Pro Pundits

My Bench Boost team and transfer plans for FPL Double Gameweek 36

Five-time top 1k FPL finisher Tom Freeman on Calvert-Lewin, Wolves and his Gameweek 2 plans

It has not been the season I had hoped for, and at the time of writing, it does look like I’ll finish outside of the top 100k.

In fact, it’s probably shaping up to be my worst since I first started playing Fantasy Premier League (FPL) in 2009/10.

There are a number of reasons for this, some of which are known, but for now, I’m clinging to the fact that I still have a Bench Boost and Free Hit to play, with the aim of at least finishing the season strongly.

So, for this column, I would like to take a brief look at my Double Gameweek 36 Bench Boost and talk through some of the dilemmas I face before Saturday’s deadline. I’ll be tinkering right up until that point, but after reading this you should at least know which players I’m leaning towards.

GOALKEEPERS

Kasper Schmeichel (£4.9m) and Ben Foster (£4.1m) were selected on my Gameweek 34 Wildcard with this Bench Boost in mind, and I see no reason to change this pairing.

The duo have appealing fixtures in Double Gameweek 36 (EVE + NOR/cry + EVE), so it’s an area that requires little attention.

As for Schmeichel, the defence in front of him hasn’t been great for much of the season, not helped by so much chopping and changing.

However, they have kept two clean sheets against Aston Villa and Leeds United in their last four King Power outings – while only Illan Meslier (£4.8m) has made more saves than Schmeichel on home turf in 2021/22:

The best budget goalkeepers and defenders for a FPL Double Gameweek 36 Bench Boost 4

DEFENDERS

Whilst I do have doubts around Reece James’ (£6.4m) potential for two starts in Double Gameweek 36, he could quite feasibly haul against a Wolverhampton Wanderers side who have been poor for some time now.

Bruno Lage described last weekend’s 3-0 home loss as his team’s “worst performance” of 2021/22, a match which saw them concede a whopping 17 shots to Brighton and Hove Albion, who aren’t exactly known for their attacking threat.

Emerson Royal’s (£4.5m) fixtures, meanwhile, are hardly ideal, but I’m more than happy to roll with this set-up in Double Gameweek 36.

It also looks sound for Gameweek 38, with the potential to use a five-man backline if I choose to.


MIDFIELDERS

As you can tell from my ramblings, quite a few decisions are still up in the air.

If you’re in a similar position, I’d suggest giving the latest episode of The FPL Wire a listen, as it may help clarify your thoughts in certain areas.

… and most importantly, good luck this week.

1,351 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dog and Fox
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Play gordon or kulu?

    Dias or -4 for cancelo?

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Kiki and no hit

  2. Mr Johnson
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Pope to

    A) Ederson
    B) Pickford

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Mmm tricky

    2. Yome
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Thinking Mendy

      1. Mr Johnson
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Already got Alonso and James so don’t fancy triple Chelsea defence

        Don’t fancy schmeichal either

        So Ederson or Pickford…

    3. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Ed

    4. JJO
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Depends if you have FH or not

      1. Mr Johnson
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        No FH

        1. JJO
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Then probably Pickford

  3. DALEDOBACK
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Any one one else free hitting this week and bench boosting next or 38?

    1. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nah, have 3 doublers on bench. Davies maybe dubious for points, but sticking to plan

  4. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Who is ur differential C If not Salah or KDB

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      RS attacker

    2. OLB
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Cancelo

  5. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Was set on richarlison in, but his injury is making me doubt it.
    Apparently not seen in training pics today.

    Any other alternative for 7.8?

    Is it just Watkins?
    Own dennis and pukki.

    Will fh in 37.

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Richarlison

    2. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He was in training pictures today? Just go on Everton’s twitter

      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        This

        1. jason_ni
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Thanks, seems I was given fake news!

    3. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Not seen in training pics?!

      I swear I saw a report saying he has been training today..

    4. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He’s in the training pics

  6. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Pukki or Dennis?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Pukki

  7. JJO
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    So whats the consensus on Richa and Jesus?

    1. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Both decent options though seen that Richarlison might be injured. Jesus would be good if he starts both.

  8. Defochibe
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    How many additional FH given by FPL apart from the existing one. One or two?

    1. JJO
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      One

      1. Defochibe
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thank you

  9. Michelle Davin
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Mount & kane
    To
    Kdb(cpt) & Richarlison -4

    I got not city cover

    1. Jeremy Corbyn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nah

  10. CravenA
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    The big question; Amartey or Fofana?

    1. nolard
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      fofana, always

  11. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Any chance ake plays both DGW36?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Pretty low with a title to win

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Guess depends on injuries

    2. Blueberg
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      There's a chance, yes.

  12. Visionaries
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on my FH team please

    Kasper
    Trent, Cancelo, Laporte, Alonso, Matip
    Salah, KDB, Saka, Kulu
    Richarlison

  13. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ramsey/Doherty/Weg>Gordon/Cash/Dennis (-4)?

