts, keeping Koln’s first clean sheet of the season on Matchday 17 against Stuttgart and saving 68% shots on target. Costing only 1.2m, he is a great enabler, and comments from the Koln coach suggest that he may keep his place between the sticks in upcoming matches.

Alternatives: Manuel Riemann (5.8m), Lukas Hradecky (9.2m), Andreas Luthe (5.6m)

DEFENDERS

RAPHAEL GUERREIRO (14.4m), ANGELINO (14.4m), AARON MARTIN (3.6m), BENNO SCHMITZ (5.0m), NIKO GIESSELMANN (5.2m)

On his day, Raphael Guerreiro is one of the best attacking left-backs in the world but his first half of the season was hampered by muscular injuries. His three goals and two assists have come from only seven starts, indicating the potential of a fully-fit Guerreiro during the second half of the season. He is on free kicks and occasional penalties, so a ready Guerreiro can deliver Fantasy points both defensively and offensively.

Leipzig’s Angelino has looked like getting back the form that saw him become one of Europe’s top left-backs in the 2020-21 season. Under a new coach, he is playing in his preferred left wing-back position and has been involved in their attacking play by providing three assists.

Aaron Martin is playing left wing-back in a solid Mainz backline and, at just 3.6m, is, therefore, one of the best cheap enablers around. His attacking runs and crosses from the left are a constant threat, averaging seven points per match in the first half of the season that included a huge 20-point haul against Hertha Berlin. Koln right-back Benno Schmitz is yet another cheap enabler – one with four assists in the first half of the season that has made him an integral part of their system.

The biggest surprise of the season has been Niko Giesselmann. The Union Berlin left wing-back has provided a trio of both goals and assists, averaging eight points per match. He has been a go-to asset for a steady return of points. With upcoming matches against Leverkusen, Hoffenheim and Gladbach, he can continue his stream of attacking returns alongside clean sheets.

Alternatives: Borna Sosa (10.7m), Jeremie Frimpong (7.6m), Danilo Soares (6.8m)

MIDFIELDERS

FLORIAN WIRTZ (13.4m), FILIP KOSTIC (17.3m), VINCENZO GRIFO (14.8m), DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI (12.1m), GERRIT HOLTMANN (5.1m)

Leverkusen wonder-kid Florian Wirtz has taken the Bundesliga by storm, with his five goals and eight assists from the first half of the season testament to his involvement in their attack. His goal-creating rate is the league’s highest, even overshadowing players like Thomas Muller and Christopher Nkunku. Ahead of upcoming fixtures against Union and Augsburg, he is the first midfielder in my team.

Filip Kostic is one of the most consistent players in the Fantasy game, averaging ten points per league start. Four goals and two assists do not truly reflect his impact on the Frankfurt side, as he is the heart and soul of their attack with constant crosses and corners that end up being most of their goals.

Similarly consistent, Vincenzo Grifo is the heart of Freiburg’s attack and is instrumental in their overall attacking play, chipping in with three goals and two assists as their set-piece and penalty taker. He plays 90 minutes in most matches, to add another layer of reliability.

The mercurial talent that is Dominik Szoboszlai, with a potential showcased during his huge 25-point haul against Stuttgart that included scoring one of the goals of the season. His contribution of three goals and four assists doesn’t do justice to the talent, partly caused by his playing time being impacted by frequent rotation. But now, with many of Leipzig’s midfielders heading to AFCON and a potential injury to Emil Forsberg, he has a chance to cement his place as a first-choice starter. Perhaps star teammate Nkunku could be deemed a better option, considering he is about to return from Covid.

Bochum’s Gerrit Holtmann is the fastest man in the Bundesliga and one of the main creative sources for a defence-first team. His first half of the season was hit with injury yet he still managed three goals and two assists. Priced at 5.1m, he is a cheap midfield enabler about to face a depleted Wolfsburg side.

