Goal galore this weekend and as gameweek 5 draws to a close we can certainly say we have learnt a lot. The season from a league table and FPL point of view is now really taking shape and we can be more sure of the conclusions we draw with every passing week.
Let’s start with the obvious, City v Arsenal. It was a banger – it had goals, controversy and late drama. Whatever you think of the Trossard (£6.9m)red card, the game was a spectacle (before and after).
Image source: football365
Haaland (£15.3m) proved the (small handful) doubters wrong by scoring, early doors. There had been a narrative that Arsenal could keep him quiet but the way he tucked away his one-on-one, you could see the confidence he has in front of goal. He’s a must have in any serious FPL team.
Gabriel (£6.1m) scored a header from a Saka(£10.0m) corner for the second game running. Arsenal is the best defence to target and he’s the best option within that. Don’t panic if you own Saka, I’m sure he was subbed off because of the sending off – it was purely a tactical response to that.
As good as Arsenal’s defence is, Ben White (£6.5m)is now clearly droppable. Calafiori (£5.8m)came in but not starting White was unheard of in the previous 2 seasons which adds to Gabriel’s appeal.
Savinho (£6.5m) seems to be in Pep’s favour. He’s started every game he’s been fit for. This is to my surprise given how Pep usually likes to ease new players into his system which can sometimes take the best part of a season. He’s a great attacking option and has a good chance of getting plenty more gametime for a relatively bargain price for a City player.
Rodri’s (£6.4m) injury is worse than initially expected and could have a big impact on City’s season. He’s crucial to the way they play, and while I’m sure Guardiola will find tactical solutions, it could make City more vulnerable.
Image source: skysports
The only goalless draw of the weekend was Crystal Palace v Man United. The real (FPL) winners were the keepers who racked up plenty of save points and bonuses too. Plenty of shots, including 2 hitting the crossbar, but no goals will frustrate Eze (£6.9m) and Fernandes (£8.3m) owners especially. I would remain patient with Eze but Fernandes isn’t a player to keep if you still have him.
Trust Smith-Rowe (£5.8m). His points per million make him one of the best options in the game so far. Personally, I’ve foolishly had him on the bench the last 2 weeks and missed out on his 15 points in that time.
Chris Wood (£6.1m) has further enhanced his FPL credentials now we know he’s on penalties for Forest. Another goal gives him a great return so far and nothing looks to change in respect of his gametime. A goal every other game so far and a good fixture run makes him a no-brainer.
West Ham showed their defence is one to target. Brentford play them at home next…Mbeumo (£7.2m)?
Solanke (£7.5m) is off the mark for Spurs. As an owner I hope this opens the floodgates. That might be a bit extreme but some consistency in returns would be welcome. He’ll get plenty of chances so let’s hope he stays fit and can be as clinical as he was last year for Bournemouth.
On the topic of Spurs, is Maddison (£7.5m) going under the radar? A goal and assist and a fairly central role to their attack. Long-time FPL managers will know what an asset he’s been in the past – he could be a great differential but one that’s not too much of a “punt”.
Image source: Evening Standard
Nicolas Jackson (£7.7m) is a player who gets some ridicule. And let’s be truthful about it, he’s not typically a very clinical striker so some of that criticism is deserved. However, could he now be a more serious FPL pick? I think so, his movement is great, Chelsea attack well and create chances for him and he’s looking more assured in front of goal. He’s also one of few Chelsea players who looks like he’ll play each week.
Avoid Newcastle. I tipped them for a better season but from the outside, it looks like something isn’t right there. Isak (£8.3m) and Gordon (£7.3m) were great last year and many, myself included, expected more of the same. What we’ve all seen so far is very different. Spend that money elsewhere and if Newcastle’s form turns we can talk about Isak again.
Villa continue to be a strong side with and excellent manager capable of navigating them through European competition alongside a Premier League campaign. So far so good but the ongoing fixture congestion is still a concern for a relatively smaller squad. Duran (£6.1m) continues his amazing form but I don’t see him as an FPL pick. That might sound odd given his points and goals but he’s coming off the bench and some of his goals have a low XG, in other words they are great goals but outside the area blammers can easily dry up.
Top transfers so far
Image source: FPL
It’s rare that I so wholeheartedly agree with these but all 5 top transfers in are absolutely wise moves. Diaz (£7.9m) is in great form and holding his place in an attacking, free-scoring team.
Gabriel is the defender to target. His cleansheet potential combined with goal threat from corners makes him a must-have.
Mbeumo has great fixtures and continues to thrive in Toney’s absence.
You’ve already seen my comments on Jackson and Raya (£5.6m) has all the cleansheet potential of Gabriel so is the best goalkeeper pick in the game.
As for the transfers out, Isak and Gordon need to be shifted out of teams that still have them. They aren’t returning the points to justify their price. Plenty of alternatives, mostly cheaper, who are better right now.
Jota (£7.5m) is the main dilemma here in my opinion. He was dropped for the Bournemouth game and Nunez did well in his place. It’s hard to know what the outlook is and I did fear rotation will kick in for Liverpool players. He may come straight back in but more likely Slot will reward Nunez (£7.2m) with another start.
Eze…he’s still a hold for me. He’s put up an expected goal involvement of 0.55 per game over the 5 games. Sadly he’s only scored 1 so massively under-performed his underlying stats. Everton away next so I wouldn’t be too hasty this week!
We’ll be back with some more ahead gameweek 6, including our team reveal. If you have any comments or questions you want us to answer message us @FPLwithStu on X.
