FPL gameweek six: Hold Joao Pedro and weigh a Haaland captaincy, says Pras
October 9, 2026 08:20
BBC Sport's Fantasy Premier League expert Pras has outlined key decisions for managers ahead of gameweek six, covering Joao Pedro, the captaincy choice and a string of potential bargain picks.
JOAO PEDRO: HOLD AND BENCH
Pras notes Pedro was the most sold player during the recent international break but remains in about 65% of FPL squads. From a points-per-million standpoint he still ranks highly. His recommendation: hold Pedro and use him on the bench unless Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso rules him out completely. Pras warns that if Pedro is unavailable the Chelsea attack can suffer, as seen in gameweek five against Brentford.
CAPTAINCY DILEMMA
Pras highlights a tricky round for captain choices. Options flagged are Erling Haaland (away at Liverpool), Cole Palmer (home to Bournemouth), Bukayo Saka (home to Leeds, Saturday lunchtime) and Bruno Fernandes (home to Spurs). He says Fernandes has the best fixture and greatest chance of a big score but is owned by relatively few managers. Overall Pras is leaning toward the safer option of sticking with Haaland, while Saka or Palmer are viable differential captain choices for those wanting to be different. Concerns noted: a possible injury to Kai Havertz could affect Saka’s attacking output, and Palmer’s appeal is tied to Joao Pedro’s fitness.
DEFENSIVE TARGETS: EZRI KONSA AND ALTERNATIVES
On defenders, Pras advises it is too late to buy Ezri Konsa as a new transfer this week. Konsa has a slight niggle from the England camp; Cristhian Mosquera is fit and William Saliba is “on the mend” with an unclear return timescale. Pras says he would not sell Konsa if he already owns him because he still represents excellent value, but adds that on a wildcard or with a free transfer there are better options in the £5m bracket.
VALUE ATTACKERS TO CONSIDER
Fulham face the three promoted sides in their next three matches. Pras singles out Gonzalo Garcia (£6.0m) as an attractive option — he may take penalties and his underlying numbers are stronger than his FPL returns suggest. Josh King is another candidate: Pras highlights a 0.44 xGI and consistent minutes, with three 90-minute appearances in Fulham’s first five games.
BRIGHTON MIDFIELDER NOTE
Pras also points to a Brighton midfielder who remains under £6.0m, plays 90 minutes regularly and has accrued 47 points — making him the most-transferred player this week. Ownership for that player is about 30%. Upcoming fixtures include Sunderland away followed by Crystal Palace at home.