Pro Pundits
13 September 2025 1003 comments
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With the next Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadline on the way, we’re hearing from our panel of guest writers.

Here, five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman discusses his Gameweek 4 team and transfer.

Make sure you sign up for the new season to get all the Member-only articles, tools and features to make 2025/26 your best FPL campaign yet!

Tom Freeman’s Gameweek 2 team reveal: Andersen or Porro? 2

THE SEASON SO FAR

FPL notes: Cunha injury,

It’s been a tough start to the season.

It’s still early days, of course, but everyone wants to do well, and picking up only 24 points in Gameweek 3 was far from ideal.

Injuries have been a recurring theme so far.

Cole Palmer (£10.4m), Bukayo Saka (£9.8m), Matheus Cunha (£8.0m), Georginio Rutter (£5.9m) and Jorgen Strand Larsen (£5.9m) have all picked up injuries of some description, some more serious than others, so I’ve naturally considered a Wildcard.

Based on the feedback from my recent team reveal video, it appears most would have already pushed the button!

However, I actually think it’s a tricky time to Wildcard based on the fixtures, plus the fact I’m still trying to work so many teams out.

My club, Aston Villa, is a prime example. We’ve been terrible so far, so if I Wildcard, I’d naturally take out Ezri Konsa (£4.5m), Youri Tielemans (£5.9m) and Ollie Watkins (£8.9m).

But past experience tells me they’ll turn it around, particularly with Everton, Sunderland, Fulham and Burnley up next.

The danger is that I sit on them too long and fall further behind, but if I truly believe Harvey Elliott (£5.4m) is the missing ingredient, why take them out now, just before their good run of fixtures?

When you Wildcard, there is a natural inclination to completely transform your squad.

You might not agree, but I’m not totally convinced my team requires a significant overhaul this week. I need a Cunha replacement, of course, but I can achieve that with a free transfer.

GAMEWEEK 4 TRANSFER

  1. Test Eagles
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    With Palmer likely back from injury now does Enzo lose his appeal with pens likely in Coles hands now?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Only if Cole is on the pitch. Think Palmer starts from bench this GW

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      I don't think Palmer starts if returns from injury,

      Feel with Champion League football next week might get
      some mins from the bench

  2. Jullepuu
    • 6 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Any comments for my wildcard? Start VDV and Anderesen over Senesi?

    Sanchez
    Munoz VDV Andersen
    Salah Gakpo Semenyo Kudus Reijnders
    Haaland JP

    Dubravka Senesi Esteve Fraser

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Play Senesi over VDV - higher floor with Defcon

      1. Jullepuu
        • 6 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        Cheers

  3. Miguel Sanchez
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Score predictions please

    Arsenal Forest
    Bournemouth Brighton

    1. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      3-0

      1-1

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Arsenal 3 v 1 Forest

      Bournemouth 2 v 1 Brighton

  4. Nightcrawler
    • 6 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Final pick on WC

    A) Bruno Fernandes

    B) Gyokeres

    ..

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      A

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      A

  5. ☈☾
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Learning from previous GWs:

    In GW2, I put my captain armband over Haaland v TOT instead of Gyokeres v LEE which didn't turn out well.

    Going for the better fixture, should I keep my armband on Ekitike v BUR instead of Haaland v MUN

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      I think Haaland is by far the best captain this GW

      1. ☈☾
        • 8 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        Why do you think so?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          2 months, 23 days ago

          City smarting from consecutive defeats, big derby atmosphere, United with a poor GK and defence this season and Haaland seems to have found his finishing boots this season

          1. ☈☾
            • 8 Years
            2 months, 23 days ago

            But Amorim has a very good record v City

  6. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    I'm really stuck

    A) Rogers (for fixtures)
    B) Bruno (for consistent return)

    I know this sounds like a ridicluous question, but holding off on Bruno and keeping lots of money itb, gives me the choices of replacing any midfielder with Palmer/Saka/Bruno at some point... however, if Villa look terrible again, it'll just be Rogers to Bruno next week straightaway. Could just do it now to save the future transfer (but limit future options)...

