Pro Pundits
25 April 2025 1346 comments
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Five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman is the latest Pro Pundit to run through his Free Hit team draft.

Our writers provide regular articles throughout the season, with only subscribers able to access every single one. 

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In this article, we will have a look at my current Free Hit team for Gameweek 34.

Most of the squad will have a familiar ring to it, so rather than waffle on about Mohamed Salah (£13.8m) and Alexander Isak (£9.5m), I’ll instead focus the majority of my words on a few other players I like, who I haven’t seen in quite so many RMT’s.

JARROD BOWEN

West Ham United haven’t been great from an attacking perspective under Graham Potter.

But in light of the opposition, I fancy Jarrod Bowen (£7.5m) to do well this weekend.

Brighton and Hove Albion have conceded 13 goals in their last five matches and will be without influential centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke (£4.5m), who is undergoing concussion protocols.

Fabian Hurzeler opted for Carlos Baleba (£5.0m) as an emergency centre-back the last time he missed out, and while he did pretty well, it was a poor overall performance by the Seagulls, with relegated Leicester City scoring twice and grabbing a rare point.

As for Bowen, he’s ticked along since returning from injury, with four goals and two assists in 10 starts, but I think he’s capable of hauling tomorrow, given how Brighton were picked apart on the counter-attack by Brentford last week.

In fact, only Leicester have conceded more counter-attack shots over the last five Gameweeks than Brighton, which could play into the hands of Bowen at the Amex.

Above: Teams sorted by counter-attack shots conceded in Gameweeks 29-33



  1. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    I'm surprised at the Raul love. He's done nothing for weeks and Southampton outplayed West Ham away from home last weekend. I don't think they're as bad as Leicester and Ipswich.

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Southampton have 11 points

      1. PapaWengzz
        • 6 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Their goal difference is -54

        1. PapaWengzz
          • 6 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Westham would get relegated any other season, they have been dire

    2. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Saints have conceded the most pens in the league. Raul is on pens. When you're out of the team you can't do much. When the player keeping you out is injured, you could do much. Saints are bad. One of the worst teams, ever.

      Not sure why you're surprised. Be happy for yourself, if you've found a better pick.

      1. PapaWengzz
        • 6 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Worst team ive seen in 2 decades

  2. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Bench one of Mbeumo, Iwobi, J Murphy, Cunha

    Currently benching Iwobi

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Approved

    2. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Yes

  3. derdourily
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Which one to pick?
    A- Kluivert
    B- Welbeck

    Cheers

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Welbeck

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Wellbeck

  4. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Jsl or welbeck?

  5. putana
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    am I the only one not understanding the diaz hype

    1. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Nah. Lots of villages dotted around. There'll be others.

  6. DARE TO BISCAN
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    FH34, so far:

    Pope
    Trent, Sess, RAN
    Salah(c), Palmer, Barnes, Diaz
    Cunha, Isak, Raul

    (Sanchez, Mbeumo, Cucu, Kerkez)

    Some mins risks in there. Could change, if info comes in.

    1. PapaWengzz
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Too many mins risks imo, you got all of them. Maybe just keep 2 you like the most

      1. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        I'm flip-flopping between that and Allison, Trippier.
        Sess could also be Cucu.
        Murphy could possibly come in, although unsure on triple Newcastle attack. So, probably not.

    2. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Nice one
      I have got Sanchez
      Trippier over Sess
      Murphy over Barnes
      Larsen over Raul

      1. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        There's quite a few good options. Could be some points swings this week. I'm 2 off top in my work league. Will be interesting.
        Trippier over Sess seems a more solid choice.

        1. Mozumbus
          • 4 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Good luck

    3. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Palmer & Raul - unsure?
      (I'm really hoping Palmer gets a massive score but manager still playing in no 10 - best/most productive on the right wing, even tight at the back)

      Mbeumo play instead of on the bench

      Maybe Wissa

  7. si
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Why is Chris Wood missing from every FH team I see? Am I missing something?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      He’s a Kiwi, pretty sure thst’s the reason.

