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. Pies Have Come
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    On a FH. Had Richo and Robbo at the start of the week but now hearing neither might start. What to change or GTG?

    Kasper
    Diaz Matip Alonzo
    Salah KDB Son Mount Saka
    Jesus Nketiah

    (Steele Amartey Dennis Collins)

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

    Hi guys,

    Doc to Laporte or Matip -4? £.15m itb

    Kasper
    James, TAA, Cancelo (Doherty, Schar)
    Saka, Salah, Mount, Ramsey, Kulu
    Kane, Nketiah (broja)

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

      Y, Laporte if fit

  3. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Which one is the best option? Thx for your numerous answers in advance 🙂

    A) Coutinho to KdB
    B) Maddison to KdB
    C) Kulu to KdB -4 (Broja to Greenwood)
    D) Kulu to Mahrez

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

      A

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

      B

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

      B

    4. mox81
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Coin toss between A and B, let's say A if FH37, B if no FH. Wouldn't bother with C or D

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

      B

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

    It's that first time for scout picks to late to this time ?

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

      Might be due to later deadline tomorrow?

  5. WibblesTeam
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Best defender for GW36 under 4.7 (Not Spurs)?

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

      Holgate?

    2. mox81
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Tavares

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

    Do we reckon Ben White starts? It’s the difference between a -12/-16/-20 hit at the moment…

    And do we think Richarlison starts ?

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

      Richarlison seems fine based on comments.

      White seems doubtful but is he worth a hit even on BB?

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

        Cheers

    2. MoSalalalalalalalalah
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I'd say they both do.

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

        Thanks

    3. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Big risk White only starts Spurs game. So sell him if that's not good enough for you.

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

        Thanks

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

      I reckon 50% first game, 90% chance Spurs. I don’t think it’s worth a -4 to sell him unless for some incredible improvement like Cancelo?

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

        Thank you

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

    Wow, just noticed Everton have 2 CS (3 goals conc.) in their last 4 matches. They've played Liverpool, Chelsea, Leicester and Man Utd!

    Pickford over Schmeichel? (no FH37)

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

      Look at whether those CS were home or away. Now look at where they play twice in 36...

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

        Liverpool away is a bit different to Watford though

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

          Also, I'm buying for 36 and 37 so they have 2 homes in there

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

          Buy for 37 for sure. But they are bottom of the league for away form so don't expect much this week

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

      It’s why I like Holgate

  8. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    What transfer is better?

    A) Dewsbury-Hall -> Kulusevski
    B) Dennis -> Richarlison?

    Thank you!

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

      B if no FH, as he'll be a good (C) option next week

    2. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      B

    3. MoSalalalalalalalalah
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A

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

      B
      Kulu got tough fixtures and not their main man.
      Rich not easy fixtures but is their main guy, on pens, shoots on sight.

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

        And he’s got the double-double

  9. yanky
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    maddison not predicted to start according to this site?

    1. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Rested after Europe.

  10. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Any thoughts? Not sure if there's any significant change worth making. Thank you 🙂

    1FT
    0.8 ITB

    Ramsdale
    VVD - TAA - Emerson - Coady
    Coutinho - Saka - Son - Salah - Mount
    Dennis

    Sánchez - White - Weghorst - Mateta

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

    Maddison, Raphinha, or Kulusevski?

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Kulu

  12. Bob.
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Pukki or Gordon? Cheers

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

      Gordon

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

      Gordon

  13. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this move?

    Coutinho + KDH -> Maddison + Gordon (-4)

    Chance that Maddi could get rested but not sure who else I could get with 6.9 to spend. Kulu?

  14. Origal73
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Bottomed

    On FH. Would you pick:
    A) Ederson ,and Matip
    B) Schmeicel and Laporte

    Have TAA and Cancello.

    Thanks

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      B

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

      A

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

      A

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

      B

  15. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Is this BB team okay?

    Schmeichel, Foster
    Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Cancelo, Laporte, Alonso
    Salah (C), De Bruyne, Saka, Mount, Kulusevski
    Dennis, Pukki, Nketiah

    Thank you!

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

      Yup

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

      Yup looking fine

    3. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Yep!

      GL

  16. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Start royal or Ramsey or a -4?

    No BB

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

      Royal

    2. Captain Beefheart
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Ramseys injured

  17. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    FH or BB (-12)?

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

      When are you using BB if not this week?

  18. frenchfries
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    On BB, need to gain 40pts

    Gelhardt+Doherty+…
    A) …Kane -> Jesus+Richarlison+Cash (-4)
    B) …Mount -> Gordon+Richarlison+Mina (-4)
    C) …Mount+Broja -> Gordon+Richarlison+Holgate+Pukki (-8)

  19. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Me 14point lead 2ft and bench boost
    Schmeichel
    TAA White James Laporte
    Salah Saka Havertz Kulu Mount
    Kane

    Ramsdale Schar Richardson Cucho

    ML rival
    Ramsdale
    James Cancelo Robertson
    Salah Mount Kulu KDB KDH
    Wag Wood

    Ddg White Broja Clynne

    Reckon I need to get kdb and or cancelo in?

    Cheers

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

      Think i would

      Kane+Havertz -> Richarlison+KDB?

  20. Totally J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    How’s this FH team

    Schmeichel
    TAA Laporte Alonso
    Salah KDB Maddison Mahrez Diaz
    nketiah richarlison

    Bench of absolute fodder.

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

      Pretty good. Worried about maddi and diaz not playing both games. I would change one of them for Saka

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

    At 35k so willing to punt for pushing 10k
    A) Cancelo, Mahrez, Jesus
    B) Dias, Son, Richarlison
    C) Cancelo, KDB (C), Nketiah

    Salah C in a and b

  22. FusionFC
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Ederson (NEW wol) and Nuno Tavares (LEE tot)

    Or

    Schmeichel (EVE NOR) Cash (bur LIV)

  23. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Ok so i think 1 hit is plenty ready for BB this week. The question is which pair?! Outgoing players are Sterling and Mateta

    A - Mahrez and Rich
    B - Coutinho and Jesus
    C - Foden and Jesus
    D - Son and Nketiah

    Cheers!

  24. dontyouknowimloko
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Ramsey news has screwed my BB.

    Ramsey > Gordon for a -4

    Might as well, right?

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

      Yup

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

    Think iv finally settled on this FH team.

    Schmeichel

    Cancelo/Alonso/TAA/Mina

    Salah/Son/kdb(c) /Saka/Gordon

    Richarlson

    Gtg?

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

      Looks good

  26. KieranKA
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Richarlison or Watkins for this BB team?

    Schmeichel Foster
    Trent Cancelo James Royal Tavares
    Salah Son Coutinho Saka Gordon
    _____ Pukki Mateta

  27. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Why is Oldham Athletic having such a brutal and bad relegation? They played a few seasons in the Premier League and have been relegated this year and don't even play professional football anymore. Thanks!

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

      Huh? Oldham in the Premier League?

      1. Corona is not good 4 U
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Yes, in the 1990 years.

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

          Ah I don't remember that. Then again I only started following football in 1998.

  28. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Hello there everyone!! Preferred option here??!’……

    A- TAA and Pukki
    Or
    B- VVD and Richarlison

    Many thanks!!!

  29. DavidKent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Robertson -> Cancelo for minus 4?

    My thinking is that Robbo only gets 1 game, Cancelo 2 games.

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

      Doing that move myself I think

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

        For minus 4

  30. mox81
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    How about Robbo to VVD? Concerned about Robbo mins, FH37 so transfer will burn otherwise.

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

      robbo will play both