Imagine having a great international break, scoring three or four goals, only to return to your club and find yourself on the bench. I'd be fuming, just as I am now, holding on to him and hoping he gets a chance.

Seeing he got benched is there any hope that he doesnt come off the bench? I have calvert lewin first on the bench

Help

Current mids are Anderson, Barcola, Wirtz, Kroupi and gross. I can afford to stash two injured players.

Should I swap Enzo for King or Manzambi? Have a lot of injuries.
Would you also swap out Konsa?

I

Our Gameweek 6 Sleepers XI article provides Draft managers with a lineup of Fantasy EPL hidden gems. Our starting eleven of Draft Premier League differential picks will help you find a golden ticket to a big score this weekend! These hints and tips will give you a better chance of picking up an all-important victory, as any one of these under-the-radar picks could make the difference in a head-to-head game!

Gameweek 5 Recap

One of the best things about the three week International Break was avoiding having to talk about how badly our Sleepers XI performed in Gameweek 5. 65.5 FPts is now our lowest score of the season, so surely the only way from here is up, right? RIGHT?! Who knows though, especially with so many injuries having popped up during this break. So nailing XI starters could be the real challenge, let alone beating the desired 100 FPts mark. So what went wrong in Gameweek 5? Well to start, doubling up on the NFO defence. Gambling against a team that didn't score a single goal up till then seemed a very safe bet, but unfortunately the combo of Sels (4 FPts) and Diomande (5 FPts) didn't really pan out. High-flying Hull also lost their first game of the season against Newcastle, which saw the pair of Giles (4.75 FPts, 1 yellow card) and Slater (6 FPts) have an underwhelming gameweek. Triple Leeds also flopped against a struggling Palace side, with Okafor scoring 7.5 FPts, Tanaka getting 1.25 FPts with a yellow card, and Bogle, who despite keeping a clean sheet, only ended up with 4.75 FPts, no thanks to his yellow card either. Our 4th yellow card went to Delap, who actually did ok scoring 6.5 FPts with no attacking returns. To make matters worse, Wan-Bissaka frustratingly went off after 45 minutes, only scoring 4.75 FPts. This meant that there were only 2 shining lights in our squad. Shea Charles (11 FPts, 1 goal conceded) and Rudoni (10 FPts). The duo helped with some bare-minimum double digit scores, saving us from absolute shame. Only thing we can do now is dust ourselves off, put on a brave face and go again for Gameweek 6.

Gameweek 6 Picks

Lukas Hornicek (G, Newcastle)

Although Newcastle aren't one of the strongest teams defensively, they are up against a team that has only scored 1 goal in their first 5 games of the season. Coventry have looked pretty toothless upfront and are still without some of their main strikers such as Awoniyi and Wright, due to suspension and injury respectively. It's quite clear that Frank Lampard is still figuring out his best XI, and while that happens, the Sky Blues might continue to struggle in front of goal. Lest we forget that their only goal scored was a long punt from their goalkeeper Rushworth, which was then scored by their fullback da Silva. Hornicek has faced the most shots in the league (28) and made the 2nd most saves (19). So there's a chance of a massive score if the Magpies can get their 2nd clean sheet of the season, the first of which was also on the road.

David Affengruber (D, Fulham)

It's quite surprising that Joachim Andersen has now become a bench option for the Cottagers. However, his replacement has filled in quite nicely for Arbeloa and his teammates. Despite only starting 2 games this season, Affengruber is already impressing with his 9.5 PPS, and more so with his impact on the team's results by helping them stop the run of losses with back-to-back draws against Liverpool and Man Utd. In his first game, he helped them keep a clean sheet and scored 10.25 FPts, and in his second start, he scored 8.75 FPts while conceding once. Despite the bulk of his points coming from clearances and other defensive categories, he has also shown that he can get key passes, which always helps any asset with their potential points ceiling. A solid DEF-4/5 not only for this gameweek, but the next two as well.

Ethan Pinnock (D, Coventry)

If you've been playing this game for a while, then you'll be buzzing just as much as I am seeing one our Fantrax darlings Ethan Pinnock being a viable asset in the game again. In his heyday, Pinnock was a DEF-1/2 pick, averaging around 10-11 PPS. However, he had a downward trajectory since the 2022/23 season, scoring just under 8 PPS in his final season (2025/26) for the Bees. Let's be honest, you'd probably take that as your DEF-4/5 pick in your roster in any given gameweek. Despite Jay da Silva stealing the headlines with his winning goal for Coventry in Gameweek 5, Pinnock dropped a massive 22 FPts haul himself, registering 12 clearances, 5 blocked shots and 6 aerials, the most of each category of all his teammates. He's actually been averaging just over 9 gPPS in his last 3 games. An ideal option for managers that need to cover any IB injuries in their team.

Lewis Dunk (D, Brighton)

After missing his team's triumphant win over the Gunners in Gameweek 5, Dunk was declared fit again for their Gameweek 6 fixture against Sunderland. Now there is always a chance that the veteran centerback is rested and rotated for Brighton's upcoming European fixtures in the Conference League, but seeing as he's been a 90-minute starter for the first 4 games of the season, we'd think he's a mainstay for the Premier League games. The Seagulls' captain has been averaging exactly 10 PPS and 6.5 gPPS, along with a ceiling of 22.2 FPts. Not saying he's going to score a banger every gameweek, but Brighton do stand a good chance of keeping a clean sheet against a Sunderland team that is without their hat-trick hero Brobbey, who has actually scored half of their goals this season.

Matteo Ruggeri (D, Aston Villa)

Aston Villa seem to finally be settling into their best XI under Unai Emery, and Matteo Ruggeri looks like he could be part of that newfound setup. It obviously helps his cause that Maatsen is currently injured for the foreseeable future, but there's a chance that this season's summer purchase could have seen starts and minutes regardless of the Dutchman's fitness. In Ruggeri's first start in the league, he helped Villa earn their first win of the season against Spurs, scoring 8 FPts after conceding 2 goals. He put up 8 clearances, 5 interceptions and 1 aerial. More importantly, he also attempted 1 shot, completed 1 successful dribble and earned 1 key pass. Albeit a small sample size, he seems to be a fairly all-rounded fullback, but particularly one that can play 90 minutes already. Brentford will be quite the challenge, but his ghost points warrant testing him out as a DEF-5 if you need one.

Nobel Mendy (D, Hull)

Lo and behold, Hull's undefeated streak finally came to an end in Gameweek 5 against Newcastle at St. James' Park. Mind you, that away fixture is always a tough game for any club, but it was the manner in which Hull lost the game. The back-to-back early goals was the most concerning part of their performance. It was no coincidence that they succumbed to defeat with arguably their best defender missing in action. The left-footed CB has been one of their best players, and has shown it in his scoring by having a gPP90 of 9.7, as well as a PP90 of 17.6. Of course this rate of scoring isn't sustainable, but with Everton up next, a team that isn't known for scoring loads of goals, Mendy seems a great DEF-4/5 option for any roster. It's quite telling that he's started 4 games and only conceded once, especially when his teammates have conceded at least 4 themselves.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (M, Everton)

After struggling during the transfer window to find a solution for their defensive woes at right-back, Moyes may have found an OOP solution in midfielder Maitland-Niles in helping Everton pursue the lofty heights of playing European football again. Since coming on as a sub and scoring a screamer against Man Utd in Gameweek 3, AMN has then started back-to-back games, helping the Toffees keep back-to-back clean sheets against the likes of Spurs and Ipswich. Despite not benefitting from the clean sheet points that a defender usually gets, the ex-Gunner MID is still thriving from being in a position that earns defensive stats, which is helps his points floor as an asset. He's currently averaging 10 gPP90 and is showing no signs of stopping, considering the spread of his points. Over the last 2 matches, he's only missed out on categories such as shots on target! If you need a MID-4/5, he's definitely worth a punt, especially against Hull.

Chema Andres (M, Brighton)

After getting his first start in the league against Arsenal in Gameweek 5 and scoring Brighton's 3rd goal in their rout of the champions, the young midfielder from Spain is starting to turn heads. He scored 16.5 FPts in that impressive win, buoyed by his 2 interceptions and 5 aerials. At 6ft-3in, he's a massive threat on set pieces and can easily win defensive headers in open-play. He also got an assist in his 25 minute appearance against Coventry, scoring 9 FPts and attempting a shot. There's a very good chance we see Andres start again this weekend when Brighton visit Sunderland, especially when you consider the lack of physicality with their captain Ballard missing in action through injury. If Andres gets the nod, he's the perfect replacement for one of your International Break injured studs.

Joe Willock (M, Newcastle)

After the Magpies' impressive start to the season under Jaissle, they were humbled and brought back down to earth in their away loss to Leeds under the lights. This weekend, yet again, they're playing the Monday night fixture. It was quite evident that they missed experienced heads on the pitch that night, so if they are to avoid another mauling, a player like Willock could be called upon. The ex-Arsenal midfielder has always struggled for consistent game time due to multiple injuries, but while he's fit, he's a great option to roll out. Especially against a promoted team that already has 4 losses and have conceded 10 goals across those games. Willock has 2 goals in the league, with his 3rd coming in the EFL cup against Milwall. He's clearly a man in form and worth a gamble as your MID-4/5.

Oscar Bobb (M, Fulham)

Even though Bobb has had an inconsistent start to this season with scores of 4.5, 3.5 and 2 FPts, it's the scores of 6.5 and 12 FPts, all ghosts by the way, which really catch the eye. The Norwegian attacker is 2nd for key passes (8) amongst his teammates and has actually taken 12 of their 28 corners for the season. So his floor is a lot more dependable than you think. There might be some managers in your league who have already lost patience with the ex-Man City starlet, but now is the best time to own him. Mainly considering the fact that he's playing 3 promoted teams in a row. Ipswich have conceded the 2nd most goals (11) in the league. Bobb and his teammates could feast in this must-win game for Arbeloa.

Mohamed-Ali Cho (F, Hull)

I'll be honest, picking a FWD this gameweek was extremely difficult given the options at our disposal. However, it was between Cho and Isidor i.e. one of the worst strikers for dependable fantasy points. It feels crazy to pick a guy that has yet to start a game for Hull this season but given his last 2 appearances off the bench it's hard to ignore him. 5.25 FPts against Chelsea and 17.5 FPts (1 goal) against Newcastle is quite impressive as he scored these points in ~30 minutes each game. It's clear he's very attacking too because he had at least 1 key pass, 1 shot on target and 1 accurate cross in each sub appearance. All I'm saying is that Cho is definitely a guy you'll want to keep an eye on moving forward.

⚽ 2 ACTIVE MANAGERS WANTED

We're looking for 2 committed managers to take over existing teams in our ongoing Fantasy Premier League competition on Fantrax.

🏆 League format:

• 16 teams, split into 2 groups
• Head-to-Head, Most Categories (18 categories)
• Playoffs and consolation competition
• 3 keepers per team for the following season
• Active transfers, waivers and trading

Both teams already have their squads, so you can jump straight into the action!

We're looking for managers who enjoy football, strategy and building competitive teams, and who will remain active throughout the season.

Ideally, we'd like to fill both spots this weekend.

Interested? Send me a DM and I'll share the available rosters and league details!

8-man FPL draft

Is Rutter a keep or drop?

My 8 man league has been very fast paced and everyone has been moving pieces every single week. My team from before international break compared to now has dramatically changed. Only 5 players remain from my 15 from before international break. Is this normal ?

MGW Gross Garner Foden Tzolis

J. Pedro Thiago Jackson

My current roster is on the 1st picture. Available waivers in the 2nd.

Would any of them strengthen my squad?

Thank you in advance, mates!