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        The reason to have in your team, a bit like Tim Cahill the Aussie back in the day.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Wood is in my team, not fh though.

    3. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      If you think the player you've picked, will do better than the 'template'. Be happy about it 🙂

      1. si
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Wood has a much more explosive ceiling than Jiminez in my humble opinion. Much more consistent too, especially at home.

        1. DARE TO BISCAN
          • 7 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Have conviction in your choices. You don't need, and won't get, everyone else's approval. 🙂

        2. The Knights Template
          • 12 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Raul Jimenez is a dreadful pick.

    4. Clock End
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Wood has obvious upside for a FH team. But I think for a lot of owners, it feels risky to select Forest players because they have the intervening FA Cup semi-final this weekend before the PL fixture against Brentford in mid-week. Injuries, red cards, rotation all could come into play before Forest play on Thursday.

      1. si
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        That’s what your bench is for. If Wood is available, he starts. No question.

        1. Clock End
          • 3 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Yeah, he's in my team for sure. Just trying to guess at an answer to your question. I don't get it either, but I have to think that's what's affecting his (relative) lack of selection.

  8. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Good to go with this 11?

    Sanchez
    TAA RAN Robinson
    Salah Diaz Barnes Murphy Palmer
    Isak Cunha

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Approved.

    2. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Nice one
      Good luck

    3. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Cucu and Sels/Sa over Sanchez and Robinson?

  9. Bavarian
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Welbeck or Wood?

  10. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Capt isak or palmer if chasing?

    1. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Depends how far behind you are. If it's less than 20 points I'd go with Isak.

    2. PapaWengzz
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Do you really think Salah wont haul big vs Tottnham? If it was any other team id say maybe but tottenham and Man united are guaranteed

      1. PapaWengzz
        • 6 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Guaranteed for Salah I mean

      2. Letsgo!
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Yeah i think he wont haul big

    3. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Isak

  11. Tambling5
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Why so much Trippier love? He's got one assist all season, and no goals. In the last 5 games he's started all of them - Newcastle scored 15 goals and he has one assist to show for it.
    Is he just being picked because of past glories?

    1. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Ipswich have conceded more goals from his side of the pitch which is why I've gone Tripp & Murphy. They are also poor at defending set pieces

      1. Mozumbus
        • 4 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        This

    2. PapaWengzz
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Set pieces, clean sheet odds, early sub but after 60

  12. dshv
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Play:

    1. Iwobi
    2. Welbeck

  13. DARE TO BISCAN
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    I don't get the love for (insert player I haven't picked).

    Validate me. Validate meeee!

    1. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      My dude, you're being petty and disrespectful. I have Palmer in my FH draft and have zero issue with any engaged manager who is pushing back on that pick because I can see it from both side.

      1. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        You, deciding to make this about you, is pretty amusing.

        Anyway. I too have Palmer. See... my dude. It's a nice pick. It's a lovely pick. There, there. Shhh, shhh. It will all be fine.

        1. Jet5605
          • 11 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Strawman alert. My post had nothing to do with making it about me. I used one of my picks as an example of seeing things from both sides and that people asking questions or putting forward arguments aren't always seeking validation as you suggested. This is a forum for constrictive discussion after all. You might want to tone down the lecturing and superiority thing....my dude. Good luck!

          1. DARE TO BISCAN
            • 7 Years
            7 months, 14 days ago

            You really don't see it. Only one of us is lecturing.
            One of us is trying to be 'constrictive' though 😉
            I say go with your gut, and don't try to brow beat others into agreeing with your choice.

    2. si
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Diaz.

  14. Holmes
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Join the Ait-Nouri captaincy camp and feel the thrill of your life.

