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Edition of Friday, 18 September 2026 · 4 episodes · 5 stories

João Pedro is a doubt for Gameweek 5 after withdrawing from the Brazil squad

João Pedro withdrew from the Brazil squad, making him a doubt for Chelsea's Gameweek 5 match against Brentford. Chelsea manager Xavi Alonso suggested he might still play, creating uncertainty for managers deciding whether to sell or hold him. Managers who sell him risk a price drop but can use the funds for a one-week punt, while those who hold him face the risk of a blank.

Agreed

4 shows

Four voices independently agree that João Pedro is a doubt for Gameweek 5 after withdrawing from the Brazil squad. Andy considers holding him if he returns for Gameweek 6 but is tempted to sell him for Barrie or Gonzalo Garcia if his absence extends. FPL Harry plans to sell him this week to take a one-week punt, intending to buy him back on his Gameweek 6 wildcard. FPL Pod's Sam notes his absence makes him a doubt for the weekend. Fantasy Football Hub's Fergi reports Alonso's comment that he might still play, while Rich advises waiting to see if he plays before selling.

Disputed

2 positions

Should managers sell João Pedro now or hold him for Gameweek 5?

FPL Harry

Sell now for a one-week punt.

FPL Harry plans to sell João Pedro this week to take a one-week punt, intending to buy him back on his Gameweek 6 wildcard, as the player's price will drop at least once, minimizing value loss.

Rich

Hold and wait for confirmation.

Rich advises it is too early to sell João Pedro; managers should wait to see if he plays and how he performs before making a decision.

SOURCES 1 · 2 · 3 · 4

Haaland is the consensus captain pick for Gameweek 5 against Sunderland

Haaland is the consensus captain pick for Gameweek 5 against Sunderland, with managers agreeing he is the safe choice despite potential for rotation. Calvert-Lewin is considered a differential option. FPL Harry will captain Haaland with Gibbs-White as vice-captain once João Pedro is sold. FPL Pod's Sam and Jules agree Haaland is the safe captain choice, while Fantasy Football Hub's Fergi and Rich also name Haaland as the top pick, with Rich noting Gibbs-White is too risky for the armband.

SOURCES 1 · 2 · 4

Morgan Gibbs-White emerges as a top midfield target with favorable fixtures

Morgan Gibbs-White is highlighted as a top midfield target for Gameweek 5, with excellent fixtures and underlying stats including high expected assists and BPS. FPL Pod's Sam asserts he has great fixtures and underlying stats, making him a top target. Fantasy Football Hub's Rich calls him a massively underrated player and a talisman for Forest, recommending him as a pick-and-stick option. Fergi notes he is a popular transfer target but his price may rise. Andy debates transferring Sabolai to Gibbs White, noting better fixtures but the cost of using a transfer.

SOURCES 2 · 3 · 4

Cheaper defenders are outperforming premium options across the league

Cheaper defenders from Spurs, Arsenal, and City are providing excellent value, challenging the need for premium options. FPL Pod's Sam asserts cheaper defenders are outperforming premium options, providing great value. Kelly notes having too many good defenders creates benching headaches. Jules speculates Calafiori is good but might be sold for Raya, keeping Konsa for value. Fantasy Football Hub's Rich notes Arsenal are fixture-proof but face a tough test away to Brighton, while Jules and Sam discuss Brighton's defense being risky due to tough fixtures.

SOURCES 4

Wildcard timing is debated ahead of the international break

Managers are debating whether to use a wildcard before the three-week international break. FPL Pod's Jules plans to use his wildcard during the break, while Sam will hold hers until around Gameweek 16. Fantasy Football Hub's Rich advises using a wildcard before the break is daft due to potential injuries, fatigue, and rotation, with Fergi speculating the break will cause chaos, making Gameweek 6 a better target. Andy leans toward rolling a transfer to preserve flexibility before the break.

SOURCES 2 · 3 · 4

Here’s what else you should know

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FPL Harry lost three points in Gameweek 4 after a goal originally awarded to Calvert-Lewin was changed and then reverted after the game locked, preventing bonus point updates.

SOURCES 1

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Hull City beat Chelsea on expected goals, showing strong attacking threat despite a poor defensive record, making their attackers cheap options worth considering.

SOURCES 4

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Liverpool's midfield is inconsistent, with Szoboszlai underperforming despite good underlying stats, making managers unsure about investing in Liverpool assets.

SOURCES 4

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Daniel Munoz and Anthony Elanga are recommended as differentials for Gameweek 5, with low ownership and good fixtures against Coventry.

SOURCES 4

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Man City are projected to score the most goals (2.54) and have the highest clean sheet chance (47%), followed by Newcastle and Forest.

SOURCES 2

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Fergi's Gameweek 4 Free Hit scored 98 points, moving his rank to 172k, by targeting high-scoring fixtures and avoiding Liverpool's blank.

SOURCES 2

Sources

FPL Harry

JOAO PEDRO INJURED! 🚨🇧🇷 SELL OR KEEP? 📱 MY FPL GW5 TEAM SELECTION! | Fantasy Premier League 2026/27

Fantasy Football Hub | FPL Podcast

FPL Gameweek 5 Preview | The Green Arrow Podcast | Fantasy Premier League 2026/27

Let's Talk FPL

My FPL Team for GW5 🔥 João Pedro is a DOUBT ⚠️

FPL Pod

S9 Ep8: FPL Pod: Is It Time to Load Up on Defenders?

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