FPL Gameweek 5 Review: Tight Margins as Returns Become Scarce
Leeds edge tight gameweek with 5.82 average while Gravenberch and Stach deliver 15-point hauls in challenging week with lowest 5+ returns yet.
Gameweek 5 proved to be the most challenging week yet for FPL managers, with returns significantly compressed across the board. Our live FPL tracker analyzed all 305 players and identified a concerning trend: only 16.7% of players returned 5+ points, the lowest percentage this season. Multiple draws and tight contests meant premium picks struggled to deliver explosive returns. Here are the essential insights for navigating difficult gameweeks and optimizing your FPL captain picks.
Top Performers by Position
With returns heavily compressed, even top performers delivered modest hauls compared to previous gameweeks.
Goalkeepers: Djordje Petrović & Nick Pope (6pts each)
Two goalkeepers shared modest honors with 6 points each from clean sheets. Petrović impressed for his side while Pope delivered for Newcastle in their 0-0 away draw at Bournemouth. The reduced goalkeeper returns reflect the overall compressed scoring across the gameweek.
Defender: Harry Maguire (11pts)
Manchester United’s Maguire delivered the week’s top defensive return with 11 points in their 2-1 home victory over Chelsea. In a gameweek where defensive returns were limited, Maguire’s combination of clean sheet points and attacking contribution stood out as exceptional value for fantasy premier league managers who backed him.
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch & Stach (15pts each) ⭐
The joint performances of the gameweek. Liverpool’s Gravenberch and Stach both delivered exceptional 15-point returns, providing the only truly elite hauls in an otherwise low-scoring round. Gravenberch impressed in Liverpool’s 2-1 home win over Everton, while Stach delivered for his side. These performances demonstrate the value of selecting in-form midfielders from attacking teams, essential knowledge for any FPL tools user.
Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (11pts)
Everton’s striker matched Maguire’s 11-point return despite his team’s 2-1 away defeat at Liverpool. Calvert-Lewin’s ability to deliver returns even in defeat highlights the importance of selecting forwards who are central to their team’s attacks, regardless of the final scoreline. A valuable lesson for FPL captain picks strategy.
Team Performance Analysis
Best Performing Teams
Leeds United (5.82 average) ⭐
In a compressed gameweek, Leeds’ 5.82 average stood out as the week’s best team performance. Their 3-1 away victory at Wolves showcased attacking intent and defensive resilience, making them the surprise package of the round. For FPL tracker users seeking differentials, Leeds assets deserve consideration if their upcoming fixtures align favorably.
Newcastle United (5.57 average)
The Magpies’ 0-0 away draw at Bournemouth delivered a solid 5.57 average through defensive returns. Their clean sheet reliability continues to make defensive assets attractive for fantasy premier league tools users prioritizing consistency over explosive returns.
Manchester United (5.04 average)
United’s 2-1 home victory over Chelsea averaged 5.04 points, led by Maguire’s defensive excellence. This performance suggests United’s home form could be improving, making them worth monitoring for favorable fixtures.
Bournemouth (4.74 average)
The Cherries’ 0-0 home draw with Newcastle delivered a respectable 4.74 average through clean sheet points. Their defensive organization at home suggests budget defensive options could provide value in the right matchups.
Teams to Avoid
Brentford (2.19 average) ⚠️
The Bees suffered the gameweek’s worst performance with just a 2.19 average in their 2-1 away defeat at Fulham. After strong early-season promise, Brentford’s form has collapsed, making them a team to avoid for FPL captain picks and general asset selection until they rediscover consistency.
Chelsea (2.40 average)
Chelsea’s 2-1 away defeat at Manchester United resulted in a disappointing 2.40 average. Their inconsistent form continues to make their premium assets risky selections despite their quality on paper.
Wolverhampton (2.64 average)
Wolves’ heavy 3-1 home defeat to Leeds saw them average just 2.64 points. Their defensive vulnerabilities at home are particularly concerning, making them prime targets when selecting attacking assets to face them.
West Ham United (2.74 average)
The Hammers’ continued struggles saw them average 2.74 points in their 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace. After dropping from 7.29 to 1.80 in GW4, their GW5 performance confirms a concerning downward trend.
Key FPL Statistics - Challenging Gameweek
Of the 305 players who featured in Gameweek 5:
- 34.1% (104 players) returned more than 2 points - a significant drop from GW4’s 44.6%
- 16.7% (51 players) achieved 5+ point returns - the LOWEST percentage this season (down from 25.2% in GW4)
These statistics reveal the most challenging gameweek yet for FPL managers. The dramatic drop in returns distribution emphasizes why using comprehensive fantasy premier league tools to identify the few high-returning assets becomes even more critical in tight gameweeks. Multiple 1-1 draws (Arsenal-City, Sunderland-Villa, Burnley-Forest) and close contests compressed scoring significantly.
Notable Results & Talking Points
Arsenal-Manchester City Stalemate
The 1-1 home draw between Arsenal (3.09 average) and Manchester City (4.38 average) was the fixture of the gameweek but delivered disappointing returns for managers holding premium assets from either side. These big-six clashes often produce low scores, reminding us to be cautious about captaining players in direct head-to-heads.
