Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 6: The Dilemma of Joao Pedro and Captaincy Choices

As Fantasy Premier League managers prepare for Gameweek 6, BBC Sport’s expert Pras addresses the most pressing questions facing the competition, headlined by the ongoing debate surrounding Chelsea forward Joao Pedro.

Pedro has become the most sold player during the recent international break, yet he remains a core asset for approximately 65% of managers. From a value perspective, calculated by points per million, he continues to be one of the top selections available. With Chelsea boasting an excellent fixture schedule for the foreseeable future, Pras recommends holding onto Pedro and utilizing the bench, provided manager Xabi Alonso does not rule him out completely.

The captaincy decision presents a particularly difficult challenge this week. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland faces a tough away trip to Liverpool, while other top options include Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka at home against Leeds United, Tottenham’s Bruno Fernandes hosting Spurs, and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer playing against Bournemouth.

While Fernandes offers the strongest fixture and highest potential for a big score, he is surprisingly unpopular among managers. Pras notes that any of the remaining options are viable but leans toward the safety of selecting Haaland. The logic is that if Manchester City score, Haaland is likely to be involved, even in a difficult match. For managers seeking a differential strategy, Saka or Palmer at home are strong alternatives, though concerns remain about a potential Havertz injury affecting Chelsea’s attack and the earlier kickoff for Arsenal.

Regarding defensive options, the article questions whether it is too late to bring in Arsenal’s Ezri Konsa. With Konsa carrying a slight niggle from England duty and William Saliba recovering from injury, ownership may be limited. However, Pras advises against selling Konsa if already owned due to his value, though he suggests that for those using a wildcard or a free transfer, there are better-priced defenders available in the £5m bracket.

Fulham’s upcoming fixtures against all three promoted sides have drawn attention to their attackers. Gonzalo Garcia, priced at £6m, is highlighted as a strong pick due to his penalty duties and underlying statistics that outperform his current FPL returns. Josh King is also noted as a viable option, with impressive data metrics and consistent playing time across the first five games.

In midfield, the article examines whether Dominik Szoboszlai should be sold. While not an urgent sell, his role under Andoni Iraola has shifted to an eight, a position that offers fewer route-to-points opportunities compared to a number ten or right-back role. Despite this, Pras does not recommend rushing to sell him.

Conversely, Brighton’s Pascal Gross is recommended as a near-must-buy. Still priced under £6m, the midfielder plays full 90-minute matches and has already accumulated 47 points, making him the most transferred player this week. With a favorable run of fixtures against Sunderland and Crystal Palace, Gross is described as an easy, reliable choice for managers seeking consistent point contributions.