The Best Gameweek 33 Free Hit Team 

As a WC32er it pains me to say it, but we may be falling behind the FH33ers. GW32 was a roaring success for the Free Hitters, especially those who had the likes of Bowen, Thiago, Virgil etc. If not for Verbruggen and Nico O’Reilly, we would be in big trouble right now. 

What makes it even more satisfying for those Free Hitting this week, is the potential extra players the Free Hitters can draw from this week who WC32ers had largely overlooked and at minimum will have to use a Free Transfer to acquire. 

So congrats Free Hitters, consider this article a victory lap as well. 

Anyway, if you are interested in gaining some ground, then make sure you check out our Gameweek 33 Differentials piece. Last week Alex Scott was our number one option, so you’re welcome to those who brought him in and thanked us, it’s why we keep going.  

Also, check out our Gameweek 33 Captains piece for the data backed best options as well as some cheeky differential options. 

And as always, make sure you check out our Predicted Line-Ups and Team News Hub before locking in any changes. 

Now, before we get started, one key factor to remember when Free Hitting is making sure your players all get two starts, so erring away from potential rotations can always come in handy. 

Now, without further ado, let’s get stuck into the best Gameweek 33 Free Hit Team. 

 

Goalkeepers 

Gianluigi Donnaruma – £5.6m 

Now, this may come as a surprise to those who would lean towards Semenyo being the 3rd inclusion, but I just have my doubts. Pep has a plethora of attacking options at his disposal including Semenyo, Foden, Cherki, Bernado, Doku, Marmoush, Savinho etc. There is just every chance we see the minutes for everyone not named Haaland rotated slightly to maintain fresh legs. As a result, we’ve gone for Donnaruma. Also, it’s fair to assume that the Arsenal game will likely be very cagey and defensive, at least from Arsenal, so we’re leaning towards defenders. 

 

Karl Darlow – £3.9m 

Despite conceding to a cross, Leeds actually did a pretty good job of not conceding any big chances. Now yes, United were down to 10 men. Nonetheless, it still amounts to only 1 goal conceded in their last 3 games. They look way tighter at the back and well up for the relegation battle.  

Wolves are also fresh off a 4-0 hiding from West Ham, so this is also the perfect time to play them given they don’t have much to play for either. Bournemouth are naturally a trickier affair but have had three 0-0s in their last 6 so are more than capable of a snoozefest. 

 

 

Defence 

Marc Guehi – £5.1m 

Another absolutely nailed defender to complete our City double up at the back. Not only are City in sparkling form; they are also unbeaten since Gameweek 22. It is a shame O’Reilly was injured as this would no doubt be his spot, not least considering his listing as a defender but elite attacking contributions.  

Nonetheless, Guehi remains an excellent option. He is nailed, relatively cheap and seems to have a knack for finding the goal and contributing going forward, registering 3 goals and 4 assists already this season. In fact, he has the 2nd highest total xGI amongst defenders this season, behind only Timber and O’Reilly himself. He is also good for the occasional DefCon. 

REMINDER: If O’Reilly is somehow declared fit and available for both games then go for O’Reilly instead. 

 

Marcos Senesi – £5.2m 

Speaking of DefCon, the leading DefCon getter amongst all defenders is up next. Marcos Senesi. Not only is he a DefCon beast, but Bournemouth have looked elite defensively of late. They have conceded only 6 goals in their last 9 Premier League games, including 4 clean sheets. 

A great defence with a great floor. He is also one of their most relied upon deep lying playmakers so is always in with a chance of an assist as well, as evidenced by his xGI per 90 of 0.19. 

 

Jan Paul van Hecke – £4.5m 

Another underrated defence on a team that is absolutely flying right now. Brighton now have 5 wins in their last 6 games, conceding only 3 goals in their last 6 games and continuing their streak of conceding no more than 1 goal in a game since Gameweek 23. 

Van Hecke is not only one of the most nailed defenders in the Brighton line-up, but he is also one of the best for DefCon, achieving 9+ in 5 of his last 6 games. 

 

James Hill – £4.2m 

Considering how good Bournemouth’s defence has looked of late, not doubling up on their defence would feel wrong. Luckily Bournemouth have some excellent options who also tick the DefCon box. Like Sensei, Hill also averages 11+ DefCons per game and can contribute in the attacking sense. As evidenced by his 3 assists recently as well as his chance involvement against Burnley and Brentford. For only £4.2m as well, an absolute steal. 

