Playing the WC prior to DGW37
– Your Honour, the Plaintiff would like to change their plea!
– We’re on final allegations, counsel.
– The Plaintiff is well aware of that, but new evidence has just arrived.
– And what’s that?
– Well respectfully your Honour, another double game week has just been announced!
– Which are the teams involved?
– Everton and Crystal Palace your Honour.
– Humm … well, reluctantly, I’ll allow it.
Well, well, another DGW! Just the two teams involved but a DGW nonetheless. So, they still blank on GW35 but hey they play 4 times in two consecutive gws. Can’t ask for much more really and this surely dismisses any plans for a hypothetical WC36/BB37. Or does it?
Well, it does, in all honesty, but let’s give it a go for the sake of it.
Strategies regarding early WC (that is on GW32) or WC33/BB34 have been well documented and what they show is that you either play 15 doublers to take full advantage of the WC/BB or you mix it up a bit in order to keep a few big points hitters such as Mahrez, Kane, Alli and of course that man Vardy. Both options are valid ones but the former offers of course a bigger risk given that those with 15 doublers will be facing the last 6 GWs without several FPL key players.
My initial approach to this was that of building a decent enough DGW34 team with free transfers and play the BB on that DGW but keeping key players with a single game AND keeping my WC for DGW37. The reasoning behind this strategy is that I don’t think GW34 offers great fixtures for the teams with two games, except Arsenal and of course Man Utd, but they blank on GW35, which would lead me to deplete my squad on GW33 which I see as too early if compared to the (slim) returns I expect GW34 to produce.
Now, I’m leading my ML here and with a 40 points cushion, so maybe I can ‘afford’ to not go all in on DGW34 and save the WC for 37. If my opponents endure the WC33/BB34 path they will surely outscore me on GW34, but maybe not in GW33 and surely not enough to actually take the lead; and then I’ll still have my WC to deploy on 37.
And while Everton’s and Palace’s DGW33 must be considered, one can’t also overlook Arsenal’s TC potential in DGW34 which can’t be met by any of the DGW37 teams/players. All in all I still think this could be the best way to go for managers in this situation. Much depends of each manager’s situation and there are no right or wrong approaches here. Well, there are, but we’ll only know that comewhat May. Literally!
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Let’s see, then, what does WC36/BB37 offer in terms of players/teams who could score big.
Firstly, we need to know which teams have a double and they are West Ham, Man Utd, Norwich, Watford, Sunderland, Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea:
One thing that springs to mind is that out of those 8 teams 4 have two home games (Liverpool, Norwich, Sunderland and WestHam) and the other 4 have two away games.
None of the combos is too appealing but maybe West Ham and Liverpool should be favoured here, with Chelsea and Everton also looking good on the attacking front.
Before we enter in any player discussions we need to also assess these teams fixture in GW36 and GW38 given it’s likely we’ll need to use most of them in all those gws:
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Let’s look at these fixtures closely.
West Ham: Good double home fixtures for GW37 with the Swans and Man Utd and in deed decent away games at West Brom (36) and Stoke (38).
Man Utd: Difficult home game in 36 with Leicester, good away game at Norwich for the first game in 37, not so good second 37 game at West Ham and a great final fixture at home to Bournemouth.
Liverpool: Decent enough double home fixtures for GW37 with struggling Watford and Chelsea and decent away games at Swansea (36) and West Brom (38).
Chelsea: Tough home games actually in 36 and 38 with Spurs and Leicester respectively and not the easiest of fixtures in DGW37 itself.
Everton: Excellent home games to Norwich on 36 and Bournemouth on 38 sandwiched with not that good away games at Leicester and Sunderland in gw37 itself.
Watford: As good as it gets for 36 at home to Villa and a half decent game at Sunderland on 38 sandwiched with one tough away game at Liverpool and a decent enough away game at Norwich for DGW37.
Norwich: It’s Norwich, enough said. Oh, and they face Arsenal (away, 36), Man Utd (37) and Everton (away, 38) in the process.
Sunderland: It’s Sunderland, enough said. Ok, not as bad as Norwich given that their 36 and 38 games are against lesser opposition but still Stoke and Watford away don’t offer much.
