Pro Pundits - Zophar

Seven-time top 10k finisher Zophar on which players to target in FPL Double Gameweek 22

The long awaited Double Gameweek 22 fixtures have dropped and I would love to be all hyped and excited by going all in for such players but I’m just not at the moment. Let me explain why.

Here is the Season Ticker for the next six Gameweeks. Admittedly, a lot is uncertain as some of the remaining spare matches could be dropped into these weeks but we have to go with the information available at present.

Which players to target for Double Gameweek 22

Manchester United

I’m not sure what to make of this double, really. I don’t think the away fixtures at Aston Villa or Brentford are particularly easy, as both teams have shown they can be quite resolute on home turf. The Red Devils’ camp is not a happy place at the moment, so it is difficult to recommend their players with a high degree of enthusiasm. In attack, there is only Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.5m) as an option but his numbers are significantly better at Old Trafford than on the road.

In defence, their back four is clouded in uncertainty but I like the look of bringing in David De Gea (£5.2m), especially if you have Aaron Ramsdale (£5.1m) as your other goalkeeper. The appeal of Ronaldo is his good long-term fixtures but I still don’t know if I will be keeping him once Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) returns. It is likely that him or Son Heung-min (£10.7m) will have to make way and, as things stand, I’m leaning towards keeping the South Korean.

Watford

The Hornets are a team that really interest me ahead of the Double Gameweek. Their next three fixtures (new, bur, NOR) are likely to be decisive in their quest for top-flight survival and I don’t think Claudio Ranieri will be as defensive here as they were against Tottenham Hotspur. A trip to West Ham United isn’t bad for their attackers either but it gets a bit tougher afterwards against Brighton and Hove Albion, Aston Villa and Manchester United.

The way most of our teams are setup, we already have one Watford striker – either Joshua King (£5.8m) or Emmanuel Dennis (£6.1m). As a King owner, I have long been coveting Dennis so selling Michail Antonio (£7.8m) for the Nigerian ahead of these fixtures is very appealing. However, I know I will want Antonio back when both sides face off in Gameweek 24 and I could easily move Ronaldo to Antonio to fund a midfield upgrade to Salah. It does seem like too many transfers are being booked in though, such is the uncertain climate.

Brentford

This is a short comment. If you bought one of their assets for Double Gameweek 21 you would probably play them here but the fixtures really do not warrant any new purchases, with games against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester City and Arsenal soon.

Brighton and Hove Albion

The Seagulls are a bit of a ‘don’t buy, don’t sell‘ team for me. Their double isn’t particularly appealing – a derby against Crystal Palace and a tough rematch with Chelsea. I also don’t see a clean sheet away to Leicester City, with a blank in Gameweek 24 to follow.

Tottenham Hotspur

As it stands, Son will likely be my captain for Double Gameweek 22. The South Korean has historically performed well at home and is a big game player. Arsenal aren’t mugs anymore but the injury-ravaged Leicester City backline is very encouraging. Harry Kane (£12.2m) is a great option too, and one I prefer significantly over Ronaldo.

The defence is a bit trickier, though. Spurs will have their second Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea just before Double Gameweek 22 and, given they already trail 2-0, are likely to field a strong team there. I’d expect Sergio Reguilon (£5.4m) to start that one so will he be able to play the next two in a short period? I’m just not sure. I would prefer Emerson Royal (£5.0m) for that reason but, as he has shown over the past few weeks, his end product is poor. Neither of the fixtures are a clean sheet, in my opinion.

Burnley

I honestly expected Burnley to pick up during December as they traditionally do but it just hasn’t happened and the constant postponements haven’t helped. However, they have been better at home defensively, as the tables show below. I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the expected goals conceded (xGC) numbers because they’ve only played seven games at home, as opposed to ten away.

Which players to target for Double Gameweek 22 2

In terms of minutes per big chance conceded at home, Burnley are ranked tenth. The open-play goal attempts conceded looks good as well but I mention again, they have played several fewer home matches than most.

Which players to target for Double Gameweek 22 1

They are ranked second bottom for minutes per big chance conceded away, with only Newcastle United faring worse.

