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Pro Pundits May 6

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

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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. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Coutinho to Maddison or Barnes worth a hit? Will FH in 37

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    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      no

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

      Definitely not barnes

      Think Maddison only plays one so not for a hit

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  2. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Mount out for me this week.

    Whos best for the ext 2 gw

    A. Foden
    B. Mahrez

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    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Wouldn’t sell mount

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      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        I would rather have city mid over mount over next 2 gw

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        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 11 months ago

          Fair enough. You can toss a coin on who to pick as totally 50/50 call as I don’t know if either plays both

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          1. n14mul
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 11 months ago

            True...think they both may get the same mins over the next 3 games

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            1. Pat Bonner
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              1 year, 11 months ago

              You could keep mount and get a Man City mid next week, not sure why you’re looking at this as a 2 week play

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

        Agree with this

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    2. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Mahrez

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

      Mahrez

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  3. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Son, Kilman to KDB(TC), Kelly -4 ?

    I am 400k so who cares?

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    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      at 400k just make the most fun moves with a potential upside, so yeah do it

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    2. n14mul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Good moves

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    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Love the KDB triple captain. Good luck!

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    4. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Your season is over. You are like Crystal Palace

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  4. JollyGoodYellows
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Is it worth a -4 to do Ramsey > KDH?

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    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Depends, can you bench him? Gordon a better option than kdh?

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      1. JollyGoodYellows
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Sorry should have said I'm on a BB

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  5. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Think I’m down to two options:

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo Laporte James
    Salah Saka Kulusevski Maddison Coutinho
    Kane Weghorst Ferguson

    1. Weghorst + Coutinho > Gordon + Richi
    2. Kane + Coutinho > KDB (c) + Richi

    Thoughts?

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

      1 easy

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

      2

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    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      2

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  6. SAY MY NAME
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    no replies, any input appreciated, chasing 15 points in ML so want to avoid any hits...
    GTG? or any obvious moves? (was thinking roll the FT, 2 frees next week, then FH 38)

    Foster
    Robertson / Cancelo / Gabriel / Cash
    Salah(c) / Son / Saka / Coutinho
    Kane / Dennis

    Pope / Martinelli / Davies / Broja
    1FT 0.2ITB

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

      Possibly swap pope to Pickford

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      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        cheers

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      2. SAY MY NAME
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        that's actually a good shout, i might just do that

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    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Looks good. I’d probably save as well. Maybe play martinelli over cash but could go either way that one

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      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        that's a thought, thanks - slightly worried on martinelli's minutes and general lack of returns, but probably more upside but will have a think, thanks a lot

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        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 11 months ago

          It’s a risky one but if he plays Leeds then could pay off

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          1. SAY MY NAME
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 11 months ago

            true, although Leeds have tightened up recently, i'll have a drink and then flip a coin 😀

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

    Maddison,Diaz,Jota,Foden,Mahrez - which midfilder has a chance for the most minutes in this GW ? I think choosing City mid is risky because sometimes Guardiola doesn't make substitution

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

      Jota imo

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

      Good point about subs, that’s what’s holding me back on Mahrez but then, 90mns and on penalties vs sides with nothing to play for…

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    3. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Jota
      Diaz
      Mahrez
      Maddison
      Foden

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  8. kanuforpresident
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    A) Mount + Kane to KDB and Riharlson (-4)

    or

    B) Mount, Kane + Kilman to KDB, Nketiah and Laporte (-8)

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

      Neither

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  9. yamms_schmitz
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    A - Sa to Schmeichel (without hit) - would have 11 doubles

    B - Sa to Schmeichel and Weghorst to Richarlison (for a -4). Using free hit next week, so can always get Weggy back for DFW37. Nketiah would be benched with option B

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

      B

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    2. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      B

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  10. artvandelay316
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Jesus or Nketiah?

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

      Nketiah

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  11. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Who are people capping? Kdb or Salah?

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    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Salah...as of now

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      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Makes sense although a bit boring

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  12. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Peeps going crazy getting rid of decent options like James, Madds, Mount and nobody literally has a clue who’s going to get 2 games…

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    1. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Will backfire for sure. Most likely will pick the wrong replacement

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      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Absolutely AC YEW, although I have had 3 glasses of Red wine so I may be talking absolute shite,

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  13. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Which opfion:

    A) Mahrez Richarlison
    B) Jesus Saka

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    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Tough one, maybe B but only just

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    2. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A

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  14. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    What’s everyone doing with Ben white? I’m on BB so need him to play the Leeds game or take a -4 to replace him

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    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Torn. On one hand there is little inspiring alternative. On the other, it would allow Nketiah up top for me so could take two hits to switch both

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      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Thanks. Might wait until last minute and possibly go for Everton defender as I don’t have fh in 37 but then again it’s Everton!!

