Wirtz Primed for Performance Against Burnley – Our Fantasy Premier League Team for the Week

The Most Challenging Match to Predict

This week’s standout fixture is the Manchester derby, with City currently favored to win. However, United has not been defeated by City since March 2024, and the latter has only managed to score three goals in their last four encounters. Consequently, I am hesitant to include Erling Haaland in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team for gameweek four.

While that decision might backfire, my lineup is focused on players who are set to face promoted teams and the struggling Wolves.

This team of the week is curated based on current FPL prices and crafted to fit within a £100 million budget, as if you were utilizing a Free Hit.

Update on Last Week’s Team Performance

Bruno Fernandes (10 points), Joao Pedro (9 points), and the Chelsea defense helped last week’s selections achieve a respectable score of 51 points. Despite his underwhelming performance last week, Captain Mohamed Salah will have another shot this round!

FPL Team of the Week for Gameweek Four

Keeper and Defense

Bernd Leno, Fulham, £5m – Leeds (H)
Leeds have found the back of the net only once this season, from the penalty spot. Their total of five shots on target is the lowest in the league. Therefore, Fulham is a strong candidate for a clean sheet this week.

Daniel Munoz, Crystal Palace, £5.5m – Sunderland (H)
Munoz, one of the top performers from last season, has faced tough opponents to start the current campaign but has managed a return in every game (two clean sheets and an assist). Expect him to pose a greater attacking threat against Sunderland.

Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal, £5.7m – Nottingham Forest (H)
Calafiori has made a stellar start as a left-back this season. He leads defenders in shots taken and expected goals, suggesting he can deliver consistent points against Nottingham Forest, who have struggled for offensive prowess.

Jurrien Timber, Arsenal, £5.6m – Nottingham Forest (H)
Timber has become a critical part of Arsenal’s defensive strategy, evidenced by a hefty score of 24 points in his last home game. His partnership with Calafiori solidifies the Arsenal backline, which is currently unbeaten.

Midfielders

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool, £8.4m – Burnley (A)
Wirtz has yet to hit his stride in FPL but advanced metrics indicate he’s been unlucky not to have more returns. With Burnley yielding the most shots and goals expected this season, now is the time for Wirtz to shine.

Mohamed Salah (Captain), Liverpool, £14.5m – Burnley (A)
Given the defensive weaknesses of Burnley, Salah is a natural choice as captain this week. Despite some concerns about his form, this matchup presents the perfect opportunity for him to rack up points.

Jack Grealish, Everton, £6.7m – Aston Villa (H)
Since joining Everton, Grealish has emerged as a key player with 21 points scored across two matches. Although two assists per match is unsustainable, his favorable price and form indicate he is likely to continue to deliver.

Anthony Elanga, Newcastle, £7m – Wolves (H)
With Wolves conceding eight goals in their opening matches, targeting this fixture for Elanga seems logical. His performance against Liverpool showcased his potential, making him a top pick for this gameweek.

Strikers

Yoane Wissa, Newcastle, £7.5m – Wolves (H)
Though Wissa’s fitness was a concern, a home match against a weak defense is an opportunity for him to make an impactful contribution.

Jean-Philippe Mateta, Crystal Palace, £7.5m – Sunderland (H)
After scoring his first goal last week, Mateta looks set to become pivotal for Palace and could thrive against Sunderland’s defensive frailties.

Rodrigo Muniz, Fulham, £5.5m – Leeds (H)
Muniz seems to be the main striker for Fulham this season. With a solid scoring record, particularly against Leeds—a team that has struggled defensively—he presents great value.

Subs’ Bench

• Martin Dubravka, Burnley, Keeper, £4m – Liverpool (H)
• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Everton, Midfielder, £5m – Aston Villa (H)
• Igor Thiago, Brentford, Striker, £6m – Chelsea (H)
• Reinildo, Sunderland, Defender, £4m – Crystal Palace (A)

Total Team Value: £97.9m