Game Week 5 FPL Player Picks

Many parents have recently breathed a collective sigh of relief because the kids are now back at school after the long summer break. Fantasy managers are about to do the same as the Premier League returns after the international break. Like getting the kids prepared with books and new clothes, now is the time for some FPL preparation; let’s get to some picks.

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Goalkeepers

Adrian (£4.6, Liverpool v. Newcastle)

Alisson is expected to return shortly, which means we are running out of time to get cheap defensive points from the European champions. If spending a transfer to bring him in, be sure you can afford to transfer him back out again as soon as next week.

Dean Henderson (£4.5, Sheffield United v. Southampton)

Budget friendly, with a great fixture this week, the loanee from Manchester United is getting the reps to be the possible heir to David de Gea. He’s a good shout for a clean sheet.

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Defenders

Toby Alderweireld (£5.5, Tottenham v. Crystal Palace)

This game is an opportunity to kick off their season now that the transfer window has closed. Spurs options may come to the fore now that talk of contracts will be quieted at least until January.

Kyle Walker (£6.0, Manchester City at Norwich)

Gareth Southgate did not select Walker for the recent internationals, something I’m sure Pep Guardiola is not mad about. Champions League matches kick off next week, but we can feel safe that he will play this weekend after time off.

Sokratis (£5.0, Arsenal at Watford)

Quique Sanchez Flores is back at Vicarage Road, hoping to turn Watford around. Arsenal will provide a strong test and make it unlikely that the turnaround starts this week.

Lucas Digne (£6.1, Everton at Bournemouth)

It’s an expensive list of defenders this week; it seems like a week when we need some heavy hitters. Digne is as big as they come, and can add more assists to his record easily even if Everton do not maintain a clean sheet.

Martin Montoya (£4.5, Brighton v. Burnley)

The budget choice this week — Graham Potter has the team playing a more attacking style, so Montoya should have some assists really soon.

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Midfielders

Daniel James (£6.1, Manchester United v. Leicester)

He is on a high right now. Patrice Evra gave him some wonderful praise when presenting him with the player of the month award for the club, and James also scored for Wales during the break.

Heung-Min Son (£9.5, Tottenham v. Crystal Palace)

I have no stats or news to support what I’m about to say, but I think Tottenham are going to come good in the next few weeks. There has been a cloud over White Hart Lane, the international break would be the rainbow.

Nicolas Pepe (£9.4, Arsenal at Watford)

Time to properly bed in with his teammates should do Pepe some good, he has shown potential so far, now is the time for returns.

Mo Salah (£12.5, Liverpool v. Newcastle)

He has scored in both home games; expect more of the same.

Mason Mount (£6.4, Chelsea at Wolves)

England debut will have him confident just like fellow budget player James. Wolves away is a difficult fixture but he can get in.

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Forwards

Sergio Aguero (£12.1, Manchester City at Norwich)

Though Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne are obviously worthy this week, we can’t name all the City options in the picks so Kun gets the nod.

Sebastien Haller (£7.5, West Ham at Aston Villa)

A form pick, the French player will look to extend his scoring run against the promoted Villans in the battle of claret and blue.

Callum Wilson (£7.8, Bournemouth v. Everton)

A forgotten man for some reason, he can get on the score sheet in a good home fixture.

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Son, Pepe, and Aguero in ahead of Kane, Aubameyang, and Sterling. Address your scolding comments down below, but I couldn’t select all the obvious big hitters. The time to experiment is now, before going template. Good luck this week all.

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