So there are two things I would read from this – firstly, a Burnley defender with two home fixtures is worth a punt. Someone like Matthew Lowton (£4.4m) will likely have three more doubles to come so is a decent long-term acquisition despite the difficult fixtures. Secondly, maybe we should temper our expectations on Leicester and Watford assets who are due to visit Turf Moor.

Burnley’s attackers are a no-go for me.

Leicester City

With Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.9m) at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and injuries to Patson Daka (£7.1m) and Jamie Vardy (£10.4m), the Foxes are likely to turn to one of Ayoze Perez (£5.7m) or Harvey Barnes (£6.5m) up top. Wilfred Ndidi (£4.8m) is likely to be a big miss in midfield, with Boubakary Soumare (£4.8m) likely having to play at centre back, perhaps meaning a deeper role for Youri Tielemans (£6.4m).

James Maddison (£6.9m) is the only one I would look at. Although the post-double fixtures aren’t very appealing, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them score in each of them and he is in good form.

Chelsea

Not much to say here, again a ‘don’t buy, don’t sell‘ policy, considering their upcoming blanks in Gameweeks 24 and 25.

My plans

Which players to target for Double Gameweek 22 3

I currently have one free transfer and £0.5m in the bank.

There’s a bit of reluctance to get rid of Demarai Gray (£5.5m), with Everton ranked third on the fixture ticker and two postponed matches still to be scheduled. I can’t really upgrade Bukayo Saka (£6.4m) to Maddison, either, not without a hit, whilst Arsenal have a decent fixture in Gameweek 23, too.

Reece James (£6.2m) is an issue that needs addressing, however. I could swap him for a Burnley defender or Emerson Royal but I really don’t want to be benching Joao Cancelo (£7.0m) either.

Antonio to Dennis is a move I’m tempted by, despite knowing I will want Antonio back in two Gameweeks’ time.

As it stands, I’m thinking of saving a transfer, with a view to get rid of James in Gameweek 23 and having two free transfers to get Salah back the week after.

Also, a quick word about using the Free Hit chip – I think there will be plenty of better opportunities to play it later in the season. The fixtures for this double don’t really appeal at all.

We will be discussing more about these teams and players in next week’s episode of The FPL Wire.

See you then!

555 Comments Post a Comment
  1. kime67
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Am i the only one who didn’t know it’s fa cup weekend

    1. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Nope, there's a chap in the Amazon Forest from an undiscovered tribe who didn't know either.

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

    Any early thoughts here? My initial plan was to BB, but that cancellation scuppered it a bit.

    Bachman (new, bur)
    Trent (BRE), Alonso (mci, bha), Reguillon (ARS, lei)
    Son (ARS, lei), Jota (BRE), Bowen (LEE), Gray (nor)
    Ronaldo (c) (avl, bre), Antonio (LEE), DCL (nor)

    Ramsdale (tot), Cancelo (CHE), Brownhill (LEI, WAT), James (mci, bha)

    I could take a -4 to get DGW players for Brownhill and James and still go for the BB? I really like the fixtures of all my SGW players.

    My intention is probably to wildcard shortly after to get Salah back. Then negotiate blanks and DGW with my 2x FH

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

      Ahhhh I think I will BB. Its not ideal but I can use a FH to get XI best players in the gw when somebody else might BB.

      The next big dgw is likely going to be late on in the season. Meaning you spend 3-4 gws before bringing in sub optimal players for it.

      Or you hold you WC till 1gw before that week which is arguably worse.

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

        I think I'd BB as well. You've set up for it and a couple of DGWers and Cancelo is very decent

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

    Vardy out for 8 weeks

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

      Daka time?

      1. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Could be a good option with Nacho at AFCON

        1. The Mentaculus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Will he be fit before Nacho returns is the question

          1. antis0cial
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            "However, Caglar Soyuncu and Patson Daka are set to return to face Burnley on the 15 January, while Ryan Bertrand is currently having a knee injury assessed."

            1. The Mentaculus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 2 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              Oh i missed that, thanks! Now to find a way to get him in...

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

    I could be going in North London Derby with (captain) Kane, Son, Reguilon and Saka, Ramsdale on the bench.
    I genuinely feel sick and might throw up all over my computer if I keep looking at it...

