With the international break coming to an end, Fantasy Premier League managers have an opportunity to reassess their squads ahead of Gameweek 6. Looking beyond the next round of fixtures, these five players stand out for their underlying numbers, favourable match-ups and potential to deliver over the next three Gameweeks.
Bukayo Saka
Price: 9.6m
Ownership: 14.4%
Position: Midfielder
Opponent: LEE (H), NFO (A), EVE (H)
If you’re spending heavily in midfield, Saka makes more sense than chasing last week’s points. He has already scored three times, but the more persuasive stat is his six big chances – more than any other FPL midfielder – alongside 12 attempts inside the box. Martin Ødegaard’s return has freed him to attack the area rather than carry the entire creative burden. Leeds won’t be pushovers: they have conceded only three league goals and have protected their left flank well. Still, Arsenal host Leeds before a trip to Nottingham Forest and a home meeting with Everton. Saka’s potential penalty duties and share of Arsenal’s best chances put him firmly in the conversation.
Kevin Schade
Price: 6.2m
Ownership: 12.4%
Position: Midfielder
Opponent: AVL (A), LIV (H), HUL (A)
Villa have had a rough time defending their right flank, and that is exactly where Brentford will want to release Schade. The German has three goals and two assists from five appearances, with 12 shots inside the area – not the profile of a winger living off one fortunate finish. Brentford’s attacking numbers are strong and their willingness to play quickly suits his running power. Villa have also conceded the third most big chances in the division. The slight concern is that Schade has scored three from 1.52 xG, so finishing at this rate may not last. Liverpool in GW7 is awkward, but Hull follows in GW8.
Ricardo Calafiori
Price: 5.9m
Ownership: 50.6%
Position: Defender
Opponent: LEE (H), NFO (A), EVE (H)
Arsenal’s defence remains one of the safest places to invest, but Calafiori brings something that a standard clean sheet pick doesn’t. He has two assists already, and Leeds’ defensive numbers give his forward runs a particularly interesting target: they have allowed 20 chances down their right, compared with 13 down the left. Leeds have also faced 29 efforts from set pieces and 17 headers, the most obvious crack in an otherwise stubborn backline. Calafiori has three clean sheets in five games, and Arsenal face Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Everton next. Rotation around the Champions League is worth watching, but at 5.9m he’s a convincing alternative to more expensive defenders.
Marcus Tavernier
Price: 6.1m
Ownership: 6.9%
Position: Midfielder
Opponent: CHE (A), SUN (H), MUN (A)
Chelsea away isn’t normally a fixture I’d target, but their defence has made a habit of giving opponents opportunities. No side has conceded more Premier League goals this season, which brings Tavernier into the picture. He has three goals from his first five games, 13 shots and a healthy 2.61 non-penalty expected goal involvements. Bournemouth’s attacking threat isn’t all coming from their striker, and Tavernier’s set-piece involvement adds another way to contribute. The schedule remains interesting beyond Stamford Bridge, with Sunderland at home in GW7 and Manchester United away in GW8. He’s a more aggressive pick than the others, with European rotation a concern, but at 6.1m there’s upside.
Gonzalo García
Price: 6.0m
Ownership: 4.3%
Position: Forward
Opponent: IPS (A), HUL (H), COV (A)
One goal from 2.34 xG can put people off, but with García I’d look at the chances before the finishing. Fulham’s new striker has taken 15 shots, 13 of them inside the box, and seen four big chances come his way in five matches. This week he visits Ipswich, who have conceded 17 big chances, including plenty through central areas, and are still waiting for a clean sheet. Better still, Hull at home and Coventry away follow straight afterwards. Fulham haven’t been prolific, so there’s a ceiling to his appeal, but for a 6.0m forward this is a rare three-game window where both role and fixtures work in his favour.
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