Matchday 4 lived up to the expectations for many, with Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold among the ones that bagged the most points in the gameweek. But, it was the matchday of players rising to form after a somewhat average or below-average start to their 2019-20 Premier League.
Jamie Vardy, Tammy Abraham and Richarlison were among the players that scored a brace on Matchday 4, which is likely to result in a spike in the proportion of Fantasy Premier League teams they find themselves in. Youri Tielemans also finally picked up a few points on Matchday 4, after being one of the hot tips to pocket points with ease, given the 2018-19 campaign he had with Leicester after joining in January.
Then, there were players who disappointed their users. The likes of Raheem Sterling and Mohamed Salah, the cost of whom require a sizeable sacrifice elsewhere on the teams that pick them, failed to score on Matchday 4. With the international break coming in between, there is likely to be a change in some scenarios going forward.
As Matchday 5 is on the horizon, we take a look at some players FPL users can cast an eye on to use their free transfer and attempt to take advantage of the differential in FPL.
Richarlison (Everton) – Midfielder – £7.9
After Everton’s early season struggles to find the back of the net, their saviour of the 2018-19 campaign stepped up to be the hero against Watford. Richarlison bagged a brace and judging by Everton’s upcoming fixtures, he should be high on the wishlist of FPL users.
Richarlison finds himself in 7.5% of the teams currently. The Brazilian has shown himself to be more of a streaky player in terms of goals and could find himself in a purple patch after the brace against Watford.
Manuel Lanzini (West Ham) – Midfielder – £6.6
While many FPL users will rush to buy Sebastien Haller, it is worth noting that Manuel Lanzini was the designated superstar when West Ham first made their charge towards the top half in the Premier League. Now, with a great ensemble around him, the Argentine is likely to use his creative nous to full effect.
So far, Lanzini has recorded 2 assists. But, with a favourable run of fixtures coming, Lanzini will be the lynchpin in the West Ham attack. Haller is also a good pick but currently owned by 3.4%, Lanzini provides more of a differential compared to his teammate.
Nicolas Pepe (Arsenal) – Midfielder – £9.4
A player that has shown glimpses of his explosive talent but is yet to truly shine for Arsenal. Pepe could be given the free reign to cause havoc against a Watford side without a win and with a new manager in the dugout. Only 3.7% of the users have him in their team right now.
A very good option worth exploring, especially with the Ivorian likely to start featuring more and more as the season goes along. Watford might be the best opponents to unleash Pepe right now. The Hornets are without a win and have changed managers; the morale must be at a low, especially with Javi Gracia achieving a very stable finish last season.
Right now, Pepe provides an insane differential for a player of his calibre. But, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a staple pick in FPL.
Callum Wilson (Bournemouth) – Forward – £7.8
This is probably the most expected pick going forward. Interestingly though, after his 2018-19 season, Wilson was priced at a hefty £8.0. The starting price combined with the form of other strikers has seen him being devalued by two decimal points. 9.6% of the FPL users currently have placed their bets on the Bournemouth man.
He may not provide as much of a differential but Wilson has proven last season he is capable of providing a steady return of points and has started the current season in good form as well, despite his drop in popularity and price in FPL. The Englishman should be a high priority pick going forward, especially once the early season form of other strikers starts dropping off.
Chris Wood (Burnley) – Forward – £6.3
Chris Wood’s attacking partner Ashley Barnes has become one of the favourites for FPL users with the start he has had. Interestingly, though, it was Wood who blitzed through pre-season and was tipped to start the season in red hot form. Barnes is now injured and FPL users will look for a new differential, with the Englishman already owned by many.
They may not have to seek far from Barnes though. Owned by just 0.7%, Wood might be the best differential option available. Burnley have very accommodating fixtures up ahead and a glance towards pre-season is enough to see how Wood can rake in points as consistently as Barnes in the coming weeks, starting with the game against an injury-hit Brighton on Saturday.