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

      You'll feel truly awful if Arsenal win and you had no faith. Got to at least play Ramsdale. Wouldn't Capt either Son or Kane in thier form

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

        I know. I have faith and I'm benching him only because Sanchez has a solid DGW. We're in better form and we play better football at the moment but none of that really matters in NLD. It's different kind of game.

        If I play trio and they haul ➡ happy in FPL
        If Spurs lose and they blank ➡ happy in real life

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      No way. I can't believe it.

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

        About my team selection or vomiting?

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

    Your help is needed please

    Would you WC this team or take a -8 (selling Salah, Mbeumo and James) instead (FH already used in GW21)

    Ramsdale De Gea

    Rudiger Cancelo James Mitchell Tsimikas

    Salah Bernardo Saka Bowen Mbeumo

    Jesus Lacazette Dennis

    1.5 ITB 1 FT

    Any ideas would be welcomed

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

      I'd take the -8 for 2 x DGW and Jota. Will need to look at the FW's next imo

  6. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    How do I get Son or Kane into this team?

    DDG
    Dalot TAA Cancelo (James Williams)
    Gray Mount Bowen Jota (Silva)
    Ronaldo Antonio DCL

    Only way I can see is James, BSilva & Antonio > Dier, Son & Dennis (-8)?

  7. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Zophar, are you assuming that everyone already has Son? Surprised you don't mention him.

    1. Beatle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      "As it stands, Son will likely be my captain for Double Gameweek 22"

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

      Hi WR, I've mentioned Son as my likely captain right at the opening of the Spurs section

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Ah, missed it because it wasn't in bold like the others 🙂

    3. Salan
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      ? Already stated: "As it stands, Son will likely be my captain for Double Gameweek 22."

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

        I think these are the best words to mention including and one step further.

    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Which Son? There's a team of Son..

      Ederson Alisson
      Robertson Patterson Johnson Jansson Dawson
      Son Maddison Gudmundsson Henderson Harrison
      Wilson Richarlison Richardson

    5. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Well this aged well 😆

  8. Millie7
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    De Gea
    Cancelo Reguillon TAA Lowton
    Gray Son Bowen Jota
    King Antonio

    Foster Salah Broja Coufal

    1.4 ITB 1FT
    Looking to move Salah to someone but not sure who?
    is it worth taking a hit to get another double gameweeker??

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Salah-> Maddison

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

    any of these two transfers worth a hit?
    1- Antonio > Dennis
    2- Gallagher > Maddison

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Prefer 2

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

        Thank you

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      1 definitely not
      2 depending on Madds injury report

  10. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    my team is in shambles for DGW, 1 FT, 1.7 ITB

    Sanchez Steele

    White Rudi TAA Cancelo Livra

    Salah Jota Foden Bowen Gray

    Laca Antonio Dennis.

    only have one FH left. still have my WC. please help

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

      Salah and Laca > Son and Ronaldo possible ?

      1. C_G
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        0.2 short. :/

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

          kane then

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

    Salah > Son and you'll be fine

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

      reply fail to C_G

    2. C_G
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      thanks

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

      This aged well

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

    Roy Hodgson has just walked in to my pub. 🙂

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      buy him a drink

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        * shots

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

          On target?

    2. Mario Balofail
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Just greet him. Maybe he buys you a pint hehe

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

      Ask him what do we think of Tottenham.

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

        I know how thatlll do.

    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Aah, another Son.

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

      ok...what's the punchline?

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

    Would you ship Gallagher ? And if so for who ?

    I want to get rid but a bit reluctant with Norwich on the horizon

    2m itb

  14. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Salah + Laca ---> Maddison + Kane (-4)?

    Cant afford Son.

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  15. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is it just me or is the player prefix on all of these articles (i.e. 'Seven-time top 10k finisher' Zophar) unnecessary and kind of annoying when the pundit isn't new?

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Readers might be new, I guess. And it does help give a bit of context into the experience he's writing with.

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

      Just you

  16. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Watkins + saka/Bernardo -> king/Dennis + son. -4?

    Worth it? And which options?

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

    Zophar, are you thinking of using the BB?

