FPL Gameweek 5 tips

Why we like him

Erling Haaland is set to face Sunderland at home on September 20, 2026. With his current form and scoring ability, he is a prime candidate for the captaincy this gameweek. Haaland has already netted four goals this season, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net. His impressive total of 33 points reflects his importance in Manchester City's attacking setup.

Haaland's ownership is currently at 72.2%, making him a popular choice among FPL managers. This high ownership means that many teams will likely have him as captain, which could lead to a significant points haul if he performs well. His expected goals (xG) of 3.33 indicates that he is getting into good scoring positions, further enhancing his appeal.

Manchester City has a strong attacking lineup, and Haaland is often the focal point of their attacks. His ability to convert chances into goals makes him a reliable captain choice. Additionally, Sunderland's defense has shown vulnerabilities, which could provide Haaland with ample opportunities to score.

For those looking to maximise their points, captaining Haaland could be a game-changing decision. His ability to score multiple goals in a match adds to his appeal. If you want to stay competitive in your mini-leagues, having Haaland as your captain is a wise choice.

FPL impact

Haaland's price is currently set at £15.5, reflecting his status as one of the top forwards in the game. His high ownership percentage means that many managers are banking on his performance this week. If he delivers a strong showing, it could significantly impact overall rankings.

As a captaincy option, Haaland is expected to be one of the most transferred in players this week. Managers looking to gain an edge will likely prioritise bringing him into their squads. His potential for a high score makes him a must-have for this gameweek.

Given his form and the favorable fixture against Sunderland, Haaland is likely to be a popular captain choice. Many managers will look to him to lead their teams to victory, making him a key player to watch this week.

Why we like him

Bukayo Saka is set to face Brighton away on September 19, 2026. He has been in good form, scoring three goals this season and accumulating 30 points. His ability to create chances and score makes him a valuable asset for FPL managers.

Saka's current ownership stands at 12%, which indicates that he is a differential pick compared to other popular players. This lower ownership could work in your favor if he performs well, allowing you to gain ground on rivals.

Arsenal's attacking style of play suits Saka's strengths. He often finds himself in goal-scoring positions and is involved in many of Arsenal's attacking moves. This makes him a reliable vice-captain option, especially in a match against Brighton.

If you are looking for a solid vice-captain choice, Saka is a great option. His potential for returns in this fixture is high, and he could easily contribute with goals or assists.

FPL impact

Saka is priced at £9.5, making him a mid-range option for managers looking to strengthen their squads. His ownership percentage suggests that he could be a great differential pick this week.

With a form line of 7.5, Saka is showing consistent performances, making him a reliable choice for vice-captaincy. If Haaland does not perform as expected, Saka could step up and deliver points.

As a vice-captain, Saka provides a safety net for managers who choose to captain Haaland. His potential for returns against Brighton makes him a valuable asset to have in your squad.

Why we like him

Bruno Fernandes is set to face Fulham away on September 20, 2026. He has been a key player for Manchester United, scoring three goals and providing one assist this season. His ability to contribute both goals and assists makes him a valuable asset for FPL managers.

With an ownership of 42%, Fernandes is a popular choice among FPL managers. His consistent performances and ability to score points make him a reliable premium option. His total points of 29 reflect his importance to the team.

Fernandes's expected goals (xG) of 2.28 and expected assists (xa) of 1.13 indicate that he is involved in many attacking plays. This makes him a strong candidate for points against Fulham.

For managers looking to invest in a premium midfielder, Fernandes is a great option. His ability to score and assist makes him a key player to consider this gameweek.

FPL impact

Fernandes is priced at £12, which places him in the premium bracket. His ownership suggests that many managers are looking to him for points this week.

Given his form and the favorable fixture against Fulham, Fernandes is likely to be a popular transfer target. Managers may look to bring him into their squads to capitalize on his potential.

As a premium pick, Fernandes provides a strong option for those looking to enhance their midfield. His ability to contribute to goals makes him a valuable asset this gameweek.

Why we like him

Thierno Barry is set to face Ipswich Town at home on September 19, 2026. He has shown glimpses of potential this season, scoring one goal and accumulating 14 points. His low ownership makes him a differential pick worth considering.

With an ownership of just 6.5%, Barry is a true differential option. This means that if he performs well, he could provide a significant advantage over other managers in your league.

Barry's form line of 3.5 indicates that he is still finding his feet in the Premier League. However, his potential for returns against Ipswich Town makes him an interesting option for those looking to take a risk.

If you're looking for a player who could surprise and deliver points, Barry is worth considering. His low ownership and potential for a breakout performance make him a player to watch.

FPL impact

Barry is priced at £5.6, making him an affordable option for managers looking to strengthen their squads without breaking the bank. His low ownership means he could be a hidden gem.

