The Best Saka Replacements in FPL

With reports suggesting that Saka is going to be side-lined until at least GW27, meaning he will miss the GW26 double, he is now a definitive sell. In truth he was probably a sell anyway given the type of football Arsenal play and the unpredictability of returns from attackers. However now, he is a definite move off. Not least given how vital it is to have 3 starting Arsenal players at all times.

But if you were one of the potential holders for that DGW, unfortunately you must now look elsewhere. To be honest, even though you’re a transfer down, there are plenty better Arsenal options for the double who won’t cost you as much, and way better ones to captain, like Gabriel.

Speaking of captains, if you are still struggling for inspiration this week as far as captaincy goes then make sure you check out our Best Gameweek 25 Captains piece.

Also, if you are looking for other ways to boost your rank, check out our Best Gameweek 25 differentials to gain some ground on your league mates.

As always, make sure you consult the Predicted Line-Ups and Team News Hub before locking in any changes.

Anyway, without further ado, let’s get stuck into the best Saka replacements.

 

Bruno Fernandes – £9.6m

 

If you do not already own this man, then the Saka injury is the perfect excuse to. Man United’s attack is absolutely cooking right now, and this man is at the heart of it all. He can score, assist, get Defcons, bonus points, you name it. We don’t even need to go into much detail about why he’s the best replacement, just get him in. I promise you this is the best option if you haven’t already.

 

Declan Rice – £7.5m

 

If you already own Fernandes, then this is another very simple but effective option. It also saves you the trouble of having to spend 2 FTs (Free Transfers) filling up your 3^rd Arsenal spot. So is ideal for those low on FTs. It is hardly a downgrade either, given Rice is currently the 3^rd highest scoring midfielder in the game, nailed for minutes, on set pieces and great for Defcons and Bonuses.

 

Bryan Mbeumo – £8.4m

 

If this man continues to start in the 9, then he could be absolutely lethal as a fantasy asset. I would not be disheartened by his blank against Fulham either, as he still racked up an xGI of 0.65 and was heavily involved in the attack. He also registered his first 90-minute stint since returning from AFCON, which bodes even better for his minutes moving forward.

Whether he starts in the 9 or at RW he is a deadly finisher in a high-powered attack. So, with great fixtures coming up, he could be an excellent Saka replacement, even if you already own Bruno.

 

Enzo Fernandez – £6.8m

 

Now I will quickly caveat this by saying, Enzo should be here for a good time not a long time. Chelsea’s fixtures actually get pretty rotten around GW28 so I will personally not be holding him beyond that. However, for this next 3 game spurt he could be an absolutely unbelievable option if you do not own him already. He currently has the 2^nd highest xGI per 90 of any midfielders with 0.62, and looks to be able to still get involved on the attacking end even with Palmer on the pitch. So if you have the FTs available then he is a great shout.

 

Florian Wirtz – £8.3m

With 6 returns in his last 8 and an xGI per 90 of 0.67 over the same stretch, it’s safe to say Wirtz is up and running in the Premier League. He looks sharp, up to speed and is displaying excellent link up play with star striker Hugo Ekitike.

After Man City in GW25, Liverpool’s fixtures open up into a sea of green until around GW35. They face Sunderland, Forest, West Ham and Wolves from GW26 to GW29 and following an impressive win against Newcastle, seem to have rediscovered attacking from just in time to take advantage of it. We prefer Wirtz to other high scoring midfielders like Rogers, Semenyo or Wilson for a couple reasons. The fixtures are there for all yes, but Wirtz recent form and low ownership puts him ahead. In fact, his ownership is around a 3^rd of the other 2s. Meaning he will be far more effective from an EO perspective if he outperforms the other 2.

 

Honourable mentions: Semenyo, Rogers, Wilson.

 

 

Options Summary

• Bruno – The Essential, should be the move if you can.
• Rice – The Simple, best for FT saving, still keep 3 Arsenal assets.
• Mbeumo – The Bagsman, Highest goals ceiling of all options here.
• Enzo – The Short-Term Spark Plug – If you’ve got spare FTs and want to save the most £, then Enzo is the way to go.
• Wirtz – The Differential Dice Roll – Lowest Ownership could mean biggest gains of any option. Unbelievable fixtures as well.

 

Check out our Game Week Tips section for more Gameweek 25 Tips