FPL Gameweek 7 Review: Returns Improve as Semenyo Stars
Man United lead with 7.13 average while Semenyo’s 18-point haul headlines improved gameweek with 37.6% of players returning more than 2pts.
Gameweek 7 brought welcome relief for FPL managers after two consecutive difficult weeks. Our live FPL tracker analyzed all 311 players and identified a positive shift: 37.6% returned more than 2 points, the best distribution since GW4. Manchester United’s resurgence combined with strong performances from Arsenal and Newcastle provided multiple sources of returns. Here are the essential insights for capitalizing on improving form and optimizing your FPL captain picks.
Top Performers by Position
Elite returns emerged more clearly this week, with Semenyo delivering the standout performance of the gameweek.
Goalkeeper: Lammens (9pts)
Lammens made an impressive debut for Manchester United, keeping a clean sheet in their 2-0 home victory over Sunderland to claim 9 goalkeeper points. His arrival appears to be providing the defensive stability United have desperately needed under Amorim, with this clean sheet marking a potential turning point after their earlier struggles. The Belgian keeper’s composure and shot-stopping could be exactly what United require to solidify their defense, making him an intriguing budget goalkeeper option if he retains his starting position.
Defender: Joško Gvardiol (12pts)
Manchester City’s Gvardiol delivered an excellent 12-point return in their narrow 1-0 away victory at Brentford. Combining a clean sheet with attacking contributions, this performance demonstrates why premium defenders from top teams remain valuable for fantasy premier league managers. City’s defensive assets are showing improved consistency after their early-season wobbles.
Midfielder: Antoine Semenyo (18pts) ⭐
The performance of the gameweek. Bournemouth’s Semenyo delivered an exceptional 18-point haul in their 3-1 home victory over Fulham, matching Zubimendi’s GW4 return as the joint-highest midfield score this season. This explosive performance showcases why selecting in-form midfielders from attacking teams offers the highest ceiling for returns. Essential viewing for any FPL tools user seeking differentials with genuine upside.
Forward: Benjamin Šeško (9pts)
Šeško topped forwards with 9 points, though the relatively modest return highlights that forwards continue to lag behind premium midfielders and defenders for explosive hauls. His performance was solid but not spectacular, reinforcing the current meta of spreading funds across positions.
Team Performance Analysis
Best Performing Teams
Manchester United (7.13 average) ⭐
United topped the gameweek with a 7.13 average following their comfortable 2-0 home victory over Sunderland. After struggling away from home in GW5 and GW6 (both 2.28 averages), this performance suggests their home form could offer value. However, their extreme home/away split makes fixture analysis crucial for any FPL tracker user considering United assets.
Arsenal (6.94 average)
The Gunners continued their consistent form with a 6.94 average in their 2-0 home victory over West Ham. Arsenal have now averaged 6.94+ in three of the last five gameweeks, demonstrating the reliability that makes their assets premium holdings for fantasy premier league tools users. Their defensive solidity combined with attacking threat offers multiple routes to points.
Newcastle United (6.73 average)
The Magpies delivered an impressive 6.73 average in their 2-0 home victory over Nottingham Forest. Their strong home form continues (6.01 in GW4, 6.73 in GW7), making St. James’ Park fixtures prime opportunities for Newcastle assets. Defensive coverage looks particularly valuable given their clean sheet consistency at home.
Bournemouth (5.76 average)
The Cherries’ 3-1 home victory over Fulham delivered a 5.76 average, led by Semenyo’s explosive 18-point haul. Bournemouth’s attacking potential at home makes them interesting differential sources, particularly for managers seeking lower-owned midfield options with genuine upside.
Teams to Avoid
Sunderland (1.92 average) ⚠️
After leading GW6 with a 5.85 average, Sunderland crashed dramatically to 1.92 in their 2-0 away defeat at Manchester United. This volatility (5.73, 5.85, 1.92 in consecutive weeks) demonstrates the dangers of chasing form without considering fixture difficulty. Sunderland become prime targets for opposing FPL captain picks in difficult away fixtures.
Brentford (2.28 average) & West Ham (2.28 average)
Both teams averaged 2.28 points after narrow defeats. Brentford’s 1-0 home loss to Manchester City extends their inconsistency (5.39 in GW6, 2.28 in GW7), while West Ham’s 2-0 away loss at Arsenal continues their struggles (averaging 2.28 or worse in four of seven gameweeks).
Nottingham Forest (2.46 average)
Forest’s third consecutive poor performance saw them average 2.46 in their 2-0 away defeat at Newcastle. They’ve now averaged 2.01, 2.01, and 2.46 in their last three gameweeks, making them one of the season’s most reliable teams to avoid for asset selection.
Liverpool (2.65 average)
The Reds’ 2-1 away defeat at Chelsea resulted in a disappointing 2.65 average. Liverpool’s away form remains concerning (2.65 at Chelsea, 3.56 at Palace, 4.93 at Burnley), suggesting their premium assets should be rotated based on home/away fixtures rather than held permanently.
Key FPL Statistics - Welcome Improvement
Of the 311 players who featured in Gameweek 7:
- 37.6% (117 players) returned more than 2 points - best since GW4’s 44.6% and significantly up from GW6 (30.0%)
- 19.0% (59 players) achieved 5+ point returns - slight improvement from GW6 (16.1%) and GW5 (16.7%)
These statistics show a clear improvement in returns distribution after two challenging gameweeks. While 5+ point returns remain somewhat compressed compared to earlier in the season, the jump in more than 2pt returns suggests managers are finding it easier to field respectable scores. Using comprehensive fantasy premier league tools to identify the improving trends becomes crucial for staying ahead of template picks.
