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. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Hi all,

    I have both Mount and Havertz and 2FT. I have 15DGW and BB on.

    Best pick to replace mount?

    A: Mahrez
    B: Saka
    C: Martinelli
    D: Foden

    Thanks all

    1. Mr Arsenal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Saka for his minutes

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

        This

    2. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      WTF happened to Mount?!

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

        Nothing just two Chelsea mids seems overkill when they are struggling and I have a transfer to burn.

        1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Phew, ok. Yeah makes sense then. I’m keeping but if you have one to burn (you’re in luck) I’d do B.

    4. Chungwit
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Agree, Saka

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

      Saka

  2. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA Robbo Cancelo Laporte
    Salah Saka Raphinha Kulu
    Kane Nketiah

    Foster - Pukki Gordon *

    Have 5m for a defender for BB36 (and to play in 37). Thinking Digne/Mings or Mina/Mykolenko?

  3. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    A) Matip Mahrez
    B) Dias Diaz
    C) Dias Jota
    D) Dias Coutinho +4

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

      B then a

  4. Gegenpress
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Please hellpppp

    Current free hit team:

    Kasper

    Trent matip cancelo Laporte

    Salah kdb saka son raphinha

    Richarlison

    Considering maybe switching son to mahrez and laporte to James/Alonso yay or nayyy??

    Son and raphinha to mahrez and Diaz and change laporte and matip to James and nketiA plah a 352 yaaayyy2 or noooo2

    Any other advice? OR SHOULD INJUST LEAVE THE FH TEAM AS IS

    1. Chungwit
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Leave as it is - looks great

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

        Done

  5. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    BB team G2G or is it worth this combo below? (0.2m itb)
    - KDB & Richarlison for Foden & Kane? (-4)

    SCHMEICHEL
    TRENT - LAPORTE - ALONSO - CASH - E.ROYAL
    SALAH(c) - SONNY - FODEN
    KANE, NKETIAH
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    Subs: FOSTER, *J.RAMSEY, GORDON, *Weghorst.
    - - - - - -- -- - - - - - -

    (also aware that J Ramsey is a doubt)

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

      Yeh I'd hit that-4 but maybe Mahrez over Foden

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        nah mate, I own Foden. Im looking to bring in KDB. (unless you mean Mahrez over KDB)

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

          Lol, your trying to mess with peoples head. The format is
          Player x -> player your want to buy

          Risky losing kane and foden on a hit tbh. Could pay off tho.

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

            Yeah, it’s backwards

  6. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Foster
    Cancelo James Trent
    Saka Foden Maddison Mount Salah(TC)
    Werner Watkins

    Werner to Jesus for free - am chasing so don’t mind a small risk but is this a big one?

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

    Sterling a good shout for the double? He’s sitting in my team from last week. He gets a couple of hauls a season, is surely due and is a bit of a flat track bully?! Worth holding?

    1. Chungwit
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If you can get to KDB for a -4, or if you don't have Son, then I'd sell.

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

      I have him, actually capt the last 2 weeks. 9 team goals with no return ffs!

      Hes out of my team, dont think he starts both now they are out of cl.

      Deciding on kdb or son just!

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

      “surely due”=famous last words

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

    Fh36. No Son or Kane. Pick one

    A) Richa
    B) Kulu
    C) Maddison
    D) Mount

    1. Allison Wonderland
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      None. Get Son. A if you like a risk

      1. BobbyDoesNotLook
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Then the question is
        A) Son, Matip
        B) Jota, Richa

        1. AC Yew
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          A for sure

  9. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    If you had this team would you do

    A) Wood to Nkietah for free
    B) Sa to Schmeichel/Pickford for free
    C) Wood and Sa to Nkietah and Ederson -4
    D) Something else

    Sa
    Robertson, Cancelo, Cash, Matip
    Salah, Son, Mount, Maddison, Kulu
    Rodrigo

    Sanchez, Jonny, Mateta, Wood 1ft 0itb

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

      C as good chance Ederson more than pays back hit

  10. Chungwit
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Would be VERY grateful for considered thoughts on this. 3 routes to a bench boost, which to take:

    -4 route : White, Ramsey OUT for Sessegnon, Gordon
    -8 route: KANE White, Ramsey OUT for Richarlison, Matip, Mahrez(or Foden)
    -12 route: KANE, GELHARDT, White, Ramsey OUT for Matip, Maddison, Richarlison, Pukki

    the -4 means only 2 Liverpool (Robertson and Salah) and two City (Laporte and Cancelo). And I have to play Gelhardt on the bench.
    the -8 means 3 pool and 3 city. But Gelhardt still on the bench.
    the - 12 means 3 pool, 2 city, and a full playing bench.

