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. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What’s the story with Son? How long is he out for?

    1. jay01
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      2 gwks it looks like

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

        That pushes me over the line on the free hit then

        1. jay01
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I would wait as i expect Conte to update us next week anyway.. he has that game vs chelsea and then the weekend prem games

        2. Sgt. Schultz
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          How many DGW's before Transfers for you?

          1. Sgt. Schultz
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            *DGWeekers

          2. jay01
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            I have Sanchez in goals, Dennis, King only.

            Bringing in Ronaldo, maybe one more for a hit but unsure.. my single gwkers have good fixtures

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

    Best transfers?
    A) Son and Watkins to Maddison and Kane
    B) Son and Gallagher to Maddison and Bruno

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

      I'm considering A, don't trust either but more trust in Kane than Bruno at present

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

      A. Prefer Ronaldo if you can afford the extra .3 though

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

    5dgw with no transfers, both FH in hand and WC

    a) Son to Maddison - bench Watkins
    b) Son + Watkins to Maddison + Kane (-4)
    c) FH

    Bachman*
    Alonso* TAA Coufal Cancelo
    Mount* Jota Bowen
    Ronaldo* Dennis* Watkins

    Ramsdale Livramento Martinelli Son**

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

      A, but bench Coufal instead

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

      A

    3. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B

  4. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    DDG*
    TAA Cancelo Dier*
    Son Jota Bowen Gray
    Ronaldo* Antonio Broja

    (Gunn Keane Foden Livra)
    1 FT & 1.6m

    A) Broja & Son ➡️ King & Bruno -4

    B) Broja & Son ➡️ King/Dennis & Moura/Maddison/Raphinha -4

    Thoughts?

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

      B. I'll likely have King and Maddison

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

      B Dennis Maddison

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

    Any Utd fans know what's the deal with Bruno?

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

      Not a Utd fan, but they're rotating three or four players in those two attacking mid spots. I'm wary.

    2. JUNITED
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Should start in FA Cup against Aston Villa. And if he does well, he will start against Aston Villa and likely brentford because Sancho, Greenwood, and Rashford are also not performing. Go watch the United game in fa cup whether Bruno is actually playing well or no.

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

        Good points, cheers!

    3. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      He will start imo. We are so poor in attack at the moment especially ball retention and providing service for the strikers. Bruno helps ease those issues otherwise Ragnick is relying on Sancho Rashford Mctominay to be able pass and create which they've failed to do recently.

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

      Benched last game (and that came after a suspension so wasn’t just a rest), rumours he’s been offered to Barca, rumours of massive unrest in the Utd dressing room, and costs 11.6m. Only a lunatic or a clairvoyant would consider him. Not that you necessarily were considering him.

  6. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Son injury makes me go from a Bench Boost to Free Hit to finally deciding to not use any chips this DGW.

    Looks a more rubbish DGW with each passing day.

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

      Yeah and there's still the possibility of further injuries or postponements as well. I was thinking of FH initially and then settled on taking a hit to get 6 players with doubles out but I'll just deal with 5 now, it's not feeling like it's worth much more

  7. grennans2
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Best replacement for Son?

    A) Madisson
    B) Moura

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

      Hmm, don't love either with team injuries, but probably maddison

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

      A

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

      A

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

    Is this gtg? Only 4 dgwers but not sure on the son replacements with only 1ft and 0.7itb

    DDG
    TAA cancelo alonso
    Jota raph bowen gray
    Ronaldo Antonio dennis
    (Guaita Johnson livra son)

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

      You could do Son to Maddison and bench Raphinha

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

        Is Maddison fit?

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

        Yeah possibly but that Leicester team is pretty decimated.....
        Plus raph against West ham isn't the worst

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

    Stupid question (ofc)

    What is going on with Son?

    Than you

    1. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Injured

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

        Yeap...just saw. Ruled out for 3 GW

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

      He is injured.

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

    Zambia getting into Afcon?

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

      They didnt qualify last I checked. Hopefully not "getting in" somehow (?) as I'm really excited to bring in Daka now

  11. JUNITED
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I don’t have Son. I have Kane instead. The news actually help me in someway because I have been thinking whether I should get 2 Spurs attackers (Son & Kane) given their not convincing fixtures.

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      FFS community is happy for you.

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

      Thats great news for you. Not for us Son owners.

  12. balint84
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    A) Watkins -> Dennis
    B) Son -> Mount/Madison
    C) get Kane with -4

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

      Depends on your Salah plans

  13. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Eeee people chasing price rises must be gutted if they brought in son…

  14. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    These cup games are a bloody menace. Still got a full round of them this weekend for our players to make it through unscathed before we even get to the midweek fixtures.

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

      Midweek fixtures?

      1. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        2nd leg of the current DGW fixtures.

