FPL Gameweek Six: Joao Pedro Dilemma and Captain Picks
FPL expert Pras advises holding Joao Pedro despite sales, weighs captain options, and highlights budget defenders and midfielders for gameweek six.
Ahead of gameweek six, Fantasy Premier League managers are grappling with several key decisions. Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, despite being the most sold player over the international break, remains in about 65% of teams. His points-per-million value and Chelsea's favorable upcoming fixtures suggest holding him unless manager Xabi Alonso rules him out entirely.
Captaincy is particularly tricky this week. Erling Haaland faces a tough away trip to Liverpool, while Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, and Bruno Fernandes all play at home. Fernandes has the best fixture but low ownership. Pras leans toward the safe pick of Haaland, reasoning that if Manchester City score, the striker is likely involved. For a differential, Saka or Palmer are considered, but Saka's early kick-off after the break and potential Havertz injury are concerns, while Palmer's form could suffer if Pedro is unfit, as seen in gameweek five.
In defense, Ezri Konsa is not recommended as a new buy due to a slight injury from England duty. However, current owners should keep him as he still offers good value. On a wildcard, better options exist in the £5m bracket. For Fulham, who face all three promoted sides next, Gonzalo Garcia at £6m is appealing, especially if on penalties, while Josh King offers strong underlying numbers and reliable minutes.
Dominik Szoboszlai is not an urgent sell, but his role under Andoni Iraola as an eight limits his FPL potential. Without attacking returns from a number ten role or defensive contributions from full-back, he relies on set pieces and long shots. Meanwhile, Pascal Gross is close to a must-buy: under £6m, playing 90 minutes regularly, and already on 47 points, the Brighton midfielder is the most-transferred player this week. With about 30% ownership, he's a set-and-forget option.
These dilemmas highlight the strategic choices managers must make, balancing form, fixtures, and ownership. The expert's advice leans on holding key assets and targeting value picks for steady returns.
