Fantasy Premier League (FPL) expert Gianni Buttice has provided key insights for managers ahead of Gameweek Seven. Buttice suggests that Brighton's Maxim de Cuyper (£5.1m) and Pascal Gross are nearing 'must-have' status, though their upcoming fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City away may not present the ideal entry point. De Cuyper is prioritised over Gross if a choice must be made.
For Manchester United players, Bruno Fernandes (£11.9m) is identified as an 'easy sell' given his five blanks in six games. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka (£9.6m) and Chelsea's Cole Palmer (£9.7m) are suggested as replacements. While United defenders should be moved on, Bryan Mbeumo (£7.9m) is considered a hold, ranking 10th among midfielders with 33 points.
Chelsea's attack is highlighted as potent, with manager Xabi Alonso at the helm and no European commitments. Striker Joao Pedro (£7.8m) is deemed a 'must-have'. Managers are advised to consider multiple Chelsea attackers, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers (£7.9m) offering strong options, depending on budget and penalty contributions.
Regarding the Triple Captain chip, a double gameweek before Gameweek 19, when chips reset, appears unlikely. Erling Haaland has three strong home fixtures before the end of the year: Ipswich this weekend, Fulham in Gameweek 11, and Hull in Gameweek 16. Ipswich, who do not typically sit deep away from home, are noted as a potential target.
For long-term 'set-and-forget' defenders, De Cuyper is a standout. Covering the Arsenal defence, with Riccardo Calafiori (£5.9m) as a strong option, is also recommended. Other reliable defensive contribution (defcon) performers include Leeds' Tarik Muharemovic (£5m), Brighton's Luka Vuskovic (£5.1m), Bournemouth's Antonio Silva (£5m), and Everton's James Tarkowski (£6.2m).