clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

EPL GW-6 FPL Player Picks

Expect more chopping and changing as managers of the big sides rotate their teams prepping for European competitions

Ismaila Sarr - Watford - Premier League Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images

We are five weeks into the Premier League season, and just as expected, it has been anything but predictable. We have been treated to breathtaking and mind-blowing football by top flight teams, and we are definitely in for more as Chelsea welcomes Man City to Stamford bridge in the the big match of EPL GW-6.

In another big match of the weekend, a resurgent Arsenal welcomes Tottenham to the Emirates Stadium in the first North London derby of the season. The Gunners have won their last two league games 1-0 after losing the first three; conversely, the Spurs have lost their last two after winning their first three 1-0.


Goalkeepers

Aaron Ramsdale (£4.5m Arsenal v Tottenham)

Two games, two clean sheets tells you all you need to know about Arsenal’s new shot stopper Ramsdale. The former Sheffield United goalkeeper has been impressive between the sticks for Arsenal as he has brought the solidity and calmness that former number one, Bernd Leno lacked in goal. Although Arsenal faces a top side in this round, Tottenham’s attack has yet to click this season. Spurs also suffer from a couple of injuries in the attacking department, Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura both out with injuries.

~

Vicente Guaita (£4.5m Crystal Palace v Brighton)

Despite what has been a season of adaptation to a new style for Crystal Palace, goalkeeper Guaita has been instrumental in the Eagles keeping tight at the back. Crystal Palace can boast two shutouts in five games, in no small part thanks to the shot stopping ability of Guaita.


Defenders

Trent Alexander Arnold (£7.6m Brentford v Liverpool)

Arnold wasn’t available for selection in Liverpool’s last match against Crystal Palace due to non-Covid sickness, but he is expected to return in this fixture as the Reds travel to Brentford. The England right-back was slightly missed against Eagles as he creates chances for Salah and Mane. TAA’s return against Brentford should see the Reds create enough chances to secure victory while also staying tight at the back.

~

Shane Duffy (£4.2m Crystal Palace v Brighton)

Priced at a meager 4.2m, Duffy has been an ever-present defender in the Seagulls’ back line this season. Despite being a center-back, Duffy has scored one and assisted another in five EPL games. 4th-place Brighton travels to Selhurst Park this weekend to face a Crystal Palace side still struggling to adapt to the style of new coach Patrick Viera.

~

Tino Livramento - Southampton - Premier League
Tino Livramento
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images

Tino Livramento (£4.1m Southampton v Wolves)

Priced at just 4.1m, Livramento is another cheap defender that you should be considering to add to your team. Livramento has played every minute for the Saints this season as either a right-back or right wing-back. The Saints have recorded back-to-back shutouts against Man City and West Ham.

~

Lucas Digne (£5.4m Everton v Norwich)

Despite scoring an own-goal in the Toffees’ previous fixture against Crystal Palace, Digne looks like a decent option as he welcomes Norwich to Goodison park. Norwich’s poor goalscoring record also adds credence to this selection; the Canaries have scored only twice in five games this season, fewer than each of the top 13 players.


Midfielders

Mo Salah & Sadio Mane (£12.6m & £11.9m Brentford v Liverpool)

Both Salah and Mane will be among the FPL’s most coveted stars in GW-6 due to their goal scoring form and their opponents. Both were on the score sheet last time out as Liverpool put Crystal Palace to the sword at Anfield.

FPL’s most-owned player, Salah has failed to deliver an attacking return only once in five matches. The Egyptian winger has constantly been a thorn in the sides of opposition defenses. He also currently leads the way as the player with most FPL points this season.

Mane will be eager to pick up where he left off against Crystal Palace as he scored his 100th Liverpool goal in that fixture. Courtesy of the goal scored against the Eagles, he also became the first player to score in nine consecutive top-flight matches against the same opponent.

~

Aston Villa v Everton - Premier League Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

Demarai Gray (£5.7m Everton v Norwich)

Everton new signing Gray has been one of the standout performers this season, the former Leicester winger scoring three goals in five matches. Under Rafa Benitez, the previously wasteful winger has begun to add goals to his generally impressive play. Although the whole team was disappointing last week, the Toffees look primed to bounce back against pointless Norwich. The Canaries have conceded 14 goals in just five Premier League matches.

~

Ismaila Sarr (£6.1m Watford v Newcastle)

Watford’s star man in the Championship last season, Sarr has picked up where he left off by scoring three goals in five matches. The Senegalese midfielder has been pivotal in the Hornets attacking play, most of their attack coming from his wing. With Sarr also on penalty duty, it would be unwise to bet against him netting one or two against struggling Newcastle.

~

Said Benrahma (£6.4m Leeds v West Ham)

Three goals plus two assists in five league games tells you what form Benrahma is in. The Algerian winger has thrice hit double digits in five FPL game-weeks, staking a claim as a must-have for us fantasy managers. With the Hammers travelling to Leeds where the home side is yet hit stride, expect Benrahma to contribute a goal or an assist.


Strikers

West Ham United v Manchester United - Premier League Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.7m Man United v Aston Villa)

Should I even be adding him to my list? Ronaldo is a phenomenon whom no one need to tell you to add. The Portuguese striker has scored three goals in two Premier League fixtures since his return to Old Trafford and will be eager to continue his impressive start. He can make something out of nothing even against the toughest opposition in the world, which Aston Villa ain’t.

~

Michail Antonio (£7.9m Leeds v West Ham)

MAntonio returns to the Hammers to face Leeds fully rested after sitting out the Man United match after his GW-3 (double-yellow) red card. Before that, the England striker had been in the form of his life, contributing at least a goal plus an assist in each match. West Ham travels to face an out of sorts Leeds team that has not looked like the high pressing, full throttle side we saw last season.

~

Jamie Vardy (£10.4m Leicester v Burnley)

Three goals plus an assist in five games shows the kind of season start that former England striker Vardy is having. Despite what has been an inconsistent start for the Foxes, Vardy has led by example, supplying goals up front. Vardy looks primed to continue by scoring one or two when the Clarets visit King Power Stadium.

~

Emmanuel Dennis (£5.2m Watford v Newcastle )

Watford new signing Emmanuel Dennis has impressively settled into Premier League by producing two goals plus an assist in five EPL fixtures. The Nigerian striker has developed a good understanding with Sarr that has the Hornets flourishing. Priced at just £5.2, the striker is a very good option as a third striker who can enable the likes of Lukaku and Ronaldo.


Statistics and information for this article were sourced from fantasy.premierleague.com, fantasyfootballscout.co.uk

~

Who are your differentials this week? Whom have I overlooked? Which player could earn the most points this game-week? Is it time to sell Bruno? Is anyone using a chip? Please let us know in the comments below!

~