With the previous Gameweek being a popular one to use the Wildcard, FPL GW5 appears to come out as a better GW to play the Wildcard. With more information available to managers, Wildcard gives them the ability to act upon the problems immediately. Therefore, in this blog, I will cover the viability of Wildcarding this Gameweek, Teams & Players to target, and a few drafts. Link to all our FPL Gameweek 5 blogs.
Why Wildcard in FPL GW5?
Unlike a week, which is eyed up for Wildcarding a long time before, GW5 emerged as a great week to use your wildcard. With Antonio missing out the next week due to suspension, DCL being out for 2-3 weeks, and a lot of great options in midfield and defence, a GW5 Wildcard can boost your ranks, as a lot of people would be taking hits to rectify their teams. Also, as the dubiety of International Break is over, managers can make a more sound decision for their teams.
FPL GW5 Wildcard Squad Composition:
Let’s dive into each position individually, and look at some of the best options to own in the same:
FPL GW5 Wildcard Goalkeepers:
Robert Sánchez(4.5m), the best budget option to own in this spot, can now be challenged by Aaron Ramsdale, who recently joined Arsenal from Sheffield United, is priced at par with the Brighton No.1. If Ramsdale manages to become the first choice keeper over Leno, with great fixtures for Arsenal, he can become a steal at this price point.
Further Read: FPL GW5 Watchlist – Stand Out Players Who Impressed In GW4
FPL GW5 Wildcard Defenders:
The go to formation on Wildcard seems like a 3-4-3/3-5-2. So, going for three solid defenders is appealing :-
The first spot is filled by an obvious option – a certain 7.5m Liverpool defender – Trent Alexander Arnold. Over the period of 4 games, he assimilated a whopping xA of 2.37, and xGI of 2.9. He has scored 6,12,4 and 12, in these 4 gameweeks respectively. With Crystal Palace as their next fixture, he can easily deliver a mega haul.
The second spot is the one which can be used as a differential one to climb some ranks. Luke Shaw, the most popular pick at the start of the season, although delivering some points in 3 games, proved to be a bit underwhelming. With Chelsea’s better fixtures coming up, and Manchester City (xGC – 1.5) – the best defence in the league right now, Shaw can be replaced by Reece James(5.6m), who has 7.3% ownership, or going for a 6m City defender.
The third spot in defence can be from another great defence, who are 6th on xGC list – Wolves. Their fixture run is great, all the way till Gameweek 15. Semedo(4.9m) and Marcal(4.6m) are the go to options. Both of them recorded incredible stats, with Semedo outshining him in terms of xGI (Semedo had 2 Big Chances!), Marcal was the one who came out with 2 assists.
The 4th spot can be perfectly filled by Livramento(4.1m). He is currently a nailed 4m defender, and rumoured to even play an advanced role henceforth. He can become the next Lord Lundstram or Dallas, of this season, if he is able to nail his position. Also having a playing 4m defender is a gem to find, that allows managers to accommodate the other sparkling attackers.
Duffy(4.2m) and Brandon Williams (4.0m), are other playing cheap options to fill the team with. Having a playing bench is important, at least in the early part of the season. With 4m options, who are playing full 90 minutes, it easily solves the problem of having cheap as well as playing bench.
Further Read: Gameweek 5 Analysis – Players To Buy | Hold | Sell Ahead Of FPL GW5
FPL GW5 Wildcard Midfielders:
Midfield is the focal point of the team right now, with players from all the price points delivering. The optimal way to fit in such players is having one expensive Mid – Mo Salah(12.5m), and filling the rest by amazing mid-priced assets. For example – Greenwood(7.7m), Torres(7.2m), Jota(7.7m), Mason Mount(7.4m) or Paul Pogba(7.8m), who has had a wonderful season so far.
There are also a lot of 6m and under options available who can back their performances by their stats. One of the popular ones to own are – Sarr(6.0m), has a total xGI of 1.4, Traore(6.0m). Even in the 5.5m bracket, players are ignoring their prices and are becoming serious options to start them week in week out. For instance, Conor Gallagher, priced at 5.5m, has the 3rd highest xGI at 3.6, behind only Sadio Mane and Mo Salah! While waiting for Palace’s better fixtures, it is also worth considering other options like Demarai Gray(5.7m), who has already bagged 3 goals. Everton assets – Townsend, Doccoure, Gray, are proving to be of tremendous value, even without the presence of Dominic Calvert Lewin.
Further Read: FPL GW5 Differential Picks To Consider Ahead Of Gameweek 5 Deadline
FPL GW5 Wildcard Forwards:
Currently, having at least one premium forward is the way to go. For now, Ronaldo(12.5m) with his fixtures(WHU,AVL,EVE) and ownership(39.5%), is a serious contender for captaincy. After the fixtures improve for Chelsea, and opposite for Manchester United, swapping him for Lukaku(11.6m), and captaining him seems like a solid plan. The other two forwards are narrowed down, with DCL being injured, and Antonio missing the next game, there is a high chance that Bamford and Jimenez outscore them over the next five fixtures. Other under the radar assets to consider for the forward position are – Teemu Pukki(5.9m) or Saint-Maximin(6.5m).
Wildcarding this week, can help you jump on these assets, who have a high chance to perform in the near future rather than being long term picks. Where so many managers would struggle to arrange a starting XI, you could gain huge ranks over the next 2-3 weeks!