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

    (Repost)
    Looking at this team for GW22 with the Son news. Any thoughts?

    Sánchez** // Foster
    Trent Cancelo Reguilón** // Coufal Livramento
    Jota Bernardo Maddison** Bowen // Brownhill**
    Ronaldo** Antonio King**

    Transfers: Salah and Watkins → Maddison and Ronaldo (–4), leaving 4.0 in the bank.
    Barring further disruption, I'd probably swap Jota and Bernardo for Salah and Raphinha in the coming weeks.

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

      That's a great team

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

    Son injury putting a decent sized spanner in the works...

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

    Best mid up 5.9 with dgw?

    1. Offside Trapattoni
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I think Gray vs NOR could deliver a DWG type return, plus favorable fixtures thereafter..

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

        Got him

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

      Can't stretch it to 6.0(Lookman)? If not Perez maybe or McNeil.

    3. clarkey_2000
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Mac Allister? Perez?

      Not really great options for dgw in that bracket

  18. The Point About It Is
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I have no Son or Kane, only 3 DGW players (Alonso, Sanchez and Ron). I would need -4 to get Son and -8 to get Son plus Dennis. Do I
    A: go without Son and hide behind sofa
    B: -4 to get Son in and limit my losses on rivals who have 5 or more DGW players
    C: -8 and suck it up
    D: Free hit

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

      Son injured

      1. The Point About It Is
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Just seen this - wow. And welcome Mr Moura!

        1. boombaba
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Rather have Maddison.

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

      Defo FH if you have both FH to play

  19. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    With Son now ruled out the FH chip edges ever closer?!!

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

      Aim for 15 DGWers with FTs and BB is the way 😉

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Ok will do, nought wrong with a -44 I guess?!!

  20. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Would you bench boost..
    Foster (new, bur)
    Gray (nor)
    Coufal (LEE)
    Coady (SOU)

    Looks like it could be a bunch of 2s but will I get a better bench in the future?!

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

      Yes. BB36, with weeks and about 5 FTs to prepare

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

    I thought December would be flag season, but January is already threatening to outplay it

    What a strong flag performance from this month so far, and this is just the 7th day

    Hitting FPL managers where it hurts, repeatedly

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

      AFCON is an unfair advantage, but still...

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

    Coutinho price?

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

      TBC

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

      I think he'll be around 9m.

      1. JUNITED
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        No way. Should be around Zaha or Raphinha price 6.5m-7.0m or 7.5m max. 9m is too expensive for mid table midfielders.

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

          Im hoping your right. He is on my radar at 7.0 and below.
          Could be valuable asset for Villa IRL and FPL scoring.

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

    Current team (got both FH intact) DGW players in Caps
    0,1m in bank and 1 FT

    DE GEA
    Cancelo Trent REGUILON (Livramento BJohnson)
    SON Jota Bernardo Foden Bowen
    Antonio RONALDO (Gelhardt)

    Was leaning towards doing just Bernardo to Maddison and save FH, but with the Son injury news, would you FH this?

  24. BoleynWin
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Any Leicester fans that give an insight on who’s going to play up top?

    Vardy, Nacho & Daka all unavailable for the next few weeks at least. Barnes OOP if fit could be gold dust…

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

      Ayoze Perez

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

      Or Lookman

    3. boombaba
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Lookman only Brendan knows

    4. clarkey_2000
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Likely to be Perez imo

  25. Offside Trapattoni
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I believe Maddison is still flagged, is there any clarity on his fitness as yet?

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

      https://www.lcfc.com/news/2433880/rodgers-fitness-update-vardy-maddison--barnes

      "In-form No.10 James Maddison, meanwhile, played just under 70 minutes against the Reds, but is fit for the weekend's Premier League clash with Norwich City at King Power Stadium, while Harvey Barnes could also be back in the matchday squad."

      December 30, 2021

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

      He is flagged, but from what I have read he should be fine.

  26. Fpl_Ludwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What should i do with my team?
    Got 1 FT and 0.7 itb

    Was thinking of BB but don’t know what to do know with Son out

    Team:
    Sanchez / Pickford
    TAA / Cancelo / Pinnock / Cash / Emerson
    Jota / Bowen / Son / Maddison / Gray
    King / Kane / Antonio

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Still BB but find a Som replacement, trossard, Mount ?!

  27. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Son Antonio > kane lookman -4?

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

      Thinking about the same move, but wouldn’t be surprised If Antonio outscore both Kane and Lookman.

  28. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Ddg
    Cancelo reguilon trent
    Jota foden son maddison bowen
    Ronaldo king

    Foster - watkins cash livra

    Son to who for a hit??

  29. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Eugh just seen son injury. Bruno creeps his way back into the conversation ffs. Could be a nice salah placehold tbf

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

    Well … that Son news is a kick in the proverbials.

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

      ... balls.