Notable Results & Talking Points
Manchester City Grind Out Victory
City’s narrow 1-0 away win at Brentford (5.74 average) wasn’t spectacular but demonstrated defensive solidity. Gvardiol’s 12-point return showed that City’s premium defenders can deliver elite hauls even in tight contests, making them attractive for managers seeking safe premium options.
Chelsea Edge Liverpool
Chelsea’s 2-1 home victory over Liverpool (4.66 vs 2.65) was the fixture of the gameweek. After their poor run (2.09 in GW6), Chelsea showed signs of life at home. However, their inconsistency (7.01, 4.01, 2.40, 2.09, 4.66 across five gameweeks) makes timing their assets extremely challenging for best FPL tools users.
Everton Continue Solid Home Form
Everton’s 2-1 home victory over Crystal Palace (4.55 average) continued their decent home returns. After averaging 7.11 (GW2) and 5.01 (GW4) at Goodison Park, their home assets could offer value in favorable fixtures, particularly as budget-friendly enablers.
Multiple Narrow Victories
Several 1-0 and 2-1 results (City 1-0 Brentford, Brighton 1-0 Wolves, Tottenham 2-1 Leeds) compressed attacking returns but rewarded defensive investors. The tight contests suggest that clean sheet points from premium defenses offer more reliability than explosive attacking hauls in the current meta.
Tactical Takeaways for FPL Managers
1. Premium Midfielders Offer Highest Ceiling
Semenyo’s 18-point haul matches Zubimendi’s earlier return as the season’s joint-highest. With Alderete’s 17 points (GW6) being the only defender to exceed this, premium midfielders from attacking teams continue offering the best upside for explosive gameweeks. Don’t over-invest in forwards at the expense of elite midfield options.
2. Home/Away Splits Crucial
Manchester United (7.13 home vs 2.28 away average), Liverpool (stronger at Anfield), and Newcastle (6.01, 6.73 at home) show dramatic venue splits. Use FPL tools to analyze fixture location before making transfer decisions. Rotating premium assets based on venue could offer an edge over template holders.
3. Form Volatility Remains Extreme
Sunderland’s collapse from 5.85 to 1.92, Brentford’s swing from 5.39 to 2.28, and Chelsea’s ongoing inconsistency prove that chasing last week’s top team is dangerous. Focus on underlying quality, fixture runs, and multiple gameweeks of data rather than reacting to single performances.
4. Defensive Assets Gaining Value
Gvardiol (12pts), multiple clean sheets, and tight contests suggest that premium defenders from top teams (Arsenal 6.94, Newcastle 6.73, Man City 5.74) offer excellent value. With forward returns compressed (Šeško’s 9pts led), reallocating funds to elite defenders could pay dividends.
Looking Ahead: Transfer Priorities
Based on Gameweek 7 data and emerging patterns, consider these strategic moves for your FPL squad:
Priority Targets
Arsenal defensive coverage for consistency (6.94 average), Newcastle defenders for home fixtures (6.73 average), Manchester City’s Gvardiol after his 12-point haul, Bournemouth’s Semenyo if budget allows (18pts differential potential), and consider Manchester United assets specifically for home fixtures (7.13 average but venue-dependent).
Consider Offloading
Nottingham Forest assets after three consecutive poor performances (2.01, 2.01, 2.46), Sunderland players given extreme volatility and tough fixtures, West Ham assets struggling consistently (four gameweeks at 2.28 or worse), Liverpool players for away fixtures only, and Brentford after another swing (5.39 to 2.28).
Differential Options
Bournemouth attackers beyond Semenyo if his ownership rises, Everton home specialists (4.55 average vs Palace), Aston Villa showing improvement (4.24 average), Tottenham’s home fixtures (4.47 average), and consider Wolves defenders for budget enablers with occasional clean sheets.
Monitor Closely
Chelsea’s inconsistency continues (4.66 home win but unreliable), Brighton’s away form developing (2.92 at Wolves modest), Crystal Palace away struggles (3.74 average away at Everton), and Leeds showing some resilience (3.11 average despite losing). Wait for clearer trends.
Navigate Improving Trends with FPL Pulse
Gameweek 7’s improvement to 37.6% of players returning more than 2pts signals better times ahead. FPL Pulse provides the comprehensive live FPL tracking and analysis you need to capitalize on improving trends and identify elite performers like Semenyo (18pts) before ownership rises.
From tracking venue-specific performance (United, Liverpool, Newcastle home/away splits) to identifying form patterns (Arsenal’s consistency vs Chelsea’s volatility) and monitoring defensive value (Gvardiol’s 12pts), our suite of fantasy premier league tools helps you make smarter decisions as returns improve. Stay ahead of the template.
FAQs
- Who were the top performers in FPL Gameweek 7?
- Antoine Semenyo delivered the gameweek’s best performance with 18 midfield points for Bournemouth. Joško Gvardiol returned 12 points for Man City, while Benjamin Šeško led forwards with 9 points. Lammens kept a clean sheet for 9 goalkeeper points.
- Which teams had the best average points in GW7?
- Manchester United led with a 7.13 average following their 2-0 home victory over Sunderland. Arsenal (6.94) and Newcastle (6.73) also delivered excellent returns with clean sheet wins.
- Did FPL returns improve in Gameweek 7?
- Yes, significantly. 37.6% of players returned more than 2 points, the best percentage since GW4’s 44.6%. This marked a clear improvement from GW5 (34.1%) and GW6 (30.0%), though 5+ point returns remained compressed at 19.0%.
- Should I transfer in Manchester United assets after GW7?
- United’s 7.13 average and 2-0 clean sheet win make their assets interesting, particularly for home fixtures. However, their form has been volatile this season (2.28 away averages in GW5/6), so fixture analysis is crucial before investing heavily.