So, how does that leave us? It leaves us no doubt with going for WC33BB34 I hear? Well, that’s seems sensible enough surely. Then again, if you didn’t chase that with these final games in mind you could do worse with the following:
3 from West Ham, 3 from Liverpool, 3 from Everton, 1 Man Utd, 1 Chelsea, 1 Watford and keep your 3 Arsenal that you’re carrying because they face Villa and Norwich at home in their last 3!
Here’s an example of your team could look like with a late wildcard:
That’s all folks.
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Hi FF247 and all writers,
Really appreciate ALL the articles that covers the different possibilities of WC across the different weeks. Personally, I’m doing a WC on 36 with the reasoning that
(i) I can form a pretty decent team by 34 w/o WC
(ii) 34 offers a very good TC option for Arsenal
(iii) WC late would allow me to keep the top players until then
Butland McCarthy
Bellerin Fonte Dier Williams Fuchs
Silva Payet Alli Mahrez Firmino
Kane Vardy Kun
With 3 FTs until 34, I’m looking to do this in the respective weeks:
GW 32, Kane and Alli for a hit for Sanchez and Rashford
GW 33, Vardy and Fonte for a hit for Lukaku and Ward/Delaney
GW 34, Butland for Migs
For 34, I would have taken -8 in total for this squad
Migs
Bellerin Ward Fuchs
Payet Silva Sanchez (TC) Firmino
Aguero Lukaku Rashford
Bench: McCarthy, Mahrez, Dier, Williams
What do you guys think? This plan largely banks on Butland recovering and making the next few weeks (-), me dropping Spurs players (-) however but allows me to enjoy the DGW in 33 with Lukaku and Ward (+).
Otherwise, an alternative would be
Migs
Bellerin Monreal Fuchs
Mahrez Payet Firmino Sanchez
Lukaku Rashford Kun
Bench: McCarthy, Alli, Dier, Williams
With this line up, I have a safer defender for DGW with Monreal > Ward, can keep Alli, and also have 3.1m spare
Sorry for the lengthy post but would appreciate all your feedback! I’m currently chasing my leader with 20+ points gap and so would need every help I can get 😉
i think with “only” – 8 its a strong squad you have there sound like a solid plan
Thanks Wafflez! Which of the 2 options do you think is better?
i like the first one best
Cheers meo as you said In the intro wc36/bb37 is all about keeping the heavy hitters like Kane, Mahrez, Alli, Vardy, In that order. Alderweireld would be considered as such too but you dont have him no so nothing new there. However, I see you dumping all but Mahrez (and Alli on the second option) which doesn’t really make sense.
So, what I’d do here is either WC33/BB34 with 14 or 13 doublers respectively or I’d hole to those guys and bite the bullet with 8/10 doublers + bb34.
*Neo
Cheers DMC. Yeah I know I kinda contradicted myself there but in the case that having Lukaku is a MUST right now, I find it tough to keep Kane and him on the same team!
Upon review, I’m thinking perhaps
Migs
Bellerin Monreal Fuchs
Payet Sanchez Firmino Mahrez
Vardy Lukaku Aguero
Bench: McC, Alli, Dier, Williams
What do you reckon? Just a -4, I’ll have 9 DGW and will keep the big boys (less Kane)
Well Neo that sounds better but you’re still loosing the best and inform of those big boys which is Kane. This team would be exibhit A on how hard if not impossible it is to build a strong gw34 with aguero and not loosing Kane, etc.
Looks good for you strategy though mate.
DMC – Spurs dont exactly have the easiest fixtures though either?
Date Gameweek Opponent
02 Apr 17:30 Gameweek 32 Liverpool (A)
10 Apr 16:00 Gameweek 33 Man Utd (H)
18 Apr 20:00 Gameweek 34 Stoke (A)
25 Apr 20:00 Gameweek 35 West Brom (H)
02 May 20:00 Gameweek 36 Chelsea (A)
07 May 15:00 Gameweek 37 Southampton (H)
15 May 15:00 Gameweek 38 Newcastle (A
I like there home games there dreamers. And they could do worst than Liverpool, Stoke and Newcastle away aswell. Maybe we wont see huge hauls but I still back them to score big.
