Another gameweek is upon us as the Premier League table begins to take shape.
Early pace-setters Manchester City kick off this weekend’s action when they travel to Newcastle for the Saturday lunchtime kick-off, while Manchester United host Tottenham, Arsenal face Leicester and Liverpool take on Wolves at Molineux.
As ever, there will be plenty of Fantasy points on offer across the course of the weekend.
But who is the best differential ahead of Gameweek 6? And who are the value players FPL managers should be targeting as the Premier League returns this weekend?
Fantasy Football Hub expert Holly Shand reveals who you should consider transferring into your FPL teams according to AI predicted points.
Erling Haaland appears the best captaincy pick as he looks to add to the 10 league goals he has already scored this season
Best Captain Pick: Erling Haaland
8.1 Predicted Points vs Newcastle United (A)
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Erling Haaland is different this season. The summer off plus a full pre-season have seen him start the 2024/25 season in red hot form, surpassing the very high standards he sets for himself.
To be just five gameweeks into the season and on double digits for goals is just incredible.
His consistency is equally as impressive, scoring in every single game. He has four goals in two away trips for the campaign.
He also has scored on his only previous trip to St. James Park, while opponents Newcastle United have kept just one clean sheet so far this season.
Haaland dominates for his underlying numbers too, ranking top in all metrics with 26 shots, 19 shots on target, 24 shots in the box and ten big chances.
He also has penalties in his locker. He’s predicted to score 8.1 points in this game and his owners should be careful not to overthink it and captain him.
Best Differential Pick: Chris Wood
5.8 Predicted Points vs Fulham (H)
Chris Wood has been somewhat of a surprise package at the start of this campaign.
He was overlooked during August since Nottingham Forest seemed intent on buying a forward in the summer transfer window, but that never transpired, and now Wood is nailed to start every game, with some early substitutions.
He was in great form at the end of last campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo, and that’s continued into this season, with three goals in five games.
Crucially, it now also seems like he could be on penalties too, having converted from the spot in the 2-2 draw with Brighton in Gameweek 5.
Despite this, he remains a relative differential in the game, in just 8.8% of sides. It’s important to note that Nottingham Forest are unbeaten this season and have an attractive long term schedule, including four home games in their next six against Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Newcastle United.
Chris Wood as started the season well by scoring three goals in five games for Forest
Best Defender Pick: Gabriel
5.9 Predicted Points vs Leicester City (H)
We shouldn’t be surprised to see the Arsenal defence supreme once again this season, having finished last campaign on 18 clean sheets, including seven in the final ten gameweeks.
Most managers will be making a move for at least one of their defenders last week.
Leading the way in popularity is Gabriel, helped by goals in consecutive games. His aerial threat is among the best in the league, top for big chances on goal among defenders with three.
Arsenal are a formidable threat from set pieces, with Gabriel regularly combining with Bukayo Saka on corners.
Arsenal have a very attractive upcoming schedule with three home games in their next four. Promoted Leicester City and Southampton are their next two opponents at the Emirates.
The only concern is the muscular injury for goalkeeper David Raya which could weaken their defensive output in these games.
Gabriel has scored in his last two league outings which should give him the nod over his Arsenal centre back partner William Saliba
Best Mid-Priced Midfield Pick: Bryan Mbeumo
5.8 Predicted Points vs West Ham (H)
Bryan Mbeumo is among the most bought players for FPL Gameweek 6, as his early season form finally combines with an attractive run of fixtures.
Brentford top the Fantasy Football Hub fixture ticker over the next four gameweeks and that trend even extends to the next eight games.
Mbeumo has been one of the standout players at the start of this campaign, with four goals from five appearances.
The departure of Ivan Toney has allowed him to play higher up the pitch, where we know he is more offensive, plus he’s now also taking an increased number of set pieces, including penalties.
The only concern when investing in the Brentford attack is the absence of key personnel, with no recognised forward to select from. New signing Thiago and striker Yoane Wissa are both out for the next two months with injuries.
Bryan Mbeumo has stepped up for Brentford since Ivan Toney left the club last month
Best Mid-Priced Forward Pick: Kai Havertz
6.0 Predicted Points vs Leicester City (H)
Arsenal are the key team to target for their fixture swing, and with concerns over the availability of David Raya in the defence, the trend to double up on the Gunners attack with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz is becoming increasingly attractive.
There was initial concern that the injury for Martin Odegaard could weaken Arsenal’s attack and mean a deeper role for Havertz, but this didn’t transpire in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
There’s still potential for Gabirel Jesus to come in at number nine for this easier run of games.
Kai Havertz has two goals and an assist this season, and will fancy his chances of adding to that tally against Leicester this weekend
Havertz carries huge potential in FPL, with two goals and one assist already this season, with those returns crucially coming at home.
He has been sensational in 2024, and these upcoming fixtures are exactly the types of games where we traditionally see Havertz dominate.
