Last updated on September 23rd, 2021
Gameweek 5 of the premier league saw Chelsea and Liverpool pick up big wins to stay joint-top of the league, having notched identical scorelines in every gameweek so far. Man United survived a late scare due to the penalty heroics of David De Gea (£5.0m). Man City had to settle for a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Southampton while surprise packages, Brighton, continued their excellent start to the season by picking up a 2-1 win over Leicester.
On the FPL front, a gameweek average of 55 saw another good high-scoring week. Many managers now have dealt with playing their wildcards or are in the process of playing in the next few weeks, which could see a change in strategy and a significant overhaul of players in their current squads. Last week’s picks were a mixed bag, with only two of the six returning points and two others missing out through injury. Nonetheless, the season goes on, and we move on to gameweek 6. Let’s look at the top performers of gameweek 5 and my six picks for gameweek 6.
Gameweek 5 top 3 performers:
1. Matthew Cash – 15 points (1 goal, 1 clean sheet, 3BPS)
2. Thiago Silva – 15 points (1 goal, 1 clean sheet, 3 BPS)
3. Ismaila Sarr – 15 points (2 goals, 3BPS)
Let’s have a look at the 6 picks for gameweek 6, reviewing their gameweek 5 performances and previewing their potential for points this week.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £12.7m (FOR); 46.8% ownership
GW5 review – 6 points (90 minutes, 1 goal)
GW6 preview – Aston Villa (H)
What hasn’t been said about Cristiano Ronaldo? He’s already managed to score in both PL games since his return to Man United, and he does not look like slowing down anytime soon. A game in front of the Old Trafford faithful presents another chance for him to add to his goal tally this season. Despite proving me wrong last week with a clean sheet against Everton, I think United will have too much in the tank for them, and should they score big, expect Ronaldo to spearhead the attack with his goals. It remains to be seen whether he or Bruno Fernandes (£11.9m) will be on penalties as United, somewhat surprisingly, have not yet conceded a penalty this season.
2. Ismaila Sarr – £6.1m (MID); 8.7% ownership
GW5 review – performance noted under top 3 performers
GW6 preview – Newcastle (H)
In Watford’s previous PL campaign in 2019-20, Sarr proved he had Premier League credentials, and this season he has lived up to his ability. Following a brace last week against Norwich, a home game against Newcastle’s unsteady defence should allow Sarr to add to his tally this season too. Playing in the front 3 in support of Josh King (£5.5m) and Emmanuel Dennis (£5.2m), Sarr has an added advantage in that he’s a midfielder playing OOP, so his appeal should increase too. Provided Watford keeps up their form, Sarr could be a great option going forward this season.
3. Harvey Barnes – £6.8m (MID); 4.4% ownership
GW5 review – 2 points (90 minutes)
GW6 preview – Burnley (H)
This selection is a surprise considering some of Leicester’s struggles this season, and it seems as if Jamie Vardy (£10.4m) is the only Leicester forward who looks likely to score this season. However, Harvey Barnes has proven himself season after season and will be raring to get on the scoresheet this season too. Barnes and Leicester have three fixtures with an FDR of 2, which should bode well for them on paper and allow them to get back to winning ways and back in the top half of the table. Barnes is capable of producing hauls and could get his first goal of the season against Burnley, a game Leicester should dominate with possessions and chances on goal.
4. Alex McCarthy – £4.5m (GK); 1.8% ownership
GW5 review – 6 points (90 minutes, clean sheet)
GW6 preview – Wolves (H)
Alex McCarthy is fresh off of a clean sheet against defending champions Man City. Dependable and capable of making plenty of saves in a game. A game against a Wolves side which, according to xG (Expected Goals), should have 13, has only scored two goals this season and if they keep creating chances, expect McCarthy to have a busy afternoon. He could very well walk away with a clean sheet, save points, and bonus points, and at only £4.5m, he is a good rotation option with Robert Sanchez (£4.5m). Southampton have had a mixed start to the season but have been solid defensively, especially in the last two gameweeks, so McCarthy is one to keep an eye on.
5. Shane Duffy – £4.3m (DEF); 21.2% ownership
GW5 review – 5 points (90 minutes, 1 assist)
GW6 preview – Crystal Palace (A)
Shane Duffy could be the John Lundstram of this season as a solid £4.0m playing defender. His price has risen to £4.3m because of his popularity concerning his price and how he’s played this season. Having spent last season on loan at Celtic, he has returned to Brighton invigorated and determined to prove himself to Graham Potter. He’s proven himself by getting points through goals, assists, and clean sheets already this season. Duffy and Brighton have been solid defensively since they entered the Premier League in 2017, and this season under Graham Potter, they seem to have taken their game up another level.
6. Allan Saint-Maximin £6.7m (FOR); 11.6% ownership
GW5 review – 8 points (90 minutes, 1 goal, 2 BPS)
GW6 preview – Watford (A)
The eccentric Frenchman with the headband is such an exciting talent to watch, and this season he has already added two goals to a struggling Newcastle attack that often looks flat without Callum Wilson(£7.4m). Saint-Maximin has now added an end product to his game and seems to be enjoying the free role afforded to him under Steve Bruce. A run of good games starting with the match against Watford, who have not looked overly convincing defensively. Expect Saint-Maximin to be at the forefront of Newcastle attacks, and he is worth keeping due to a lack of forwards in and around his price range.
*Prices and ownership as of 23 September 2021*
To see the 6 picks of last week, click the article link below:
