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Essential FPL Tips and Projections for Gameweek 5 of the 2026/27 Season

Filing Date Sep 18, 2026 Audience 946 Byline FPL Marc

Stay updated on FPL Gameweek 5 with key player insights, lineup deadlines, and tips to maximize your points.

FPL
18 September 2026 453 comments

If you find yourself short on time but in need of some essential Fantasy Premier League (FPL) tips, here's an overview that will keep you in the loop for Gameweek 5.

Make sure to check out our updated Stats Centre, which is brimming with data, defensive contributions (DefCon) summaries, point projections, and more.

WHAT TIME DOES THE GAMEWEEK 5 DEADLINE FALL?

Be prepared to wrap up your transfers and finalize your lineups 90 minutes ahead of kickoff. Specifically, everything must be set by 18:30 BST on Friday, September 18.



GAMEWEEK 5 PROJECTIONS

Our Chief Scout data has pointed out the teams most likely to secure clean sheets and score goals this week:

Understanding Gameweek 5 for FPL 2026/27

We’ll also look at the players with the highest expected attacking returns, including:

  • Erling Haaland (1.06)
  • Yoane Wissa (0.71)
  • Morgan Gibbs-White (0.69)
  • Bruno Fernandes (0.69)
  • Harvey Barnes (0.69)

Keep in mind that these odds are fluid, so consult our new FPL Market Watch page for real-time updates!


ADVICE ON WHO TO ACQUIRE OR RELEASE

Strategies for Gameweek 5 of FPL 2026/27

The numbers provided stem from Friday at lunch. For further insights, our 'Buy, Keep or Sell' article dives deeper into these selections.


TOP PICKED PLAYERS FOR GAMEWEEK 5

Our Scout Squad analysts unanimously agree on the potential of Morgan Gibbs-White (£8.0m), Igor Thiago (£7.8m), and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) to shine this week.

The Scout Picks, which resemble a Free Hit in structure, highlights a focus on Nottingham Forest, who are hosting Coventry City.

Scout Picks for Gameweek 5 of FPL 2026/27

Three differential players to keep an eye on are suggested in this separate article.


PREDICTED LINEUPS

Predicted Lineups for Gameweek 5 of FPL 2026/27

We've analyzed and provided predicted starting lineups for all 20 Premier League clubs. This can help you gauge potential starters for your FPL squad.


KEY DISCUSSIONS

FPL pre-season highlights

IS JOAO PEDRO INJURED?

The clarity of Gameweek 5 decisions took a hit recently with news that Joao Pedro (£7.8m), now the most popular FPL player, has withdrawn from the Brazil squad.

Will he miss the upcoming match against Brentford? Xabi Alonso's comments were notably vague regarding his availability.

“It’s a possibility.” – Xabi Alonso, citing the chance of Joao Pedro playing on Friday

If he’s sidelined, top alternatives include Calvert-Lewin, Gonzalo Garcia (£6.0m), and Thierno Barry (£5.6m). Notably, one of the Leeds striker's two goals on Monday was initially credited to Jayden Bogle (£4.6m), but the adjustment occurred after the deadline for FPL updates.

This could also be a prime opportunity to utilize a Free Hit strategy. Our latest draft leans heavily on Nottingham Forest assets, highlighting 'Goals Imminent' candidate Gibbs-White. It's worth noting they didn't compete midweek, putting them at a tactical advantage.

MIDFIELD TARGETS

Replacing suspended Phil Foden (£6.9m) might lead you to consider several budget options, among Tom Hadley’s recommended midfielders: Harvey Barnes (£6.0m), Kevin Schade (£6.1m), Marcus Tavernier (£6.1m), and Pascal Gross (£5.7m).

Gross scored an impressive 17 points in Gameweek 4 and, alongside Maxim De Cuyper (£4.9m), continued to shine for Brighton in their EFL Cup clash against Manchester United.

Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) also found the net for Liverpool, complicating the decision for the almost four million managers considering whether to hold or trade him.

WILDCARD STRATEGIES

Brighton faces a tough matchup against the champions next. While Bukayo Saka's (£9.5m) penalty heroics assisted Arsenal in their win over Sunderland, we’ve analyzed the optimum Gunners triple-up strategy.

Our latest Wildcard draft suggests targeting Saka, Raya, and Ezri Konsa (£4.5m), along with key Everton players set to embark on a favorable run of matches. Defender James Tarkowski (£6.1m) is recommended in our 'Buy, Keep or Sell' piece, with further insight in Tom Freeman's weekly Q&A advocating for Forest, Fulham, and Newcastle due to conducive fixtures.

However, many will argue that the lengthy upcoming international break presents a better opportunity to activate the Wildcard. Significantly, 44% of our 18 'Great and Good' experts have already deployed three of their four chips.


WHO SHOULD BE YOUR CAPTAIN THIS WEEK?

Captain picks for Gameweek

If you’re uncertain about who to name captain, reference our Captain Sensible article for recommendations, as well as insights from our Rate My Team (RMT) algorithm.


EXPERT TEAM INSIGHTS

FPL Team reveals for 2026/27

Regardless of your strategy, best of luck in navigating FPL for Gameweek 5!


Source: FPL Marc · www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk

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