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The first Fantasy Premier League round after the international break brought mixed results with a few surprises catching managers off guard.
The big story from Gameweek 5 was Premier League champions Manchester City suffering a 3-2 defeat at Norwich but Tammy Abraham’s hat-trick in Chelsea‘s 5-2 win at Wolves was also unprecedented as was Tottenham‘s 4-0 demolition of Crystal Palace.
This weekend, Chelsea host Liverpool in the match of the round while Manchester United and Spurs face tricky trips to West Ham and Leicester respectively.
City have the opportunity to get back on track at home to Watford while Arsenal also enjoy a favourable fixture as they entertain Aston Villa.
Here are a few tips to help guide you through GW6.
CAPTAIN – PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG | ARSENAL | 11M
If it’s reliability you crave then look no further than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Arsenal forward has scored points in every game so far with five goals and an assist to his name.
Within an unpredictable Arsenal outfit, he’s been the one constant, posing a consistent goal threat. Though the Gunners are suspect defensively, they still look good going forward and Aubameyang is involved more often than not.
The Gabon international has been quite efficient as well, scoring from over 31 per cent of his shots. He may not have the volume of efforts the likes of Raheem Sterling or Sergio Aguero boast but he’s certainly up there with 16 of his own and has made the most of his chances.
With Villa to visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, expect him to be among the points again.
ALTERNATIVES
RAHEEM STERLING (12.3m) is quickly falling out of favour with some FPL managers and that’s just ridiculous. He’s blanked two GWs in a row but he’s still among the very best assets in the game and will certainly finish in the top three come the end of the season. He was unfortunate against Norwich with Aguero failing to convert a couple of his crosses while he hit the woodwork himself. Keep the faith.
TEEMU PUKKI (7.1m) again showed off his ability to bag points against top opposition as he came away from the City game with a goal, assist and maximum bonus points. He should be a permanent fixture in your XI and away to Burnley, he makes a strong case for the armband.
BOLD CHOICE
ASHLEY BARNES (6.7m) has blanked in the last couple of GWs but his numbers have still been good. His 16 shots so far is level with Aubameyang and just one shy of Pukki and he’s third for shots inside the six-yard box (3). The striker is due a goal and Norwich’s expansive style coupled with injuries at the back should afford him plenty of chances.
ONE TO GET
SON HEUNG-MIN | TOTTENHAM | 9.6M
Son Heung-min boasts the underlying stats you wish Kane would. During Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Palace, he had five shots to the skipper’s one. He also had eight touches inside the box to Kane’s two. With an ownership of just over five per cent, he’s a great differential and has a few good immediate fixtures. Being 1.4m cheaper than Kane and listed as a midfielder, he’s the more desirable Spurs asset.
ONE TO AVOID
JOHN LUNDSTRAM | SHEFFIELD UNITED | 4.3M
Lower those eyebrows. We aren’t suggesting dumping the legend that is John Lundstram. We’re grateful for his service as a 4m asset but if he isn’t in your team yet, now is not the time to sign him. He’s gone up in price by 0.3m for starters but the real concern is Sheffield United’s fixtures. They face Everton, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs and United in the next eight GWs. Steer clear.
BARGAIN BUY
EMILIANO BUENDIA | NORWICH | 6.0M
Pukki may be the life of the party but Emiliano Buendia is the one catering it. The playmaker is the creative hub of the Norwich side and already has four assists this season, coming from 13 key passes.
At only 6m he represents a bargain as well and is owned by only 1.3 per cent. His numbers are all the more impressive when you consider that Norwich have already faced City, Liverpool and Chelsea in their opening five games.
The Canaries are away to Burnley in GW6 who have been better defensively this season, but did concede three when Liverpool paid them a visit. And of course, Norwich have proved they can score against anyone.
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