Across the Pod: A Fantasy Premier League Podcast

Jordan Richards

Welcome to Across the Pod: A Fantasy Premier League Podcast! Whether you're a seasoned FPL manager or just getting started, our podcast is your ultimate guide to navigating the highs and lows of the Premier League season. Each week, we dive deep into the latest stats, trends, and gameweek strategies, offering insights from both sides of the Atlantic. We'll cover everything from captaincy picks and differential players to wildcard strategies and fixture analysis. Plus, expect plenty of banter, and a dash of cultural exchange as we bridge the gap between UK and US FPL communities. Join us as we help you climb the ranks and, most importantly, enjoy the beautiful game!

Episodes

  1. 10/16/2025

    FPL GW8 Preview 🚨 Transfer Targets, Arsenal Double-Up & Bowen vs João Pedro

    International break’s over and GW8 is here. We sort the noise from the hype: goalkeepers to hold, the best Arsenal defensive double-up, City mids (Foden vs. Tijjani Reijnders) and the key forward debate Jarrod Bowen vs. João Pedro under £8.0m. Plus, differentials to help you climb ahead of Gameweeks 9–10. Timestamps: 00:00 | Intro & GW8 transfer approach (roll vs attack) 01:05 | Goalkeepers: Raya vs Pope vs Dubravka — hold your free transfer? 02:15 | Defenders shortlist: Arsenal double-up, Senesi, Muñoz, Guéhi, Gvardiol 03:30 | Arsenal defense debate: Raya + Gabriel vs Timber rotation risk 04:35 | Newcastle backline & fixtures: is Dan Burn worth £5.1? 06:50 | Differential watch: Anthony Gordon penalties + viability at £7.4 08:10 | Midfield pool under £8.5: Sarr, Eze, Gordon, Gakpo, Enzo 09:45 | Man City mids: Foden vs Tijjani Reijnders (form, minutes, price) 11:40 | What to do with Reijnders & Foden through the fixture swing 12:50 | Budget mids & enablers: Kudus/Palmer mentions and role notes 13:45 | Forwards under £8.0: form check & fixtures ahead of GW9–10 15:20 | Bowen vs João Pedro – 90-minute talisman or ownership shield? 17:05 | Ranking sub-£8.0 forwards: Bowen, Mateta, João Pedro (and why) 19:10 | Chelsea attack temperature check & Pedro ownership dynamics 21:00 | Optimal front line with Haaland + two: how we’d build it 22:20 | Final takeaways & one move we’d make this week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min
  2. 12/06/2024

    FPL Gameweek 15 Preview: Top Transfers, Captain Picks & Key Decisions for Your Team

    In this episode of Across the Pod, JRich and Tom break down the top transfers to make for Gameweek 15, captaincy picks, and team decisions. With standout players like Salah, Rashford, Bowen, and De Bruyne under the spotlight, they discuss which assets to target and how to navigate tricky fixture runs. Don't miss the breakdown on Chelsea, Arsenal, and United's fixtures and how to optimize your FPL squad. 00:16 | Introduction to Gameweek 15 01:10 | Quick Thoughts on the Last Week’s Captain Picks 02:01 | Tom’s Watch List for Gameweek 15: Top Transfers 02:59 | Julian Timber: Arsenal’s Defensive Option 03:30 | The Case for Trent: Can He Be Worth It? 04:50 | Chelsea Defense: Colwill vs. Sanchez 05:45 | Matty Cash: A Great Value at 4.4m 06:43 | Lewis Hall vs. Matty Cash: Which to Pick? 08:56 | Bowen or Gordon? Which Midfielder to Pick? 10:57 | Rashford: A Strong Pickup for the Price 12:13 | Kevin De Bruyne: Is He Worth It for Your Team? 14:14 | Bruno Fernandes vs. Kevin De Bruyne: Which is Better? 15:32 | De Bruyne’s Value: Is He Worth the Investment? 17:16 | Forward Options: Is Jackson or Watkins the Better Pick? 19:00 | Should You Keep or Transfer Out Jao Pedro? 21:06 | Team Strategy: How to Balance Your Transfers 23:57 | Final Captain Decision: Salah or Rashford? 25:49 | Thoughts on the Current Team Setup for Gameweek 15 27:31 | Final Thoughts & Captaincy Advice for Gameweek 15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min
  3. FPL Gameweek 13: Wildcard Strategy, Top Picks & Captaincy Debate | Saka, Salah, Joao Pedro & More