    1. Men in green tights
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Just remember your last defender captain, tempting fate again 🙂

    2. Pablitto
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Pool is set to win the league this gw and (M)o will try the best

    3. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      This isn't just any captaincy. This is the RAN, double-barrelled, double cream, extra buttery, pure indulgence delight. Because you're worth it.

    4. KeanosMagic
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      My son (who is picking players he likes the sound of) has the armband on him!

      He might do better than me given my recent luck in game weeks!

  15. dansmith1985
    • 3 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Last midfield spot
    A)Iwobi
    B)Kluivert
    C)Palmer

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Palmer against Keane, yummy!

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      B

    3. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      C

  16. Shark Team
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 14 days ago

    Do you think all of Sessegnon, Diaz, Barnes are going to start?

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Diaz should, no idea about other 2

    2. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      I think all the three are prone

    3. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Each one, in isolation yes. They're in good form. So, why not?

      You could scare yourself with statistics:
      Eg. say each one is 80% to start. All three starting would then be 51%

      Answer: nobody can no for sure, about any player.

      The only given: people will whine/crow, in hindsight.

      1. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        No = know
        Yikes 😀

    4. FPLAnon
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Sessegnon will start imo, Wilson only played 11 minutes of football since being out. Sess playing well, got assist last game and was subbed off while 1-0 up. Reckon Wilson gets 20-30 mins before getting a full start.

        Wasn't aware Diaz was a doubt, expect him to start.

        Also think Slot's comments about Trent make it quite clear he will start. Would also be harsh to not play him too, won them the game last week, and done more than Bradley for the title.

        Barnes I worry about more, but also scared of going without him.

    5. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Made couple of tweaks in FH team

      Keeping it simple

      3 Wolves at home to attack Leicester
      Cunha Larsen RAN

      3 Newcastle at home to attack IPS
      Isak(c) Murphy Trippier

      3 Liverpool at home to attack Spurs
      Salah Diaz TAA

      2 Chelsea at home to exploit Everton
      Palmer Sanchez

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        That's ky latest team. The only thing I can't decide is Sanchez vs Leno

        1. Mozumbus
          • 4 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Yes it's a tough one
          I'm leaning towards home fixture

        2. Mozumbus
          • 4 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Btw I didn't know about sky team if you're talking about that

    6. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Palmer or Kluivert?

      1. Mozumbus
        • 4 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Palmer

    7. The_FF_King
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Anyone tempted by getting both Murphy and Barnes with a 5 man midfield?

      I’m not sold on a third striker lack of options

      1. Holmes
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Worth a shot

      2. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        I'm tempted. Depends any on Cunha news. Although, JSL also tempting

        1. KeanosMagic
          • 3 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Are we likely to get Cunha news before the deadline do you think?

          1. DARE TO BISCAN
            • 7 Years
            7 months, 14 days ago

            No clue. I'll be at work. Will have to make a choice and stick with it, shortly. It's not the be-all, end-all. Just a game, innit

      3. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Which two strikers s did you go for?

        1. The_FF_King
          • 12 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Cunha, Isak

          1. DARE TO BISCAN
            • 7 Years
            7 months, 14 days ago

            Yeah. I'm on that. With another coin toss for Barnes/Raul

            1. DARE TO BISCAN
              • 7 Years
              7 months, 14 days ago

              Sorry, make that Murphy/Raul (have Barnes)

    8. NumberSix
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Bench one
      A) Mbuemo
      B) Raul

      1. KeanosMagic
        • 3 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        I've benched Raul, if only to have a player in the last game. I also think Mbuemo could do ok

    9. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      The new template:
      Winterfell Defence : Semedo, Ait-Nouri, Toti
      Liverpool girth: Salah(c), Jota, Diaz
      Fill in the rest yourself!

