Pro Pundits
25 April 2025 209 comments
Lateriser 12 Lateriser 12
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In his latest article, two-time Indian Fantasy Premier League (FPL) champion Lateriser reveals his current Free Hit draft for Blank Gameweek 34.

Gameweek 1 reveal Salah

Like many active FPL managers, I am activating my Free Hit this week. Before we start with my picks, keep in mind that it’s only a draft and my mind might change after Friday’s press conferences. I’m still mulling over a couple of positions.

If you’re using this chip and have a really strong feeling about a certain player, go ahead and pick him. Football is a low-event sport, and while the ability to predict points is maybe sustainable over a longer period, there’s a good chance that random occurrences happen in a single Gameweek.

Take the recent example of Arsenal’s trip to Ipswich Town. There is no way that Bukayo Saka (£10.5m) should have come out without any returns, yet it still happened while Leandro Trossard (£6.7m) hauled.

So feel free to listen to that inner voice. What we get here is a no-holds-barred, one-week chip without any long-term consequences. It’s your one time to fly, so do it right.

MY FREE HIT DRAFT

Anyway, that’s all from me. I hope this article helped. Best of luck with your picks, and remember to listen to that inner voice.

FPL team previews – Liverpool: Best players, predicted XI + more

209 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Spirits be praise, tis behind the orange wall! Meantime, check mine favourite musicians out!

    https://youtu.be/_fhDVVfELsM?feature=shared

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      I'm not clicking that after the last one...

    2. Merlin the Wraith
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Mediaeval lute strummers, shield thumpers & caterwaulers.

  2. Fuddled FC
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Who should be benched?

    a) Bowen
    b) Murphy
    c) Diaz
    d) Palmer
    e) Welbeck

    1. Dutchy FPL
      • 2 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Comes down to some luck.. I would say A (away game) or B (potential reduced minutes)

    2. Mr.K
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      d

      and I checked the teams of my minileague rivals first, so I don't think I'm jinxing anything with this comment either.

  3. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Get ya free hits out for the lads.
    Get ya free hits out.
    Get ya free hits out.
    Get ya free hits out for the lads.
    Get ya free hits out for the lads.

  4. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    So frustrating. Instead of wasting money on the statsbomb licence, Scout could use that money to get a representative in Slot's press conference and simply ask:

    "Hi Arne. Is Trent fit enough to start a match?"

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Press conference representatives would be a great USP for the scout to have over the Hub as well.

      1. Press accreditation costs a king's ransom. More chance of you going a month without trolling.

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 months, 15 days ago

          Not true. If you actually take the time to watch a press conference in full, you'll know that lots of podcasters and low level local journalists ask questions and get access.

          1. I imagine this is by special invitation from the club. If it was that easy all the press conferences would be filled with any old numpty.

          2. Hairy Potter
            • 10 Years
            7 months, 15 days ago

            Why would anyone want to watch a press conference in full?

            1. The Knights Template
              • 12 Years
              7 months, 15 days ago

              I only ever wait for them.

            2. Merlin the Wraith
              • 9 Years
              7 months, 15 days ago

              I'd attend one of Nuno's so I could assess & scratch his beard.

              1. Thicksolidtight
                • 3 Years
                7 months, 15 days ago

                Have you been keeping an eye on his beard? I can't tell what he's done but it looks much better these days. Something subtle but significant must have happened, but what exactly? If you're close to the truth please share it.

            3. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              7 months, 15 days ago

              I watch all of Eddie Howe's pre and post match press conferences. They are very soothing.

              1. Haa-lala-land
                • 5 Years
                7 months, 15 days ago

                Thomas Tuchels at Chelsea were my favourite press conferences. I've no idea what he said most of the time, but such a soothing manner, really therapeutic

  5. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Anybody got more Team Reveals?

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      For more, simply join the patreon for less than the price of a cup of coffee.

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      I can reveal exclusively that Gary from Accounts has decided to keep the exact team he has had each and every week since GW1 on the basis he was peer pressured into signing up to the work league, has forgot his password and he is more of a rugby kind of guy anyway.

