Gameweek 6 Prep: Tarkowski & Groß Are Essential, Plus The João Pedro Decision You Can't Ignore

Welcome back, FPL managers. Gameweek 5 is in the books, the international break is upon us, and you've got until the 10th of October to nail your Gameweek 6 transfers. This edition breaks down everything you need to know - the standout performers, the must-have picks, the players to shift, and the differentials quietly racking up points. Let's get into it.

The big one first. João Pedro is doubtful for Gameweek 6 with a knee injury. There's a 75% chance of playing according to the latest update, but with 329,000 transfers out already this week, managers aren't waiting around. Chelsea face Bournemouth at home in GW6 - a decent fixture on paper - but the injury risk is very real. More on this in the transfers out section below.

Tarkowski is absolutely on fire right now and if you don't own him, that needs to change this international break. Fourteen points in Gameweek 5 alone - an assist, a clean sheet, and maximum bonus points. He's averaging 8.6 points per game this season and has kept three clean sheets already from five appearances, accumulating 43 total points.

Everton face Hull City away in Gameweek 6, which looks very winnable. With nearly 175,000 transfers in this week, the rest of the FPL world has noticed - but at 15.9% ownership there's still time to get ahead of the curve before he becomes truly template.

Verdict: ESSENTIAL. He should be in your squad.

Already climbing in ownership but 14 points in Gameweek 5 tells you everything you need to know. A goal, an assist, a clean sheet, and maximum bonus. Three goals and four assists already this season - 47 total points - makes him one of the highest-scoring midfielders in the game right now.

Brighton face Sunderland away in Gameweek 6. Brighton are in devastating form and at £5.8m, Groß is extraordinary value. Over 680,000 transfers in this week alone - that number speaks for itself.

Verdict: ESSENTIAL. He is also our captaincy pick for GW6 (see below).

Nine points in Gameweek 5 with two assists and a clean sheet against Chelsea. Three goals and two assists already this season - 39 total points - averaging 7.8 points per game. Brentford visit Aston Villa in Gameweek 6, which is a very playable fixture, and looking ahead to GW7 they host Liverpool. Over 324,000 transfers in this week, and the form is very real.

Verdict: GOOD. A strong pick if you have the funds after securing Tarkowski and Groß.

Zero points in Gameweek 5 due to that knee injury. A 75% chance of playing for Gameweek 6 is simply not good enough at this price point when reliable alternatives are everywhere right now. His expected points for GW6 drop to just 4.9. Chelsea face Bournemouth at home so the fixture is acceptable, but do you really want to gamble on a 65.8%-owned player being 75% fit?

Nearly 330,000 managers have already sold. The funds freed up go a long way toward Tarkowski or Groß.

Verdict: SELL - especially if you need the funds for GW6 essentials.

Just two points in Gameweek 5 as Arsenal were battered 3-0 by Brighton. Zero goals, zero assists, and no clean sheet contribution. He has three goals this season but is averaging just 5.8 form right now, and at £9.5m he needs to consistently deliver. Arsenal face Leeds at home in GW6 which could spark a response, but there are far better value options right now. Nearly 37,000 transfers out already.

Verdict: HOLD if you have him, but do not prioritise bringing him in right now.

Just two points in Gameweek 5. No clean sheets all season from five appearances, conceding 11 goals already. Ipswich face Fulham at home in GW6. While the attacking returns have been there (two goals and two assists), the defensive numbers are a serious concern. At £4.0m you need clean sheet potential to justify the pick. Nearly 20,000 transfers out.

Verdict: SELL and upgrade to a more reliable defensive option.

Looking to gain ground on your mini-league rivals? These under-the-radar picks could be your edge this week.

Eight points in Gameweek 5 with a clean sheet and two bonus points. Two clean sheets already this season, averaging seven points per game. Everton face Hull City away in GW6. At £4.5m he is the cheapest possible route into this in-form Everton backline - and with only 1.3% ownership, he's a genuine differential. Fifteen thousand transfers in already from those in the know.

Eight points in Gameweek 5. Three clean sheets in five games this season - a brilliant defensive return. Brighton face Sunderland away in GW6. At £5.0m with a 6.5 expected points projection, he is a low-cost, high-ceiling differential from the league's form defence. Over 43,000 transfers in this week.

If you want to explore more defensive stats and clean sheet potential across the board, our defensive contributions tool has you covered.

Ten points in Gameweek 5 - a goal, an assist, a clean sheet, and two bonus points. Two goals and three assists already this season from a forward position. Brighton face Sunderland away in GW6 and this kid is clearly loving life right now. Over 255,000 transfers in this week, so act fast before that ownership climbs significantly.

Double-digit points in back-to-back gameweeks. Brighton are the most in-form attacking team in the league right now. Groß faces Sunderland away and at £5.8m he is an absolute must-own. The armband this weekend is his to lose. If you want the full picture on who else might be worth considering, check the expected points projections before making your final call.

Don't panic transfer. Tarkowski, Groß, and Kostoulas are your priority targets. João Pedro is the main sell candidate. But crucially - plan ahead for Gameweek 7 and 8 as well. Brighton have Liverpool and Arsenal upcoming, so don't blindly assume the clean sheets will last forever. Use this break to build a squad with depth and fixture coverage, not just GW6 fixes.

Want to see which players are surging in price as managers pile in this week? Keep an eye on the live price change tracker to make sure you're not paying a premium after the rise.

That's your Gameweek 6 prep done. Good luck with your transfers - make them count. We'll see you tomorrow at whogotthepoints.com.