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
    1 year, 11 months 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
      1 year, 11 months ago

      b for me

    2. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      B

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      B

    4. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      B

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Wonderful!! Unanimous!! Cheers everyone!!!

  2. Henning
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

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

    1. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      1

  3. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Mahrez or Foden the better pick?

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Mahrez

    2. HippY
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I have a feeling Mahrez is due a good week

    3. Henning
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I would go for Mahrez.

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

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

    6. Bleh
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Thanks all, leaning towards Mahrez now!

  4. HippY
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 11 months 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
      1 year, 11 months ago

      One of the Everton/Spurs boys?

      1. CravenA
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

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

    2. CravenA
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

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

    3. CravenA
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I'd go for Mina if I had 4.9

    4. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months 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
    1 year, 11 months ago

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

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Holgate, but it's close

    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Holgate “should” play so more chance of CS imo

  6. Percy Johnstone
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 11 months 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
      1 year, 11 months ago

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

      1. Percy Johnstone
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Thanks i think you are probably right

    2. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      No

    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Nah

  7. gellinmagellan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months 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
      1 year, 11 months ago

      b

  8. ChelseaGuy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

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

    1. Percy Johnstone
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months 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
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Thanks for the input mate

  9. Alejo - CFC
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    A)Nketiah
    B)Richarlison
    C)Jesus

    Cheers

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Gotta say C

    2. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      This week only C. If also GW37, then B

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

      I got all 3 this week so cant help you 🙂

  10. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 11 months 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
      1 year, 11 months ago

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

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

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

        1. ChelseaGuy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 11 months ago

          Maddison might be a good shout though

    2. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Debating this too, leaning towards no

    3. Gegenpress
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

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

    4. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Nope

    5. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Don't buy, don't sell

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

      I am taking out for a hit

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

    Any love for captain mane ?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Due a rest

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

        Ok cheers guys that’s a no for mane !

    2. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      No way

    3. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      None

  12. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    On a FH….

    Mane or Mahrez
    Jesus or Cancelo
    Robertson yay or nay?

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Mahrez
      Cancelo
      no for me

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        This ^

  13. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 11 months 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
    1 year, 11 months 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
    1 year, 11 months 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
    1 year, 11 months ago

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

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months 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
    1 year, 11 months 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
      1 year, 11 months ago

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

      1. Percy Johnstone
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Ignore reply fail

  18. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

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

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

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

  19. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 11 months 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
      1 year, 11 months ago

      What happened to Mahrez?

    2. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Ditto. Hold

    3. Percy Johnstone
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

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

    4. Mr Johnson
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      How much in the bank?

    5. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months 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
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Similar situation
      Im thinking Mount to Maddy

    7. Cantonesque
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months 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
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Bench and money ITB?

  20. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months 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
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Richarlison vs Nketiah?

    1. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Richarlison flagged putting me off

  22. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months 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
    1 year, 11 months 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
    1 year, 11 months ago

    A. Jesus + Ederson + Alonso (-4)

    B. Kane + Foster + Cash

  25. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months 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
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Ban looming*

    2. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months 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
    1 year, 11 months 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
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      1

  27. Kantelele
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 11 months ago

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

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Rotation

    2. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      No way he starts both surely

    3. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months 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
        • 1 Year
        1 year, 11 months 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
    1 year, 11 months 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
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Punting on Mahrez AND Ieanacho

    Wish me luck…

    1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

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

  30. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months 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
      1 year, 11 months ago

      No chance
      I’m considering buying Pukki

    2. Cantonesque
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

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