      Bold strategy that hasn't paid off so far, but you never know.

    3. Merlin the Wraith
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Sheffield Utd's Full Monty XI

    4. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Alan Shearer wouldn't make my all time favourite Newcastle team.

      1. The Knights Template
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        What about Peter Beard…….sley?

        1. Hairy Potter
          • 10 Years
          7 months, 15 days ago

          2 bells? Yeah he makes it.

        2. Thicksolidtight
          • 3 Years
          7 months, 15 days ago

          He loves a chicken wrap

      2. Hooky
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        Julio Geordio keeping him out?

        1. Hairy Potter
          • 10 Years
          7 months, 15 days ago

          Santiago Muñez

    5. Thicksolidtight
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Not of my team, no sorry.

  6. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    So any reason not to have triple Pool: Salah, Diaz and TAA, on the FH this week?

    1. Zladan
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Lots of early subs once Salah scores his 2 penalties.

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        Could be something to consider

      2. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        Why early subs? What else do they have to play for once they are in a winning position?

        Hardly resting for the Community Shield are they?

        1. El Presidente
          • 6 Years
          7 months, 15 days ago

          Yeah but if they secure the win early on its the title winning match for them and Im sure Slot will want to give other players on the bench a run in.

          1. Biggsy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 months, 15 days ago

            Is Slot that sentimental? They aren't lifting the trophy on Sunday even if they do end up champions.

            1. El Presidente
              • 6 Years
              7 months, 15 days ago

              Ok, but they will definitely celebrate!!!

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      I fancy Spurs to grab one given Liverpool haven't been as tight as earlier in the season. Given Trent is a potential minutes risk I'm probably avoiding.

      I like the Salah/Diaz double up in the middle though - only thing is I am currently also doubled on Newcastle mids which, when paying up top, rules out any other teams in the middle...

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        *when playing three up top

    3. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Gakpo predicted by most to start. Diaz better on the left than CF

      Trent could go off before 60

    4. Thicksolidtight
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      If you think other players in their position will score more

  7. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Who would you rather?

    A) TAA, Murphy
    B) Trippier, Mbuemo

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      B

    2. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      A

    3. Batman1983
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      B

  8. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Pick a player from each set to bring in on FH

    A) Bowen
    B) Kluivert

    1) Welbeck
    2) Raul

    1. Silecro
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      B1

    2. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      B1 easily

    3. Definitely B, probably 1

    4. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      B2

  9. Kinder Mbueno
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Can't decide on a FH keeper, who's your go to?

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      I'm on Kepa at the moment

    2. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Bentley / Sa

  10. Bullet Eder
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Reading Howe's press conference comments and he will get a rousing reception from the Geordie fans on Saturday. There will be some atmosphere and the players will be pleased to see him back in the dugout too. I can see a lightning start and heavy thrashing of Ipswich in this one. Howe's return also throws up an interesting team selection question. Gordon has been his teacher's pet ever since he arrived - will Howe being back in charge mean a start for Gordon over Barnes? If we had a concrete answer to that question I think I would go for the Newcastle attacking triple-up on free hit, but playing it safe with just Isak and Murphy as things stand.

    1. LOS BLANCOS
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Don't think Barnes will be benched in such form

    2. Batman1983
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      I'd be surprised if Gordon came in for Barnes.

      Howe is a big fan of not changing his starting XI unless he has to. He doesn't have to with the form of Barnes. So fully expect Gordon to be on the bench again. Either Barnes or Murphy will likely be subbed early though to get Gordon on, potentially before 60 minutes.

  11. niaz1982
    • 6 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Think I am ready to go only issue is Mbuemo v NFO and who to bench:

    Pope
    RAN TAA Cucurella
    Diaz Salah Mbuemo Barnes
    Larsen Cunha Isak

    Verbruggen, Kerkez, Sess, Kluivert

    Any changes to formation or subs?