    Full squad at the moment 0.0 in the bank:

    Sanchez Ramsdale
    WHITE Rudiger Robertson Laporte Cancelo
    Saka RAMSEY Salah Son Dewsbury-Hall
    KANE Nketiah GELHARDT

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

      -8

    2. The Movement
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      -12 route, but not sure I would wanna ditch Kane

  11. The Movement
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Which ones do you think play both games this week?

    A) Laporte
    B) Robbo
    C) Dias
    D) James

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

      The city ones

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

      I think all of them will start both.

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

    Best mid around 7.0? Kulu?
    Have Saka and Mount.

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

      Id say so.

    2. Marjie
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Bsilva or Kulu

    3. Percy Johnstone
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Maddison

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

    Can afford son or kdb.

    No other city attack, own kulu.

    Any preferences
    A) son
    B) kdb

    Can do kdb this week, and son on fh in 37.

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

      Sounds good

    2. The Movement
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      KDB this week FH then maybe Son GW38 and captain

    3. Chungwit
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      KDB if chasing, Son if holding rank

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

        Ml leader has neither, but he's 84 pts in lead. So that chase is over!

    4. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If FH 37 then best get Son now. If not you'll book a transfer for him in, at GW38 Norwich

      1. Haa-lala-land
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I'm really surprised people don't give Son enough credit. He's standing just 3 league goals behind Mo and that's without penalties

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

          No issue i guess moving to him 38 with ft.

          Rest of team is fairly well set, only just wildcarded

  14. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    How to improve this BB. All double apart from Mateta. ​1.7 ITB, 1 FT

    Schmeichel
    Laporte Cancelo TAA Matip
    Son Salah Coutinho Mount
    Dennis Pukki

    Foster Emerson Royal KDH Mateta

    1. The Movement
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Mateta to Nketiah

    2. Chungwit
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nice team. Can you do Emerson Royal to Dias?

      Mateta to Nketiah also an obvious one.

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thanks. Not keen on x3 City defence.

    3. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Palaces home form suggest they should hammer Watford, so probably keep Mateta and hope he plays, despite being a SGW

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        worried he might not start then it will be a no GW

  15. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Everton and Leicester with 2 doubles in 36 and 37. Which defender is the best pick, money no object.

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

      No Leicester, they have no defined defence, rotated every game.

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

      Jason makes a good point (I was looking at Fofana) so probably Mina for set pice threat.

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

        or piece

  16. Jerse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Just because Man C have a double game week, a certain expert on Fantasy Football Scout Q&A todasy suggesting Cancelo as a captain option, even tripple captain. Since GW20 he has only had 2 attacking returns and they were assists !. Cancelo gets most of his points because of clean sheets. He has lots of very low XG long range shots which makes him look good. Good player, but from an attacking point of view he flatters to deceive big time. I am not sure why an "expert" would suggest Cancelo given the other excellent dgw36 options.

    1. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      The one and only time I captained Cancelo he got me a monster haul. Hadn’t considered him for this week though.

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Probably TC him myself

      1. Jerse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Good luck !

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

      He’s also far less effective at RB which is were he’ll probably play tomorrow.
      On the plus side the good thing about advice is you don’t have to take it.

      1. Jerse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Its hardly objective advice based on 2 attacking returns (assists) in 15 game weeks though. The expert offered no stats to back up heir advice which is what I would expect from an expert. Dont get me wrong, because of the Man C defence, Cancelo is a good option, just not necessarily captainable.

        Your point about Cancelo at RB is very valid and a decent explanation as to why his attacking returns have been virtually non existent. You should be on the show !

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

      Who was this pundit you speak of?

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

        I'll bet a packet of scampi frys i have more fpl "pedigree" than these so called experts.

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

          I have no problem with the good ones who can back it up with multiple high ranks. It’s the frauds that charge money who are rubbish. It’s basically fortune telling. Praying on the stupid 😆

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

            Preying even. Lol

      2. Jerse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Work it out as I like to stop short of naming and shaming !. If he hauls I will crawl back into my shell !!

