GameDay Squad EPL Gameweek 4 preview

Round Four is finally here after a week off due to an international football break. With the launch of a brand new player pool to tide us over leading into the weekend, there are plenty of new and old options to consider.

Arsenal v Nottingham Forest: A game that’s landscape has changed dramatically after the sacking of and then hiring of a new manager for Forest. In what was likely to be a defensively fought affair, it is now more likely to be the opposite after attacking minded manager Postecoglou took the reins. Due to this appointment, it does make Arsenal defensive assets even more viable given that they are still likely to win the game (while potentially keeping a clean sheet), but they may also stack up more points than originally expected from defensive actions. My preferred options from this game are Raya and Gabriel. We do get to see the lineups before lockout for this one, which means Calafiori and Timber will both be good to go too, if they start.

Newcastle v Wolves: A game that is likely to be a popular GDS one, as Newcastle players will be hard to fade. The Newcastle attack has been unsettled, which makes me extremely hesitant to go near any of their options, even new signings. The Newcastle defence however, should stand a strong chance to keep their third clean sheet of the season. Mainstays Burn, Livramento and Pope are most likely to benefit from this as all three have played the full games in all three of their fixtures. Be slightly careful selecting Burn, in case of a central defensive rotation. Guimaraes is another suitable option for this one, however I do prefer him in more 50/50 games.

Fulham v Leeds: Surprisingly, I believe there to be good value in this fixture. My current number one ranked midfield option, Stach, plays in this game. While most may think Fulham players are more pickable here, I believe Leeds players are. Fulham are top five for stats CONCEDED in the following shots on target, key passes, interceptions and fouls drawn. There’s every chance Leeds can gain their third clean sheet of the season here, which could come on the back of Rodon, Struijk and Perri (I do prefer Rodon over Struijk). King has looked a likely type for Fulham, and if they do manage to score he could turn provider as a unique.

Everton v Aston Villa: For all purposes this game seems like a tricky one that could trip up a few coaches. Aston Villa (19th) off the face of things, appear as though Everton will have them covered, but don’t rush to your Pickford’s, Tarkowski’s or Grealish’s just yet as Aston Villa have quite a good record against Everton. Villa have won three of their past five meetings, while they’ve won four of their past five away meetings with Everton. Watkins has been the standout player when the two have met with four goals in his past six against Everton. This could be the game he finally hits form.

Crystal Palace v Sunderland: Both of these teams have started the season admirably, with Sunderland’s only dropped points coming against Burnley, whilst Palace are yet to lose. Palace have only conceded one goal this season, and with Guehi remaining at the club, they continue to be defensively sound. Henderson, Lacroix, Munoz, Mitchell and Richards could all potentially be good options as well. With Sarr ruled out, it leaves Mateta as their lead attacker with support from GDS new boy Yeremy Pino.

Bournemouth v Brighton: This one is one of the more even games of the round. There’s arguments for either team’s players, however it’s worth noting that Bournemouth are top five for CONCEDING the following stats; successful dribbles, accurate crosses, aerial duels won, tackles, blocks, clearances and saves. That is a huge amount of statistics conceded outside of the actual match result being affected (not considering goals and assists). From this it appears as though big games could be on for defenders van Hecke and Dunk, while outstanding dribbler, Mitoma, is another worthwhile option.

West Ham v Tottenham: Another game where coaches may presume Tottenham to have all the options in this one, however, statistically, West Ham players should also be considered. Despite getting off to a great start (two wins, one loss) Spurs appear in the top five for CONCEDING quite a few key statistical categories. They appear in shots on target, key passes and fouls drawn, while West Ham are in shots on target and saves. While it is more than likely Spurs will win this one, West Ham are still given every chance after their shock performance against Forest. Statistically, it appears there’ll be plenty of goal scoring opportunities in this game, which makes the likes of Richarlison, Bowen, Paqueta, Mateus Fernandes and Kudus all playable. I think Simons may be a bit risky to play straight away. If West Ham do manage to have several chances on goal, but don’t come away with one it could mean a big game for Vicario in goal for Spurs.

Brentford v Chelsea: Chelsea players should be high priority for coaches this week given Brentford’s struggles to start the year. With only a single win and five goals conceded, there’s a good chance Chelsea add to their seven goals scored this season. It is likely Joao Pedro will continue to be the main man orchestrating the Chelsea attack, even if Palmer returns. There is a chance Pedro moves to play as a striker to fit Palmer back in, which is arguably a worse position for him, but it is unlikely he’ll be there the whole game given Palmer probably won’t play the full game. If Palmer doesn’t play, it could mean an opportunity for recalled striker Guiu, but that appears too risky given we won’t have the lineup before lockout. Brentford have the attacking options to trouble Chelsea, however Chelsea have kept three clean sheets in their past five games against Brentford. All of Sanchez, Cucurella, Chalobah and Adarabioyo appear to be safe picks.

Burnley v Liverpool: Another of the games for GDS coaches to target, as Liverpool should be huge favourites. Liverpool have beaten Burnley in each of their past five games. Surprisingly, Salah hasn’t scored or assisted in any of those five games, while Gakpo only has one assist. This is one trend I don’t think is likely to continue. It’s likely worth including them along with playmaker Wirtz, although the form of Szoboszlai makes me very iffy on picking either given there’s a battle for places if Bradley or Frimpong return to the starting lineup. Liverpool have only conceded once in their past five games to Burnley, which almost makes Alisson and van Dijk locks.

Man City v Man Utd: The final game of the round is the massive Manchester Derby, which hopefully is more entertaining than the last (a 0-0 draw). City are the favoured team in this one, however given they’ve only kept a clean sheet once in their last five against United it’s probably not worth trying to guess if Donnarumma or Trafford starts. Haaland has three goals in his last five against United, but two of those came back in 2023. Just like Salah, he is pretty much a must play if you have him. Bruno Fernandes’ impressive statistical performances so far appear to make him an option regardless of the fixture as he continues to rack up points outside of goals or assists.

After considering all of the above, here’s my top 10 (top 5 for goalkeepers) for every position, in no particular order, for the round. Plus a few extra uniques.

Goalkeepers:

●     Henderson

●     Pickford

●     Pope ⭐️

●     Vicario

●     Alisson

Uniques: Estella Perri and Verbruggen

Defenders:

●     Tarkowski

●     Adarabioyo

●     Burn

●     Livramento ⭐️

●     Van Dijk

●     Guehi

●     Kerkez

●     van Hecke

●     Chalobah

●     Lacroix

Uniques: Rodon and Stones

Midfielders:

●     B Fernandes

●     Stach ⭐️

●     Paqueta

●     M Fernandes

●     Wirtz

●     Mitoma

●     Kudus

●     E Fernandez

●     Eze

●     Guimaraes

Uniques: Wieffer and Garner

Forwards:

●     Haaland

●     Joao Pedro ⭐️

●     Gakpo

●     Salah

●     Gyokeres

●     Mateta

●     Richarlison

●     Iwobi

●     Bowen

●     Semenyo

Uniques: Evanilson and Minteh

…And that’s a wrap! Best of luck with round four.