  12. AC99__
    • 2 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    FH
    Kepa
    Trips - RAN - TAA - Sess - Cucu
    Salah - Murphy - Palmer
    Isak - Cunha

    Subs: Wolves GK / Diaz / Kluivert / Welbeck

    Happy with my 15, 9 of the 11 are set - just have to decide who to play / bench now from the remainder.

    Pick 2 from these 5 please, currently leaning to Sess and Cucurella, but split between him and Welbeck.

    Cucu
    Sess
    Kluivert
    Diaz
    Welbeck

    Cheers!

  13. Fuddled FC
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    So Slot's comments didn't clear up whether TAA or Bradley will be starting!

    Thoughts?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      One of them should play.

  14. YoungPretender
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Pope
    TAA Sess RAN
    Salah Palmer Diaz Barnes
    Cunha Welbeck Isak

    Leno Kluivert Cucurella Mazrouai

    Everything in the right order? Torn between Sess and Cucurella

    1. Silecro
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      As a biggest Chelsea fan, I really dont see the appeal of Palmer on FH, when there is so much better options available.

      1. Thicksolidtight
        • 3 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        You're not the biggest chelsea fan.

        Trust me, i know the biggest chelsea fan and it's not you.

        If you knew the biggest chelsea fan (like i do), you wouldn't go around saying you were the biggest chelsea fan because the biggest chelsea fan is actually just an extremely large man that supports chelsea and gets quite grumpy when other people say they're the biggest fan because it's just NOT true and his commitment to objective truth is unwaivering.

    2. Cheeky Reijnders
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      I'm playing Cucu instead of TAA (suspect TOT will score) and can't see the appeal of Palmer.

  15. Nightcrawler
    • 6 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    On FH

    A) Pope and Cucurella

    B) Allison and tripper

    Starting Sess and RAN as other two defs

    1. bring_on _the_fantasy
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      A, can see Spurs sneaking a goal

    2. Cheeky Reijnders
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      A

  16. Bobby Crush
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Lots of FH team suggestions, which is easy content, but not too much on strategies on FH now or in GW36?

    Might have missed something, as I was away.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Not everyone is FH this week, some some advice on players to bring in would be good.

    2. Nightcrawler
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Time for suggestions for that strategy was surely 3-4 weeks ago.

      1. Bobby Crush
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        I guess so.
        Was there anything on it?

  17. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Any ideas about Toon mids? Will Gordon come back into the side or do folks think they will go with Murphy and Barnes to start.

    1. Batman1983
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Expect Murphy and Barnes to start.

      Then Gordon to come on, quite possibly early in the second half.

  18. Eric Banternaaa
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Guessing most will be going Salah Captain? Isak a differential?

    Or think will be a 50/50 split?

  19. Catastrophe
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Advice appreciated - 7 starters with 4 FT, 0.8M ITB. Planning BB for 36, no other chips.

    Verbruggen
    Livramento, Kerkez
    Salah, Fernandes, Murphy
    Isak

    (Areola, Saliba, Munoz, Gvardiol, Saka, Rogers, Marmoush, Mateta)

    Thinking:

    Mateta -> Cunha
    Saka -> Mbeumo
    Munoz -> Ait-Nouri
    Gvardiol -> VVD/TAA/Cucurella?

    Cheers

  20. gomez123
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Not sure whether to get Barnes or Murphy on FH to go with Isak & Trippier….is Bruno G an option with more secured minutes? Y/N

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Tonali for a punt.

      1. Silecro
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        Joseph Linton also

    2. Aribo Starmix
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      stick with Barnes or Murphy both nailed this week - form of both far too good for either to be dropped.

    3. Batman1983
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      I'd go Isak and Trippier.

      While expect Murphy and Barnes to start, and a fair few goals for Newcastle - I think one of them will be subbed early in the second half for Gordon.

    4. davemk
      • 1 Year
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Murphy

  21. FPL Sanky
    • 2 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Play 2 out of these
    A) Palmer (EVE H)
    B) Mbeumo (NFO A)
    C) Murphy (IPS H)

    1. Steve Stiffler
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      A and B probably more guaranteed for starts so them

  22. Steve Stiffler
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    On FT, leading a lot of my leagues want to play safe and get a good score.

