Need some last minute advice and transfer tips ahead of gameweek 4? We’ve got you covered.
The international break is over and while it has disrupted the FPL routine, we’re back and there’s not long to lock in your team for kick off.
Haaland is currently flagged as a doubt to play. He would have been many manager’s planned captain choice so it could cause some panic however don’t fret. Make sure you’re vice-captain is a good choice just in case, but for what it’s worth, I think he’ll play. He’s lost a close friend recently and at the Man City press conference Pep said he’s waiting to see how Haaland is mentally and physically before deciding his selection. Obviously this reminds us that there’s many things so much more important than FPL and I’m sure we all wish him the best at a difficult time. From an FPL perspective, just hold him because he’ll either start or not feature at all – I can’t see that he’ll be put on the bench.
Arsenal fans may be considering the North London Derby a more daunting prospect with the injury to Ødegaard (£8.3m) ruling him out. It’s also likely he’ll be out for some time which means owners should probably look to sell while those who hold Arsenal players may consider them weakened without their captain. Personally, as a Saka (£10.1m) owner, this isn’t changing my thinking but I do agree that Arsenal are weaker without Ødegaard.
Is Raheem Sterling (£6.8m) an option? Probably not yet but he may become someone to target. Arteta worked with him at Man City when he was at his best so knows how to get good results with him. How much time on the pitch he’ll get is unknown at this stage. He’s got Martinelli and Trossard to compete with for the left-wing place. At £6.8m Sterling is one to watch but too much of a punt at this stage. Saying that, Arteta has said he expects Sterling to “be the difference” in the derby so if you believe him he could be a great pick.
Image source: goal.com
With many Wildcard’s played this week, there’s been big changes with many bringing in early season top performers including the best performing budget options. Will they continue to provide the same rate of return or will new players come to the fore?
Bournemouth’s Semenyo has underlying stats worth sitting up for. He’s been involved in 21 shots (17 created and 4 taken) which is second only to Kevin De Bruyne. Semenyo has scored 19 FPL points, not yet blanked (across only 3 gameweeks mind) scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist. He’s a popular pick and his value has gone up because of the transfers in. Maybe not essential but possibly the best budget midfielder out there at £5.6m?
Aston Villa’s Rodgers has been heavily talked about. I’ve got my doubts simply because he hasn’t returned any goals or assists yet but Villa feel like a team that could really pick up and he’s a bargain at £5.1m and playing off the striker. Great minutes too having played all 90 minutes so far but be wary of the impact of Champions League on Villa’s performances, focus and some of their key player’s minutes!
Liverpool have been in scintillating form so far this season. They’ve got 100% record with no goals conceded and scoring 7 goals along the way. Salah (£12.7m) is one of the most bought players this week as is Luis Diaz (£7.7m). Diogo Jota has been heavily selected from the start by many managers with 17.6% ownership which is logical given he’s been favoured in the central attacker role in Slots team. All 3 have returned and rewarded owners but will Slot start to rotate.
Darwin Núñez (£7.2m) and Gakpo (£7.2m) are waiting for their opportunities and the addition of Chiesa (£7.0m) there’s a chance a minutes of the other front 3 will start to be affected. Liverpool have a Champions League fixture mid-week away to Milan which could prompt changes. Probably not from the start but I can’t see Salah, Diaz and Jota all being on the pitch at full-time. Minutes may become more and more of a concern in the coming weeks.
Should we be ignoring Man United or are they about to turn the corner? Bruno Fernandes (£8.4m) has frustrated owners, missing the chances he’s had and has generally not seemed to be as creative so far this year. Away to Southampton feels like a must win for Ten Hag or he may get sacked – the usual United reaction to a poor couple of games.
There’s not room to go through all my thoughts on Man United’s problems on the pitch but they’ve continued like last year; being very vulnerable without the ball and seemingly out of control when they have it (in complete contrast to the likes of Man City where control of possession is fundamental to their approach). Manuel Ugarte should add some steel to midfield but it’s a tough ask for him to solve all their problems. He’s not an FPL option given he’s a defensive midfielder but it’s worth keeping an eye on his impact on the team’s ability to unleash their attacking players.
Image source: manchestereveningnews
Our transfer targets:
Verbruggen in goal seems to be Brighton’s first choice now and at £4.5m playing for a side I tip to do very well this year he’s a great pick. They play Ipswich, who have the lowest team XG so far this year which means a cleansheet is definitely on the cards.
Defence:
Robertson gets the nod ahead of Trent for no other reason than price. Compromises elsewhere could get you the extra £1m needed for Trent. Both are great picks with Liverpool not yet conceding a league goal and host Nottingham Forest. Everyone is predicting a routine win.
Rico Lewis is a bargain and with Ake’s injury his game time is even more assured. Playing in a unique role as a full-back who find himself in an almost number 10 position makes the attacking potential immense. Combined with high cleansheet chances being in Man City’s defence should mean plenty of points.
Finally Robinson has another favourable fixture and plays very attacking. A popular choice already but with good reason.
Midfield:
Salah and Diaz I’ve spoken about already. Great picks with high attacking upside.
Eze looks good after his first goal of the season last game week and a nice fixture at home to Leicester.
Rogers is popular as he’s playing off the striker for Villa and getting great minutes. Returns are surely around the corner and a weak Everton defence is his next opponent.
Finally Mitoma makes the team. Brighton have looked great and Mitoma’s quality is unquestionable. You could save some money and go for Minteh but I feel Mitoma is less of a punt.
Forwards:
Haaland is flagged but is still likely to play, as discussed. If he does, I would back him to do well against Brentford. No disrespect to Brentford but it should be a win for City and Haaland is in incredible form.
Isak has been transferred out by many but we view him as a great pick for this week. Wolves have shipped a lot of goals and Newcastle generally haven’t been great on the road under Eddie Howe but it’s still a favourable fixture.
On the bench is a £4m goalie, 2 playing £4m defenders and a £5.5m playing attacker (e.g. Stuart Armstrong of Southampton). Joao Pedro is a good shout upfront if you can save a bit somewhere else, like Mitoma to Minteh.
Get your thoughts over to us, tell us what you plan to do and any questions you want answering to @FPLwithStu on X.
