The Premier League is full of surprises, and if you’re only looking at Arsenal, City, United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs for fantasy value you’re missing a trick. Because not every fantasy hero wears a top-six shirt. Let’s be honest it’s easy to get swept up in the hype of the Premier League’s big boys. Arsenal’s relentless machine. City’s algorithm of dominance. United’s… whatever United are now. But if you’re only shopping for fantasy value in the Big Six aisles, you’re leaving points on the table.
Gameweek after gameweek, players from so-called “smaller” clubs are quietly racking up returns. Whether it’s form players, set-piece merchants, or simply lads in teams with strong fixture runs there’s gold to be found. On our recent StatrCast Jon took us through the form, the numbers so gwan gis a follow.
Here’s our Statr-certified Top 5 sleeper picks from outside the traditional top six, backed by data, form, and a hefty slice of good ol’ footballing common sense.
1. Harry Wilson (Fulham Midfielder)
Form Pick
Statr Rating: 4.5/5
Wilson is in one of those purple patches where everything he touches turns to points. Wilson is Fulham’s creative heartbeat right now especially with AFCON on the horizon. He’s got 3 goals and 3 assists in his last 5 games and leads the team in key passes and chances created. He’s finally shaking off his “flashes-only” tag and looking like a week-in, week-out contributor especially from set pieces and open play down the right.
Upcoming Fixtures:
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Nottingham Forest (H)
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West Ham (A)
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Crystal Palace (A)
The schedule is kind, and Wilson is thriving in it. With Fulham back on the front foot, he’s one of the best budget mids out there.
Why Pick Him?
With winnable games ahead and a guaranteed 90 mins each week, Wilson is a mid-price midfielder with premium output potential. If you want a differential who’s on free kicks, dangerous from open play, and available in most leagues Wilson’s your guy.
2. Matheus Fernandes (West Ham Midfielder)
Consistent Pick
Statr Rating: 4/5
West Ham under Graham Potter were a tragic drama. Under Nuno, they’re… still dramatic, but Matheus Fernandes is finally allowed to cook. An absolute revelation since breaking into the side. Fernandes is leading West Ham in tackles and progressive carries, and while he’s not smashing the scoresheets, his all-round stats are strong: 1.1 shots per game, 1.5 key passes, and over 80% pass accuracy in the final third. Since Nuno came in, Fernandes has averaged more progressive carries and key passes per game than even Paqueta, and his late arrivals into the box are beginning to pay off.
Upcoming Fixtures:
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Man City (A)
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Fulham (H)
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Brighton (H)
He’s already nailed down a starting role and looks like he’ll keep ticking over with clean sheet potential and attacking contributions.
Why Pick Him?
He’s available, and clearly part of Nuno’s first-choice XI. He’s the kind of midfielder who racks up quiet points every week you might not notice him, but by the end of the month he’s outscoring your “star” picks.
3. Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nottingham Forest Forward)
Form Pick
Statr Rating: 4.2/5
Hudson-Odoi has quietly put together a string of performances that scream renaissance. Callum H-O is finally delivering on that Chelsea hype. Since Dychey gave him more licence to roam, he’s bagged 3 goals and 1 assist in his last 4 games. He’s looking direct, dangerous, and is one of the few bright sparks in a topsy-turvy Forest side. He’s beating full-backs for fun, linking well with Gibbs-White, and has that explosive quality that fantasy managers love.
Upcoming Fixtures:
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Fulham (A)
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Man City (H)
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Everton (H)
With Dyche now in charge, Forest are likely to go more direct and physical which suits Hudson-Odoi’s transitional pace and drive.
Why Pick Him?
Fixtures are mixed, but Forest at home are always dangerous, and Hudson-Odoi is nailed on the left. If you’re looking to replace an injured winger or rotate with a big-six bench warmer, CHO is worth a shout. He’s in form, and has the explosive upside to haul big when Forest click.
4. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United Forward)
Form Pick
Statr Rating: 4.8/5
The DCL of old is back and he’s not just playing, he’s bullying centre-backs again. Leeds fans will argue he’s their best bit of business in years, and they may be right. DCL is BACK. Four goals in his last five and looking fit for the first time in years. He’s benefiting from better service at Leeds than he ever got at Everton, and his movement and hold-up play have added another level to this attack. What’s changed? Fitness. Confidence. And an attacking setup that plays to his strengths wide delivery, quick transitions, and support runners pulling defenders away.
Upcoming Fixtures:
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Crystal Palace (H)
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Sunderland (A)
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Liverpool (A)
Yes, Li verpool will be tough but around that, the fixtures are sweet. He’s Leeds’ penalty taker and first name on the team sheet.
Why Pick Him?
He’s in form, has penalties in his locker, and Leeds’ next five fixtures aren’t terrible. If you’re stuck in a striker injury crisis , Calvert-Lewin is your man. If he stays fit (big if, granted), there aren’t many strikers outside the Big Six you’d rather have. Ride the form while it’s hot.
5. James Tarkowski (Everton Defender)
Consistent Pick
Statr Rating: 4/5
Quietly one of the top-scoring defenders in defensive contribution metrics this season. Tarkowski leads the league in clearances, blocks and aerials won. He’s also a set-piece target and Everton are looking defensively solid at home. When it comes to defenders doing unglamorous things very well, Tarkowski is the king. Clean sheets? He’s getting enough of them. Threat on set pieces? Always. Blocking shots like he’s in The Matrix? Every single game. Everton have quietly become one of the best low-possession defensive units in the league, and Tarkowski is a massive part of that
Upcoming Fixtures:
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Arsenal (H)
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Burnley (A)
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Nottingham Forest (A)
He’s a classic defender. You might not get goals or assists every week, but you’ll get points, clean sheet potential, and probably a busted nose from winning 10 headers a game.
Why Pick Him?
He’s consistent, and if you’re playing a three-at-the-back with one slot rotating Tarkowski is the ultimate plug-and-play guy. You’ll never love him, but you’ll always respect the points. Tarky’s your man.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re serious about climbing the fantasy ranks, you’ve got to look where others don’t. There’s gold outside the Big Six you just need to know where to look. Whether you want short-term fire (Wilson, Hudson-Odoi, DCL) or long-term value (Fernandes, Tarkowski), these lads are punching way above their price tag. Get ahead of the curve before the bandwagon starts rolling.
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