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

          I can guess.

    5. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      City aren't playing Spurs. Enough said. 😉

    6. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      By far the best DWG defender fixture wise
      Overall stats
      TAA - 2 goals - 12 assists - 822 bps
      Robbo - 2 goals - 11 assists - 727 bps
      Cancelo - 1 goal - 9 assists - 748 bps

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

      FPL “experts”

      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Th91tdgJ4eI

  17. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    On BB, is Weghorst to either Pukki or Iheanacho worth a -4? No FH left so I'd miss Weghorst's DGW next week.

    1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Weghorst is a no no for me

      I am thinking Oukki to Ineanacho myself (see below, what you reckon?)

    2. HippY
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Can you get Richarlison?

      1. panda07
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Unfortunately not

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

      You say “missing Weghorst’s DGW” like that is a bad thing

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

    Will dewsbury hall play both DGW36?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Sam Martin (Leicester ITK, though just predicting for now) seems to think there's a good chance he does.

  19. Merlinho
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Are there any 4.0 or below defenders who play any more? Need fodder to get in Richarlison, not sure who to get. They’ll sit last on my bench and I’m FHing next week so it’s not a huge risk.

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

      People seem to think Tsimikas will start once in 36.

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

        Yeah fair. I should have without tsimikas as I’m maxed out on Liverpool

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

          Brandon Williams might play but I'm no NOR expert

  20. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    A) Nothing (but FT will not carry as FH next week)
    B) Coutinho to Diaz
    C) Pukki to Ineanacho (this means Ineanacho will start instead of Nketia)

    Peter's Son
    TAA, Cancelo, Laporte, Alonso
    Salah, KDB, Kuluveski, Coutinho*, Saka
    Nketia*

    What do you think?
    Both a bit punty.......

    1. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I think Nketiah is a better option than Iheanacho myself.

      1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Just worried he has only scored in one game so far.............. not exactly confidence inducing!

  21. cianoc1999
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    2FT

    A: Coutinho, Kane -> KdB, Nketiah
    B: Coutinho, Adams -> Foden, Nketiah

    1. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A

  22. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ait Nouri² to Holding² or Holgate²

  23. HippY
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    I honestly wish I didn't have BB left.

    I've narrowed it down to this...

    Havertz and Foden (already have mount, for what that is worth) or Son and Gordon

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Think I'd want Son/Gordon

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        At øeast you know they will play

        1. HippY
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Yea good point. Bringing in triple Chelsea a few weeks ago has left a sour taste, but I know they will punish meeeee 🙁

          1. Royal5
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            I'm in the same situation. Havertz and Werner killed me.

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

      Son 100%

  24. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    If Lukaku start as predicted - who drops to the bench? Werner or Havertz?

    1. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Havertz surely

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Team News says Werner based on some managerial comments but as a fan I'm not even sure myself.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Ty

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

      Could be neither. But havertz most likely

    4. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Both. Pulisic due a start as well.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Considering selling both

  25. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 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 ??

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

      havertz to diaz?

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

    What's your current ranking and what do you hope to achieve?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      49k - hoping around 20k (given up on top 10k)

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

      About 50k with a fh and a wc. I hope to achieve happiness for myself and my family.

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Rubbish and nothing.

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

      30k; 10k

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

        120k. Was stuck at 300 a long time so into 100k and il be happy enough. Leading ML by 58 which is more important to me atm

    5. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      50k

      If I reach 25k I'd be very pleased.

  27. WrightnBright
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Nice easy one for you;

    salah or KDB (C)?

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

      Chasing KdB. Consolidating Salah.

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

      As I'm only 75k, KDB has to be the punty option right?

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

        That’s what I’m doing. I sold salah

  28. Jump in Micah
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Werner, KDH & White > Myko, Saka & Richarlison? (-4)

    Swap DDG for -8?

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

    Was there any news from the Leicester presser? I see nothing here, nor on their website.
    Thanks!

  30. Mane Mane Mane
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Can’t decide whether to bench boost this week or next. Which is the better option?

    A) Ramsdale (Lee H, Tot A)
    Ramsey (Bur A, Liv H) Clyne (Wat H) Mateta (Wat H)

    Or
    B) Ramsdale (New A) Kulu (Bur H) Saka (New A) Laporte (Whu A)

    Which one is the better bench to bench boost?

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

      Sounds like Ramsey is out so B