    Any better suggestions? Playing BB & no FH left.

    Ramsdale
    Laporte, Trent, Cancelo
    Saka, Kulu, Salah, Ramsey (Inj)
    Kane, Weghorst (SGW), Toney (SGW)
    Foster, Raphina, White (Inj), Doherty (Inj)

    1. JJO
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nketiah instead of Dennis?

      1. JoeSoap
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thanks. Would have done that but have 3 Arsenal.

        1. Biggsy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Tempted to shift White out given his possibly injury? Allows Nketiah and some extra funds to upgrade

          1. JoeSoap
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            He is a concern though would be a -8 as Ramsey & Doherty are our or doubtful.

        2. JJO
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Well then you dont have too many options
          That trio looks ok

  14. ratski
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Just seen the Ramsey news he's doubtful.
    Gordon worth a (-8) as ready made 2 transfers ?

    1. FusionFC
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      The other transfers are made, so really it’s a -4 decision. If you’ll take a 0 if Ramsay doesn’t play, then probably worth the gamble. If you have another viable option on your bench, maybe not.

  15. For Fuchs Sake
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    -12 for a full BB team, season been rubbish, so good to go out with indulgence

  16. Iain Dowies Love Child
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    KDH likely to play both or is Gordon the safer pick?

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Gordon

  17. Malinwa
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    What would you do??
    1ft and 1.2itb. BB in 36. Will be using FH in 37.

    Ederson Foster
    TAA Robbo Cancelo Alonso White*
    Salah Havertz Saka Kulusevski Gordon
    Watkins Pukki Dennis

  18. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    BB this week, FH next…

    Coutinho, Roberts to Maddison, Thiago Silva/Matip (-4)?

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I would go Maddison & Matip. Thiago a flash in the pan imo.

    2. BurlingtonDriftersFC
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      not for a hit, I don't think. not crazy about Maddison

  19. BurlingtonDriftersFC
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    werner to jesus for free?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yeah. I would

  20. putana
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    think id go mahrez over kdb i felt he started both games. Just cant see him starting 4 times in 2 weeks

  21. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Repost a) salah & Sam greenwood or b) mane & pukki/Dennis? Both part of -8 transfers. Thanks

  22. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Is this good to go then guys? Captain choice right if I’m maintaining a lead. Will try again because I messed up my first message haha.

    Schmeichal
    TAA - Robbo - Cancelo - James
    Salah (c) - Son (v) - Kulu - Saka - Cout
    Nketiah

    DDG - Telles - Weg - Mateta

    1. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      FH team? Looks good to me!

      1. Kodap
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Nope, just my team haha, FH next week!

  23. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    FH team... How's it looking? Any changes to be made?

    Ederson
    VVD, TAA, Laporte, Alonso
    KDB, Salah, Kulu, Saka
    Nketiah, Richarlison

    Foster, Ramsey, Gelhardt, Williams.

    1. ct mariner
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Ramsey (injured?) to Gordon

  24. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    How likely is Salah being rested in one game?

    Thinking about TCing

    1. L S P
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Very unlikely

  25. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Would you start Mateta over Ben White?

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      for sure

  26. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    A Son KDB Gelhardt or
    B KDB Diáz Richarlison

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      *or
      C Son Díaz Richarlison

    2. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      b for me

  27. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Dennis or Nketia?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nketiah

    2. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nketiah

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nketiah, Leeds his former club too so is bound to score against them

  28. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Do you think that Arsenal will keep a cs against Leeds?

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yes

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        cheers

  29. Vasshin
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    BB this week and FH next week

    Which is better option:
    1. White Kilman Madisson Kane --> Alonso Cancelo Mahrez Nketiah with -8
    2. white Kilman Kane --> Alonso Cancelo Jesus with -4
    3. white kilman Madisson --> Alonso Laporte Gordon -4
    4. white Kilman Robbo --> Alonso Dias Mykolenke with -4 (Dias could be laporte but heard he had a cramp so not sure he plays both game)
    5. white kilman --> Mykolenke Holding or Holgate with a hit

    My team atm
    Ramsdale Foster
    Davies Robbo TAA White Kilman
    Kulu Saka Salah Maddison Raphinha
    Pukki Kane Richarlison

    Thanks

  30. Malinwa
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    White out:
    (Already have 3 pool players)

    A) Gabriel
    B) Cash
    C) Mykolenko
    D) Femenia
    E) Other?

    1. Bakerman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Justin/Amartey/Soyuncu?

    2. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      From that lot, Cash. At the very least you get 2 DGW from him (in which he plays Burnley twice)