Here’s another FFGeek contributor Alex, who’s also working on his fantasy premier league wildcard team over the International Break, outlining his current thinking and options around his wildcard. A New Zealand resident but Sheffield born, Alex finished 10k in 16/17, 28k in 15/16 and 3k in 14/15. There’s also a poll at the end for you to vote on the best option he’s working on.
fantasy premier league wildcard team – Alex Ball outlines his wildcard options
Stressful, enjoyable, fun, game changer. You pick the term that best suits your FPL wildcard but for me its game changer; you either shoot up with your punts or plummet when the highly owned player you took out scores big!
My season has been very much up and down. I was over 1.2 million in GW 5 but a couple of good weeks have pushed me up to 132K. I probably could have got away without wildcarding but there was enough little fires that needed putting out and with no City or Chelsea players, it felt a good time.
On to my current thinking. I have chosen four teams to talk about as I honestly couldn’t pick just one right now!
Team 1
The structure of this team is 4-3-3 which focuses on the strong fixtures for City and Chelsea by drafting in two from each team. I’m not keen on three Man U players with their fixtures but the prices work. Most bases are covered meaning this team is likely to score well. The weak midfield would mean getting on an emerging midfielder would be tricky.
Goalkeepers
Budget to say the least! 8 mil spent to maximise spending in the outfield. A risk as currently Krul isn’t playing so relying on Elliott each week.
Defenders
Luiz, Davies, Jones will start all games and Wimmer/Ward will rotate for the last spot. By doing this you get the following fixtures; WHU/BOU/NEW/LEI/SWA/cry all for 9.9mil!
Midfield
Hazard is a player I was always going to get in my wildcard; its a punt as he’s expensive and hasn’t shown a huge amount of form but at 3.4% ownership he could really push you up the ranks! Sterling is my preferred pick from the City midfield as I feel he has the biggest goal threat, he is a rotation risk but so are most under Pep! This is where it gets rather ugly, I’m relying on one of Fellaini/King/Carroll (could well be Loftus-Cheek) each week which doesn’t sit too well with me. No Liverpool midfield is a concern as they have the most shots of any team in the league!
Forwards
The big front three; with injuries to Kun and Morata it leaves the heavily owned Lukaku who has a run of poor fixtures but ownership at 60% means its a massive risk going without. Jesus should get more minutes with Kun out, has great fixtures and is in a free scoring team. Kane, nothing needs saying.
Team 2
A very balanced squad that will be 3-4-3 or 4-4-2 where all players (except possibly King) will likely have a decent shout at points. No Lukaku is frightening though and no Pool mids again!
Goalkeepers
Fabianski/ Elliott rotate very nicely; HUD/CRY/bur/BHA/bur/BOU.
Defenders
Same as team 1.
Midfield
Stronger than team 1; Hazard and Sterling remain and are joined by, in my opinion, the best two mid-priced midfielders; Richarlison and Choupo-Motting. Stats wise, they are head and shoulders above those around the same price bracket.
Forwards
Kane and Jesus remain but I punt on Lukaku not being able to continue his form with the difficult up coming games. Vardy comes in for his run of nice games and lets not forget he’s only 12 points behind Lukaku but has had much more difficult games and costs over 3 million less!
Team 3
The structure of this is 3-5-2 but again shows good depth through the squad.
Goalkeepers
Same as team 2.
Defenders
Same as the above but Cedric comes in for Luiz for their nice run of games.
Midfielders
This team is differential as 3-5-2 is not popular at the minute and gives me the chance to jump ahead of the crowd if these midfielders fire. The nice bonus of this team is Salah comes in. Liverpool have tough games but they can score against anyone! The issue being these midfielders run hot and cold.
Forwards
Kane and Jesus remain. Ayew comes in as 5mil bench fodder.
Team 4
The structure is 4-3-3 with a very heavy backline. Currently, the defence have the best points per pound of any of the positions, its just a case of picking the right ones!
Goalkeepers
Same as team 1.
Defenders
Gone Big! Alonso/Walker/Davies are very attacking for their team with a good chance of attacking and defensive returns. Likely to provide a nice steady return from these three and there good defensive teams. Back to the Wimmer/Ward rotation.
Midfielders
Sterling/Hazard/Richarlison will start most weeks with capable backups in Loftus Cheek and Fellani.
Forwards
Kane and Jesus remain and I have punted on Rashford. His minutes are at risk with Martial breathing down his neck and only completing 90 once this season. He has still managed two goals and as many assists. It’s a big risk, this price bracket is very volatile and he may well not provide the same returns as Lukaku.
I hope this has helped all of you who are on wildcard or even just deciding who to transfer in this week. Apologies and thanks to the people I have messaged non-stop for ideas/feedback all week, be prepared there is another week!
Shout out to Berbacat @lux_bigcat for some good points around team structure
Good luck all.
the vote
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