    11/28/2024

    FPL Gameweek 13: Wildcard Strategy, Top Picks & Captaincy Debate | Saka, Salah, Joao Pedro & More

    In this episode of Across the Pod, J Rich and Tom discuss their FPL Wildcard strategy heading into Gameweek 13, highlighting the top transfers, captaincy picks, and essential players to target. They break down key fixtures like Brighton vs. Southampton, Arsenal vs. Manchester United, and Tottenham vs. Manchester City, offering expert insights on João Pedro, Saka, Bruno Fernandes, and more. Get all the latest tips for navigating Gameweek 13 with the best transfer strategies, captaincy options, and wildcard decisions to set your team up for success. 00:00 | Introduction: Gameweek 13 Preview & Wildcard Strategy 01:05 | FPL Gameweek 13 Preview : Expected Goals For Each Team & Clean sheet Odds 01:11 | Brighton vs. Southampton: Targeting Key Players 02:00 | Chelsea or Tottenham: Captaincy Considerations & Thoughts on Each Team 05:07 | Brentford Attack: Is Wissa or Mbuemo Worth It? 06:00 | Arsenal Attack vs Defense: Saka’s Form & Defense Considerations 08:22 | The Case for Arsenal’s Julian Timber: A Budget Option Defender 09:39 | Nicholas Jackson: A Risk Worth Taking? 14:13 | Captaincy Dilemma: Saka vs. Salah for Gameweek 13 18:43 | Saka vs Palmer as a differential Captain instead of Salah 20:40 | Who to Captain if You Dont Have Saka? Joao Pedro, Salah, Palmer? 23:12 | What To Do with Erling Haaland in Gameweek 13? Sell or Hold? 24:51 | Closing Thoughts & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min
  4. FPL Gameweek 12 Wildcard Final Thoughts: Top Transfers, Captains & Player Picks | Saka, Salah & More

    11/22/2024

    FPL Gameweek 12 Wildcard Final Thoughts: Top Transfers, Captains & Player Picks | Saka, Salah & More

    In this episode of Across the Pod, J Rich and Tom dive into their FPL Gameweek 12 wildcard decisions, analyzing the best transfers, captaincy options, and key player picks. They break down the fixtures and how to set your team up for success, with a focus on high-value assets like Saka, Salah, Isak, and others. They also explore the latest trends in FPL, including why certain players are being overlooked and how you can gain an edge by making strategic transfers. Whether you're on Wildcard or just looking to improve your squad, this episode is packed with insights to guide your decisions for Gameweek 12. 00:00 | Introduction: Gameweek 12 Preview & Wildcard Strategy 01:10 | Chelsea vs. Leicester: Key FPL Picks 02:00 | Arsenal vs. Forest: FPL Strategy & Saka’s Fitness 03:30 | Tottenham vs. City: Avoiding City Assets for Now 03:39 | Liverpool vs. Southampton: Salah Captaincy Option 03:51 | Previewing Remaining Fixtures for Gameweek 12 04:33 | Haaland’s Differential Status: Is He Still Essential & De Bruyne's Impact 05:48 | Salah Captaincy & Why Southampton is a GREAT Matchup 07:09 | Midfield & Attack: Top FPL Picks for Gameweek 12 08:18 | Wildcard Team Update: Final Decisions Made 09:18 | Key FPL Players for Gameweek 12: Final Thoughts 10:18 | Defense & Flexibility: Budget Options & Rotation 11:11 | Final Wildcard Team Setup: Last-Minute Decisions 12:42 | Why We’re Not Using Brentford Assets Right Now 13:46 | Reviewing the Team’s Fixtures & Key Players 14:12 | How to Pivot Off Mbuemo: Future Transfer Plans 15:09 | Conclusion: Wrapping Up Wildcard Strategy for Gameweek 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    14 min
  5. FPL Gameweek 12 Wildcard Tips: Best Transfers, Fixtures & Player Picks | Saka, Salah, Isak & More