    10. Brunsvigeren
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      FH done, Im glad

      Leno
      TAA, Trippier, Nouri
      Salah(C), Diaz, Murphy, Kluivert
      Wood, Isak, Cunha
      Sanchez, Palmer, Sessengnon, Kerlez

      1. Brunsvigeren
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Thoughts?

        1. Silicon Vialli
          • 8 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Like it I have the same 11 except Sels for Leno, Cucurella for Nouri, and Palmer for Kluivert.

          1. Brunsvigeren
            • 10 Years
            7 months, 14 days ago

            Very im doubt about starting Kluivert or Palmer...

    11. KeanosMagic
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Best keeper on a FH who doesn't play for Liverpool or Newcastle?

      Sa, right?

      1. NZREDS
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Leno against saints?

      2. Pep's Money Laundry
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        I Prefer RAN from wolves defence, I'm going Kepa but Sanchez is also a good option

        I'm passing on Leno because I think Southampton will score

      3. Mozumbus
        • 4 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Sanchez

      4. Silicon Vialli
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Sels?

        1. Jet5605
          • 11 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Sels is a good pick IMO. I am wary of Mbeumo & Wissa but Forest are usually solid defensively at home.

    12. Lecky Legs FC
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      FH chip already used £1.3 ITB & 1FT what to do with this team?

      Sa
      Konate Livramento Sendai Williams
      Bowen Salah Salah (Blank)
      Cunha Isak Mateta (Blank)

      Subs:Areola,Savinho,Munoz & Rogers

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Saka (Blank)*

      2. KeanosMagic
        • 3 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        I guess if you want value for that transfer, you want someone who plays this week who you're likely to want to keep for the rest of the season.

        Saka to Mbuemo? I think a lot will jump off Saka in the next couple of weeks

        1. Jafooli
          • 13 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Cheers Keano...

        2. Lecky Legs FC
          • 9 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          I was half thinking getting rid of Saka for Mbuemo probably gonna go through it won’t hardly play for the rest of the season like you said cheers bro

    13. Jafooli
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Why not many currently have Iwobi in FH teams?

      1. KeanosMagic
        • 3 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        I guess most will have Salah, Diaz, and at least 1 Newcastle.

        If they have 3 up front, then there's only 1 more midfield slot, and a lot I've seen have gone for another Newcastle, or Palmer, Mbuemo first.

        That's not saying he's a bad pick. Just that there are loads of good options on paper, can't fit them all in!

      2. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Other options.

    14. dshv
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Last spot

      1. Iwobi
      2. Welbeck
      3. Strand Larsen
      4. Palmer

      Please, choose

      1. NZREDS
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        4

      2. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        My D4 app said number 2, in 2 out of 4 rolls.

      3. Jafooli
        • 13 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        I’m going 1…

      4. Mambino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        4

    15. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Start one

      A. Kluivert
      B. Iwobi
      C. Raul

      1. Jafooli
        • 13 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        B

      2. Silicon Vialli
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        A

    16. Shark Team
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      My last two dilemmas on FH:
      1) Luis Diaz or Robinson(play 4 atb) ?
      2) Strand Larsen or Jimenez ?

      1. C0YS
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        1. Diaz, 3 atb
        2. Same dilemma…

        1. C0YS
          • 9 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Went with Strand Larsen for the Wolves attacker double-up; form over (even) fixtures

          1. Shark Team
            • 8 Years
            7 months, 14 days ago

            I agree

      2. Silicon Vialli
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Diaz

    17. GE
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      Luiz Diaz or Barnes?
      (have Murphy)

      1. C0YS
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Would rather have 1 new mid + Isak + def

        1. Silicon Vialli
          • 8 Years
          7 months, 14 days ago

          Yep

    18. tabby98
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 14 days ago

      FH team GTG?

      Sanchez
      Sessegnon, RAN, Trippier
      Salah, Palmer, Diaz, Murphy
      Cunha, Raul, Isak

      Leno | Cucu, VVD, Kluivert

      1. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 14 days ago

        Ja. Looks good