Fantasy Premier League managers are allowed one free transfer per week. As the competition gains momentum, some managers may have saved two free transfers, while others may be considering taking a four-point hit or more to enhance their chances of achieving success. Given the ever-changing player prices and performance in the early weeks of the season, we have identified four differential players who, in light of their upcoming fixtures and current individual form, we believe are worth considering as the Premier League enters the new gameweek.
Callum Wilson (Newcastle) 7.8m
The forward will probably benefit the most from Newcastle United’s hectic schedule in the UEFA Champions League. Wilson earned his first start of the season in the game against Brentford last weekend and made the most of his chance, scoring the crucial goal in a 1-0 victory. Even though he has only played for 186 minutes this season, he has already scored the most goals for the team i.e. three. After making a cameo appearance off the bench against AC Milan in the midweek match, Wilson, who is owned by 5.4 percent of managers, appears likely to be the leading striker in the upcoming game against Sheffield United. Sheffield United has struggled defensively since their promotion, conceding at least two goals in four out of their first five matches.
James McAtee (Sheff Utd) 4.4m
The midfielder, who has been selected by only 0.1 percent of managers, is ready for his first Premier League appearance at home for Sheffield United. McAtee played a crucial role in Sheffield United’s promotion from the Championship in the previous season, managing to score nine goals and provide three assists, earning him the Young Player of the Year award. He has the potential to be a cost-effective midfield option for Sheffield United’s upcoming match against Newcastle at home this weekend. In gameweek 5, McAtee led the team in two important categories: shots taken inside the penalty box and shots on target, with both stats showing his attacking skills.
Jeremy Doku (Man City) 6.5m
The winger from Manchester City will reportedly regain his spot in the starting lineup, despite being on the bench during Tuesday’s Champions League match, where he had to step in for the injured Bernardo Silva in the 44th minute. Doku has wasted no time in leaving his mark since making his debut for the champions in gameweek 4. He has been in the starting lineup for the last two league games, scoring a goal and earning nine points in the match against West Ham United last weekend. With ownership of just 0.8 percent of managers, Doku has the opportunity to maintain his recent form when facing Nottingham Forest at home this Saturday. In the same fixture last season, Pep Guardiola’s team secured a convincing 6-0 victory in gameweek 5.
Lucas Paqueta (West Ham) 6.0m
The Brazilian offers versatile and promising attacking qualities. Paqueta has been the most prolific in terms of creating scoring opportunities this season, having generated a team-leading seven chances. Additionally, his six shots taken inside the penalty area rank second, trailing only Jarrod Bowen’s nine attempts. Significantly, his passing skills could be a valuable asset to exploit Liverpool’s high defensive line when they play at Anfield this Sunday. When playing away from home, Paqueta’s six through-balls is double the number of any other player in Fantasy Football. Despite being chosen by a mere 1.8 percent of FPL managers, he has the chance to capitalize on a Liverpool team that has managed only one clean sheet this season.