    11/14/2024

    FPL Gameweek 12 Wildcard Tips: Best Transfers, Fixtures & Player Picks | Saka, Salah, Isak & More

    In this episode of Across the Pod, J Rich & Tom discuss their FPL Gameweek 12 wildcard strategy, focusing on the best transfers, key player picks, and upcoming fixtures. With major decisions surrounding Saka, Salah, Isak, and more, we help you navigate your team and maximize your points for the next gameweek. From top goalkeeper choices to hidden gems in defense, we cover everything you need to know to build your ideal FPL team for the weeks ahead. We analyze fixtures for top teams like Wolves, Brighton, Chelsea, and Newcastle, highlight the best options for defense, midfield, and forward positions, and break down key FPL players to target for Gameweek 12. Whether on Wildcard or looking to make transfers, this episode covers you! Timestamps 00:00 | Intro & FPL Gameweek 11 Recap: Key Player Updates 01:33 | FPL Wildcard Strategy: Best Teams to Target for Gameweek 12 02:51 | FPL Transfers: Chelsea & Newcastle Assets to Consider 04:26 | Best FPL Goalkeeper Picks for Wildcard: Sanchez, Raya & More 05:48 | Top FPL Defenders: Gabriel, Hall, Nouri & Brighton Options 08:28 | Brighton Defense for FPL Wildcard: Fugan, Estupiñán vs. Flecken 09:41 | FPL Midfielders to Consider: Saka, Salah, Bruno Fernandes & More 13:02 | Best FPL Forward Picks for Gameweek 12: Isak, Watkins, Joao Pedro 14:25 | Wildcard Strategy: How to Differentiate Your FPL Team 16:38 | Template FPL Wildcard Picks: Choosing Saka, Salah, or Bruno 18:20 | FPL Big Chances & Player Data: Who's Creating & Converting? 21:30 | Joao Pedro vs. Welbeck: Who Should You Pick in FPL? 23:15 | Is Håland Still Worth Keeping in FPL Wildcard? 25:30 | Bruno Fernandes vs. Bowen: Wildcard Dilemmas in Midfield 28:15 | Saka vs. Salah: Who’s the Best Pick for FPL Gameweek 12? 30:37 | FPL Player Form & Injury Updates: Key Names to Watch 32:52 | FPL Wildcard Tips: Best Player Picks for the Coming Fixtures 34:10 | Konaté: Value FPL Defender for Your Wildcard 36:32 | Is Isak or Watkins the Best Forward Option for FPL? 39:22 | Brighton’s FPL Fixtures & Form: Should You Target Their Players? 41:15 | Final FPL Wildcard Tips & Player Selection for Gameweek 12 44:15 | Adjusting Your FPL Team for Future Gameweeks & Transfers 46:15 | Conclusion: Flexibility & Strategy for FPL Wildcard Teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  6. FPL Gameweek 3 Review & Gameweek 4 Preview: Key Transfers, Players to Watch, & Strategy Tips

    09/03/2024

    FPL Gameweek 3 Review & Gameweek 4 Preview: Key Transfers, Players to Watch, & Strategy Tips

    Welcome to another episode of Across the Pod: A Fantasy Premier League Podcast with JRich and Tom! 🌟 In this video, we’ll break down Gameweek 3’s key performances and insights while giving you an early look at Gameweek 4. 📊 Discover which players are trending, the transfers you should consider, and our strategic tips to keep your FPL team ahead of the curve. Don’t miss out on essential advice for your Fantasy Premier League journey! ⚽️💪 Timestamps: 00:00 | Introduction & Recap 00:15 | Intro & Highlights and Key Takeaways from Gameweek 3 03:22 | Team Review & Transfer Targets 04:42 | Midfield Targets & Discussion For FPL Gameweek 4 04:22 | Bryan Mbuemo's Big Performance and Why We Transferred Him In 06:44 | Mitoma Our 2nd Transfer for the Week 07:52 | Bukayo Saka Thoughts with Tough Fixtures for 2 Weeks 11:49 | Reviewing Our Defense 12:27 | Eberechi Eze Outlook For Week 4 and Beyond 14:27 | Diego Jota Still A Team Staple?? 16:46 | Cheaper Defender Transfers for FPL Gameweek 4 23:57 | Forward Targets 24:16 | Any Concerns with Ollie Watkins Slow Start? 24:42 | Brighton Fowards Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro Outlook & Thoughts 25:25 | JRich Quick Thoughts on Isak, Zirksee, Nicolas Jackson, Isak 26:55 | Tom's Thoughts on Nicolas Jackson & Chelsea Players to Watch 29:33 | A Final Transfer worth the 4-point cost?! 32:56 | Final Thoughts on Team EARLY Look ahead to Gameweek 4 35:52 | Last Words of Wisdom & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min
  7. 08/13/2024

