2021/2022 Wildcard thread.

Utopia Parkway

Even though having 3 big hitters in unbalances the rest of your team it may be very difficult to go without Salah/Ronaldo/Lukaku. They all could fill their boots this season and are potential captaincy options almost every week. Especially difficult if you have TAA in defence also but with VVD and Matip back it looks like TAA will be delivering clean sheets and assists again this season.

Fitz*

I'm starting to think that TAA may be a stronger captaincy choice over Salah next GW.

joeyboy11

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117885362#Comment_117885362

I regret not going with Ronaldo and Lukaku together along with TAA and Salah last week on wildcard. Just went with Ronaldo and DCL and Jota instead of Lukaku and 4.5. There are plenty of enablers IMO.

extra gravy

DCL news might push me into hitting. Just did up a Lukaku & Ronaldo draft.

Sanchez

Trent Rudiger Semedo White

Salah Greenwood Raphinha Gallagher

Lukaku Ronaldo

Steele Livramento Sissoko Scarlett

Don't hate it but not convinced on shelling out for a third premium when I won't captain him most weeks 🤔

joeyboy11

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117886618#Comment_117886618

I wildcarded last week with DCL and already had Antonio. I just did two transfers for a minus 4 - Antonio and DCL to Lukaku and 4.5 forward.

it left me with the same team but Jota and trincao for Greenwood and Gallagher and funny enough i want to swap trincao to Gallagher. So it’s safe to say I like that draft a lot

Morzadec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117886618#Comment_117886618

I just pushed the WC button. Had fully intended to wait for GW7 but the Antonio and DCL double whammy would leave me short this week, and I've come to realise that going without TAA is madness, so feel that needs to be rectified as soon as possible.

I like your team, although I'm not mad on the 2 x 4.5 option in the front 8. I know sacrifices need to be made to get the premiums, but you could go lighter in defence and get yourself one of the cheap Everton midfielders performing well. Marcal in for Semedo could be another way to fund this.

On the premium debate, your question is definitely valid, but I would look at this way:

Salah - must have, he's just the best FF asset consistently for so long now. On great form too. I don't think anyone can formulate a reasonable argument against him.

Lukaku - performing really well. No other good way into Chelsea assets (i.e. no great midfield options as an alternative points source). You will definitely need him from GW7 onwards given the fixtures, so if leaving him out you need a plan to get him in.

Ronaldo - the one I'm least sure of, given the price and the classification as a forward, and also given the fact you have a good cheap option into the United attack outside of him (Greenwood). However, given his start, his high xG, and the fact that the next 4 fixtures aren't all that bad despite what is being termed a "fixture swing", the fact he's arguably the best captain choice in GW6, I think I'd rather be on him for the WC. If he doesn't perform well over the next 2 or 3, then I think you can redistibute the funds (possibly with 3 transfers and a -4) in GW7 or 8. If he does perform well you'll be scrambling trying to get the funds in for him.

The fact we have some playing defenders in the 4.0 range, and some really top-looking cheap midfield options in Gallagher, the Everton lads, and (though a bit pricier) probably Raphinha with the upcoming fixtures, means that the 3 premium + TAA is doable without having a team where there's big holes of players who will contribute nothing.

dr.kenneth noisewater

Haven't activated yet but with a front ,3 of Antonio/DCL/Toney I feel I need to. Initial drafts are below.

1. Leaves 0.7 itb and is fairly balanced

Sanchez/Steele

TAA/Shaw/Ayling/Marcel/Omobamidele

Salah/Raphinia/Jota/Gray/Sissoko

Lukaku/Bamford/Jiminez

2. 0.5 itb and and top heavy up front. 2 very cheap defenders also.

Sanchez/Steele

TAA/Livramento/Ayling/Marcel/Omobamidele

Salah/Jota/Gray/Dallas/Sissoko

Lukaku/Ronaldo/Maupay

Colking

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117890301#Comment_117890301

I think a "threemium" is the way to go right now. I like option B. Do you think downgrading Maupay and upgrading Dallas to Raphina is better ? If you downgrade upfront to a non playing 4.5 then I'd go Williams over Omo

Colking

I'm torn as to whether I should WC or not. With a -4 I can get to (by transferring out Antonio and Calvert Lewin)

Sanchez, Gunn

Trent, Shaw, Ayling, Williams, Livramento

Salah, Jota, Raphina, Benrahma, Bissouma

Ronaldo, Lukaku, Scarlet or and other 4.5

That leaves me with .5 in the bank.

I am tempted to WC but other than bringing in Chelsea D and Wolves D I don't see a lit else I would change. I could tinker with midfield.

Any thoughts on the matter would be welcome.

Morzadec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117890458#Comment_117890458

I would hold off.

