It was a terrible weekend to be a defender as it rained goals across the Premier League. 41 goals flew into the back of the net over the weekend; many FPL managers will enter the international break with more questions than answers.
Here’s what you need to be across, as we build up to FPL Gameweek 5.
When does FPL Gameweek 5 start?
Saturday 16 September, 8:00pm AEST
Following the first international break of the 2023-24 Premier League season, FPL Gameweek 5 kicks off in just under two weeks when struggling Wolverhampton host Jurgen Klopp’s exciting, if inconsistent, Liverpool side. Wolves will be hoping Liverpool keep their shooting boots in Merseyside as they hope to break the Reds’ unbeaten start to the season.
FPL Gameweek 5 notes
New problems for Newcastle
Last season’s best defence has begun the new campaign abysmally, conceding 21% of the goals they let in last season in just four matches. This is worrying for the 31% of FPL players who own Kieran Trippier (£6.5m I 31%). Even with an easy run of fixtures that see the Magpies take on Brentford, Sheffield United, and Burnley ahead it may be time to part with the club captain and Sven Botman (£4.5 I 15.7%), who also remains popular among FPL users.
Tottenham’s surge continues
Ange-ball’s seismic impact on Tottenham Hotspurs’ fortunes continued at the weekend, with several key players impressing in the 5-2 rout of newly promoted Burnley. James Maddison (£7.6m I 24.2%) continued to shine, as did fullbacks Destiny Udogie (£4.6m I 12%) and Pedro Porro (£4.9m I 4.9%). But it will be the three goals to club captain and potential new striker Heung-Min Son (£9.0m I 7.1%) that delights FPL aficionados.
Is it Fergie time?
No, not that Fergie. It seems the Premier League reign of a new Fergie is sprouting. After playing just 35 minutes across the opening two fixtures of the season, Evan Ferguson (£5.9m I 5.7%) marked his second successive start with a bang, becoming just the fourth 18-year-old to nab a Premier League hat-trick. The Irishman’s overall performance undoubtedly pleased Roberto De Zerbi and may be enough to see him edge Joao Pedro (£5.5 I 15.9%) and Danny Welbeck (£5.9 I 1.2%) into Brighton’s striking role permanently.
United’s worries continue
Manchester United’s start to the 2023-24 Premier League season has been patchy to say the least. Two wins, two losses, and seven goals conceded doesn’t read well for Erik Ten Hag’s men. A lot can be said about Manchester United’s on-and-off pitch problems, but for FPL managers they’ve started to create some real headaches. The 25% of FPL managers who own new goalkeeper Andre Onana (£5.0 I 25.6%) have a big decision to make ahead of FPL Gameweek 5, as do those who have Marcus Rashford (£8.9 I 36.1%) and Bruno Fernandes (£8.5 I 22%).
Time to part with Pickford
Amazingly, Jordan Pickford (£4.5m I 11.7%) is the sixth most owned goalkeeper in FPL. Why? Beats me. Sure, Sean Dyche has a history of tight defences – see his Burnley tenure – but this Everton are a different kettle of fish destined for the drop. Without a clean sheet to start the season, it seems right to offload the Everton shot stopper before FPL Gameweek 5 kicks off.
Arsenal’s stars step up to ratify title credentials
A dramatic late victory worthy of its own Hollywood blockbuster against Manchester United has catapulted Mikel Arteta’s men back into the title fight. Not a bad way to head into the international break, hey? At the heart of Arsenal’s win, and potential title push, is their insane amount of attacking talent. Gabriel Jesus (£7.9 I 1.8%) nicked his first goal of the season, club-captain Martin Odegaard (£8.5 I 21.1%) finished a fine move to open the Gunners’ scoring, while Bukayo Saka (£8.7 I 66%) assisted Declan Rice’s clinching goal.
West Ham’s fixtures a JWP deterrent?
James Ward-Prowse (£6.0m I 6.2%) has been at the heart of David Moyes’ men’s strong start to the Premier League season. In his three games, West Ham have scored eight times with the midfielder directly involved in half of them (1 goal, 3 assists) but with Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Aston Villa up next, is he worth buying?
Transfer targets under 15% ownership
DEFENDER: Pedro Porro, Tottenham (£4.9m I 4.9%)
MIDFIELDER: Heung-Min Son, Tottenham (£9.0m I 7.1%)