Alternatives: Jesper Lindstrom (8.1m), Jude Bellingham (13.1m), Florian Kainz (8.8m)

FORWARDS

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI (21.2m), ERLING HAALAND (18.3m), PATRIK SCHICK (15.6m)

Robert Lewandowski should be the first name in your Fantasy team. The Bayern hitman scored 19 goals in the first half of the campaign and will expect to maintain this rate. He is a reliable star option for most weeks, having a good points return even in tough matches.

Erling Haaland is the hottest young striker in the world right now and the main man leading Dortmund’s attack. He has 13 goals so far despite missing a major chunk of matches through injury. Now fit and raring to go, he is another must-own asset. The second-highest goal scorer in the league with 16 goals is Patrik Schick. On fire since returning from injury and playing for one of the league’s most attacking teams in Leverkusen, he should rake in the goals.

Alternatives: Anthony Modeste (9.3m), Andrej Kramaric (15.9m), Jonathan Burkardt (7.9m)

156 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Arsenal have sent Maitland Niles on Loan, Partey and Elneny to Afcon.

    If they don't sign a midfielder in this window that is mismanagement on a very high level.

    Can't have Xhaka and Lokonga as the only two mids for the next month. I have a feeling Wilshere is going to sign.

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Mismanagement on a very high level is a bit dramatic...I'd save that type of chat for maybe if they panicked and signed an injury prone player who hasn't played a game for 2 years just because a couple of players might miss 2 league games

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

        Seems your opinions are as old as Pat Bonner.

        Arsenal need new centre mids and now is not the time to send players out on loan if they're not signing anyone else.

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          You want them to sign Jack Wilshere

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

            No, but I think it may happen.

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

    Bottomed

    RMFHT

    DDG
    Alonso - Reguilon - Tarkowski
    Son - Bruno - Maddison - McNeil
    Ronaldo - Kane - Dennis

    Bachman - Brownhill - Cathcart - Williams

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

      I like the Bruno punt. Don't think I'd have Reguilon, McNeil or Alonso in a free hit team. I'd still have some single game week players. Bowen, Trent, Antonio etc.

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      It looks good but the danger is single GWers could easily outscore some of the DGWers. Jota or TAA over the Burnely boys and downgrade Bruno

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

        Really like Burnley as a punt

        They are playing Leicester and Watford who are decimated by injuries and absentees

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Go for it, but like you say it is a punt. Even with a double, Burnley and Bruno have shown zero form to warrant a pick over the likes of TAA Jota and West Ham players for me

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Could be an exciting transfer this for Villa. No lose as don't think they have obligation to buy at the end of the loan

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

        no obligation, correct.
        there is an option to buy, however.

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

      Gerrard strikes

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

      Interesting …. What do you think FPL price him at?

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

    would you do these moves for -4?
    Salah-Gallagher > Bruno/Son (Have Kane) -Maddison

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Sor Son and Maddison

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

        Bruno or Son + Maddison yeah

  4. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Which the best 4.5 or below defender to go for? Planning to get rid of Rudiger in order to upgrade Gelhardt to Dennis. Lowton at 4.4 has a double but it's Burnley and the games are not too good post that.

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Lamptey worth a look. But why sell Rudiger when he has a double?

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Only to facilitate Gelhardt to Dennis who I think has a much better upside than Rudiger.This is my team:

        DDG Sanchez
        TAA Cancelo Reguilon Rudiger Livra
        Son Bilva Bowen Jota Saka
        Ronaldo Antonio Gelhardt

        Don't know who else to downgrade

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          you on BB? If not maybe just Bsilva to Maddison

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Won't be able to afford Maddison. The maximum I would have if I transfer out Bilva is 6.2

            1. Pat Bonner
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              You could not get Dennis I mean? Team of DDG/TAA Cancelo Reguilon Rudiger/Son Maddison Bowen Jota/Ronaldo Antonio looks good to me

              1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                • 7 Years
                2 years, 2 months ago

                Aah ok. Yes, makes sense. Thanks.