    Love/hate this game 🙂

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Errrr so hard that one - Bruno probably

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        Thank you for your input... it is indeed giving me a headache lol

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Rogers

  7. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Who to bench?

    A. Rejinder
    B. Rogers
    C. Watkins

    Thanks

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      A

    2. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      A

    3. DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Thanks, yeah that's who I am currently on.

    4. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      B

  8. dansmith1985
    • 3 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Worth selling Palmer for a hit?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Who comes in if you have to bench?

      1. dansmith1985
        • 3 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        Dango or Wood

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          2 months, 23 days ago

          Yeah - problem is I think Palmer could get bench minutes so it’s hard to start him if you have him as you risk a 1 point cameo.

          Certainly no need for the hit with Dango a good option with a 4 point floor with Defcon this GW

        2. Bluetiger1
          • 3 Years
          2 months, 23 days ago

          If you decided a hit whom would you go for to ensure maximum gain?

          Possible - No keep Palmer allows you time to assess injury - especially for a hit fine margins four points in league position

          1. Dango two away games only 2 points but at home to Villa 13 points - at home
          2. Wood first game at home 13 points last two Gws only 2 points - new manager but Arsenal away tight defence not so good.

  9. BusbySwede
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    On FH, best option?
    A)Gakpo & Reijnders
    B) Elanga & Kudos
    C) Other 2 mids for 13.5

    My other mids are Salah & Semenyo with King who will be on the bench

    1. RashFraud
      • 8 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Gakpo, Kudus and 2 cheaps?

      1. RashFraud
        • 8 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        Sorry, over budget. Nvm. A

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Eze and Enzo?

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        Over budget sorry

        A) the.

    3. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      A

  10. RashFraud
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Best Sarr replacement? FH6 (7.3m budget)
    A. Reijnders (fixtures not too great)
    B. Paqueta
    C. Kudus
    D. Anyone else?

    Rest of the attack is:
    Salah Wirtz Bruno KDH
    Pedro Watkins JSL*

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Enzo

  11. marpy016
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Think I'm finished tinkering on WC, thoughts?

    Raya

    Lacroix - Senesi - Andersen

    Salah - Grealish - Semenyo - Elliott

    Haaland - J Pedro - Mateta

    Dubravka - VdV - KDH - Gudmundsson

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      It’s ok - good luck

    2. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Like it. Hope you haven’t jinked those Everton boys.

      1. marpy016
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        Fingers crossed. Could also downgrade KDH to King and upgrade Gudmundsson to 4.5

        1. The 12th Man
          • 12 Years
          2 months, 23 days ago

          All depends whether that 5th defender will get used. KDH is nailed.

    3. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      GTG

      Possible play KDH over Elliott as at home & good start
      by Everton.

  12. NZREDS
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    RMT before I get on it for the AB’s v Safas shortly.

    Raya (Dubs)
    Munoz Timber Virgil (Senesi, Esteve)
    Gakpo Graelish Semenyo Kudus (Reijnders)
    Pedro Haaland (C) Ekitike

    Would you do Reijnders and Esteve to KDH and VDV (benching headache but may be better for rotation / BB)?

    1. NZREDS
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Wildcard

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Come on the ABs - got it on record to watch after my run this morning.

