Gameweek 7 is almost here, and there are a few popular Fantasy Premier League picks giving managers plenty to think about. Injuries have complicated things for several players, while others are struggling to justify their price tags or face a difficult run of fixtures.
Here are five players I’d consider moving on or avoiding ahead of Saturday’s deadline.
Bruno Fernandes
Price: 11.9m
Ownership: 34.3%%
Position: Midfielder
Opponent: LEE (A), BOU (A), CHE (A)
At 11.9m, Fernandes needs to be doing more than teasing the odd haul. His 23-point explosion in Gameweek 2 accounts for most of his 32 points, with two points or fewer in the other five matches. Manchester United have scored nine goals in six league games and, while Bruno still takes penalties and creates chances, his price makes every blank expensive. Leeds away and Bournemouth at home aren’t fixtures to fear, which is why this isn’t an emergency sale if you have bigger problems. But if moving him on lets you afford Bukayo Saka or improve two other positions, I’d take the money.
Kevin Schade
Price: 6.2m
Ownership: 15.0%
Position: Midfielder
Opponent: LIV (H), HUL (A), NFO (H)
Schade was one of the more appealing mid-priced midfielders a week ago, but an injury can change the picture pretty quickly. He hurt his shoulder against Aston Villa and came off early in the second half, with Brentford boss Keith Andrews unable to say how serious it was afterwards. Liverpool at home is next, hardly the fixture you’d choose for a player who may not be fully fit. Hull away in Gameweek 8 is much better, so there’s a case for waiting if Friday’s news is encouraging. If he’s ruled out for more than a week, though, 6.2m is too much to leave sitting there.
James Tarkowski
Price: 6.2m
Ownership: 18.4%
Position: Defender
Opponent: CHE (H), ARS (A), NEW (A)
Tarkowski has been a brilliant pick so far, which is exactly why I’m wary of buying him now. He’s already collected eight defensive contribution points, and Everton have kept three clean sheets in six games. That gives him a decent floor, even when the attacking returns dry up. The trouble is what comes next: Chelsea at home, Arsenal away and Newcastle away. Everton conceded twice at Hull last weekend, and it’s hard to see clean sheets coming easily against that trio. At 6.2m, I’d rather spend the money on a defender with a kinder run. Existing owners don’t necessarily need to rush him out.
Yoane Wissa
Price: 6.3m
Ownership: 17.8%
Position: Forward
Opponent: AVL (H), CRYI (A), EVE (H)
Newcastle’s fixture list looks reasonable on paper, but Wissa hasn’t been giving managers much back for their money. He has one goal and one assist in six league matches, with just four FPL points from his last three outings. The interesting bit is his 2.50 xG: the chances have been there, so this isn’t a striker who has stopped getting into the box. Still, Newcastle have struggled for consistency and Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Everton won’t simply roll over. With Gonzalo García and other similarly priced forwards offering more attractive short-term fixtures, Wissa is one I’d move on if you have a spare transfer.
Cody Gakpo
Price: 7.1m
Ownership: 7.6%
Position: Midfielder
Opponent: BRE (A), BHA (H), ARS (H)
Liverpool have enough attacking uncertainty without carrying a 7.1m midfielder who might not play. Gakpo picked up an ankle injury on international duty, missed the Manchester City game and wasn’t part of the squad for Wednesday’s European trip to LASK. There hasn’t been a firm return date, so Brentford away is a difficult fixture to plan around. Liverpool then host Brighton and Arsenal, and the emergence of other attacking options adds another question mark over his minutes once fit.
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