 

Ferdi Kadioglu – £4.4m 

With Dunk back for the Chelsea game and Weiffer currently covering at full back, the only other possibility for the Brighton double up at the back across both games is Kadioglu. Spurs and Chelsea could not be in worse form right now, so this is the perfect opportunity to play both. Despite not being high for DefCons, he has managed 9+ in 2 of his last 3 so there’s always a chance. 

 

 

Midfield 

Enzo Fernandez – £6.5m 

Back from his suspension and boy, do Chelsea need him. He is 2nd amongst all midfielders for total xGI at 16.37, 4 clear of 3rd place Saka and only 3 behind 1st placed Bruno Fernandes. Despite being short returns wise, he still has a very healthy 8 goals and 4 assists in the league this season. Couple this with the fact he has an extra week’s rest and his minutes prospects for both games seem very solid. Granted Chelsea look in shocking form right now, losing 4 of their last 5. They have gone goalless in their last 3 games however, which is why some of these Chelsea players may find themselves riding the bench. 

 

Marcus Tavernier – £5.4m 

Tavernier was desperately unlucky to only register 1 return in his last 5. Bournemouth are absolutely flying right now and are unbeaten since Gameweek 20. It was an absolute toss-up between Tavernier and Scott, and honestly there is no wrong answer. Scott likely has the higher floor, but Tavernier will probably have the higher ceiling, so it’s completely up to you. 

 

Cole Palmer – £10.5m 

Honestly as painful as watching Chelsea is right now, Palmer’s constant involvement going forward is at least a silver lining amongst all the despair. He does still average 0.66 xGI per game and is on all set-pieces. He also has the ability to explode in one particular game, and where one goal comes, there are often multiple. He has also had 11+ DefCons in 2 of his last 4 games, which could present as another cheeky avenue for points.  

Although he was previously battling an injury, his most recent stints of three 90-minute games in a row suggest he is in line to start both games in the double. 

 

Ethan Ampadu – £4.9m 

4th amongst all players for total DefCons, Ethan Ampadu is up next. Ampadu averages a whopping 12.31 DefCons per game and is proving to have one of the most reliable floors in the entire game. Think of him as an Anderson lite. 

Do not expect a ton of attacking returns from Ampadu, but given he is their captain and leader in the middle of the park, we can at least expect full 90s across both games for the Welshman.  

 

Bruno Fernandes – £9.7m 

Honestly, his inclusion here during a double gameweek for others is not just a testament to him but also a testament to Chelsea’s awful defence. He now has 8 returns in his last 5 games and honestly has the potential to outscore everyone in this entire team in just one game.  

As mentioned earlier, Chelsea have conceded 6 goals in their last 2 games and show no signs of improving. United will also be pumped up following the controversial decisions against Leeds and could well take it out on Chelsea. 

 

 

Forwards 

Danny Welbeck – £6.2m 

Welbeck owners were desperately unlucky he did not return against Burnley and honestly on another day, could be leaving the game with a 10+ pointer. The chances are really there for Welbeck right now, and he has shown already he is very capable of putting them away. 

His substitution in the 74th minute suggests his minutes will be managed slightly. However, this could mean he is in good stead to start both but only get round 70ish minutes, which we absolutely take. The prospect of him playing 2 of the league’s worst defences is too good to miss out on. 

 

Joao Pedro – £7.7m 

It’s fair to say the Chelsea star has no doubt cooled off in recent weeks. Nonetheless, it is impossible to forget what this man can do. With Enzo back, James back soon and the race for UCL in firm flow, it is likely that Joao Pedro will get the lion’s share of minute at this crucial stage in the season. 

 

Erling Haaland – £14.4m 

I will be shocked if this man is kept quiet much longer. City are in the middle of a heated title race and are bearing down on Arsenal. As a result, I can’t see a world where Pep rotates Haaland out the side and considering one of the games is against Burnley, I also can’t see a world where he is kept out of the goals. 

 

 

Final Thoughts 

There are a number of alternatives you could take to this team based on approach, including: 

• Hill > Strujik & Ampadu > Scott 

• Guehi > O’Reilly if fit. 

• Donnaruma > Verbruggen & Kadioglu > Strujik & Ampadu > Semenyo/Cherki 

However, on balance this team represents a good balance of likely starters across both games, while also targeting the ideal fixture match ups. 

 

Likely starting XI: 

• Donnaruma
• Guehi
• Senesi
• Van Hecke
• Hill
• Tavernier
• Palmer
• Fernandes
• Welbeck
• Joao Pedro
• Haaland

A minimum of 4 at the back is an absolute necessity this week. 

 

Check out our Game Week Tips section for more Game Week 33 Tips.