FPL Team of the Week: Gameweek Five Analysis
FPL Team of the Week: Gameweek Five Analysis
Despite a strong performance in the last Manchester derby, Erling Haaland, who scored two goals, is not included in this week’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Team of the Week.
As is often the case, the decision comes down to choosing between two star players: Haaland and Mohamed Salah.
While Salah has scored eight goals in 11 matches against Everton, Haaland is up against an Arsenal defense that has yet to concede from open play, making the choice seem straightforward.
Long-term strategies for managing these two players will be discussed by FPL expert Gianni Buttice and the team from the BBC Sport FPL Podcast in their Friday morning Talking Point article—be sure to check it out.
The Team of the Week is selected based on current FPL prices to fit within a £100m budget, as if playing a Free Hit.
Don’t miss our FPL special week three Q&A with expert Gianni Buttice, live on the BBC Sport website at 15:30 BST on Friday, September 19.
How Did Last Week's Team Perform?
Losing Yoane Wissa to injury was a setback, but captain Salah's 18 points, combined with a clean-sheet performance, helped the team achieve a respectable total of 57 points.
FPL Team of the Week for Gameweek Five
Keeper and Defense
Sam Johnstone, Wolves, keeper, £4.5m - Leeds (h)
The Wolves vs. Leeds match appears to be a strong candidate for a 0-0 draw this week. Wolves have scored in only one Premier League match this season, while Leeds has netted just once, and that was a penalty.
After successfully picking Fulham’s Bernd Leno against Leeds last week, we are opting for Johnstone this time.
Joe Rodon, Leeds United, £4m - Wolves (a)
Leeds has struggled offensively but has been solid defensively, making Rodon an excellent budget choice. He has accumulated 38 defensive contribution points and has earned the two-point bonus twice, facing a Wolves side that has scored only two goals this season.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool, £6.1m - Everton (h)
Van Dijk is another strong contender, with 50 defensive contribution points this season, including 21 in the match against Bournemouth. He has kept clean sheets in his last two games, and with Everton expected to be more aggressive, he has a good chance to earn bonus points.
Joachim Andersen, Fulham, £4.5m - Brentford (h)
Andersen rounds out this defensive trio, having earned bonuses in his last three games. A low-scoring match against Brentford would further enhance his chances for a clean sheet.
Midfielders
Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth, £7.5m - Newcastle (h)
Semenyo has become a must-have due to his outstanding early-season form, ranking just behind Haaland in key statistics such as shots and expected goals.
Among midfielders, he is currently the top choice.
Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United, £8.1m - Chelsea (h)
Surprisingly, Manchester United has recorded more shots than any other team, outpacing Chelsea and Liverpool. Despite this, they have scored only four goals, indicating they have been unlucky in front of goal. Mbeumo has been a standout performer for United.
Mohamed Salah (captain), Liverpool, £14.5m - Everton (h)
Having at least one of Salah or Haaland is essential this season, and I am leaning towards Salah’s strong track record in the Merseyside derby.
Despite past tight encounters, Salah has numerous avenues to score, making him a reliable pick for another week.
Xavi Simons, Spurs, £7m - Brighton (a)
Simons has emerged as an exciting addition to Spurs, filling the role of Son Heung-min in a 4-3-3 formation. While data is limited, this high-scoring matchup could make him a worthwhile risk.
Lucas Paqueta, West Ham, £5.9m - Crystal Palace (h)
West Ham will look to bounce back from a recent defeat, and Paqueta, who takes penalties, is a solid budget option.
Strikers
Joao Pedro, Chelsea, £7.8m - Manchester United (a)
If Semenyo is the essential midfielder, Joao Pedro is the must-have forward this week. He has returned in three of four games, and United's defense is vulnerable.
Chris Wood, Nottingham Forest, £7.6m - Burnley (a)
Burnley has the worst expected goals conceded (xGC) in the league, allowing Nottingham Forest to exploit their weaknesses, making Wood a valuable pick.
Substitutes
Jose Sa , Wolves, £4.5m, keeper - Leeds (h)
Ibrahima Konate , Liverpool, £5.5m, defender - Everton (h)
Lyle Foster , Burnley, £5.0m, striker - Nottingham Forest (h)
Ezri Konsa , Aston Villa, £4.5m, defender - Sunderland (a)
Team total cost: £97m