Last week didn’t go to plan after I rolled the dice on two transfers I wasn’t planning to make initially. I went against my own advice which is always a risky strategy, but it was still green arrows across to board and I now turn my attention to FPL Gameweek 4, looking to keep things simple and keep up what’s generally been a positive start to the campaign.
Current Global Rank
961,019 (UP)
Goalkeeper
Antonin Kinsky was on the bench for me last weekend as Tottenham kept a clean sheet, which hurt when Brighton conceded a late goal against Leeds. Spurs do have a decent home fixture against Everton, but I’m keeping faith with Bart Verbruggen this weekend. The Dutchman will have high hopes of a clean sheet away to Coventry, who are yet to score this season.
Defenders
Ricardo Calafiori had a goal disallowed against Chelsea which would have made it three attacking returns from three. He stays in the side as he looks assured of his place currently and looks threatening going forward. Sunderland away also presents strong clean sheet potential for him.
Bobby Thomas has picked up a clean sheet or defcon bonus in every so far, so he’s staying in the team for the visit of Brighton, while Jan Paul van Hecke does come into the side for Tottenham’s home game against Everton. The Toffees are low on attacking resources so I’m giving him another chance here.
Luke Shaw has dropped to 4.4m despite an assist against Everton last week, United can’t seem to defend so he’s on the bench as they host Manchester City, and the same goes for Marc Guehi, who’s place in the squad isn’t under threat, but I’m not confident of a City clean sheet at Old Trafford.
Midfielders
I’m sticking with Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye for City’s trip across town. Cherki in particular looked very dangerous against Coventry and was unlucky not to return more. Ndiaye is more of a risk and I’ll be keeping a close eye on him this weekend as he could be shipped out when I get two free transfers.
Dominik Szoboszlai joins the City pair in midfield. He at least got a clean sheet bonus against Ipswich, but his place, along with Ndiaye is also under threat. Liverpool host Fulham who have lost each game so far, so I do have high hopes for the Hungarian this weekend.
Bruno Fernandes is undroppable even with a tough opponent, and Diego Gomez rounds out a five man midfield. It’s a risk but I’m hopefully of another attacking return from him this week, and he is a starting attacking midfielder at 5.0m, so he’ll be in my team for a while.
Forwards
Rinse and repeat here. Erling Haaland added his third of the campaign against Coventry and loves playing against United, while Joao Pedro was a threat throughout against Arsenal and I fancy him to do some damage against Hull.
Kaye Furo remains my third forward. Only one 4.5m forward has a single point so far this season, so unless I completely change the balance of my squad, he’ll be in until wildcard time, at least.
FPL Captaincy
Sticking with my usual this week by keeping the captain’s armband on Erling Haaland. He hasn’t scored at Old Trafford since 2023, but with United’s defensive troubles, he’s got to be backed for this game. It was a close call this week, I spoke with Tommy the Punter about it and he’s weighing up Joao Pedro for the captaincy. I wouldn’t put anyone off that plan, and the Brazilian takes the vice captaincy this week.
FPL Watch List
Semi Ajayi – Hull have turned a lot of heads and Ajayi looks the pick of the value in their cheap as chips defence.
Ezri Konsa – Konsa came into Arsenal’s starting line up for the home win against Chelsea and the Gunners now embark on a decent run of fixtures after a tough start. Expect Konsa to be getting plenty of minutes at a bargain price, at least until William Saliba returns.
Cody Gakpo – Didn’t show any signs of sulking after his move to Manchester City broke down with two assists against Ipswich. Looks a better option than Szoboszlai on current form.
Cole Palmer – Blanked against Arsenal but Palmer remains in the watch list after an explosive start to the season.
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