Fantasy Premier League Team of the Week for Gameweek Four
The most challenging match to predict this week is the Manchester derby. While Manchester City are the favorites, they have not defeated Manchester United since March 2024 and have only scored three goals in their last four encounters.
Given this context and City’s current form, I have opted to exclude Erling Haaland from my Fantasy Premier League team for Gameweek Four.
This decision could prove to be a mistake, but I have instead assembled a team filled with players facing newly promoted teams and early-season underperformers such as Wolves.
The team of the week is chosen based on the current FPL prices to fit within a £100 million budget, as if you were playing a Free Hit.
Don’t miss our FPL special Q&A session with expert Holly Shand, live on the BBC Sport website at 15:30 BST on Friday, August 12.
How Did Last Week's Team Perform?
Bruno Fernandes (10 points), Joao Pedro (9 points), and the Chelsea defense contributed to a respectable score of 51 for last week's team.
Captain Mohamed Salah did not deliver as expected, but he will have another opportunity this week!
FPL Team of the Week for Gameweek Four
Goalkeeper and Defense
Bernd Leno, Fulham, £5 million - Leeds (Home)
Leeds have only managed to score once this season, and that was from a penalty, while recording a league-low of five shots on target. Fulham are strong candidates for a clean sheet this week.
Daniel Munoz, Crystal Palace, £5.5 million - Sunderland (Home)
The Colombian defender, a standout from last season, has faced tough opponents early this campaign but has still managed returns in each game, including two clean sheets and an assist. He is expected to be more of an attacking threat against Sunderland, and he currently leads all defenders with the highest expected assists (0.8).
Riccardo Califiori, Arsenal, £5.7 million - Nottingham Forest (Home)
Califiori has made a strong start to the season with two double-digit returns already. He has taken seven shots, five of which were in the box, ranking him first among defenders for expected goals (1.13). Nottingham Forest has struggled offensively, which could benefit Califiori.
Jurrien Timber, Arsenal, £5.6 million - Nottingham Forest (Home)
Arsenal's full-backs have been more productive than their center-backs this season. Timber's impressive 24-point haul in his last home game makes him a valuable addition alongside Califiori in the Arsenal defense.
Midfielders
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool, £8.4 million - Burnley (Away)
Wirtz has yet to deliver on his FPL potential, but his underlying statistics suggest he has been unlucky not to score. He leads Liverpool midfielders in expected goals (0.37) and expected assists (0.44). Burnley, having conceded the most shots and expected goals, presents a prime opportunity for Wirtz to make an impact.
Mohamed Salah (Captain), Liverpool, £14.5 million - Burnley (Away)
Despite some concerns regarding his overall value, Salah remains a top choice against a defensively weak Burnley.
Jack Grealish, Everton, £6.7 million - Aston Villa (Home)
Grealish has impressed since joining Everton, accumulating 21 points from four assists in his last two matches. His underlying data indicates he could be a valuable FPL asset this season.
Anthony Elanga, Newcastle, £7 million - Wolves (Home)
Targeting Wolves this week is advisable, as they have conceded eight goals so far. Elanga's performance against Liverpool suggests he could excel against a struggling Wolves side.
Forwards
Yoane Wissa, Newcastle, £7.5 million - Wolves (Home)
Wissa is a somewhat risky pick, having recently played for DR Congo, but a home match against the league's worst defense could be an ideal opportunity for him to shine.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, Crystal Palace, £7.5 million - Sunderland (Home)
Mateta scored his first goal of the season last week and could become a key player for Palace following Eberechi Eze's departure.
Rodrigo Muniz, Fulham, £5.5 million - Leeds (Home)
Muniz appears to be Fulham's first-choice striker, boasting a strong scoring record when given minutes. He is an appealing option against a Leeds defense that has struggled.
Substitutes
Martin Dubravka , Burnley, goalkeeper, £4 million - Liverpool (Home)
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall , Everton, midfielder, £5 million - Aston Villa (Home)
Igor Thiago , Brentford, forward, £6 million - Chelsea (Home)
Reinildo , Sunderland, defender, £4 million - Crystal Palace (Away)
Team Total: £97.9 million