Gameweek four is here, and FPL managers have plenty of big decisions to make. From in-form FPL differentials like Ndiaye and Ekitike to premium assets like Salah and Van Dijk, there’s no shortage of value across the pitch.
Whether you’re chasing clean sheets or explosive attacking returns, these gameweek four player picks could make all the difference to your rank this week.
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford (£5.5m, Everton v Aston Villa)
Pickford is currently ranked
third among goalkeepers this season after three games. His spectacular display on Matchday 2 earned him a mammoth 15 points, the highest for any keeper so far. Up next for Pickford and Everton is a clash against an Aston Villa side yet to score this season.
Defenders
Tino Livramento (£5.1m, Newcastle v Wolves)
Livramento has been pivotal in a Magpies backline that has kept two clean sheets in three matches. While Newcastle have struggled to find rhythm in attack, their defensive solidity has secured valuable points. Livramento has also chipped in with one assist this season.
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Marcos Senesi (£4.6m Bournemouth v Brighton)
Bournemouth have made a solid start to the new campaign, and Senesi has been central to their success. The Argentine scored the winner in an impressive display against Tottenham on Matchday three. The Cherries have managed two clean sheets in their opening three games.
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Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m, Burnley v Liverpool)
A trip to newly promoted Burnley offers a strong chance for Liverpool to secure their second clean sheet of the season. The Reds looked much more resilient defensively against Arsenal before the international break and will look to build on that performance.
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Milos Kerkez (£6.0m, Burnley v Liverpool)
Doubling up on Liverpool’s backline could be a smart differential move this week, given the fixture. Kerkez also offers potential at both ends of the pitch, making him an appealing option.
Midfielders
Jack Grealish (£6.7m, Everton v Aston Villa)
Grealish seems revitalized since completing his move to Everton. The England international has produced back-to-back double-digit hauls, registering two assists in each of his last two matches.
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Iliman Ndiaye (£6.5m, Everton v Aston Villa)
Ndiaye looks to be the biggest beneficiary of Grealish’s arrival, scoring in consecutive matches. A home fixture against a struggling Aston Villa side gives him a great chance to extend his scoring run.
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Mohamed Salah (£14.5m, Burnley v Liverpool)
While Salah hasn’t quite hit his usual elite standards yet, it’s risky to go without him this early in the season. Despite a perceived slow start, he already has one goal and one assist to his name. For a cheaper alternative in Liverpool’s midfield, Cody Gakpo is worth considering. The Dutchman has scored twice and assisted once in three games.
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Mohammed Kudus (£6.6m, West Ham v Spurs)
Facing his former side, Kudus will be eager to make an impact, just as he did on the opening day. The Ghanaian has slotted seamlessly into Spurs’ attack and has already delivered two assists in his first three games.
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Ismaïla Sarr (£6.5m, Crystal Palace v Sunderland)
Sarr has stepped up for Crystal Palace in Eze’s absence, scoring in back-to-back matches and becoming the Eagles’ main attacking threat. However, FPL managers should monitor injury updates after he picked up a suspected hamstring issue against Aston Villa before the international break.
Strikers
Hugo Ekitike (£8.7m, Burnley v Liverpool)
Ekitike has made a strong start at Liverpool, scoring twice and assisting once in his first three matches. Beyond the numbers, his link-up play with Wirtz and ability to glide past defenders have caught the eye.
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João Pedro (£7.7m, Brentford v Chelsea)
Pedro couldn’t have asked for a better start to life at Chelsea. After dazzling at the Club World Cup, the Brazilian has carried that form into the Premier League, notching two goals and two assists in three matches.
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Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m, Crystal Palace v Sunderland)
Mateta opened his account for the season with a goal in Palace’s 3–0 win over Aston Villa and will be hungry for more this weekend. He scored 14 league goals last season and looks set to build on that tally.
That wraps up our breakdown of the standout FPL picks for Gameweek 4. Every manager will have their own strategy, so we would love to hear who you are backing this weekend. Drop your thoughts, questions, or even your differential shouts in the comments below and join the conversation with fellow FPL managers.