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        1. Biggsy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 11 months ago

          I would have got Myko but priced out with Nketiah's rise. Probably on Davies or someone equally uninspiring but with a double

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

    Sa to Ederson worth a -4?

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    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Yes

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  16. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Why the hate on Maddison? Leicester in nothing else and will want to finish as high as possible? No?

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  17. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Coutinho to Saka?

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    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      On a FH or WC yes.
      If not, then no.

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      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Got a free transfer and played WC couple of weeks ago so team is all set just looking to improve

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  18. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Bench 2:

    Rudiger (good fixtures, rotation?)
    or
    Kulusevski (difficult fixtures)

    Nketiah (does he start both dgw? Arsenal with ambitions)
    or
    Dennis (3rd highest FPL forward but plays for relegation Watford)

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    1. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Wow over 10 new posts per minute - little chance of replies right now.

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

      I would bench Kulusevski and Dennis

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      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        I think I'm settling on benching Dennis and 50/50 on the other decision.

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  19. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Best way to trim 0.2 off this FH team?

    Schmeichel
    TAA Dias Laporte Alonso
    Salah KDB Son Diaz Saka
    Nketiah

    A. TAA > VVD
    B. Luiz Diaz > Richarlison
    C. TAA > VVD , Dias > Cancelo , Schmeichel > Pickford

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

      C

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  20. oi no professionals
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Havertz > Saka for a free? Will be playing Mount

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    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Yup

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

      Yup

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  21. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Done. Transfers made, BB activated. Going to watch the last couple of episodes of Ozark.

    Pope (Dub)
    Robertson Gabriel Alonso (Digne Telles)
    KDB(c) Jota Saka Kulu Maddison
    Rich Werner (Broja)

    Had lots to fix or Broja, Werner and Dub would be toast.

    I’ve benched Robbo, Jota and Richarlison because I am that guy.

    Good luck all.

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    1. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Wow, great, I didn't realise the last part of Ozark is out, amazing final season so far!

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  22. abaalan
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    pretty sure ill do Sa -> Schmeichel
    Then any of these worth a -4:
    A) Havertz -> Foden
    B) Havertz -> Maddison
    C) Weghorst/Broja -> Nketia

    Will FH 37 and am currently playing Pukki as lone forward

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

      C will hopefully pay for itself as that's what I did

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      1. abaalan
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Would you bench Havertz or Play instead of Pukki?

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

    Who is ur differential C If not Salah or KDB ?

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    1. oi no professionals
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Richard Dunne

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

      Mahrez or Cancello

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

      Considering Cancelo, Som or Mount

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    4. Demba Demba
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Son, Kane, Cancelo

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  24. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Bench boost…

    A) Tavares, Gordon, Kane (-4)
    B) Dias, Mahrez, Nketiah (-8)

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

      Find B more exciting

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  25. Rash
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Good to save the FH?

    Schmeichel
    Trent cancelo cash
    Salah son coutinho KDH Kulu
    Kane Nketiah

    On -4

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  26. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Would anyone use tc this week or shall i save it for next week?

    Richarlison maybe with 2 home games?

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    1. Demba Demba
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Aint gonna get better than a rested Salah or motivated KDB or an in form Son....

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

    Do you think that Diaz will start both games?

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

      I’d say so.

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    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Probably not

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    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Hmm not so sure.

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

      yeah with final on Saturday he could get a rest vs Villa.

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    5. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      No

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    6. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I tend to agree with Mark's prediction on Blackbox; Salah, Jota, Diaz vs Spurs, then Salah, Jota, Mane (and Tsmimikas) vs Villa

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

    A punt on Iehanacho is so tempting. Playing the bottom 3 over the next 4 games…
    They may change system with Vardy back so he might even start most games.

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

      I was thinking Nacho but the most possible scenario is to start the "difficult" game vs Everton and Vardy will start against Norwich.

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    2. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I'd love to have Iheanacho in my team normally but his manager underplays him chronically.

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  29. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    If I only take a -4, how many places will I rise/fall instantly when the gameweek loads?

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  30. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Which option would you prefer:

    A. Coutinho Kane > KDB Richy
    B. Coutinho Broja > Brownhill Richy

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