VK what an innings
Never fails as a captain 
With Everton now having 2 * DGW’s in a row, does that make 3 from Everton needed in gw 33?
Hi Dreamers, probably 2 attackers yes. Depends if you’re thinking of the 3rd being a defender? Given that 3 of those games are away I’m inclined to add one. We’ve only conceded 13 in 13 away from home as opposed to somehow managing to concede 28 in 16 at home! The 1 home game is Saints and they’ve only managed 13 goals on the road themselves. Having written all that I’m actually beginning to wonder if double Everton defence may be worth a go!
Personally I’m going with Robles and Lennon. Do you think that’s enough cover?
Depends on your view on Lukaku I guess. You know that I think there’s a strong possibility that he gets the Liverpool game off. I’ve not decided on my own yet.
Cheers Init.
Matt – Lukaku is definitely in mine. Was looking at 3 from Lukaku, Lennon, Robles and Funes Mori
Yeah the reason I’m not going with Lukaku is because I don’t think he’ll play against liverpool so I’m going with Welbeck instead. I was looking at Funes Mori but don’t want to double up on Everton defence so Roubles is definitely in.
Matt – I was considering Elliot instead of Robles, then opening up the other spot. Double Everton defence – hell no…
Yeah Elliot was in my first drafts but I decided I really don’t like Newcastles fixtures so Robles was the better option.
For what its worth, Robles at 4.3m with 3 DGWs to go this season is well worth a mention.
He’s in for sure Rambo, for the reasons above plus he’s easily rotated for 35 without a transfer need.
Init – I noticed that too the other day. That’s 3rd best away I think. The problem with 3 outfield players from everton if of course their blank in 35, so Robles is a good shout. Lennon could work well too but I fear for him being rested in the 2nd game of 34 even more than Luk. What you reckon?
Funnily enough that was my first thought after I’d typed an earlier response! He’s kind of become an essential to us doing well now also so yes I could easily see him, Lukaku and Barkley rested ahead of the semi. With Mirallas, the new fwd (still can’t remember his name
) and Deulofeu playing the Liverpool game.
Was planning on maybe going with Robles, Barkley and Lukaku and am definitely sticking with them 3. Have added Ward in too for the two doubles then hes out.
Are you WC’ing this week then or leaving it until 33?
GW33, Init. BB 34.
Ok mate, just getting a feel now for when’s best given that all the info is now in. Not had a chance to actually analyse it all in relation to my own squad yet. I’ll be doing that tomorrow night and ignoring all else!
Breaking News! Jack Butland is out for the next three months.
ouch
Fractured ankle supposedly. Gutted for the lad really thought he’d be pushing Hart for the number 1 spot at the Euros.
Doubt Hodgson make such a big call so close. I can still see him bringing back Rooney
Rooney in goal? Hmmm never considered that
Rooney shouldn’t even be put on the plane. His hasn’t deserved a spot and I don’t think he should just be given one because of his name.
Disagree completely Matt. He has to go, his experience is vital even if that’s just in training or behind the scenes or from the bench. In my opinion.
I suppose if England were able to bring him as a coach or an advisor then grand but I don’t think he should be taking up a spot because I just don’t think he should play. He’s experience would be good to have just in an advisory role.
Nah Rooney has to go. Look at his England stats. Just on the bench for me.
Cookie – you prob find a fella like Rooney wouldnt embarrass himself in goals (obviously in no shape am I suggesting he plays in goals, just that top class players are generally good at any sport/position).
Matt – you have surprised me
51 goals in 109 caps. That kind of experience isnt just an advisory position. The guy isnt done yet by any stretch.
Of course he has to go, as a player. Whether he is a starter is a different question.
Dreamers that 51 goals in 109 games has come a lot in the qualifying stages of each tournaments and England have always played against weak sides like San Marino and the sorts so I don’t respect it as much as those kind of stats for older players like Charlton or something like that.
Matt, that is a very valid point – his record at major championships is poor. But then so to be fair is anyone’s who has worn an England shirt since 1998.
I just think if England do have ambition and do progress then his experience will be vital at some point. On the field. The kids are great, but some experience alongside them is necessary in my view.