Given his form and the favorable fixture against Ipswich, Barry could be a great differential pick this week. Managers looking to gain an edge should consider bringing him into their squads.

As a differential, Barry provides an opportunity to gain points while others may overlook him. His potential for returns makes him a player to keep an eye on.

Why we are wary

Reinildo Mandava is set to face Manchester City away on September 20, 2026. His current form has been poor, with a form line of 1.8 and only 7 total points this season. This makes him a risky pick for FPL managers.

With an ownership of just 0.3%, Mandava is not a popular choice among FPL managers. His lack of returns and the tough fixture against Manchester City make him a player to avoid this week.

Mandava's defensive contributions have not been enough to warrant a place in your squad. His expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xa) are both low, indicating he is not involved in attacking plays.

For managers looking to optimize their squads, avoiding Mandava is a wise decision. His poor form and tough matchup against a strong attacking team like Manchester City make him a liability.

FPL impact

Mandava is priced at £4.5, which is relatively low, but his lack of returns makes him a risky investment. Managers should consider other options in the same price range who are performing better.

Given his poor form and the tough fixture against Manchester City, Mandava is likely to struggle this week. His low ownership suggests that many managers are already avoiding him.

As a player to avoid, Mandava could hinder your team's performance. It's best to look for alternatives who are more likely to deliver points this gameweek.

Why we like him

Joško Gvardiol is set to face Sunderland at home on September 20, 2026. He has been in excellent form, contributing to both defense and attack with one goal and two assists this season. His total of 33 points reflects his value in the Manchester City lineup.

With an ownership of 22.4%, Gvardiol is a popular choice among FPL managers. His ability to contribute to clean sheets and attacking returns makes him a reliable option.

Gvardiol's expected goals (xG) of 0.22 and expected assists (xa) of 0.11 show that he is involved in attacking plays, making him a dual threat. This adds to his appeal as a defender.

For managers looking to strengthen their defense, Gvardiol is a solid pick this gameweek. His form and the favorable fixture against Sunderland make him a player to consider.

FPL impact

Gvardiol is priced at £5.7, which is reasonable for a defender of his caliber. His ownership suggests that many managers are banking on his performance this week.

Given his form and the favorable fixture against Sunderland, Gvardiol is likely to be a popular transfer target. Managers may look to bring him into their squads to capitalize on his potential.

As a defender pick, Gvardiol provides a strong option for those looking to enhance their backline. His ability to contribute to both clean sheets and attacking returns makes him a valuable asset this gameweek.

Why we like him

Jayden Bogle is set to face Crystal Palace at home on September 20, 2026. He has been in excellent form, scoring two goals and accumulating 37 points this season. His performance makes him a standout budget option for FPL managers.

With an ownership of just 2.5%, Bogle is a true differential pick. This low ownership means that if he performs well, he could provide a significant advantage over other managers.

Bogle's form line of 9.2 indicates that he is currently in great shape, making him a reliable choice for your defense. His ability to contribute to both defense and attack adds to his appeal.

For managers looking for a budget-friendly option, Bogle is worth considering. His potential for returns makes him a player to watch this gameweek.

FPL impact

Bogle is priced at £4.5, making him an affordable option for managers looking to strengthen their squads. His low ownership means he could be a hidden gem.

Given his form and the favorable fixture against Crystal Palace, Bogle could be a great budget pick this week. Managers looking to gain an edge should consider bringing him into their squads.

As a budget pick, Bogle provides an opportunity to gain points while others may overlook him. His potential for returns makes him a player to keep an eye on.

Why we like him

João Pedro is set to face Brentford away on September 18, 2026. He has been in fantastic form, scoring three goals and providing three assists this season. His total of 33 points reflects his importance in Chelsea's attacking setup.

With an ownership of 75.1%, Pedro is a popular choice among FPL managers. His consistent performances make him a reliable option for those looking to maximise points.

Pedro's expected goals (xG) of 2.17 and expected assists (xa) of 0.19 indicate that he is heavily involved in Chelsea's attacking plays. This makes him a strong candidate for returns against Brentford.

For managers looking for a player in form, João Pedro is a must-have this gameweek. His ability to contribute to both goals and assists makes him a valuable asset.

FPL impact

Pedro is priced at £7.8, which is reasonable for a player of his caliber. His high ownership suggests that many managers are banking on his performance this week.

Given his form and the favorable fixture against Brentford, Pedro is likely to be a popular transfer target. Managers may look to bring him into their squads to capitalize on his potential.

As a form pick, Pedro provides a strong option for those looking to enhance their attacking lineup. His ability to contribute to both goals and assists makes him a valuable asset this gameweek.