    FPL Gameweek 1 Team-Building: Tips & Strategies for a Strong Start | Across the Pod EP 1

    Join JRich and Tom in the inaugural episode of Across the Pod: A Fantasy Premier League Podcast! As we gear up for the new Premier League season, we’re diving into everything you need to know to build the perfect Week 1 team. From key player picks and tactical insights to how to maximize your budget and spot hidden gems, this episode has you covered. JRich and Tom will break down their top strategies, discuss the latest player form, and offer their expert advice to help you make informed decisions and start your FPL season off strong. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or a newcomer, tune in to get the edge you need for Gameweek 1! Our Final Team: G: Flekken, Valdimarrison DEF: Trent Alexander Arnold, Antonee Robinson, Lewis Hall, Hardwood-Bellis, Barco MID: Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Gordon, Morgan Gibbs-White FWD: Errling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Nathan Fraser Timestamps 00:00 | Welcome to Our New FPL Podcast 01:04 | Intro 02:27 | Where Do We Start When Selecting a Team? 02:36 | The BIGGEST Question: Do We Select Errling Haaland at $15M for our FPL Team 03:53 | Should You Be Spending UP for Trent Alexander-Arnold? 06:30 | Arsenal Defender Conundrum (Saliba, Gabriel, White) & If we Take Raya 10:20 | Goalkeeper Strategy, Spend Up or Save? 13:05 | Cheaper Defenders to Save Money on Your Teams 14:25 | Lewis Hall a Cheap Defender for FPL 16:12 | Moving Up Front: Midfield & Forward Options for Your FPL Teams 17:23 | Our Thoughts on Mo Salah and his 12.5M Pricetag for this Season 19:23 | 343 vs 352 Starting 11 in FPL & Why Ollie Watkins is a great option up top 20:13 | Nkunku & Whether he Should be in our team as a cheaper Midfielder 20:37 | Thoughts on Man United's Bruno Fernandes with a modest 8.5M price with upside 21:03 | Cole Palmer vs Bukayo Saka & Morgon Gibbs White as a cheaper Midfielder 26:54 | Ollie Watkins or Joao Pedro as our 3rd Foward Pros & Cons 33:18 | Tom's Thought on Harry Winks' High Ownership. Is he an option? 34:03 | Downgrading Joao Pedro to Strength our Midfield 37:36 | Final Thoughts on Our Initial Team Build & Transfer Options 40:01 | Weighing Our Options with 4.5M Defenders and one final transfer! 44:46 | Final Run Through of The Team & Refelections 46:05 | Last Points on the Initial Team, Strategy & Outro Dont forget to check us out on Youtube if your only finding us vai Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChKAe1oE-vy5VdFblggY5cw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min

About

Welcome to Across the Pod: A Fantasy Premier League Podcast! Whether you're a seasoned FPL manager or just getting started, our podcast is your ultimate guide to navigating the highs and lows of the Premier League season. Each week, we dive deep into the latest stats, trends, and gameweek strategies, offering insights from both sides of the Atlantic. We'll cover everything from captaincy picks and differential players to wildcard strategies and fixture analysis. Plus, expect plenty of banter, and a dash of cultural exchange as we bridge the gap between UK and US FPL communities. Join us as we help you climb the ranks and, most importantly, enjoy the beautiful game!