We’re four gameweeks in, and fantasy football managers are either buzzing or bottom of their leagues pretending not to care. But this is where the season starts to settle. Teams are gelling, formations are bedding in, and new signings are showing their worth — or their wages.
Let’s get into the Gameweek 5 fixtures, score predictions, and the fantasy players you want in your XI this weekend.
Liverpool vs Everton
Prediction: 2-1 Liverpool
Key Picks: Salah, Isak (Liverpool) | Pickford, Tarkowski (Everton)
The Merseyside Derby always brings the fireworks, and this one is no different. Everton come into it in decent form — unbeaten in three after that opening day loss to Leeds — and they’re scrapping for every point.
Tarkowski and Pickford are fantasy gold this weekend for defensive actions, even if they concede. But Liverpool have firepower. Isak is expected to make his Anfield debut and might just open his account with a bang. Salah? You already know. Set. And. Forget.
Brighton vs Tottenham
Prediction: 1-0 Spurs
Key Picks: Porro, Romero, Vicario (Spurs) | Mitoma, Minteh (Brighton)
Brighton remain an enigma — technically gifted, tactically fluid, and painfully lightweight up top. Meanwhile, Spurs under Thomas Frank look like a machine already. It’s the defence that’s doing the business: Porro is a must-pick this week, and Vicario could bag a clean sheet bonus. Kudus is busy, but the threat is coming from the back.
For Brighton, it’s still Mitoma and Minteh pulling the strings. But if you’re betting on a result — it’s Spurs and it’s tight.
Burnley vs Nottingham Forest
Prediction: 1-1
Key Picks: Dubravka, Jaidon Anthony, Josh Cullen (Burnley) | Anderson, Wood, Gibbs-White (Forest)
The “who knows” game of the week. Burnley have home advantage, and Dubravka will be racking up saves for fun as usual. Jaidon Anthony is a sneaky shout for attacking returns, and Josh Cullen offers that set-piece delivery.
For Forest, it’s early Ange-Ball chaos. You want players who’ll play no matter what: Gibbs-White is the engine, Anderson’s a duel magnet, and Wood… well, he only scores bangers now. Sit tight until we see how Ange settles his system.
West Ham vs Crystal Palace
Prediction: 2-0 Palace
Key Picks: Henderson, Guehi, Mateta, Munoz (Palace) | Bowen, Paqueta (West Ham)
West Ham are in trouble. Bowen and Paqueta are the only assets worth talking about, and even then, they’re carrying the whole team.
Palace, on the other hand, are quietly flying. Dean Henderson has outscored both Bowen and Paqueta in fantasy terms, and he’s nailed. Guehi is a block/clearance magnet, and Mateta keeps finding space in the box. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective.
Wolves vs Leeds
Prediction: 0-0
Key Picks: Gudmundsson, Stach (Leeds) | Strand Larsen (Wolves… maybe)
Relegation 6-pointer in September? Sure, why not. This one screams 0-0. Wolves are still struggling to find any structure, and while Strand Larsen is their best hope, he’s feeding off scraps.
Leeds are starting to find a defensive rhythm. Gudmundsson is one of the most underrated fantasy performers in the league, and Stach racks up defensive actions every week. No goals, but plenty of fantasy value here if you’re streaming defenders.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
Prediction: 2-1 United
Key Picks: Cunha, Mbeumo (United) | Garnacho, Pedro, Caicedo (Chelsea)
United have been creating all the right chances… and missing them all. But the tide has to turn, and this could be it. Cunha and Mbeumo top the xG charts and have hit the post more than some clubs. They’re due.
Chelsea played midweek and might rotate. Garnacho is back at Old Trafford and it’s just written in the stars — cue a goal and an over-the-top celebration. Enzo and Caicedo still pulling the strings, and Pedro always carries threat.
We’re leaning 2-1 United, mostly because the law of averages has to kick in sometime.
Fulham vs Brentford
Prediction: 2-2 draw
Key Picks: Josh King, Antonee Robinson, Kevin (Fulham) | Ouattara Dango, Nathan Collins (Brentford)
West London derby alert. Fulham were denied by VAR last week (twice!) and are out for blood. Robinson is back from injury and brings pace and balance down the flank. Josh King should finally get on the scoresheet after last week’s disallowed goal, and Kevin looks like a breakout star in the making.
Brentford are in transition but Ouattara Dango and Nathan Collins are worth a look, especially for defensive work and the occasional attacking set-piece threat. Expect goals, chaos, and drama.
Bournemouth vs Newcastle
Prediction: 2-0 Newcastle
Key Picks: Elanga, Woltemade (Newcastle)
Newcastle are quietly building something with their new signings, and they should have too much for Bournemouth here. Woltemade is a sneaky differential, and Elanga has looked electric when given space.
Avoid Bournemouth defenders. Just trust us.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
Prediction: 3-0 Villa
Key Picks: Grealish, Watkins, Harvey Elliott (Villa)
Going big on Villa this week. Sunderland are plucky, but Villa’s late summer additions are starting to click. Grealish already has 4 assists, and Watkins surely can’t go five games without scoring. If he finds the net, it could open the floodgates.
Harvey Elliott looks like a shrewd addition and is already looking influential from deep. Wildcard punt? Sure. But this is one of those gut picks — and we’re feeling it.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Prediction: 1-0 City
Key Picks: Rice, Calafiori, Timber (Arsenal) | Haaland, Foden (City)
It’s the game of the weekend on paper… and probably awful to watch in practice. These two cancel each other out tactically. Arsenal are strong on set pieces and City will dominate the ball.
If you’re looking for fantasy points, Rice, Calafiori, and Timber are all in form and defensively reliable. But when it comes to City, never bet against Haaland. Foden is also one for the big occasions — and he tends to show up in these tight ones.
Final Thoughts
Week 5 is shaping up to be pivotal — we’ve got rivalries, tight matchups, and fantasy swings incoming. The smart money is on sturdy defences, big-game players, and form finally catching up with xG. Don’t overthink it — but also don’t sleep on the big movers.
Remember: captain Salah, don’t draft Bayindir, and if you’re backing Watkins… may the fantasy gods be with you.
Jon Harrison , September 2025
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