            2. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              how is that possible? Bilva costs 7,5

              1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                • 7 Years
                2 years, 2 months ago

                Gelhardt to Dennis will leave me with just 6.2

                1. Pat Bonner
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  Lookman might be an option if you really want Dennis

                  1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                    • 7 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    Yes, just posted the same below. Will watch him closely now. Good they play before 22 starts.

                2. Christina.
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  I'm referring to "if not maybe just Bsilva to Maddison"

                  1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                    • 7 Years
                    2 years, 2 months ago

                    Yes, but the Vardy injury situation has suddenly made it interesting. Can look at doing Gelhardt + Bilva to Dennis + Lookman.

                    1. Christina.
                      • 14 Years
                      2 years, 2 months ago

                      That I like.

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

    Mount or Lookman (should he be playing ST) on a FH?

    B allows Trossard first sub compared to, A, a 4.3 midfielder. Mostly DGWs, so unlikely a player would miss altogether, important to note*

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

    What's your thoughts on Daka guys?

    Ihenacho at AFCON, Vardy injured, isn't the slot Daka was waiting for to prove himself here? Looks like Rogers trust him and Daka has proven during the gametime he was granted so far that he was a reliable asset (EL and PL)

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

      Could be good but just as I wrote below a lot of players will be sitting on Antonio, Ronaldo and one of king or Dennis who will you sell to get daka?

      Even dcl has Norwich so it’s hard to sell

      Maybe if you still have a watkins you can go to daka

      1. rnrd
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        watkins indeed as Coutinho (and Ings) puts a question mark over him imo

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Is he not injured as well? Plus I think Zambia could still get called up to play in AFCON

      1. rnrd
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        thanks for that valuable info. Totally missed the info Zambia was in standby

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

    Dennis king double up would be fun but you really can’t sell Antonio at home against Leeds he could easily get a brace

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Thats why the cool kids are going King+Antonio+Dennis

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

        That would be good but would mean selling Ronaldo

        Actually that might be a good idea

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I dont own Cr7. Selling Watkins.

  8. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy out for around a month, hamstring injury. https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jamie-vardy-injury-leicester-city-6454638

    Daka still out a couple of weeks. Iheanacho at AFCON.

    Think Lookman (6.0) could be an interesting OOP DGW22 option.

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

      Definitely one to monitor this weekend and in part 2 of game week 21

      Have a good day, rains of castamere

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Have a good day Steve The Spud 😉

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

      Guessing their attacking lineup is something like

      Maddison Tielemans Shrewsbury-Hall
      Perez Barnes Lookman

      1. lespaul
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        is Shrewsbury-Hall a new signing?!

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

          Been around most of the season just the past month starting and playing well given their injuries

      2. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        FFS seems to think maddi up to in place of Barnes with ALbrighton in place of maddi.

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      That just might help my Gelhardt + Bilva to Dennis + Lookman move. Tuesday evening suddenly became interesting!

    4. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes I asked this above re Lookman, heavily considering myself.

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

    Hello. Good to go for doubles?

    Sanchez*
    TAA, Rudiger*, Cancelo
    Maddison*, Son*, Jota, Bowen
    King*, Antonio, Watkins

    Foster, Livramento, Foden, White

    1ft which would be used on Watkins>Dennis, giving me 6 doubles players, but ofc waiting until last moment with actually doing the transfer

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

    Can you justify using FH1 on this team?
    1FT 4.5m itb due to Salah sale
    Any transfers made I’ll need to assess post dgw not just a one off

    DDG (Steer)
    Trent Cancelo Keane (White Livra)
    Son Jota Foden Bowen (ESR)
    Antonio Watkins Dennis

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      -4 would have you well set I think. Maybe even not needing the hit

  11. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    If you had two free hits would you use one of them for this DGW or save? My current team is below.

    De Gea

    Cancelo | TAA | Cash

    Son(c) | Bowen | Foden | Jota | Gray

    Ronaldo | Antonio

    BENCH: Gunnarsson / Broja / Johnson / Dalot

    Thanks

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

      Save. This DGW is naff … and could get worse if some of the doubles are cancelled due to FACup results.