A title decider in September, Crystal Palace unable to keep a clean sheet and the writing is already on the wall for Everton – there’s so much to consider going into Gameweek 5 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL).
Despite the Toffees being totally garbage, Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have six goal contributions between them over the past two Gameweeks, providing not only a cost-effective goal threat, but hope of relegation survival to Evertonians across the land.
Is now the time to ditch Dean Henderson? The Palace shot stopper looked a bargain at £4.5m, but he’s yet to keep a clean sheet, and the value doesn’t seem so great when comparing to Robert Sanchez and Mats Sels who are the same price and already have more than double the points.
In the world of goal threats, Haaland scoring back-to-back hat-tricks and a brace in his last three games doesn’t count for anything when he’s up against Saliba and Gabriel, the most intimidating duo since Phil and Grant Mitchell.
Whereas Palace’s Mateta got off the mark in Gameweek 4 and will be licking his lips at the prospect of coming up against a Manchester United side still prone to leaving big gaps and giving away chances.
But what are the three things you absolutely NEED to know before setting your team this week?
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 11: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Defence rules in City vs Arsenal
Two Premier League fixtures between these sides yielded just a single goal in 2023/24, so we expect more of the same this weekend. Coming so early in the season the fixture seems more of a must-not-lose than a must-win.
Arsenal have a formidable defence and while many expect City to come out all guns blazing, last week’s north London derby win demonstrated the Gunners can sit back and absorb anything thrown at them.
Paddy’s Pro Tip: Load up on City and Arsenal defenders as this won’t be a goal fest.
Happiness is the key for Rashford
A quote directly from Erik ten Hag, and with three goals in two games for Marcus, it appears his swagger has returned.
Palace are yet to keep a clean sheet conceding seven goals in four Premier League games. United put seven past Barnsley mid-week with Rashford bagging twice. The odds just stack up, don’t they?
Paddy Pro Tip: Start Rashford as he’s set to continue his hot streak
Salah for captain
Not taking anything away from Nottingham Forest, but Liverpool were incredibly unlucky to lose in Gameweek 4. Slot’s side corrected things with an impressive Milan away win in the Champions League, so it’s safe to assume normal service will resume at Anfield this weekend.
Paddy’s Pro Tip: Salah to pick up from his 14, 10 and 17-point hauls from the first three Gameweeks.
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