Must-Have Players for a GW4 Wildcard

Our xVAPM model assesses the best player picks for a GW4 wildcard based on GW1-3

To uncover the best value players for GW4, we charted the players’ 25/26 season expected points against their 25/26 prices based on data from GW1-3.

How to read this chart: In this chart, the top left are strong value budget picks, and the top right are the premium picks that are worth it. This analysis assumes players play the entire 90 minutes per game. For each price point, you want to pick nailed starters who are higher in the upper zone of the chart and are likely to play close to 90 minutes per game, e.g., Haaland, Fernandes

From this analysis, we can infer who the best player picks are for a GW4 wildcard.

1. Erling Haaland (£14.1m) - Better premium pick than Salah?

• xPoints/90: 7.8

• xVAPM/90: 0.41

Erling Haaland is the top player for expected points based on his GW1-3 data. With an xG/90 of 1.38, Haaland looks to be getting on the end of high-quality goalscoring opportunities at a much higher rate than Mohamed Salah’s xG/90 of 0.10. Haaland looks to be the best premium asset and perma-captain choice for a GW4 wildcard. We think that every manager should be thinking about how to fit him in if he is not already in their teams.

2. Antoine Semenyo (£7.3m) - Essential midfield pick

• xPoints/90: 5.69

• xVAPM/90: 0.51

Semenyo looks to have taken his game up to the next level this season. Producing an xG/90 of 0.60, he is clearly the focal point of a solid Bournemouth setup. He passes the eye test and is a joy to watch in Iraola’s well-organised and dynamic side. We expect Bournemouth to do decently in the league this season, and Semenyo should be a key benefactor of this. Everyone should have Semenyo in their teams.

3. Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) - Great premium midfielder choice

• xPoints/90: 6.61

• xVAPM/90: 0.51

We had previously thought the Fernandes’ FPL prospects would be hurt by his deeper role in central midfield for United. GW1-3 data shows that we might have been very wrong. Fernandes has been posting elite attacking numbers, producing a solid xG/90 of 0.63 and xA/90. While his npxG/90 is much less flattering at 0.11 and shows signs that his xG/90 might regress downwards, his role as United’s undisputed penalty taker and near-guaranteed 90-minute cameos are likely to see his xG/90 settle somewhere in between. His case is helped by the fact that he has also been averaging more than 13 Defensive Contributions per 90 minutes, clearing the Defensive Contributions threshold in 2 of the 3 games he has played. If you are looking for a non-Salah premium midfielder, we think you could do much worse than Bruno.

4. Trevoh Chalobah (£5.0m) - Solid defender pick with decent goal threat

• xPoints/90: 6.61

• xVAPM/90: 0.51

Chalobah is looking to be an all-rounder defender pick for FPL 25/26. Playing in a solid Chelsea defence, averaging more than 9 Defensive Contributions per 90, and racking up a decent goal threat with an xG/90 of 0.19. If he continues on this trajectory, he will likely end the season as one of the highest-scoring defenders. Chalobah seems to be a pretty nailed player in Chelsea’s backline, bringing experience and stability to the setup. At 5.0m, Chalobah has to be one of the best value defenders for the 25/26 season.

Choose the Best Players for GW4: Complete Data for ALL Players in FPL 25/26

To help you select the best players for GW4, see below for the complete dataset for all FPL players across forwards, midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers, including a detailed breakdown of per 90 stats for xPoints, xVAPM, xG, xA, xCleanSheets, and Defensive Contributions: