As the Fantasy Premier League season approaches the fourth gameweek, managers are weighing major roster decisions, including whether to deploy early-season chips like the Wildcard or Free Hit. Fantasy experts are offering guidance on several critical dilemmas, notably revolving around high-performing Chelsea assets, Manchester City star Erling Haaland, and injury doubts affecting popular transfer targets.
Chelsea attackers are dominating discussions after a strong start that has yielded eight goals so far. Forward Joao Pedro currently sits as the most-owned player in the game, appearing in over seventy percent of squads. With an upcoming home fixture against newly promoted Hull City, many managers are considering doubling up on Chelsea's attacking options.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers both demonstrated strong form during midweek Carabao Cup action against Leeds United, with Palmer scoring twice—including a penalty—and Rogers contributing three assists. Analysts note that Palmer remains a top-tier option for managers who can accommodate his hefty price tag, especially given his penalty duties and high volume of shots inside the box. While wildcarding managers might be tempted by a triple-up on Chelsea forwards and midfielders, experts caution that this strategy requires the club to score at least two goals every match to justify the heavy investment.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo has emerged as the most sought-after player ahead of the fourth gameweek, attracting over half a million new owners ahead of a home match against Fulham. However, his status is currently uncertain after he missed a Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid due to an adductor issue. Alexander Isak presents an alternative forward option following a strong scoring patch, though his higher price tag makes him a more difficult acquisition.
In the midfield, Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo continue to command attention as long-term holds. Fernandes leads the league in total shots, while Mbeumo has registered the highest number of big chances among all midfielders. Meanwhile, managers looking for budget-friendly midfield options are highlighting Pascal Gross as a strong candidate.
Defensively, the Arsenal backline is drawing significant investment following a solid start that includes two clean sheets and just one conceded goal. Fantasy managers are encouraged to consider doubling up on defensive assets such as David Raya, Gabriel, or Riccardo Calafiori, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Ezri Konsa.
Despite the heavy focus on Chelsea, Erling Haaland remains a permanent fixture in captaincy debates. Manchester City's talisman enters the weekend with five goals in his last three competitive appearances, keeping him neck-and-neck with the league's top-performing forwards despite an upcoming away fixture against Manchester United.
At the other end of the spectrum, Leeds forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has tested the patience of his owners, managing only a single goal from three matches despite generating several scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, a midweek goal in cup competition and a favorable upcoming schedule of home fixtures against Newcastle United and Crystal Palace suggest he may soon improve his output, prompting many managers to hold onto him for now.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