      Bench Reijinders

  13. Manilaman
    • 16 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Play Dewsbury Hall v Villa or Wood v Arsenal?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      KDH

      I have the same dilemma and think Wood gets 60 mins on heavy travel weary legs against an Arsenal defence that has yet to concede a big chance

    2. justmatt
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      I’d play Dewsbury Hall

    3. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Dewsbury Hall

  14. donbagino
    • 4 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Play Reijnders or Andersen?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Reij

  15. AD2110
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Start one out of:

    A) Rodon
    B) Konsa
    C) Diouf

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      C for the attacking potential

  16. Kane Train
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Which one ?

    A) J.Pedro
    B) Ekitike

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      A - think he is a non negotiable long term

      Argument for B if this is a FH

    2. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      This week B.
      Long term A

  17. The 12th Man
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    I’ve ended up on this…
    WC
    Petrovic
    Senesi,Lacroix,Anderson
    Salah,Gakpo,Semenyo,Xavi,Yeremy
    Haaland,J.Pedro

    Dubravka,Tosin,Cash,Morgan 0.2m itb

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      I don’t love the balance of Salah/Haaland WC drafts TBH

      1. The 12th Man
        • 12 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        Yeh kept coming back to it.
        Have to sacrifice a little in defence but I found benching problems with other drafts. Don’t really want Senesi on the bench.

        Plan is to move one of Salah or Haaland in 7/8 to get Bruno or Palmer to fund Morgan to Gyokores and an Arsenal defender..

    2. marpy016
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Solid. Think there is good value in CP defense. Xavi & Jeremy a bit punty

      1. The 12th Man
        • 12 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        Yeh like their fixtures. Easy downgrades if they don’t work.

    3. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      6.0m Yeremy 6.0 (midfielder) to
      5.0m Dewsbury-Hall gives
      (90 mins each game - 15 pts)

      ---
      I.0m itb

      ---
      Then

      4.4m Morgan (Forward) to
      5.4m Joel Pirore (Leeds)
      currently calf injury - 75% injury but when back more game time & deeper squad
      game time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo%C3%ABl_Piroe

  18. justmatt
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Morning all. How’s my WC looking? Plan is to BB in GW5 and probably free hit 6. Only things I’m considering is Reijnders and Konsa alternatives. 0.5 ITB

    Raya
    VVD, Munoz, Andersen
    Salah, Gakpo, Semenyo, Paqueta
    Gyokeres, Pedro, Mateta

    Dub, Reijnders, Senesi, Konsa

    1. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Very nice for bb.

      1. Bluetiger1
        • 3 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        this

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Not bad - like the balance

  19. Ohh1454
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Is Eze to risky ? Rice just feels boring pick

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      No, think he will be template by about GW8

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      I'm looking at Gakpo to Eze in a couple of weeks. Hoping he'll be a great option

  20. Henning
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Good morning
    Where do i spend 2.4 m on this wildcard team

    Raya Dubravka
    Cucurella Munoz Lacroix Senesi Rodon
    Gakpo Semenyo Kudus Paqueta Dewsbury-hall
    Haaland Pedro Gyökeres

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Just bank - keep an eye on Kudus if he really isn’t getting the shots off like he used to

  21. Legohair
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Start one

    A. King
    B. Senesi
    C. Reijnders

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      A

    2. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      All viable.
      Favour Reijnders.

  22. dashdriver
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Sànchez
    Pedro Porro / Calafiori / Senesi
    Semenyou / Mbeumo / Gakpo (v) / Johnson
    Wood / Haaland (C) / Ekitikè

    Dubravka / Guèhi / Reijnders / Chalobah

    Who to play and who to bech? What order?
    Worth considering BB?

    1. dashdriver
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      *bench

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Bench wood for Reijinders (I have both and am doing the same)

  23. Ady87
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    A) Chalobah Mbuemo
    B) Tosin Bruno

    Both leave me exact money for Eiktike > Isak.

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      B

    2. XABI 15
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      B

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      B

  24. waltzingmatildas
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    WC team

    Vicario
    Cucu Lacroix Andersen
    Salah Bruno Gakpo Semenyo
    Richarlison Evanilson

    Dubravka Pedro Senesi Rodon

    Got 1.1m left. Things I'm considering:
    A) Raya over Vicario. Vicario has better fixtures and more likely to get save points? Reluctant to spend 5.5 on a GK. However, Ars defence is better.
    B) Munoz. Not sure I want double Palace defence. Could do instead of Lacroix, but I think at 5m, Lacroix is a longer term hold.
    C) Mateta. Could upgrade Evanilson or Rich. However, Mateta only has a couple of good fixtures, underlying stats aren't brilliant, and I think no Sarr or Wharton could impact.

