FPL Tips for Gameweek 7 (2024/25 Season)

With Gameweek 7 of the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season upon us, FPL managers are facing several crucial decisions. As fixtures shift and international breaks loom, setting up the best possible team for the upcoming gameweek can be pivotal. Whether it's identifying captaincy options, scouting for differentials, or weighing the merits of playing your Wildcard, these tips can help you make the most informed decisions for your squad.

Top Captaincy Choices

1. Erling Haaland (£15.3m) – Manchester City host Fulham, a team that has struggled defensively throughout the season. Haaland may have blanked in Gameweek 6, but his home record remains outstanding, and he’s a consistent captaincy favorite. City’s dominance at home, combined with Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess, makes him an obvious choice for the armband this week.

2. Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) – Liverpool face Crystal Palace, a team that has been inconsistent defensively. Salah, who has shown glimpses of his best form this season, could easily return big points. His goal-scoring ability and involvement in almost all of Liverpool’s attacking play make him a strong alternative captain.

3. Bukayo Saka (£10.1m) – Arsenal play Southampton at home, and Saka has been one of the most consistent performers this season. As Arsenal’s primary creative outlet and penalty taker, Saka is a great captaincy pick, especially with Southampton’s shaky defense.

Key Players to Target

Phil Foden (£9.2m, 5.1% ownership) – A fantastic differential option this week, Foden has been in and out of Manchester City’s starting XI, but after his impressive Champions League performances, he’s likely to start against Fulham. His low ownership could make him a smart pick for those chasing rank.

Rico Lewis (£4.7m, 11.8% ownership) – An emerging talent in Manchester City’s backline, Lewis is a high-ceiling option given his attacking contributions and City's clean sheet potential. His low price and strong fixture against Fulham make him an excellent budget-friendly choice for managers looking to save funds.

Dominic Solanke (£7.6m) – Bournemouth’s striker is up against Brighton, a team that has conceded goals despite their strong start to the season. Solanke has been Bournemouth’s main attacking threat, and his potential to score against Brighton makes him a great differential.

Differentials and Budget-Friendly Options

Differential picks can be the key to climbing the rankings. With many FPL managers opting for popular picks like Haaland and Salah, having a few low-ownership players can give you an edge.

Cole Palmer (£5.5m) – Chelsea's new signing has emerged as a key player in Mauricio Pochettino’s system. With a favorable fixture against Nottingham Forest, Palmer has shown his potential to score and assist in previous matches. At a low price and ownership, he could be a budget gem.

Watkins (£8.0m) – Aston Villa’s forward faces Manchester United, who have been inconsistent defensively. Watkins’ strong form makes him a great mid-range forward option, especially with Villa’s attacking style under Unai Emery.

Luis Díaz (£8.0m) – Another Liverpool player worth considering, Díaz has been dangerous in the final third, contributing goals and assists regularly. With Crystal Palace struggling defensively, Díaz could capitalize, making him an excellent pick for Gameweek 7.

Wildcard Strategies for Gameweek 7

If you're considering activating your Wildcard this week, Gameweek 7 offers an opportunity to set up a balanced squad before the international break. Here are some potential strategies to consider:

Triple Premium Strategy – One of the more popular Wildcard setups involves bringing in three premium attackers like Haaland, Salah, and Saka. This strategy ensures you have reliable captaincy options each week but will require compromises in other areas, such as defense.

Balanced Midfield – A Wildcard can be a great chance to restructure your team. With fixtures favoring Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, a midfield of Salah, Saka, and Foden provides great attacking potential. This also allows room for budget defenders like Rico Lewis or budget forwards like Solanke.

Avoid Overhauling Your Team – It’s important to avoid overreacting to one or two bad gameweeks. For example, while some managers may be tempted to ditch Liverpool players, it might be worth holding onto assets like Salah until after their favorable run of fixtures ends. Similarly, Arsenal's fixtures improve dramatically after this gameweek.

Fixture Analysis for Gameweek 7 and Beyond

Assessing fixtures is crucial to planning transfers and Wildcard usage. Teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Brentford have favorable schedules, making their players attractive in the short term. Brighton’s run improves significantly around Gameweek 12, so keeping an eye on their assets could also pay off.

Here’s a quick overview of the teams with the best upcoming fixtures:

Final Thoughts

As Gameweek 7 approaches, the deadline of Saturday, October 5, at 11:00 BST will be on the minds of all FPL managers. Whether you’re planning to activate your Wildcard or simply looking to tweak your squad with a free transfer or two, focusing on players with great form, favorable fixtures, and low ownership can make a significant difference in your points haul.

Remember to stay updated on the latest team news and injuries, as well as monitor potential rotation risks for players involved in midweek European matches. Making the right decisions now can set your team up well not just for Gameweek 7, but for the crucial run of fixtures leading into the international break.

Good luck!