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I think we can safely assume not with James on the bench

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

      Two things putting me off -
      1. I need now 3 transfers to field 15 with the son injury, james and livra unavailable too. So that's a -8, not keen
      2. Too much uncertainty with covid absences

      1. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Son injury, you say?

        1. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Shite. Thought this might be a typo but it's happened! Damn.

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

        what Son injury?

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

          never mind

  18. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Would you transfer out James for a DGW-defender for a hit (already got Reguilon) or just start Cancelo?

    1. Bob.
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Start Cancelo

  19. thepancakeman123
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this free hit team?

    Kepa
    Trent, Alonso, Reguilon, Dalot
    Son, Jota, Mount
    Kane, Ronaldo, Dennis

    3.9, Gordon, Ramsey, Tsimikas

  20. Son injured - What now?
    Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    FFS Son… he’s out till end of the month, folks.

    https://twitter.com/jonathandveal83/status/1479458936151592969?s=21

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

      All of us in the mud then

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Salah keepers say hi

        1. Abra
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Why do we say hi?

        2. Grande Tubarão
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          They were already in the mud

    2. Kabayan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Now i don't have any DGW player bar Dalot

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      sh1te

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

      Get Moura instead

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

      10 years on FFS, first time having my post hulked. Let me bookmark this.

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Congrats. Think the only post of mine which has ever been hulked in my career was about Sebastian Coates being nailed for Sunderland. What a sad story.

      2. JoeJitzu +42
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        And lovely that you started the post with FFS too in recognition of this great site 🙂

        1. Grounderz
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          😆 It was meant as an expression for frustration.

      3. Toby Lerone
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        My only one was finding a guy on twitter who had insta stalked Lindelofs Mrs to figure out her baby due date to see if lindelof would miss the doubles one year!

    6. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      It's a shame as I have held off wildcarding and using free hits in the hopes of having a decent DGW22. I would free hit, and still might as I want Son in the long run, but one of my -4s was to get Ronaldo. Now not sure whether to even bother with him on FH - might just get Kane and be done with it.

    7. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Blimey. It’s all kicking off. My team has Xmas lights lit up

    8. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Most disappointing double gameweek ever, and it hasn't even started.

    9. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      *quietly punches the air*

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

      So its Maddison for me & C Cristiano

    11. dvdguy
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Maddison

    12. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Just going to keep Salah I guess.

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

      This changes everything 😳

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Salah holders justified!
      😆

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yeahhh Salah holders unite.

        But then I got Son too 🙁

  21. winchester
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hey lads, have 1ft and 5.6m itb. what could be done here? cheers!

    ddg*
    taa - cancelo - reguilon*
    bernardo - jota - bowen - son*
    antonio - watkins - dennis*

    (foster* - saka - keane - livra)

    livra out for a brighton defender?
    could do watkins -> ronaldo?

  22. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Son of a ...

  23. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks Conte...Sons crying now

  24. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Mahrez to Son (-4) went really well!

  25. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Now only have 2 DGW, it looks as though the 2nd FH will now be activated!

    1. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      but wont be doing anything until about 30 minutes before the deadline!

  26. KieranKA
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    1 FT, 3.0 ITB. Any advice?

    Sánchez // Foster
    Trent Cancelo Reguilón // Coufal Livramento
    Salah Jota Silva Bowen // Brownhill
    Watkins Antonio King

    (A) Salah → Son
    (B) Salah, Watkins → Son, Ronaldo (–4)
    (C) Salah, Watkins → Raphinha, Ronaldo (–4)
    (D) Salah, Silva → Son, Raphinha (–4)

    I'm trying to determine route back to Salah in each case. For A and D, I could just swap Son straight back to Salah in GW24/25. For B and C, I might need to take another hit in GW24/25 to get Salah back.

    1. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Timing 😀

      1. KieranKA
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Oh my, just saw this

  27. FPL_Gazza
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Son out until after the international break

    1. Lilac Breasted Roller
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Feb 9?

  28. Andrew
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Son > ?

    Playing my FH this GW

  29. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Kane a better or worse option without Son?

    1. Lilac Breasted Roller
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Historically should be worse right, fewer assists or getting those telepathic assists from his Korean soulmate