That's a nice looking team for only a -4, you have the 3 premiums and you have TAA. You also have 2 Leeds players so a good position to avail of those swings. Doesn't look like major surgery is needed there at all.

I could have held off myself, but have the DCL and Antonio issue, with no good bench cover AND not having TAA pushed me over the edge.

F1ngers

Anyone think Vardy is an option, given his fixtures?

trigger26

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117890629#Comment_117890629

I haven't thought about him till I saw this and tbh I'd find a way to get Lukaku in for the extra 1.2, Vardy will always score but just a bit steep price wise

F1ngers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117890725#Comment_117890725

The only way I can find that 1.2 is selling TAA.

So, TAA + Vardy v Lukaku + Alonso/James/6.3

Ace2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117890629#Comment_117890629

I had looked into Vardy, but in the end went for Auba because of fixtures.

I think i've talked to death about TAA, nearly everyone is saying that he is a must have, but how you invest the monies will impact returns.

extra gravy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117889226#Comment_117889226

Cheers Morzadec. Yeah I'm not a huge fan of two 4.5s either but think it might be worth it to get the 3 big hitters in. The main reason I want a Ronaldo & Lukaku draft now is I don't want to tie myself into a Ronaldo to Lukaku move in GW7 if Ronaldo is looking good. The fixtures turn but he could still well be fixture proof. I've changed Gallagher to Doucoure now, he was excellent last night and should play 90 mins every game whereas Gray will likely not. Have changed Sanchez to Ramsdale too but not sure I want to double up with White so that frees up a defensive spot. Tempted to go with Shaw for the next two them switch to James in GW7. Rudiger is a solid pick but I just hate spending that kind of cash on a defender with no attacking threat.

joeyboy11

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117890458#Comment_117890458

That’s very similar to the team i wildcarded into gw 4. Well except for Lukaku but I rectified that by getting him in yesterday (had the exact funds) by moving on Antonio and DCL.

Also I got Chelsea and Wolves defence but you still have time to get to them with transfers in the next few weeks.

I don’t think you need to play the wildcard at all.

joeyboy11

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117891134#Comment_117891134

I regret not getting Gallagher in last week. I had him on the watchlist but the fixtures put me off. He’s getting in the box and on set peices (not sure if all or sharing them). The match of the day interview after the west ham game he was saying he intends to get in the box a lot this year. I must actually look at his attacking stats like big chances and shots/touches in the box.

Anyway IMO his returns will keep coming and will get him in for trincao after the Liverpool game.

Muahahaha

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117890458#Comment_117890458

Thats a decent draft but is there a way to keep Antonio and just ride out his one game suspension? He is cheap and can return at the same level as a premium so Id be wary of getting rid until he gets injured. Downgrading Benrahma to a 4.5 might be one way of doing it and then play 3-4-3

Klonker

Pulled the WC trigger tonight. I've tried fit in 3 big hitters but I just don't like the balance and flexibility it leaves me do Ronaldo is the one who is going to miss out. Thinking of going for something like this.

Sa 4.0m keeper

TAA Marcal Semedo Duffy Livramento

Salah Jota Raphinha Gray Sissoko

Lukaku Bamford Antonio

I'll have 2.1m in the bank to play around with. I'm planning to transfer one on the Wolves defenders to a City or Chelsea defender but I can't really decide which one yet so want a few more weeks decide when their fixtures improve. I could also possibly get a City/Chelsea defender in now for Duffy or Livramento but I'm finding the 4.0m - 4.2m defenders too much good value to ignore.

I'm obviously betting big on Wolves defence and Leeds attack but it's a gamble worth taking I think.

Would appreciate any feedback.

Ace2007

I think your mad going without Ronaldo on WC given his ownership. He's at nearly 40% - who knows he could hit 50% before next GW.

Planned transfers can go astray when players get sent off or injured etc, so best to get the Chelsea lads in now imo - it's not as if Spurs are scoring 2/3 goals a game and will be providing Chelsea will much to worry about - Sure Kane might score but with Son injured, and defense in tatters, i think Nuno would be more concerned at keeping Chelsea out that being attack minded.

Overall i think you are a bit light on players in strong teams - no united/City players for instance.

Klonker

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117892746#Comment_117892746

Thanks for the feedback. My waiting on Chelsea/City defender is more to do with I can't decide which to go for rather than fixture. My preference is James followed by Alonso and Cancelo but I'm just worried about rotation with them.

I take your point on being light on City/United cover thing. With City I just think there will be too much attacking rotation with DeBruyne and Foden back as well as Champions League starting back. With United I'm yet to be fully convinced yet. On the Ronaldo thing, yes it's a big risk but on the flip side if he underperforms in next gameweeks I can potentially make good gains. I'll get him later in the year when United have a great run of fixtures.

