As the Fantasy Premier League season reaches its fourth gameweek, managers are facing critical decisions regarding chip usage and team selection. With numerous tactical options available, BBC Sport’s FPL expert Holly Shand analyzes the top dilemmas confronting the fantasy football community.
The debate over investing heavily in Chelsea’s attack remains prominent. Joao Pedro, priced at £7.7m, currently leads the game in ownership with 72.5% of teams selecting him. Considering Chelsea have netted eight goals this term and host promoted Hull City next, increasing exposure to their attacking assets appears timely. Cole Palmer (£9.6m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.6m) impressed as second-half substitutes in the Carabao Cup against Leeds United, with Palmer scoring twice and Rogers providing three assists. While Palmer offers superior goal threat and penalty duties, a triple-up strategy requires the team to score multiple goals consistently to justify the investment.
Liverpool presents another key choice between Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo. Gakpo, the most-purchased player for this gameweek among half a million new owners, is currently doubtful for the match against Fulham due to an adductor problem sustained ahead of their Champions League fixture. Isak, the second-highest scoring forward with 23 points, has scored in his last two appearances but carries a steep £9.1m price tag. Gakpo’s record of assisting every goal he has scored makes him a compelling alternative if he recovers in time.
Manchester United players Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes are recommended as long-term holds despite recent fluctuations. Mbeumo created four big chances, the highest tally for any midfielder, while Fernandes leads all players in shots with 15. Their upcoming home fixture against Manchester City offers renewed optimism, drawing on historical success under interim manager Michael Carrick.
For managers utilizing the Wildcard, the Arsenal defense is highlighted as a priority investment. The Gunners have kept two clean sheets while conceding only one goal and a single big chance this season. Ezri Konsa stands out as a value option at £4.4m, alongside premiums like David Raya, Gabriel, and Riccardo Calafiori.
Captaincy options lean heavily toward Chelsea’s Palmer, who leads midfielders in box entries and retains penalty responsibilities. However, Erling Haaland remains a strong candidate despite playing away at Manchester United, given his five-goal run across his last five competitive matches.
In the budget sector, Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to underperform with only one goal from three matches, though his upcoming fixtures against Newcastle and Crystal Palace provide hope for improvement. Meanwhile, Brighton’s Maxime de Cuyper has been a standout defensive asset playing out of position, but Shand suggests shifting focus to Arsenal’s Konsa as the preferred budget defender moving forward.
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