    Leno
    VVD Trippier RAN
    Salah Mbeumo Bowen Barnes
    Cunha Welbeck Isak

    Sels, Iwobi, Milenkovic, Kerkez

    Tough this with so many good options, the spots I’m struggling with is Bowen/Diaz, Welbeck/Wood and VVD/TAA. Also bench order does anyone start over anyone in my team there? Thanks a lot.

    1. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Can't have your cake and eat it too champ.

    2. bring_on _the_fantasy
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Wouldn’t go anywhere near Leno, Fulham will concede.

      Diaz, Wood and VVD for me

      1. Steve Stiffler
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        That’s who I originally had yeah, may revert back to it. Dont really want to have double wolves defence

      2. Conners
        • 6 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        I don't see much wrong in going with a Fulham def/GK this week given the opposition.

  23. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Any love for evanilson on FH?

    1. Silecro
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      I believe he is a good option and will most probably score, but the focus is on other forwards with pens (Cunha, Wood, Welbeck, Jimenez) or with more plum fixtures (Larsen)

      1. Silecro
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        Also, most have Kluivert in the team

    2. Thicksolidtight
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Yes from me. Man utd look bad at both ends and won't be fully committed to winning PL matches. It's just whether you think Evanilson has more chance of more points than Cunha, Isak Jimenez or any of the other forwards

  24. gomez123
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    VVD incoming header anyone?

    1. bring_on _the_fantasy
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Possible

  25. Haa-lala-land
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Thinking of upgrading Palmer to Dwight McNeil next week.

  26. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    No FH, 2 fts

    Areola
    Livra Kerkez Bradley*
    Salah Murphy Semenyo
    Isak.

    Raya Munoz Gvardiol Sarr Saka Marmoush Mateta

    Thinking Munoz, Sarr, Mateta > Alt Nouri, Diaz, Cunha -4.

    Sound good?

    Thanks

    1. Haa-lala-land
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Looks alright for 34, although in 35 you'll have some tough looking line ups
      Ait Nouri and Cunha away to Man City
      Diaz away to Chelsea
      Semenyo and Kerkez away to Arsenal
      One or all of Saka, Bradley and Diaz may not play come GW35

      It's dull, but I'd consider bringing in Mbuemo for Saka, and Wood/Wissa and maybe Collins for a bit more security

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        Cheers

        I'm pretty much screwed.
        I've blown all my chips so yeah need to do something different

  27. Jafalad
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    The Mighty Leeds are back.

    You will all need three Leeds players next season: Firpo, James and Solomon.

    You're welcome. 😉

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Bogle not bad pick either

      1. Jafalad
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        Oh yeah forgot him. Firpo is the current flavour of the month.

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      No Ayling, no party.

    3. Haa-lala-land
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Bam Bam still going?

      1. Jafalad
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        On his last legs.

        1. Thicksolidtight
          • 3 Years
          7 months, 15 days ago

          As he has been for about 3 years. Bielsa made him a legend then destroyed him. He gives and takes away.

    4. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      How many red cards will he get this time

  28. dshv
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Leno Trippier or Pope Sessegnon ??

    1. Cheeky Reijnders
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      PopeSess

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Pope Sess

  29. Danstoke82
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    Hi all, which 3rd striker on FH?

    A) Evanilson
    B) Raul Jimenez

    Other strikers are Isak and Cunha (template I know!)

    Thanks in advance!

    1. Silecro
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 15 days ago

      Why not considering Welbeck? On pens, plays at home, solid form (2 goals last 3 games), good fixture

      1. Danstoke82
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 15 days ago

        Just feel the other two are better options personally. Know it could bite me!

        1. Silecro
          • 8 Years
          7 months, 15 days ago

          From those two I like Evanilson more. Fulham attack doesnt inspire me with confidence

  30. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 15 days ago

    I'm a sucker for a premium...

    Pope
    Trent Cucurella RAN
    Salah Palmer Mbuemo Diaz Murphy
    Isak Cunha