Gameweek 4 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) proved to be a tough one for many managers, as several popular picks failed to deliver. It was a frustrating week, especially for those who had high hopes for star players like Mohamed Salah, who blanked in Liverpool’s match. Meanwhile, Arsenal defenders rewarded those who kept faith, with Gabriel Magalhães standing out as a major asset.
Gabriel’s clean sheet and overall performance meant he brought in 12 points for his owners. However, if you left him on the bench or transferred him out, it was a tough pill to swallow. This highlights the unpredictability of FPL, where form and fixtures don’t always guarantee returns.
Key Takeaways from Gameweek 4:
- Salah’s Blank: Despite a good fixture, Mohamed Salah didn’t manage to bring in any attacking returns, leaving many managers without the big points they were expecting.
- Arsenal’s Defensive Success: Arsenal’s defense held strong, with many players securing a clean sheet. Gabriel was a standout performer, and missing out on his 12 points was a significant loss for those who had opted against starting him.
Looking Ahead to Gameweek 5
As we turn our attention to Gameweek 5, there are several things to consider. Liverpool have another home fixture, offering Salah and other key players a chance to redeem themselves. Managers who have stuck with Liverpool assets will be hoping for a much-needed return.
On the other hand, Arsenal face a tough test against Manchester City. This could be a difficult match for both teams, and with Erling Haaland facing Arsenal’s defense, there’s a possibility the prolific forward could blank. However, given Haaland’s form, it’s a gamble to drop him from your squad entirely.
Injury Concerns
A number of injuries also emerged during Gameweek 4. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, and Brighton’s Joao Pedro are all concerns for their FPL owners. Injuries can disrupt a squad’s structure, so it’s crucial to check updates on these players before the next deadline. If you’ve used your transfers already, keeping an eye on your squad depth will be important to avoid any gaps in the lineup.
With a challenging fixture list and injury concerns, Gameweek 5 is shaping up to be an interesting one. Ensuring you have free transfers to address any problems will be key to keeping your team competitive. After a frustrating Gameweek 4, many FPL managers will be hoping for a bounce back.
