FPL – Gameweek 12: Supercomputer names best ‘Wildcard’ for YOUR fantasy teams as Bruno Fernandes and THREE Nottingham Forest stars come on before Erling Haaland misses

The return of the Premier League is fast approaching following the final international break of 2024 – and now fantasy managers are preparing for the busiest period of the season by far.

With nine match weeks to go in 35 days between November 23 and January 4, the congested winter period can often define a season for FPL managers.

The landscape has also changed enormously in recent weeks, given Liverpool’s impressive debut under Arne Slot and the comparative struggles of title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, who will still be confident of turning things around.

Given that there are also several fixture changes to be expected ahead of Gameweek 12, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in particular entering a strong run of matches, this weekend could be the perfect time to play first Wildcard token of the season, if you haven’t already, of course.

With that in mind, Fantasy Football Hub’s supercomputer took a look at the best Wildcard team to select in Gameweek 12 in terms of expected points.

The Premier League returns this weekend after the last international break of the calendar year

Arsenal’s Gabriel has been a popular defender so far and isn’t going anywhere on Wildcard

GOALKEEPER AND DEFENSE

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The AI opts for a rotation of generic budget goalkeepers, in the form of Ipswich Town. Arijanet Muric (£4.4m) and that of Brentford Mark Flekken (£4.5m)Muric starting at home against Manchester United this week.

There is only one premium defender in the AI Wildcard team, that of Arsenal. Gabriel (£6.1m) ahead of a series which includes Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Manchester United. He is one of the most attacking defenders in the Premier League this season, with five big chances on goal.

Elsewhere, it’s a quartet of budget defensive picks, with departures for Lucas Digne (£4.7m) And Joachim Andersen (£4.3m) during Gameweek 12.

There is a double on the Nottingham Forest defenders Alex Moreno (£4.4m) And Nikola Milenkovic (£4.5m) who are on the bench for the trip to Arsenal.

MIDDLE FIELD

This is a midfield stacked with premium picks, who regularly play 90 minutes and are considered to be on penalties – important attributes heading into the busy holiday period.

Mohamed Salah (£12.9 million) must be a lock given his sensational form to start the season and a key captain choice this weekend. Cole Palmer (£10.9m) There is a slight doubt over his fitness here, but he has been spotted in training this week ahead of a trip to Leicester City.

This is not the best entry point for Son Heung-min (£9.9m) at Manchester City, but they have conceded goals and Spurs remain an impressive attacking team.

Bruno Fernandes (£8.4m) becomes an interesting punt under new manager Ruben Amorim for the trip to Ipswich Town, having produced double-digit goals in back-to-back games. Harry Winks (£4.5m) is the team’s 15th man off the bench, at the lowest price for the position.

Bruno Fernandes was selected for the AI squad ahead of their promising clash with Ipswich

Alex Moreno (left), Chris Wood (center) and Nikola Milenkovic (right) also made the cut.

BEFORE

It’s an interesting forward line, with the conspicuous absence of a certain Norwegian striker.

Alexandre Isak (£8.5m) has scored four goals in four games since returning from injury and provides an important vice-captain option this weekend as Newcastle United entertain West Ham.

Chris Wood (£6.6m) justifies his inclusion after an impressive start to the campaign where he scored eight goals, with his team top of the Premier League table. It’s been a mixed bag for Nottingham Forest in the coming weeks, but Ipswich Town at home in Gameweek 13 could be a fruitful one.

that of Brighton João Pedro (£5.4m) returned from injury to provide a double-digit score from the bench in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City last time out and is now straight back into AI’s optimal squad.

The Seagulls have some excellent matches stretching throughout the congested December schedule.

Haaland versus Non Haaland?

Significantly, there’s no Erling Haaland in this AI-optimal wildcard squad for Gameweek 12, with momentum and the captaincy favoring Salah, splitting that $15.2 million budget. pounds on the rest of the team.

However, looking under the hood of the AI, it is possible to build an optimal team with Haaland and Salah, with just a few changes.

Haaland can replace Isak, with Fernandes and Son giving way in midfield for Alejandro Garnacho (£6.4m) And Antoine Semenyo (£5.7m).

But bet against Erling Haaland at your own risk: despite his misfires of late, no player has more expected goals through the first 11 game weeks than the Manchester City superstar.

The best Wildcard team for Gameweek 12, selected by Fantasy Football Hub’s supercomputer

It is worth noting that Haaland is the optimal captain choice for Gameweek 16, where he will face Manchester United at home.

The same week, Liverpool host Fulham and play a League Cup quarter-final the following midweek, while Manchester City have a week off.

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