FPL Gameweek 5-team-news: Haaland remains the captain choice

By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 6 min read

For those tackling the fpl gameweek 5-team-news tips, the main question is who to captain. The answer is straight-forward: Erling Haaland delivers the highest points per game at 6.8, a figure that dwarfs every other option.

The fixture list for week five shows a mix of high-scoring battles and defensive stalemates. A few games stand out as prime opportunities for points, while others should be approached with caution.

The fixtures table

Fixture Kickoff Home Away Venue
Brentford vs Chelsea 19:00 Brentford Chelsea Brentford Community Stadium
Spurs vs Aston Villa 11:30 Spurs Aston Villa Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Everton vs Ipswich Town 14:00 Everton Ipswich Town Hill Dickinson Stadium
Leeds vs Crystal Palace 14:00 Leeds Crystal Palace Elland Road
Man City vs Sunderland 14:00 Man City Sunderland Etihad Stadium
Newcastle vs Hull City 14:00 Newcastle Hull City
Brighton vs Arsenal 14:00 Brighton Arsenal Amex Stadium
Notts Forest vs Coventry City 16:30 Notts Forest Coventry City City Ground
Bournemouth vs Liverpool 13:00 Bournemouth Liverpool Vitality Stadium

Brentford vs Chelsea

The clash pits a newly promoted side against a title-chaser. Brentford’s recent form shows a willingness to press high, while Chelsea will look to exploit their home advantage. A key factor will be how long Chelsea’s midfield can hold the centre-field, as a breakthrough could turn the game into a high-scoring affair.

Spurs vs Aston Villa

Spurs enjoy a strong home record, but Villa’s recent 2-0 victory over a mid‑table side suggests they are in good rhythm. The midfield duel between Richarlison and a Villa midfielder could decide the rhythm. A win for Spurs would give them a much‑needed boost, while Villa will aim to keep the scoreline close.

Everton vs Ipswich Town

Everton’s defence has faced challenges this season, and Ipswich’s attack has shown flashes of life. A low-scoring game is a possibility, but Everton’s home advantage and a strong midfield could produce a handful of points for both teams.

Leeds vs Crystal Palace

Leeds are known for their defensive solidity, while Palace’s midfield has struggled to maintain possession. The game could swing in favour of Leeds if they manage to control the tempo. Palace will look to exploit any gaps left by Leeds’ forward line.

Man City vs Sunderland

Man City’s attacking prowess is matched by a disciplined defence, while Sunderland will look for counter-attacks. City’s home advantage and consistent goal-scoring record suggest they could secure a comfortable win.

Newcastle vs Hull City

Newcastle are on a strong run, but Hull City’s defensive record may hold them in check. The match could be a low-scoring affair, but Newcastle’s attack will still provide opportunities for points.

Brighton vs Arsenal

Arsenal’s recent form has been mixed, and Brighton’s midfield has been a key component of their recent draws. A tight game is likely, but Arsenal’s home advantage might tilt the balance.

Notts Forest vs Coventry City

Notts Forest’s recent defensive solidity will be tested against Coventry’s determined attack. The game could see a few chances, but both teams will likely look to minimise goals conceded.

Bournemouth vs Liverpool

Liverpool’s home advantage will be crucial, while Bournemouth’s recent form suggests they are aiming for a surprise result. A match with a few chances on either side is likely.

fpl gameweek 5-team-news tips

Captain picks (3 ranked)

  1. Erling Haaland - 6.8 points per game, 155 cost. He has a high goal-scoring rate and a strong record against a variety of teams, making him the most likely to deliver a high return.
  2. B.Fernandes - 6.7 points per game, 120 cost. His ability to create chances and his 24 assists make him a consistent source of points, and he is less likely to be dropped.
  3. Rayan Cherki - 4.1 points per game, 75 cost, 13 assists. He offers a high return for a modest price, and his recent form shows a steady improvement in contribution.

Players to bring in (4-5)

  • Igor Thiago Nascimento - 4.8 points per game, 80 cost, 22 goals. His goal-scoring form and low price make him a solid option for the bench or a starting role if the squad requires a striker.
  • Bryan Mbeumo - 4.5 points per game, 80 cost, 11 goals. He offers a good balance of goals and assists, and his performances against top teams have been consistent.
  • Bukayo Saka - 5.1 points per game, 95 cost, 7 goals, 10 assists. He remains a top performer for Arsenal and can contribute across the board.
  • Rayan Cherki - 4.1 points per game, 75 cost, 13 assists. His high assist tally and low price make him a valuable midfield option for the bench.
  • B.Fernandes - 6.7 points per game, 120 cost, 9 goals, 24 assists. His consistency and high assist record make him a safe pick for the squad.

Players to move on (2-3)

  • James Garner - 159 total points, but status 'i' and a groin injury. He is unlikely to return for the next fixtures, so dropping him removes a risk of zero points.
  • Kelleher - 143 total points, 50 cost, 3.9 points per game. His low return compared to his cost makes him a candidate for the bench or a drop.
  • Tarkowski - 170 total points, 60 cost, 4.6 points per game. He offers a modest return for his price, and there are cheaper options with better form.

The differential

Rayan Cherki is a differential pick that offers a high chance of assists for a 75 cost. His 13 assists in a low-cost package give him a distinct advantage over other midfielders in the same price bracket.

Key takeaways

  • Haaland’s 6.8 points per game make him the most reliable captain choice for week five.
  • Players with a high assist tally, such as Cherki, can provide a high return for a modest price.
  • Dropping injured or low‑return players such as Garner and Kelleher removes risk from the squad.

FAQ

What makes Haaland the top captain pick? Haaland’s 6.8 points per game and 155 cost mean he has a high goal-scoring rate and a strong record against a variety of teams.

Which defender offers the best value? Gabriel - 6.5 points per game, 80 cost, and 18 clean sheets. He is a consistent source of points for the defence.

Is there a low‑cost midfielder with high assist potential? Rayan Cherki - 13 assists, 75 cost, 4.1 points per game. He offers a high return for a modest price.

Who is likely to be injured this week? James Garner is injured with a groin issue and is unlikely to return for the next fixtures.

Stick with Haaland as captain and shuffle the squad around the players listed, and your team will be ready for the drama of gameweek five. These fpl gameweek 5-team-news tips should give you a clear path forward.