It’s a busy midweek for 10 Premier League sides, as the Carabao Cup third round rolls around and the Champions League kicks off.
So, who are the top 10 FPL picks by predicted points ahead of FPL Gameweek 5?
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10. Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal)
- GW5 opponent: Man City (H)
- Predicted points: 5.3
Viktor Gyokeres has opened his account for Arsenal in fine fashion, with three goals in four games this season. Crucially all of those goals have come at the Emirates which bodes well for this clash with Manchester City. He ranks third among all players for big chances on goal this season with four and could remain on penalties if Bukayo Saka is out.
9. Joao Pedro (Chelsea)
- GW5 opponent: Man Utd (A)
- Predicted points: 5.3
Joao Pedro is the second highest-scoring forward in the game behind Erling Haaland, delivering five goal involvements in the opening four gameweeks: two goals and three assists. Opponents Manchester United have failed to keep a clean sheet this season, conceding seven goals across their opening four games.
8. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
- GW5 opponent: Everton (H)
- Predicted points: 5.4
WIth Alexander Isak failing to make the Liverpool squad for the win against Burnley last time out, we can assume that Ekitike will start as the Liverpool No.9 once again for the Merseyside derby. He has two goals and one assist in four appearances this season, having had two big chances on goal and created four chances for his teammates.
7. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
- GW5 opponent: Everton (H)
- Predicted points: 5.6
Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk is the only defender to make this top 10, with clean sheet potential high in this derby game. Liverpool have clean sheets in consecutive games against Arsenal and Burnley, while Everton have failed to score in two of their four league games. Van Dijk ranks second for defensive contribution points this season, on 50.
6. Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
- GW5 opponent: Chelsea (H)
- Predicted points: 5.6
Bruno Fernandes has been a frustrating hold for owners, with a late penalty goal in Gameweek 3 against Burnley his only attacking return. He missed from the spot against Fulham in Gameweek 2, but has notched defensive contribution points in three of four games. He sits top among all players for chances created, with 14.
5. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
- GW5 opponent: Man Utd (A)
- Predicted points: 5.8
Cole Palmer got himself on the scoresheet on his return from injury, as a substitute against Brentford, to reward those who kept faith in him. He’s had nine shots on goal from just 124 minutes of action, plus he is on penalties. Palmer was a Manchester United fan growing up, scoring a hat-trick in this fixture back in 2023-24.
4. Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
- GW5 opponent: Newcastle (H)
- Predicted points: 6.0
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is the top-performing midfielder in the game over the opening four gameweeks, with three goals and two assists in this time. With 12 shots and six big chances on goal, plus seven key passes made, he’s absolutely meeting the promise of his underlying numbers. He’s been taking penalties too.
3. Erling Haaland (Man City)
- GW5 opponent: Arsenal (A)
- Predicted points: 6.0
A tough away fixture against second in the table Arsenal sees Erling Haaland drop to third in the rankings, despite being the standout option to start the campaign. Haaland has produced five goals in his opening six fixtures, with three of those returns coming on the road. He leads the way for shots (19) and big chances (9) on goal so far this season.
2. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
- GW5 opponent: Sunderland (A)
- Predicted points: 6.4
The biggest shock of the season so far is that Aston Villa have failed to score in their opening four fixtures, taking just two points in this time. Ollie Watkins has shown some promise in his underlying numbers, with eight shots in the box and four chances created. There will be opportunities against promoted Sunderland.
1. Mo Salah (Liverpool)
- GW5 opponent: Everton (H)
- Predicted points: 7.6
Mo Salah has three attacking returns this season, with all of them coming in injury time, including from the penalty spot against Burnley last time out. He has had just five shots on goal this season and made five key passes. He has a good record in the Merseyside derby with eight goals and two assists in 13 appearances.
