Assessing FPL's Top Performers: A Five-Game Analysis
We're already five Gameweeks into the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season, and it's time to spotlight the players who've not only played every minute but also evaded that dreaded blank more than once. This kind of consistency can make or break a fantasy squad, especially in a competition that's often decided by fine margins.
Using insights from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area, we've pinpointed every player who's clocked every minute across the initial five matches without suffering more than one blank. This is more significant than it looks when you consider how essential stable performers can be to a successful fantasy team.
Highlighting Players with Zero Blanks
The consistency measurement we’re employing is straightforward: players who have been featured in all five games and scored points in every but one of those outings. Such performers bring both assurance and value to fantasy teams, especially when balancing a broader strategy of maximizing point returns.
For those looking for helpful resources, you might find these additional articles worthwhile:
- [Top Players for Goal and Chance Involvement (Gameweeks 1-5)](https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2026/09/28/fpl-gameweek-1-5-top-players-for-goal-chance-involvement)
- [Potential Rotational Risks in Upcoming Gameweeks](https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2026/09/28/where-could-rotation-in-fpl-gameweeks-6-10)
- [Latest Injury News During the International Break](https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2026/09/28/gakpo-isak-bruno-more-latest-international-break-injury-news)
Defenders Making Their Mark: Everton's Duo
Among those notable players are Everton's James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, both of whom have avoided blanks and contributed to the team’s solid defensive performance. Everton's defense has remarkably managed three clean sheets while only conceding three goals in total. However, a closer look at their expected goals conceded (xGC) of 6.9 suggests they've been a bit fortunate this season.
Here's a quick breakdown of their stats:
- **James Tarkowski (£6.1m)**:
- Starts: 5
- Points: 43
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
- Clean Sheets: 3
- Defensive Contributions Points: 6
- Bonus Points: 7
- **Jarrad Branthwaite (£5.5m)**:
- Starts: 5
- Points: 27
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 0
- Clean Sheets: 3
- Defensive Contributions Points: 6
- Bonus Points: 0
Despite sharing a similar number of clean sheets, Tarkowski leads significantly in points largely due to his goal and assist tally. Branthwaite, while not as prolific in terms of point-scoring, has been remarkably steady with consistent returns that also include no blanks even in the absence of clean sheets. Both are set to face a mixed slate of fixtures ahead, though two favorable matchups should provide them opportunities to build on their tallies.
Gvardiol’s Unwavering Consistency
Interestingly, Joško Gvardiol from Manchester City rounds out the players who’ve managed to avoid blank games. Despite City’s struggles with defensive solidity—having only two clean sheets thus far—Gvardiol's attacking output has made him a valuable asset. His contributions include one goal, three assists, and six bonus points, totaling 37 points, which speaks to his dual threat.
Gvardiol excels, though, not due to robust defensive stats; he’s yet to meet the DefCon point threshold in any match. Instead, City’s defensive vulnerabilities shine through, as they've conceded five goals and have an xGC of 7.25. However, a glance at the upcoming matches reveals a few promising fixtures. After a challenging visit to Liverpool, they host Ipswich Town and face Aston Villa, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest—all opportunities for Gvardiol to add to both his offensive and potential defensive returns.
Additional Defensive Standout: Tarik Muharemović
Let’s not overlook Tarik Muharemović of Leeds United, who has also started all five games without a blank. His points totalling 27 come from reliable defensive contributions and a steady trickle of points across his matches. Muharemović has proven an efficient point collector with two clean sheets to his name and an assist earned against Newcastle.
His stats speak to a player who not only clears defensive duties—logging an impressive 58 contributions—but is also involved in the attacking play with an xG of 0.5. Nonetheless, looking ahead does introduce some uncertainty as Leeds face a challenging slate of fixtures, which could compromise the steady production they've enjoyed thus far.
By understanding these nuances—player contributions, the context of their performances, and upcoming matches—you can make strategic decisions that could influence your Fantasy Football success this season.LOOKING AHEAD: ATTACKING DEFENDERS STEALING THE SHOW
As we round out this analysis, it's clear that defenders are becoming critical assets in fantasy football. Anan Khalaili's performance underscores a broader trend where defensive players contribute significant attacking potential. While many might focus primarily on strikers or midfielders for points, Khalaili has demonstrated that defenders can deliver value that rivals traditional attacking positions.
Right now, he's not just on the radar for his clean sheets—he's actively engaging in goal-scoring opportunities. His stats illustrate this: with 0.96 expected goals (xG) and 0.32 expected assists (xA), his total expected goal involvement (xGI) of 1.28 positions him among the top defenders. However, his team's struggles to maintain clean sheets, with Crystal Palace conceding 11 goals and managing just one shutout, temper enthusiasm around his potential long-term consistency.
From a strategic perspective, if you're navigating tight budgets or seeking value, investing in wing-backs like Khalaili could yield dividends. The narrative here shifts from merely looking at a defender's ability to shut out the opposition to also considering their offensive capabilities.
Of note is the surrounding competition. Players like Maxim De Cuyper have emerged as solid alternatives, proving that a well-rounded approach to defending can be lucrative. As fantasy managers, we must adapt to a shifting focus in player valuation. It’s not just about who keeps the most clean sheets anymore; instead, it’s about who can mitigate a lack of defensive solidity through their offensive contributions.
Moving forward, keep your eye on these burgeoning offensive defenders. Their rising profiles not only change how we construct our fantasy squads but also reflect a significant shift in football tactics where the full-back’s role blends defensive duties with aggressive play. Thus, it’s no longer just about securing points through preventing goals; it’s about making sure those defenders can score as well. If you can balance your lineup to reflect this trend, you might find the path to success paved with high-scoring defenders.