Further Read: Best forwards to replace Antonio and Calvert-Lewin | FPL Gameweek 5
Now, let’s take a look at a few teams to target on this Wildcard:
FPL GW5 Wildcard Teams to Target:
Leeds United:
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With a tricky start to the season for Leeds, their fixtures now take a turn for the good. With great attacking options, their defenders can also be considered for some clean sheets. Although their defensive numbers are a bit skewed, due to the games against Manchester United and Liverpool, they might be able to overturn those over the next few gameweeks. Leeds is primarily an attacking side. They certainly do not shy away from trying to get more and more goals. Patrick Bamford(7.9m), Raphinha(6.5m), Luke Ayling(4.5m), are the three players to choose from Leeds.
Wolves:
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Wolves are the team that is the most appealing, on the basis of stats. Although facing a 1-0 defeat in each of their first three games, they were unlucky to not get anything out of those games. Their stats shows, that with better games, there are points for the taking. A defender and an attacker from the Wolves side can be beneficial with those tasty looking fixtures.
Chelsea:
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Although Chelsea face Spurs and Manchester City in the next two, they are a solid team, and can even keep a clean sheet in both of these games. Under Tuchel, Chelsea have not conceded a goal in 41% of games. He has revolutionized the Chelsea team. Reece James seems like one of the best differentials to own in the game. With Lukaku in the box and his crossing ability, he is bound to get assists and clean sheet points. Even a double up on Chelsea defense should be under serious considerations. Also, getting Lukaku for his favourable run is a no-brainer.
Further Read: FPL GW5 Differential Picks To Consider Ahead Of Gameweek 5 Deadline
Let’s go through a few under the radar players who appear to be great options to get on GW5 Wildcard:
FPL GW5 Wildcard Players to Target:
Reece James(5.6m):
The Chelsea full back has the potential to be the best asset this season considering his price. Not only his attacking and crossing ability is astounding, but the solid Chelsea defence basically assures that clean sheets are already in his pocket. He has recorded an xG of 0.54, and xA of 0.68 this season. He played full 90 minutes in GW2 before getting suspended and is expected to be nailed on that defence. The Lukaku’s presence is just the incentive needed to get him in our teams.
All Touches Shots/Key Pass
Cancelo/Dias(6.0m):
Cancelo Ruben Dias
The Manchester City defence is currently the best defence in the whole Premier League. They are least for xGC at 1.5. With the amount of goals they score, Cancelo can become a true gem. However, the only problem with is ‘Pep Roulette’. Therefore, safer option to bank those clean sheets regularly is Ruben Dias, as he is more or less nailed on in that backline. Cancelo can be the ‘High Risk, High Reward‘ option though.
Teemu Pukki(5.9m):
The Canaries’ forward, Teemu Pukki has finally come under consideration, after their tough run of fixtures is over. He started 2019/20 season with zeal and was scoring every week, regardless of fixtures. Now, is the best time, when Pukki might be able to replicate those numbers. He has an xG of 1.76 from 6 shots. He has already scored one, and with WAT, BUR, BRI in his upcoming fixtures, he might continue scoring. He becomes an option especially because DCL is out and Antonio will be missing the next game and also play in the Europa League. As a short term option, Pukki can provide immense value.
All Touches Shots/Key Pass
Considering all these factors, let’s see how a Gameweek 5 Wildcard shapes up:
FPL GW5 Wildcard Gameweek 5 Wildcard Drafts:
First Draft
This draft follows the three premium structure – Salah, Ronaldo and Lukaku. Needless to say, having three pemiums hampers the remaining squad, however having a plan can help deal with it. The formation followed in this squad will be a 4-4-2. With latest comments on Livramento playing an advanced role, he might be worth starting. Moreover, Gallagher has recorded astonishing stats so far, and is the stand out player from Crystal Palace. Ferran Torres and Damerai Gray are other great picks in this draft. Also, having a good and low owned defence might help gain some ranks on this Wildcard, as many would not be able to go for a Chelsea as well as Man City defender.
Second Draft
This draft follows the two premium structure, which basically helps in having a more balanced team. Bamford and Jimenez have great fixtures till the foreseeable future.Torres and Greenwood have also proven that they are great assets to own. Semedo had 2 Big Chances in the last game, and with easier fixtures, he can be the real deal. The formation in this squad is a bit fluid. Primary formation is 3-4-3, however playing 4th defender for his good fixture is an option as well.
Conclusion:
The Gameweek 5 Wildcard is a bit easier one, as compared to other Gameweeks, as the options are a tad narrowed down. While playing this Wildcard, you should be looking to attack the next 3-4 gameweeks, and also have the longer term players. A balance should be struck between the aggressive as well as long term picks. Also, the Gameweek 7 fixture turn should be kept in mind while making the squad, and planning your transfers in advance, would also help you make better decision. Good Luck with the Wildcard!
Thank You for reading this Blog!
Further Reads from ALLABOUTFPL Ahead of FPL Gameweek 5:
Gameweek 5 Analysis – Players To Buy | Hold | Sell Ahead Of FPL GW5
FPL GW5 Watchlist – Stand Out Players Who Impressed In GW4
FPL GW5 Differential Picks To Consider Ahead Of Gameweek 5 Deadline
FPL GW5 Guide To Post Wildcard Strategy | Life After Playing Wildcard
Best forwards to replace Antonio and Calvert-Lewin | FPL Gameweek 5
FPL GW4 Sunday Stats Review | Leeds vs Liverpool
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Rohan Bajaj
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