Anyway its early in the week and I'm sure my team will change between now and Friday!

Mike Ehrmantraut

On wildcard and for now what I’ve come up with is this, with zero left in the bank.

Ramsdale (Steele)

TAA Alonso Marcal (Duffy Omombamidele)

Pogba Greenwood Jota Benrahama Kovacic

Ronaldo Lukaku (Dennis)

can’t help but feel I need to find a way to get Salah back into the team but without sacrificing TAA, Ronaldo or Lukaku. Have slight doubts over Alonso, after Tuchels comments, could be looking at Chilwell eating into him game time. Also, maybe I’m a bit too too heavy with United cover, could look at swapping out one of Pogba or Greenwood.

Any comments or suggestions welcome.

Muahahaha

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117894513#Comment_117894513

Would agree with you re:Alonso, he is likely to be a victim of rotation quite often. Rudiger seems the most nailed on in that Chelsea defence but then you sacrifice attacking returns.

I own Greenwood and will be holding for now as he didnt feature in the CL last night. I do think he could become a rotation risk at some stage down the road but for now he is scoring & assisting so hard to move him out. I dont have Pogba but am impressed at how he has gone almost under the radar. Its hard to argue with 7 assists in 4 games and he seems determined to have a good season, with Ronaldo up top he has good outlet for even more assists and he should chip in the odd goal.

I hold Benrahma but think I will get rid in the next week or two. WH have huge fixture congestion (7 games in 23 days iirc) and he may not play every game. Im half hoping he plays up front with Antonio suspended this weekend but it wont be easy v United. Moyes probably likely to go with Bowen or Yarmalenko up front anyway.

That leaves you the Salah problem, personally I couldnt go without. If Salah is fit he pretty much starts every game, we cant say that about Ronaldo going by Oles comments. I think we are going to see a gameweek where Ronaldo doesnt feature or just gets 20 minutes and Salah hauls big, that could really hurt and you'd be then scrambling to find a way to get him in which would involve selling two players.

dr.kenneth noisewater

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117894513#Comment_117894513

Crazy to go without Salah imo. It's him and either Ronaldo/Lukaku I think if you have TAA. Without TAA you can get all 3. Wouldnt like to be starting Kovacic every week either, downgrade Alonso and upgrade him to Gray/Gallagher?

nullObjects

I was planning to dead end my team for a GW 7 wildcard but I just realised the next IB is in GW 8

A wildcard right before an international break is dumb right?

Mike Ehrmantraut

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117894831#Comment_117894831

If I were you, I’d either play it now or hold until gw9

Ace2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117894674#Comment_117894674

Yea imo you can get away without TAA, but you can't get away with Salah - anyone with 50%+ ownership needs to be in your team.

ngunners

Hesitating between:

A:

Sanchez (Steele)

TAA Shaw Marcal Williams (Livramento)

Salah Greenwood Raphinha Gray (Bissouma)

Ronaldo Lukaku (Dennis)

B:

Sanchez (Steele)

TAA Shaw Dias Williams (Livramento)

Salah Greenwood Raphinha Gray (Zaha)

Ronaldo Bamford (Dennis)

Leaning towards A at the minute but any advice much appreciated.

extra gravy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117895430#Comment_117895430

You went with the threemiums didn't you Ace? Can't remember your exact team, what formation are you using?

Father Hernandez

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117896148#Comment_117896148

Your Team A is exactly my WC right now bar I have Jota, White and McArthur for your Greenwood, Williams and Bissouma. Naturally I like it given the three premiums and TAA and overall there is a good spread across the sides. 3 playing bench players too.

Fancied Jota over Greenwood myself but not much in it. Arsenal have a good run of it with fixtures and think they'll tighten up at the back. Team A for me!

Father Hernandez

https://twitter.com/SaintsExtra/status/1438045655411404802?s=20

Interesting...

Ace2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117896327#Comment_117896327

McCarthy (Steer)

Alonso, Christensen, Coady, White, Williams

Salah, Saka, Neves, Dallas, Glmour

Lukaku, Ronaldo, Auba.

Playing 3-4-3 most weeks - feel like if one of Chelsea lads gets benched, then there is a decent cheap lad subbing in.

It's easy to go from strong/expensive front line to cheaper than leaving one of Ronaldo/Lukaku out and then realizing you have to get them in.

Midfield, Neves/Dallas are based on last years returns - will stick with them for few more games and see how they get on.

Going against the grain with the Arsenal players no doubt, but fixture wise they are too good to turn down when they click.

I could have went cheaper in defense, but i just prefer to have the likes of White/Coady/Williams who are likely to always play with no question marks over their heads.