Draw Dominance Crushes Returns
Multiple 1-1 draws (Arsenal-City, Sunderland-Villa, Burnley-Forest) and 0-0 stalemates (Bournemouth-Newcastle) severely limited attacking returns. The prevalence of draws in GW5 highlights the unpredictable nature of the Premier League and why the best FPL tools must account for variance in outcomes.
Tottenham Continue Inconsistency
After their impressive GW4 showing, Spurs’ 2-1 away defeat at Brighton (3.47 average) demonstrates their ongoing volatility. Their inability to maintain consistent form makes their assets challenging to hold long-term despite occasional explosive gameweeks.
Crystal Palace Away Resilience
Palace’s 2-1 away victory at West Ham (4.01 average) continued their decent form on the road. They’re developing a pattern of performing better away from home, which could inform fixture-based transfer strategies.
Tactical Takeaways for FPL Managers
1. Avoid Big-Six Direct Clashes
The Arsenal-City draw (combined 7.47 average for both teams) reinforces that captaining players in top-six head-to-heads is risky. These games often produce cagey, low-scoring affairs that disappoint premium asset owners. Target fixtures where your premium picks face weaker opposition.
2. Premium Midfielders Still Elite
Gravenberch and Stach’s 15-point hauls demonstrate that premium midfielders continue to offer the highest ceiling for returns. In challenging gameweeks where forwards struggle, elite midfielders from attacking teams can single-handedly rescue your score.
3. Differential Strategy Pays Off
Leeds’ emergence as the top team (5.82 average) and Maguire’s 11-point return show that differential picks can deliver huge advantages in compressed gameweeks. Using FPL tools to identify under-owned assets from improving teams becomes crucial when template picks disappoint.
4. Form Volatility Remains Extreme
Tottenham dropping from 7.68 (GW4) to 3.47 (GW5) and Brentford falling to 2.19 after stronger performances earlier exemplify how quickly form changes. Don’t chase last week’s heroes - analyze multiple gameweeks and upcoming fixtures before transferring.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Priorities
Based on Gameweek 5 data and emerging patterns, consider these strategic moves for your FPL squad:
Priority Targets
Liverpool’s Gravenberch after his 15-point haul, Leeds attackers if fixtures align (5.82 average trending), Newcastle defenders for clean sheet consistency (5.57 average), and Manchester United’s Maguire if he continues starting. Premium midfielders from top teams should be prioritized over forwards in the current meta.
Consider Offloading
Brentford assets after their collapse to 2.19 average, Tottenham players given their volatility (7.68 to 3.47 swing), Chelsea assets struggling for consistency (2.40 average), West Ham players in freefall (consecutive poor performances), and Wolves defenders after conceding three at home to Leeds.
Differential Options
Everton’s Calvert-Lewin after his 11-point return despite defeat, Leeds United attackers as they find form, Fulham players averaging 4.66 after their home win over Brentford, and Crystal Palace’s away specialists continuing to deliver on the road (4.01 average).
Monitor Closely
Arsenal (3.09) and City (4.38) assets after their draw - both teams should bounce back against weaker opposition. Liverpool (4.65 average) with Gravenberch emerging. Brighton (3.65) showing improvement at home. Avoid making knee-jerk decisions based on one compressed gameweek.
Navigate Challenging Gameweeks with FPL Pulse
Gameweek 5 proved that not every week delivers template returns. With only 16.7% of players hitting 5+ points, identifying the right assets becomes crucial. FPL Pulse provides the comprehensive live FPL tracking and analysis you need to make informed decisions even in difficult gameweeks.
From identifying emerging differentials like Leeds’ form to avoiding big-six clashes and monitoring form volatility, our suite of fantasy premier league tools helps you navigate the variance. Don’t let compressed gameweeks derail your season - use better data to stay ahead of the curve.
FAQs
- Who were the top performers in FPL Gameweek 5?
- Ryan Gravenberch and Stach shared the week’s best performance with 15 midfield points each. Harry Maguire led defenders with 11 points, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin topped forwards with 11 points. Petrović and Pope both kept clean sheets for 6 goalkeeper points.
- Which teams had the best average points in GW5?
- Leeds United led with a 5.82 average following their impressive 3-1 away victory at Wolves. Newcastle (5.57) and Manchester United (5.04) rounded out the top three in what was a tight, low-scoring gameweek for team averages.
- Why were FPL returns so low in Gameweek 5?
- Only 16.7% of players achieved 5+ points in GW5, the lowest percentage this season. Multiple 1-1 draws, tight contests, and fewer dominant victories meant premium returns were scarce. This emphasizes the importance of careful selection and using FPL tools to identify the right assets.
- Should I transfer in Leeds United players after GW5?
- Leeds’ 5.82 average and impressive 3-1 away win at Wolves make them interesting, but their fixture difficulty should be considered. They could offer differential value if facing favorable opponents in upcoming gameweeks.