Think he is the third highest goalscorer at tournaments for England too. England been shite I know, but tehre was some stat about Kanes goal last night – not sure what – first in a game he started or first against a top ranked team or something?
That’s exactly true Cook. Like any England player goes and plays like a schoolboy when it comes to the major tournaments and the tough competition like off the top of my head I think England have only scored once in the last 3 tournaments??
I think you’re right I see him coming on the the final 15 min’s of the final group game or the final (hopefully) to keep the young ones calm or for a penalty shootout. But other than that I wouldn’t really be playing him.
Dreamers – Just looked up Rooney’s stats there and I hope I’m reading it wrong but it seems like Rooney has only score 5 times in major tournaments 4 times in the 2004 Euros and 1 in the 2014 world cup and that’s it’s the rest of his goals come in qualifiers and friendlies.
Matt , that rings true. But remember, England been very poor at tournaments. Say Kane is injured, who plays up front? From the start. Vardy? Impact player off the bench for me.
Very true mate hope this tournament will be different. If Kane gets injured I’m not sure it depends on the back ups I think Vardy can play 90 minutes but he is probably best utilised as an impact sub. I don’t think Welbeck would be good enough on his own but then I don’t think Rooney has the speed and fitness to be the main striker either. Read earlier that if Rooney does go to France then he’ll be playing no.10 anyway so won’t be the replacement for Kane.
what way you see them lining up Matt?
In one sense, a bit silly that the preferred formation isnt locked. If its the popular 4,2,3,1 , then is it an Alli v Rooney fight?
It is terrible that they haven’t a set formation but I suppose with the new talents coming in now like Drinkwater,Vardy, Dier etc they are still unsure what is best. I think 4231 will be the formation and it will be a Rooney V Alli battle that Alli should win hands down but I’m slightly afraid Rooney will and Alli will be pushed out to where Welbeck was last night either that or he’ll be on the bench.
Matt – chill, Cookie surely ment his experience In good pubs In France :))
FFS – it looks like I will be doing a hit this GW
your “no hits Mitro” right? Cant be true
Ha ha!! I have been having therapy over the past few months, it’s time for a relapse…
who you looking at?
Still dont think its Leicesters title. Still a maybe for me. Been winning games by the odd goal
03 Apr 13:30 Gameweek 32 Southampton (H)
10 Apr 13:30 Gameweek 33 Sunderland (A)
17 Apr 13:30 Gameweek 34 West Ham (H)
24 Apr 16:15 Gameweek 35 Swansea (H)
01 May 13:30 Gameweek 36 Man Utd (A)
07 May 15:00 Gameweek 37 Everton (H)
15 May 15:00 Gameweek 38 Chelsea (A
I hope they do and with those remaining games I think they could scrap it as Spurs have some tougher games ahead as well but who knows.
Next 2 games will tell a lot I guess for Spurs
02 Apr 17:30 Gameweek 32 Liverpool (A)
10 Apr 16:00 Gameweek 33 Man Utd (H)
18 Apr 20:00 Gameweek 34 Stoke (A)
25 Apr 20:00 Gameweek 35 West Brom (H)
02 May 20:00 Gameweek 36 Chelsea (A)
07 May 15:00 Gameweek 37 Southampton (H)
15 May 15:00 Gameweek 38 Newcastle (A)
Very true I think we should put up quite a fight to Spurs but I fancy a 2-2 draw both sides have attacking men that are firing right now and defences that aren’t. I think GW36 and 37 could be make or break for Spurs aswell Southampton are unpredictable and London derby’s are always hard so I wouldn’t be too complacent if I was Spurs.
Evening all, any ideas for this lot? It’s giving me a headache
PS the time above each comment is an hour off 😉
I changed that before mate, should update soon.
What are your priorities here NIN? In relation to DGW’s. I’m right in saying you have no WC? Any chips? When are you thinking of playing those if you have any?
Yeah no WC left mate, BB and TC to play. I wont get a full squad of doubles without massive hits so thinking of TC in 34 and BB in 37. The extra double has thrown things off a bit and confused me!
Assuming you are building towards dgw does Siggy +Afobe for Firmino+Rash work?
Yeah that works easily. Plan was actually to leave Firmino another week and make sure he’s fit. Coutinho is an option too but he’s bound to get injured again.