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

    Son > kdb looks lovely after this game week

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

      Sounds okay, but also consider who you're losing to get back Salah, and the fixtures they have at that time.

      Just flagging that both KDB & Ronaldo have good fixtures over that period, so food for thought.

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

        I could downgrade Son to get CR7 for Antonio or DCL, but can't decide which one to sell. That problem may disappear though. I do have Kane also, but selling him for a hit for Ronaldo doesn't seem like the obvious transfer for -4 now.

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

      Not affordable for everyone

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

        That's part of the beauty of it

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

      I'm heavily considering this. But have to determine how big the upside is over another City midfielder.

      How likely is it KDB plays at least 60mins from GW22-GW25.

      Then bring back Salah GW26.

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

      KdB genuinely not worth the money. Would prefer Foden.

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

        Intention would be to captain him GW 23, 24, 25

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

          I’ll tell you now, you are not going to captain him away to Norwich when they play CL three days later, unless it’s clear he’ll play.

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

            30mins would be enough vs Norwich otherwise VC would cover it. Honestly

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

        I agree. Foden can easily match KdB, not much between them and when money always matters, it's easy choice.

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

      Sons back after gameweek 22 isn't he?

  2. We Go Again
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    James, Foden, Son, Watkins, Livra all flagged lmao. What a shitshow, might be forced into the FH at this rate

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

      Watkins is fine. But yes, have four of those as well and I'll be using FH with 2 dgw atm.

  3. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Son out really is annoying.
    Was my only clear cut cpt this gw.

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

      Makes it interesting at least. Now probably thinking maddison C

      1. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Interesting yes, but lot to correct teamwise, so him missing is quite a downer

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

      Has to be Ronaldo C bow

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

        *now

      2. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah thinking same, but thats a min 4 now unfortunately

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

      I have Kane so it's more less his now. Watch him get injured next...

      1. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Kane good option, only worry is will tot deliver without son. Didnt look too great even with him.

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

      If he is expected to be out for 'around 2 weeks' presumably from the time he sustained the injury on 5th then he could return for the 2nd game and possibly could even be back for both games given that he tends to recover quite quickly from injury. I'm keeping him in my team as there is nobody worth replacing him with. Only Utd and Watford have ok fixtures after the double but neither of these teams have any good midfield options. Obviously I just wont captain Son now.

      1. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah its a possibility. Also other fires to put out so probably keeping as well.

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

    no obvious captain choice this week.

    should make it an interesting gameweek

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

      Ronaldo

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

        ^^

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

        United are kak

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

        by obvious i mean someone that most people own.

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

    you've got to be joking, this also kills my differential Kane captaincy

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

      I don't think it does actually.

      Most people have Ronaldo.

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Ha, what I meant is that I don’t want to captain Kane anymore with Son out

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

        do they? i was looking through the top teams and most didnt

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

          The ones that didn't keep Salah in GW19 mostly have Ronaldo.

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

    Call me crazy but I think I'm just going to roll my FT and start Cancelo.

    Hopefully brownhill plays one or both of the games to act as my only bench cover.

    Reassess in GW23 with 2FT.

    Moura, Maddison, Watford, Burnley, Brentford, Man U - none of them appeal.

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

      maddison for salah the one tansfer i will be making. might also consider a wolves defender for james as a long term move

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

        I would argue Maddison has 1 good fixture in the next 6 with WHU and BRI being 'okay'

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

          Lei attack has been strong so far, but now without all their natural strikers I'd expect them to decline. But how much, I don't know.

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

      Started to consider the same plan. (Maddison I have.) Now my benching headache with Gray is solved. Cancelo out would solve the other one.

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

        Maddison the best of a bad bunch imo. Leicester have that many injuries it's not beyond the realms they have another cancellation

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

      You're not crazy, thinking the same and with double City def (Dias also).

  7. 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?

    1. Harvey_27
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Not worth it for anyone, I'd just bench and play Watkins or Cash. In fact, I might even play Son given he could be back for at least the second DGW game and because Watkins and Cash can easily come in

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

      The only player I'd consider for son -4 would be mount

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

    Anyone think chance Origi moves to West Ham or Newcastle this month?
    At £4.8m would surely go into most fpl teams.

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

      He will be moving somewhere I'm sure. Apparently only £7m. So we will see.

    2. Tomsk
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Apparently would prefer to stay in England.

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

      Doubt it with Mane and Salah away. I think he will go in the summer. For now he is important for Pool.

      1. Tomsk
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Depends what contract situation is. Maybe in summer Liv will get nothing for him.

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

        He is injured atm and if he is fit same time when Salah and Mane are back, is he really that important? Jones can do the business short term?

  9. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    How long is son out for? Is he injured or covid?

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Hot topics

    2. Harvey_27
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Injured, maybe just two weeks out, but pretty sure he's come back from injury quicker than predicted before so I think it's worth keeping him, and playing him, as long as your bench is reasonably deep

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

      Injured. Been told by my spurs mate at least 3 weeks ?

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

    Best option?

    A) Son > Maddison & Bench Foden
    B) Play Foden and roll FT

    1. Harvey_27
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B is sensible, A is fun, so which is it to be...? 🙂

  11. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Already held on with my tram value dropping like a stone. Now will lose on Son too. Got to hold tight though...