    1. XABI 15
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      I like raya set and forget long term, munoz is one of most explosive picks across next two weeks. Point 3 all good options!

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      I like Vicario as a GK pick but understand picking Raya with Arsenal defenders poor for Defcon points

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 15 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Yeah I think Raya might be the most sensible option.
      Perhaps I do go Munoz, especially with no Mateta.
      Cheers guys

  25. Waylander
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    On Wildcard would you go Haaland only or Salah+Haaland?

    1. Ady87
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Currently on Haaland only, first time I’ll have been without Salah in several years.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Haaland only

    3. space mercenary
      • 6 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      It feels a bit early to go without Salah. I have both. Salah is still Salah, with Salah mentality. He just needs more of the ball. If he does turn out to be less of a threat this season, it's easy to spread the cash after if needed when other option emerge such as Eze, Simons etc.

  26. XABI 15
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Morning all, see my WC below. I have 0.5 itb.Would you bump anyone up? Correct bench order?

    Raya
    Calafiori Muñoz Lacroix Senesi
    Salah Semenyo Fernandes
    Gyokeres Mateta Ekitikite

    Dubravka Dewsbury Hall, king, gudmundsson

    Thanks!

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      GTG

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      GTG

      Keep the 0.5 ITB for changes if needed

  27. Kane Train
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Which team do u prefer ?

    A)
    Sanchez
    Senesi / Munoz / Anderson
    Salah / Semenyo / Kudus / King
    Ekitike / Haaland / Mateta

    B)
    Sanchez
    VdV / Milenkovic / Konsa
    Salah / Semenyo / Rogers / Kudus
    J.Pedro / Watkins / Wood

    1. Ady87
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      A by a fair bit personally.

    2. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      A

  28. Ady87
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Current WC draft

    Vicario (Dub)
    VVD Chalobah Guehi (Senesi Rodon)
    Semenyo Gakpo Mbuemo Grealish (King)
    Haaland Pedro Ekiktike

    +£2m ITB for Isak

    Above I’ve asked if I should have Tosin/Bruno over Chalobah/Mbuemo but any other suggestions?

    Aware it’s lacking Arsenal. Gabriel over VVD?

    1. Ady87
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Kind of doubting Gakpo also, I’m expecting he’s gonna be permanently a 60/30 minute rotation guy now even with the Dutch manager connection. Semenyo may be safer bet…

    2. XABI 15
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      I think you really need some Arsenal for their fixtures. Downgrade mbeumo or grealish to Kyle for example
      And upgrade defence.

  29. Bobby_Baggio
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Morning all. 1FT & 1.7m ITB.

    Kelleher
    VDV - Virgil - Richards
    Salah - Semenyo - Sarr - Rogers
    J.Pedro - Wood - Evanilson

    (Valdimarsson) - Palmer - De Cuyper - Rodon

    A) Palmer > Rejneiders
    B) Palmer > Gakpo
    C) Palmer + Evanilson > KDH + Haaland
    D) Anything else?

    1. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 23 days ago

      Is Sarr PM?

      With that team I'd be genuinely tempted to roll, start palmer and see what happens. Semenyo is the standout palmer downgrade and you already have him.

      Of your options, B. Don't love it for the long term but could easily pay back this week.

      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        Cheers

      2. Bobby_Baggio
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 23 days ago

        Yes Sarr PM

  30. Al Pacho
    • 4 Years
    2 months, 23 days ago

    Wood or Watkins who should I remove?
    Bring in Ekitike or Mateta?