Fantasy Premier League 2026/27: Five players who will explode over the next three gameweeks
With the international break coming to an end, Fantasy Premier League managers have an opportunity to reassess their squads ahead of Gameweek 6. Looking beyond the next round of fixtures, these five players stand out for their underlying numbers, favourable match-ups and potential to deliver over the next three Gameweeks.
Bukayo Saka Price: 9.6m Ownership: 14.4% Position: Midfielder Opponent: LEE (H), NFO (A), EVE (H) If you're spending heavily in midfield, Saka makes more sense than chasing last week's points. He has already scored three times, but the more persuasive stat is his six big chances - more than any other FPL midfielder - alongside 12 attempts inside the box.
Martin Ødegaard's return has freed him to attack the area rather than carry the entire creative burden. Leeds won't be pushovers: they have conceded only three league goals and have protected their left flank well.
Still, Arsenal host Leeds before a trip to Nottingham Forest and a home meeting with Everton. Saka's potential penalty duties and share of Arsenal's best chances put him firmly in the conversation.
Kevin Schade Price: 6.2m Ownership: 12.4% Position: Midfielder Opponent: AVL (A), LIV (H), HUL (A) Villa have had a rough time defending their right flank, and that is exactly where Brentford will want to release Schade. The German has three goals and two assists from five appearances, with 12 shots inside the area - not the profile of a winger living off one fortunate finish.
Brentford's attacking numbers are strong and their willingness to play quickly suits his running power. Villa have also conceded the third most big chances in the division.
The slight concern is that Schade has scored three from 1.52 xG, so finishing at this rate may not last. Liverpool in GW7 is awkward, but Hull follows in GW8.
Ricardo Calafiori Price: 5.9m Ownership: 50.6% Position: Defender Opponent: LEE (H), NFO (A), EVE (H) Arsenal's defence remains one of the safest places to invest, but Calafiori brings something that a standard clean sheet pick doesn't. He has two assists already, and Leeds' defensive numbers give his forward runs a particularly interesting target: they have allowed 20 chances down their right, compared with 13 down the left.
Leeds have also faced 29 efforts from set pieces and 17 headers, the most obvious crack in an otherwise stubborn backline. Calafiori has three clean sheets in five games, and Arsenal face Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Everton next.