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Team value*

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

    Anyone listen to this back in the day (Ballbusters FPL pod)?

    https://www.rte.ie/radio/2fm/clips/20029218/

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

    1ft and 3.0mn itb. I need to get James & Son out but for who? (Team below)

    Ramsdale
    TAA Rudiger Cancelo Tierney (JAMES*)
    ESR Raphinha SON* (ESR, Brownhill)
    Ronaldo (c) King Watkins*

    1. Harvey_27
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Keep Son, he might recover quicker than expected and you've got a decent enough bench in Watkins and ESR. James should go though, yes, and I think a Spurs defender is still the way to go

  14. Raybigblue
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Really dont think this week 22 warrants a free hit
    but i Dalot with a double
    any ideas he looks out of favour is this correct ?

    1. Harvey_27
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure, think Rangnick still trying things/players out. Telles would be a good option for a transfer though, given Shaw will be out, but AWB has hardly won himself any plaudits recently so Dalot might be worth sticking with if your bench is decent

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

      Doubt he'll play both if any

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

    Think I'll get Bruno in for Son.

    Nobody will have him

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

      I might. We can suffer together.

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

      Isn't Bruno injured?

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

        Out of favour

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

    Might as well ask while the iron is hot.

    DDG
    TAA Alonso Regulion
    Son* Jota Maddison Bowen
    Ronaldo Antonio King

    Steele Gray Cancelo Livramento

    A) Bench Son, play Gray (vs. Norwich)
    B) Son > Fernandes
    C) Son > someone else?

    For C, can't do KDB (only have 11.7m).
    Not too interested in doubling up on Leicester yet given all their other injuries. Will watch their next two games. Moura is an option I guess but not one I'm wild about. Fixtures are kind of meh too.

    Cheers!

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

    FFS. Son out. Mate...what a shitshow.

    Tbh, this probably makes it easier to decide whether to FH or not. With Son out, surely the FH chip this gameweek is a terrible time to deploy it. Spurs don't look so great without Son now.

    Current team:

    (Foster) Ramsdale
    Trent/Cancelo/Regulon (Dawson) (Liver)
    Jota/Bowen/Grey/Son (Foden)
    King/Antonio/Ronaldo

    I'm thinking:
    Dawson > Lamptey
    Son > Maddison
    Foster > De Gea

    For a -8 hit. Then bring back Son hopefully after their game against Chelsea for Maddison. De Gea can fill in for Ramsdale on Arsenals Blank weeks.

    What you guys think?

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

      I've only ever had a -8 once on 10 years. Then it didn't work out. Hate doing a -4 let alone anything bigger.

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

        More times than less, I see hits don't pay off. I will however be bringing in DGW players.

  18. Jaws
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    14 Flags in that Leicester side. Really puts me off their players.

    1. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      True, they are struggling. one or two more injuries and covid positive cases and the Everton game is off.

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

      Yeh will be last minute decision whether to get one for me

  19. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hey Mods. Any chance you can tell your tech guys about the issue with the home page poll on chip usage. The results don’t tell you which of the 2 free transfers options are which, as the words are the same. Happens a lot with various polls and no-one ever seems to address it.

  20. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Current team:

    De Gea
    TAA / Cancelo / Reguilon
    Son / Jota / Raphinha / Bowen
    DCL / Antonio / Dennis

    Pickford / Thomas / Targett / Gray

    Would you do those moves for -8?

    In: Maddison / Kane / Ronaldo
    Out: Son / DCL / Antonio

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

      No as shame to lose DCL & Antonio

  21. kbaby901
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    HUGE Mistrake. Do I FH.

    I was out of reception for work and made my transfer last week as I didn't think I would be back. Obviously brought in Son. So do I FH or live with my -4.

    Team previous to FH

    Trent cancelo Alonso livra reguilon
    Mount bowen Jota Foden Martinelli
    King watkins cr7

    I took a -4 to go foden to Son and Watkins to Dennis.

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

    Unless you are intending on using FH, the only players worth targeting if you dont already own them are Dennis and King.

    Players from all other teams with 2 games this week play for teams that are near the bottom of the fixture ticker from GW23 apart from Watford and Utd and options from Utd are probably limited to De Gea and Ronaldo.

    However Utd cant keep clean sheets and Ronaldo is a complete waste of money so they also dont seem worthwhile targetting.

  23. Sugaraj
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Currently own 4 double game players (De Gea, Alonso, Ronaldo & King).

    Should I go for - 4 to replace weak link (bilva/ Livra/ son) for Ben Davies & Maddison?

    Have Antonio, Bowen, Jota, Gray, Cancelo, TAA, & Johnson

  24. kbaby901
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    HUGE F UP. Do I FH.

    I was out of reception for work and made my transfer last week as I didn't think I would be back. Obviously brought in Son. So do I FH or live with my -4.

    Team previous to FH

    Trent cancelo Alonso livra reguilon
    Mount bowen Jota Foden Martinelli
    King watkins cr7

    I took a -4 to go foden to Son and Watkins to Dennis.

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

      I assume that You were happy with the rest of your team after you took the 4 pt hit?

      If so, then the only thing you'd really change on a FH would be Son.

      So its up to you whether to stick, take - 8 to replace Son or FH to wipe out your points hit.

      How much you value the FH chip determines your nest move.

  25. kbaby901
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Lookman, Bowen, Moura

    Pick 2 for my fh team.