This article is part of our Fantrax Waiver Wire series.
Gameweek 5 was dominated by huge scoring efforts and a surprising upset. Tottenham and Chelsea, two inconsistent sides, combined for nine goals, while Manchester City fell at Norwich City 3-2. European competition starts this week, which means there could be some new faces in lineups, though it's impossible to project starting XIs, especially with Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.
FPL DIFFERENTIALS
There are five forwards who everyone has a piece of, with each at least 22 percent owned at the official FPL game. However, it's a wonder when the bandwagon will start to jump from Harry Kane, who has one goal and one assist in the last four matches. When you pay up for a player, you tend to want more production than that. While Tottenham have a decent upcoming schedule, it wouldn't be a terrible idea to cut bait with the striker ahead of Champions League play. While you could exchange him for teammate Son Heung-Min, that would require a double move. If you're using a Wildcard, the move from Kane to Son wouldn't be a bad idea given Son's popularity, as he's barely on five percent of teams. If you want to drop someone else, there are plenty of differential plays who have just as good of schedules. Ashley Barnes takes on Norwich and Aston Villa in the next two matches, while Bournemouth have Southampton and West Ham. It makes sense to take Joshua King over Callum Wilson because of penalties, but I prefer the
Gameweek 5 was dominated by huge scoring efforts and a surprising upset. Tottenham and Chelsea, two inconsistent sides, combined for nine goals, while Manchester City fell at Norwich City 3-2. European competition starts this week, which means there could be some new faces in lineups, though it's impossible to project starting XIs, especially with Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.
FPL DIFFERENTIALS
There are five forwards who everyone has a piece of, with each at least 22 percent owned at the official FPL game. However, it's a wonder when the bandwagon will start to jump from Harry Kane, who has one goal and one assist in the last four matches. When you pay up for a player, you tend to want more production than that. While Tottenham have a decent upcoming schedule, it wouldn't be a terrible idea to cut bait with the striker ahead of Champions League play. While you could exchange him for teammate Son Heung-Min, that would require a double move. If you're using a Wildcard, the move from Kane to Son wouldn't be a bad idea given Son's popularity, as he's barely on five percent of teams. If you want to drop someone else, there are plenty of differential plays who have just as good of schedules. Ashley Barnes takes on Norwich and Aston Villa in the next two matches, while Bournemouth have Southampton and West Ham. It makes sense to take Joshua King over Callum Wilson because of penalties, but I prefer the latter, who is always in front of net. Quietly, Wilson has made the scoresheet in every match this season. Sebastien Haller is still an option, though he likely hasn't been added by as many people because he's more expensive (for now) than both Teemu Pukki and Tammy Abraham.
Similar to Kane, it's a wonder if people will jump ship on Raheem Sterling, who hasn't made the scoresheet in the last two matches and is on almost 50 percent of fantasy teams. The question of playing time could be a concern with UCL, but he was City's most consistent player last season in terms of making the starting XI. Whether you drop Sterling or someone else, there are players to get an advantage with. I'm still buying into Richarlison, though Everton's away struggles limit his value. Of course, a home match against Sheffield United this weekend could easily equal a goal and maybe lead to a price bump. If you want a real differential, Nicolas Pepe could break out at any point, and a home match against Villa is a good time for that. He's looked electric at times, but he's having trouble converting his chances. For cheaper, it's odd that no one is showing love to Emiliano Buendia, who already has four assists and is the only one taking set pieces for Norwich. He may not have goal upside, but he's cheap and no one else has him.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles will likely see his ownership rise throughout the season, but now is the time to get him with two upcoming home matches against Villa and Bournemouth. Already with two assists, he provides upside at good value. The best chance for a clean sheet this week may be Everton at home against Sheffield United, but you also have to deal with Man City the following weekend. Some will be inclined to swoop up Serge Aurier after two assists last match, but I'm not sure you can rely on him to start consistently, especially after he didn't make the midweek trip to Greece. Then again, he's a steal at his price if he starts on the Tottenham back line with matches against Brighton, Southampton and Watford ahead.
FANTRAX FINDS
My prediction on Ismaila Sarr has yet to come to fruition, though he played 36 minutes last match and an appearance in the starting XI is all but guaranteed in the future. I'd throw him on the bench, if possible. In a similar spot, super-sub Adama Traore has back-to-back starts and is still widely available. If you have a spot to stash someone, David McGoldrick played a full 90 for the first time this season and racked up six shots last week. While he's not consistent, he can produce decent numbers at home against weaker competition.
At midfielder, I'd keep my eye on Jonjo Shelvey, who returned to the starting XI and played a full 90 against Liverpool. He usually racks up all kinds of stats when in the squad, and a home match against Brighton should produce quality numbers. He makes the most sense if you need a midfielder in a pinch, while Norwich's Ben Godfrey is in that same category minus the upside. You can't expect a goal from Tom Cleverley every match, but he continues to start and is always good for defensive stats. This week, the best bets for defender are guys from Burnley, Everton, Newcastle and Southampton. There are plenty of players to choose from in that mix, with Jan Bednarek and Paul Dummett some of the ones who are widely available.
CAPTAIN DEEP DIVES
Speaking of good matchups, it's another one for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to find the back of the net, home against Villa, who have lost both away matches. Aubameyang is a clear captain choice if you don't want to go with Man City (v. Watford), as he has five goals in five matches. If you want to dive even further, Burnley (v. Norwich) and Everton (v. Sheffield United) should both be in for a couple goals. Ashley Barnes hasn't done anything the last couple matches, but it's a good time to turn that around because Norwich have allowed the most shots on goal in the league. It's less certain for Everton because Sheffield United play more defensively, but the Toffees have yet to drop a point at home and Richarlison has at least three shots in four of five matches.
