If you’re an FPL manager who loves taking a bold call, this might be your week. Erling Haaland faces Liverpool — a team he’s scored just once against in the Premier League and never beaten. For once, it may not be the smartest move to hand him the armband.
Chelsea, on the other hand, welcome struggling Wolves to Stamford Bridge. It looks the perfect fixture to gamble on a different captain.
This week’s FPL team has been built within a £100m budget, just like a Free Hit squad.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Alphonse Areola (£4.3m, West Ham) gets the nod in goal as the Hammers host Burnley. West Ham’s new boss Nuno Espirito Santo has focused on tightening things up at the back, so a clean sheet looks possible.
Arsenal’s pairing of Gabriel (£6.6m) and Jurrien Timber (£6.1m) stay in defence. The Gunners have been rock solid, keeping eight straight clean sheets in all competitions. Gabriel also remains a big threat from corners.
Chelsea’s Reece James (£5.5m) adds attacking potential. With Maresca using him further up the pitch, he’s creating chances and looks due for returns against a Wolves side in disarray.
Everton’s James Tarkowski (£5.5m) completes the backline. The Toffees face a Fulham team that struggles away from home, scoring just four goals on the road this season.
Midfield
Enzo Fernandez (£6.7m, Chelsea) headlines the midfield trio. His underlying stats are strong and with Chelsea likely to dominate, he should get chances to score or assist.
Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.3m) is back in form and faces Leeds at home. He’s central to everything Forest create and remains a solid differential pick.
Eberechi Eze (£7.6m, Arsenal) keeps his place despite competition from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. His attacking numbers are impressive, and a goal looks due.
Forwards
Erling Haaland (£14.8m, Manchester City) stays in the team but not as captain. A tough clash with Liverpool might limit his output.
Instead, the armband goes to Chelsea’s Joao Pedro (£7.4m). The Brazilian was electric against Spurs, racking up five shots and a goal. Wolves’ defence has been leaking goals, and Pedro could make them pay.
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.9m) rounds off the front line. He’s in good touch, and facing a shaky Brighton defence, another goal might just be on the way.
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