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. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Good evening all!! On BB!! Team is…….

    Pickford Schmeichel
    Robertson Cancelo Laporte Tilva Bednarek
    Salah Son Maddison Saka Havertz
    Dennis Weghorst Nketiah

    Any advice on transfers?? 0.7 in the bank!! Some options…

    A- Bednarek and Weghorst to Matip and Pukki -4
    B- Havertz and Bednarek to TAA and Gordon -4
    C- B with Weghorst to Pukki for an extra -4

    Cheers everyone!!!

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      b for me

    2. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      B

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      B

    4. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      B

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 1 day ago

        Wonderful!! Unanimous!! Cheers everyone!!!

  2. Henning
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Best combo for hw 36 and 38?1. Richarlison and Maddison
    2. Nkeita and Mount
    Using fr gw 37

    1. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      1

  3. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Mahrez or Foden the better pick?

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Mahrez

    2. HippY
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      I have a feeling Mahrez is due a good week

    3. Henning
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      I would go for Mahrez.

    4. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Mahrez averaging 7.7 points per 90 minute, if he gets time on the pitch he is the better pick

    5. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Don't play the Pep roulette if you can avoid it

    6. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Thanks all, leaning towards Mahrez now!

  4. HippY
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    How many minutes is Amartey due to have GW36? Part of my bench boost but can't decide if to take a -4 to replace him for someone up to 4.9 mil, any suggestions?

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      One of the Everton/Spurs boys?

      1. CravenA
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 1 day ago

        But they're gonna concede goals in both fixtures, Leicester maybe not.

    2. CravenA
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      My question too (previous page). Think there's a good chance Fofana will take his spot.

    3. CravenA
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      I'd go for Mina if I had 4.9

    4. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      I think that he will start one game but as you might have thought depends of the structure of your team and if you will need the money for gw37/38.

  5. Jeremy Corbyn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Play Emerson (liv ARS) or Holgate (lei wat)?

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Holgate, but it's close

    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Holgate “should” play so more chance of CS imo

  6. Percy Johnstone
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Thoughts please on whether Watkins to Richy for a -4 for gw36 only is worth it?

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      For this GW only, I'm not sure. I'd maybe hold

      1. Percy Johnstone
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 1 day ago

        Thanks i think you are probably right

    2. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      No

    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Nah

  7. gellinmagellan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Pope* Dub
    TAA James Alonso Cash Schar*
    Salah Saka Kulu Havertz Gordon
    Kane Pukki Broja*

    1 FT 0.2 ITB. What should I do here? Plan on playing BB

    A) Broja > Nketiah
    B) Broja + Pope + Schar > Nketiah + Schmeichel + Tavares (?) for -8
    C) Kane + Havertz + Schar > Jesus + Son + Mina for -8 (leaves me with Broja and Pope SGW)
    D) Kane + Havertz + Schar > Richa + KDB + Mina for -8 ((leaves me with Broja and Pope SGW)

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      b

  8. ChelseaGuy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    A) KDB(C) Kulu
    B) Salah(C) Gordon

    1. Percy Johnstone
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      If chasing go KDB otherwise stick with the crowd and go Salah. I have the same issue and 20 points behind ML rival i am going KDB for what it is worth.

      1. ChelseaGuy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 1 day ago

        Thanks for the input mate

  9. Alejo - CFC
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    A)Nketiah
    B)Richarlison
    C)Jesus

    Cheers

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Gotta say C

    2. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      This week only C. If also GW37, then B

    3. JJO
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      I got all 3 this week so cant help you 🙂

  10. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    No point taking Raphinha out for a hit right?
    Fighting for their lives and potentially a weak Chelsea in game 2

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      No, I'd keep if I had him. Although depends on who you'd be getting for him too

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 1 day ago

        Maddison (I have Barnes) or Bilva (I have KDB)

        1. ChelseaGuy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 1 day ago

          Maddison might be a good shout though

    2. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Debating this too, leaning towards no

    3. Gegenpress
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      I have him on FH think he gets at least 1 attacking return if not more

    4. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Nope

    5. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Don't buy, don't sell

    6. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      I am taking out for a hit

  11. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Any love for captain mane ?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Due a rest

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

        Ok cheers guys that’s a no for mane !

    2. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      No way

    3. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      None

  12. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    On a FH….

    Mane or Mahrez
    Jesus or Cancelo
    Robertson yay or nay?

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Mahrez
      Cancelo
      no for me

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

        This ^

  13. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Guys really need help here. Any advice appreciated. Thinking of White + Kane to Cancelo + Richarlison -4pts

    Ramsdale
    TAA Alonso White Laporte
    Salah Saka Coutinho Mount Kulu
    Kane

  14. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Advice please:

    Ramsdale
    TAA Matip Alonso
    Salah Son Saka Mount KDH
    Kane Nketiah

    Dubravka Broja Schar Kilman

    1FT, 0itb

    Thinking of doing:

    Kilman Kane >> Cancelo Jesus / Richarlison (-4)

    Good, or something else?

    Thanks!

  15. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    BB36, WC37, FH38

    Ramsdale Schmeichel

    TAA Matip Cancelo Alonso Cash

    Salah Son Kulu Saka Gordon

    Watkins Richarlison Mateta

    G2G?