Shanee.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117897267#Comment_117897267

You are so light there in midfield

Ace2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117897403#Comment_117897403

Perhaps, we'll see how it goes, Saka could easily had a goal/assist at the weekend, so not worried about him coming good. If you look at other teams being posted, they are similar bar maybe they have jota/greenwood over my Saka. I've gone for Dallas where some are going for Raphinha - to date there is nothing between them. Some are going for Gray, where i have Neves. And that's it really. I've gone 3 up top, whereas most are going 2 up top

extra gravy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117897267#Comment_117897267

Some nice differentials in there. As you said it's easier to downgrade one of Lukaku/Ronaldo later rather than give up the chance to get them both in now. I will probably end up with a 4-4-2, can't see myself dropping TAA, he's looking great and prefer him to any of the mid priced/cheap forwards.

ngunners

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117896996#Comment_117896996

Cheers for the input. I think Jota could be a great shout too but I’ve had Greenwood from the start and he hasn’t let me down yet. I don’t trust the Arsenal defense.

With so many big hitters getting the captain right each week maybe might be a challenge.

Nerdlingr

SANCHEZ

TAA-JAMES-MARCAL

SALAH-GRAY-RAPHINHA-SAKA

LUKAKU-ASM-RONALDO

STEER-LIVRAMENTO-WILLIAMS-BISSOUMA

0.2 in the bank.

torn between POGBA and a 5.3 midfielder or RAPHINHA & SAKA/TIELEMENS ?? think option 2 is better.

trigger26

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117898719#Comment_117898719

I'd go with Pogba, good amount of assists/bps so far and looks sharp

trigger26

Lads any feedback on this please? Am going for a balanced team, 3 MU players alright but will change 1 of them after 3 weeks, Torres a risk worth taking, not overly fond of having a watford back but cant squeeze anymore

Muahahaha

Thats a very balanced team and it allows you to do Ronaldo to Lukaku and Shaw to a Chelsea defender in GW7 if you want to chase the fixture swing. Id consider playing a 3-4-3 with Gallagher and Gray rotating into the team depending on which one has the easier fixture. Gallaghers stats have been really good and Gray is on fire right now, would prefer one of them than a Watford defender who is unlikely to get clean sheets. You know the risk with Torres but his potential upside is really good if he continues on playing as an OOP striker.

Ace2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117899184#Comment_117899184

I love how the two of you think that Omobamidele plays for Watford, but Ronaldo doesn't play for West Ham :)

trigger26

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117899348#Comment_117899348

:) Good spot! Norwich/Watford defenders nicht good either way, swapped Omo/Duffy for Ayling/Livramento and Saint-Max for Pukki based on the fixtures, can't see Brighton keeping as many clean sheets no matter how good value Duffy is

extra gravy

Torn between Rudiger & Matip vs James & Semedo. Latter is more exciting but riskier.

Muahahaha

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117900585#Comment_117900585

I think Id go James and Semedo becasue its the start of the season and you might as well try to attack it. Probably a lot depends on who your benched defender is if James doesnt start. If you do get burnt by Tuchel its an easy switch direct to Rudiger later on.

Fitz*

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117900585#Comment_117900585

For what it's worth, Matip was vastly expected to not start the CL game against Milan so he could be rested, as he has a history of not being able to start 3 games in a week. He started the game so I would expect him to be rested against Palace now instead. I'd be pretty surprised to see him start the 3 games in a week.

After that, Konate will start the League Cup game with an other which could included Matip so the CB rotation could continue.

Getting James in will be a nice entry into Chelsea for their fixtures. And Semedo has a nice few GWs coming up.

extra gravy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117900978#Comment_117900978

Yeah I'm going 4 atb more than likely so I'd have a cheap mid or Livramento to sub in, not ideal but probably worth it for James' high ceiling. I like Rudiger but think he's just a bit too boring for me!

extra gravy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117901207#Comment_117901207

Good points on Matip thanks. Forgot about Konate and Gomez is back now too of course.

eh i dunno

Thoughts on this team

Sanchez steele

Semedo White reguilon Duffy livramento

Salah raphina gray soucek gallagher

Ronaldo lukaku richarlison

extra gravy

Sanchez

TAA James Semedo White

Salah Greenwood Raphinha Doucoure

Ronaldo Lukaku

Steer Livramento Sissoko Scarlett

0 itb

This is best threemiums plus Trent draft I've managed to come up with so will probably roll with it. Bench is pretty terrible but hate wasting money on it anyway. Sticking with Greenwood for two more weeks then he can become Mount or be downgraded to get a second Chelsea defender. Bit worried about no Antonio but fairly happy with it all over all. If it doesn't work, it'll be easy to shift the funds from one of the premium strikers.

Muahahaha

I think its decent plus there was that news today that Livermento might play further forward with Kyle Walker Peters behind him. If that does happen I'll be getting him in myself on a WC in a couple of weeks