The 2025/26 Premier League season is already shaping up to be a thriller, with Liverpool holding a perfect record after four games, boasting 12 points and a +5 goal difference. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bournemouth are hot on their heels with 9 points each, while promoted sides Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland are still searching for their first wins.
Key Storylines for Gameweek 5
Gameweek 5 promises explosive action, headlined by the Merseyside Derby (Liverpool vs Everton), a top-of-the-table clash at the Emirates (Arsenal vs Manchester City), and a high-stakes encounter at Old Trafford (Manchester United vs Chelsea). With midweek Champions League fatigue affecting several squads, rotations and upsets could be on the cards.
- 🏆 Title Contenders Tested: Arsenal (2nd) host Manchester City (7th) in a potential six-pointer
- 🔴 Derby Drama: Liverpool aim to extend their unbeaten run against rock-bottom Everton
- ⚠️ Relegation Scraps: Promoted Burnley and Leeds face tough tests
- 📊 Managerial Pressure: Everton's Sean Dyche needs points urgently
- 🏃 European Hangover: Teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, City played midweek
- 🎮 FPL Focus: Deadline Saturday 11:00 BST
Premier League Table After Gameweek 4
Saturday's Match Predictions
🔴 Liverpool vs Everton (12:30 BST, Anfield)
The Merseyside Derby - Liverpool's attack (xG 8.2) faces Everton's vulnerable defense. Mohamed Salah (projected 6.8 FPL points) is key, with Curtis Jones fit. Everton have no major injuries but poor form.
📊 Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Everton
🎮 FPL Tip: Captain Salah
💰 Betting: Liverpool clean sheet @ 2.00
🔵 Brighton vs Tottenham (15:00 BST)
Brighton's unbeaten run (1-3-0) meets Tottenham's high-scoring style (8 GF). Solly March out long-term for Brighton; Tottenham missing Solanke, Maddison, Kulusevski.
📊 Prediction: Brighton 2-2 Tottenham
🎮 FPL Tip: Kaoru Mitoma (£6.5m) differential
💰 Betting: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.70
Sunday's Big Match: Arsenal vs Manchester City
⚡ Arsenal vs Manchester City (16:30 BST, Emirates)
The Big One: Arsenal (3-0-1) vs City (2-1-1). Arsenal missing Saka, Havertz, Odegaard doubtful; City's Marmoush, Ait-Nouri out. Tight affair – last 5 averaged 2.4 goals.
📊 Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City
🎮 FPL Tip: William Saliba (£5.5m) for clean sheet
💰 Betting: Draw @ 3.50
Latest Injury Updates for GW5
🚑 Key Players Out
- Arsenal: Bukayo Saka (thigh), Gabriel Jesus (knee), Kai Havertz (knee)
- Man City: Omar Marmoush (knee), Mateo Kovacic (Achilles)
- Tottenham: Dominic Solanke (ankle), James Maddison (knee)
- Chelsea: Levi Colwill (knee), Liam Delap (thigh)
- Aston Villa: Amadou Onana (thigh), Youri Tielemans (calf)
⚡ FPL Gameweek 5 Essential Tips
- Captain Picks: Mohamed Salah (vs EVE, 8.2 pts projected), Cole Palmer (vs MUN, 7.0 pts)
- Transfers In: Joao Pedro (£5.8m, Brighton), Chris Wood (£6.0m, Forest)
- Differentials: Andreas Pereira (£5.5m, Fulham <5% owned)
- Chip Advice: Hold Wildcard for post-GW5; use Bench Boost if depth strong
- Avoid: Injured stars like Saka, Havertz; all Everton assets
Get Expert FPL Analysis
Access detailed player stats, fixture difficulty ratings, and AI-powered captain picks
Unlock Premium Tools →GW5 Betting Tips (18+ Gamble Responsibly)
- 🎯 Liverpool -1 handicap vs Everton @ 1.90
- ⚽ BTTS in Brighton vs Tottenham @ 1.60
- 🔵 Chelsea to win & over 1.5 goals vs United @ 3.00
- 💰 Accumulator: Liverpool win, Arsenal/City draw, Bournemouth win @ 10.00
Odds from Bet365. Always gamble responsibly. 18+
Bold Predictions & Final Thoughts
Gameweek 5 could see Liverpool extend their lead to six points if they beat Everton and Arsenal-City ends in a draw. The Merseyside Derby rarely disappoints, but Everton's current form suggests a comfortable home win.
For FPL managers, this is a week to captain premium assets with favorable fixtures. Salah against the league's worst defense is as close to a guaranteed return as you'll get. Meanwhile, the Arsenal-City clash could be decided by which team handles their injury crisis better.
