Expert Az Phillips explains why he is playing his Free Hit chip in Gameweek 13 of Fantasy Premier League and the reasons for his selections.
Gameweek 13 looks the best week for me to play the Free Hit chip. I own too many players tied up in "hard to call" fixtures, with eight of my starting line-up playing in two matches (Chelsea v Arsenal and Crystal Palace v Manchester United). I think there's some decent potential elsewhere, so the chip is active, and let's hope for a substantial rank boost!
Goalkeepers
I haven't exactly had much luck with goalkeepers this season, but a home match against Burnley always has the chance of providing a clean sheet - even if Brentford have kept only two clean sheets so far this season. Caoimhin Kelleher (£4.5m) starts between the sticks, with the Tottenham Hotspur back-up Anton Kinsky (£3.9m) on the bench as he won't be needed and saves budget.
Defenders
Jurrien Timber (£6.3m) is mostly in for coverage for the Arsenal defence. It's a tricky one to call, but I think it will be a low-scoring game against Chelsea after both sides' midweek UEFA Champions League exertions. Plus Timber provides some attacking threat, as we saw in Gameweek 12, when he registered an assist.
Daniel Munoz (£5.9m) doesn't have the best fixture on paper, but selecting him allows me to tap into the popular Palace defence and cover my bases in case of a clean sheet, while providing attacking threat against a leaky Man Utd backline. He's also been an ever-present this season, so there's no chance of rotation after the Eagles' European commitments on Thursday night.
Matty Cash (£4.6m) has great upside against Wolves, who are still yet to win a game this season. He has already scored two goals this season from his 12 shots and has also created 10 chances.
Maxime Esteve (£3.9m) and Nico O'Reilly (£5.0m) are currently my defenders on the bench, although O'Reilly could come into my side if I feel his is going to start against Leeds.
Midfielders
Mohamed Salah (£14.2m) gets a place despite his pretty miserable form. West Ham have won their last two home games, but it was a poor surrender of a 2-0 lead at AFC Bournemouth last time out.
Phil Foden (£8.0m) is a bit of a placeholder at this stage for whichever Man City midfielder I think has the least chance of rotation at the weekend. Jeremy Doku (£6.5m) is also in my thoughts, as is a bit of a punt on Rayan Cherki (£6.4m).
The reverse of Salah's form is Morgan Rogers (£6.8m), who scored an incredible brace at the weekend. Villa are shooting up the table after their poor start. I expect goals against Wolves, who have conceded 27 goals, more than any other side in the league this season.
Elliot Anderson (£5.3m) is the enabler of this side, allowing me to spend bigger in other positions, boasting the potential for defensive contribution points, as well as a set-piece threat. He looks a great option, whether on a Free Hit or otherwise.
Forwards
Up front, Erling Haaland (£14.9m). He will be my Gameweek 13 captain.
Alongside the Man City star, Igor Thiago (£6.5m) looks a must-own using the Free Hit chip for Brentford's home encounter with Burnley. He could have had back to back 13 points last weekend if he'd converted his second penalty against Brighton & Hove Albion.
My final slot up front currently belongs to Spurs' Richarlison (£6.4m) after his fantastic goal against Arsenal. He carries Spurs' main threat - and presumably has penalty duties, despite missing one in the last round of the Champions League. This final forward spot is up for grabs though, particularly considering I was very unimpressed with Spurs' performance in Gameweek 12, and we have seen Spurs head coach Thomas Frank rotate in attack following European matches previously.
Other players under consideration
Robin Roefs (Sunderland) £4.7m GKP
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) £6.0m DEF
Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) £6.6m MID
Alexander Isak (Liverpool) £10.4m FWD