    Saka (c), Salah (vc)

  16. Mr.K
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Bench one:
    A) Dennis (CRY A, EVE H)
    B) Gordon (LEI A, WAT A)
    C) Bowen (NOR A)

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

      Not Gordon, I guess it has to be the single gameweek player even though it's Bowen v Norwich?

  17. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    I need to use my TC this week (wildcarded cpl weeks back for this dgw and FH to be used week after, so its either this one, or last game)

    In a quandry. Was all set for KDB, but getting cold feet. Surely Pep did not take him off purely for tactical reasons midweek!? Any news on him?

    My options are below - some opinions would be good

    A) KDB
    B) SALAH
    C) CANCELO
    D) TAA
    E) SAKA
    F) ALONSO

    Not impressed to see FFS Bus team is basically my squad...... never a good sign!!

    1. Percy Johnstone
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Not a fan of James, think Alonso or Rudiger is only change i would make

      1. Percy Johnstone
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 1 day ago

        Ignore reply fail

  18. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Will Nkietah even start both? Lacazette will get one right?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Laca may get last home game if secured UCL as a farewell I’d guess

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

    If you had this team and 1 FT (FH in 37 so must use a FT) what would you do?

    Schmeichel
    TAA Robbo Cancelo James
    Salah KdB Foden Mount Saka
    Nketiah

    Genuinely can't see a good move here.

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

      What happened to Mahrez?

    2. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Ditto. Hold

    3. Percy Johnstone
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Not a fan of James, think Alonso or Rudiger is only change i would make

    4. Mr Johnson
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      How much in the bank?

    5. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      I think that Mount will start against Wolves and get a rest vs Leeds,so i would get Maddison who i think will get a rest vs Everton but will start against Norwich.I guess though if you prefer Mount vs Watford in gw38 then maybe Robbo+Foden->Diaz+Dias?

    6. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Similar situation
      Im thinking Mount to Maddy

    7. Cantonesque
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Foden the most expendable of those. If 0 ITB, Kulu has good GW38 fixture as does Maddison, Raphinha another shout.

    8. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Bench and money ITB?

  20. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Does Kane, Broja, Mount, Doherty > Jesus, Richarlison, Mahrez, Matip look good for a -8? BB active.

    Can bring Kane back on a FH next week if need be. Tbh I prefer Son anyway!

    BB team would be:

    Ramsdale*, Dubravka
    TAA*, Cancelo*, Alonso*, White*, Matip*
    Salah*, Saka*, Maddison*, Kulu*, Mahrez*
    Pukki*, Jesus*, Richarlison*

  21. tryf88
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Richarlison vs Nketiah?

    1. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Richarlison flagged putting me off

  22. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    2FT, 0.0 ITB, thoughts?

    Ederson - Foster
    TAA - Robertson - Cancelo - Laporte - Alonso
    Salah - Havertz - Mount - Saka - Gordon
    Watkins - Pukki - Dennis

    BB36, FH37

    Foster + Havertz to Schmeichel + Maddison ?

  23. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Saiss/Ramsey/Bruno > James/Mahrez/Maddison (-4, playing BB, (c) KDB)

    Thoughts? Ramsey flagged, Saiss has Chelsea and City.

    I also have Broja (1 game) and Jiminez (crap) but the only thing I could do there is maybe keep Saiss for definite minus points and try do Jimi > Jesus.

  24. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    A. Jesus + Ederson + Alonso (-4)

    B. Kane + Foster + Cash

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

    When do we get think Richarlison will find out if he is banned or not?!

    Feels wrong transferring for a hit witn a ban looking at any time!

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

      Ban looming*

    2. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      He won’t get banned. It’ll be a fine but it’ll be next week now as it has to be cleared by the police before the FA get involved.

  26. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    For GW36 and GW38 (will FH37), to free up funds for Kilman >> Cancelo. Who in for Kane >>

    1. Jesus
    2. Richarlison

    Thanks

    1. Cantonesque
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      1

  27. Kantelele
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Why nobody thinks about Vardy ? Good fixtures untill the end of the season with 2DGW

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      Rotation

    2. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      No way he starts both surely

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

      Could be gold, could be a disaster. But will be lucky to play over 120 mins this week and next.

      He is too expensive to risk.

      1. Kantelele
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 1 day ago

        Yes, but other options like Werner or Jesus are also a risk of rotation, I don't think about Watkins because he has a match against Live for probably 2 points. So Maybe i'll take Nketiah. Already have Pukki and Richarlison, play BB this week.

  28. Allison Wonderland
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    No chip this week, FH37, 0.3ITB:

    A) Ramsdale -> Schmeichel
    B) Rudiger -> Dias (have Cancelo)
    C) Cash -> Matip (have TAA)
    D) Raphinha -> Gordon
    E) Ramsdale, Broja -> Schmeichel, Nketiah (-4, bench Raphinha)
    F) Kane, Raphinha -> Richarlison, Son (-4)

  29. Mr Arsenal
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Punting on Mahrez AND Ieanacho

    Wish me luck…

    1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      im thinking a Ineanacho punt myself.... below - what you think?

  30. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 1 day ago

    Im starting Nketia at the moment as my solo striker

    Would you use a free transfer to bring Ineanacho in for Pukki, and start him instead of Nketia ?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      No chance
      I’m considering buying Pukki

    2. Cantonesque
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 1 day ago

      50-50 call for this week, Iheanacho maybe better option than Pukki over remaining weeks though.