26 Sep, 2024

Game Week 6 : Sam FPL’s Key Questions. Wildcard? Keep or Sell?

Do You Need to Use Your Wildcard?

I consider the wildcard the most important, game-changing chip in Fantasy Premier League. Using it correctly can significantly improve your rank over several weeks. It also has a substantial impact on both your points and team value. At this point in the season—neither too early nor too late—it’s time to start thinking about using this powerful chip. Gameweek 6 is shaping up to be one of the most popular times to wildcard due to fixture swings, recent updates, and injuries.

I highly recommend activating your wildcard if you’ve already loaded up on Newcastle, Crystal Palace, or Brighton assets. It’s also wise to consider it if you have multiple unavailable players or those who have lost their starting positions, like Quansah, Nkunku, and Barco. Haaland and Arsenal assets are must-haves, and you might need to restructure your team to afford these premium players. Focus on teams with favorable fixtures, such as Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brentford, and Bournemouth. This strategy will set you up for success in the coming game weeks.

Wildcard Essentials

Haaland

Haaland has scored in each of the first five game weeks, with ownership now exceeding 70%. He will likely be the most popular captain pick in upcoming game weeks, and many managers will treat him as a permanent captain.

6.0m Forward Options

At the 6.0m price point, there are several forwards worth considering. Right now, I rate Wood and Calvert-Lewin ahead of Pedro, who is doubtful for the next game week. Rutter’s recent performances also threaten Pedro’s minutes. Both Calvert-Lewin and Wood have favorable fixtures and are top picks for many FPL managers.

Only Watkins and Haaland have registered more big chances than Wood this season. Wood also took Nottingham Forest’s penalty last weekend, a huge advantage for his owners. With 3 goals and 8 bonus points in 5 game weeks, he’s delivering impressive value for a 6.0m forward. Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin, also on penalties, has returned in 2 of the last 3 game weeks. Everton boasts the best schedule until Gameweek 14, and Wood, Calvert-Lewin, and Rogers rotate very well in the upcoming fixtures.

Mbeumo

Brentford’s talisman, Mbeumo, has firmly established himself as the standout attacker during their favorable run of matches. He’s on penalties, takes some free kicks, and plays the full 90 minutes. With Toney gone and Wissa injured, Mbeumo is the main man for Brentford. The team is highly attacking at home, having failed to score at home only once last season. With 3 home fixtures in the next 4 game weeks, Mbeumo should be involved in plenty of goals.

Rogers

Rogers is a budget midfielder to watch. He’s been lively and involved in 5 big chances over the last 3 game weeks, though he’s been a bit unlucky until recently. With Aston Villa facing teams that struggle defensively over the next 4 game weeks, Rogers should be in your squad. Treat him as an 8th midfielder, starting him only in easier matchups.

Arsenal Attackers

Whether you opt for Saka, Havertz, or both, Arsenal has the easiest schedule over the next 3 game weeks from an attacking perspective. Home fixtures against Leicester and Southampton should be fruitful, making them strong captaincy options for the upcoming game week.

Gabriel

Gabriel’s returns have been phenomenal, scoring against both Manchester City and Spurs, while keeping clean sheets against Aston Villa and Tottenham. He’s currently the top-scoring defender after 5 game weeks, and Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Raya, is also leading the charts. This shows that Arsenal defenders are fixture-proof and worth keeping long-term. Gabriel is a “set and forget” pick in my team.

Keep or Sell?

Gvardiol

Man City has kept 0 clean sheets in the last 4 game weeks, and Gvardiol was benched for one of those matches. This is far from ideal for a 6.0m defender, especially when Arsenal and Liverpool defenders have secured 3 and 4 clean sheets, respectively. Rodri’s injury will also have a significant impact on City’s defensive stability. I recommend selling Gvardiol.

Eze

Owning Eze has been frustrating. He missed two big chances against United last weekend and was only involved in 2 in game week 4. He’s been unlucky, to be honest. If you’ve activated your wildcard, I wouldn’t mind selling him for a more attractive option. But if you don’t have a wildcard, consider giving him one more chance against Everton’s leaky defense.

Pedro

Pedro is doubtful for Gameweek 6, and Brighton’s manager has started rotating attackers, which raises concerns for those holding Brighton assets. There are other nailed, fit forwards with better fixtures to target in this price range. If Pedro’s fitness is uncertain, I’d recommend selling him.

By SamFPL

Last Updated: 25/09