As Gameweek 5 approaches, Fantasy WSL managers have some exciting options to consider. With key matchups on the horizon, let’s dive into the best picks for your team this week.

Goalkeeper: Rachael Laws (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s Rachael Laws is a must-have for GW5 as she faces Crystal Palace, a team that has failed to score in three out of four matches so far. Although there was a brief scare when she went down in GW4, with no other fit goalkeepers available, Laws will likely be between the posts—even if she’s not 100%. This defensive fixture is one of the best to target, and with the possibility of bonus points on top of a clean sheet, Laws could deliver a strong performance.

Defenders:

Millie Bright (Chelsea) Chelsea’s captain is a reliable pick with her secure place in the backline and an impressive ability to pick up bonus points, having done so in two of the first three games this season. Playing against Spurs at home, Bright could easily replicate last season’s 7-pointer in a similar fixture. A clean sheet and bonus points are well within reach.

Katie McCabe (Arsenal) McCabe has been Arsenal’s top scorer in Fantasy WSL, and her stellar form makes her an ideal pick against a winless West Ham side. With bonus points in three games already, plus her attacking threat from set pieces, McCabe offers multiple paths to points. Early substitutions in some matches mean she could even lock in clean sheet points before the final whistle.

Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City) Manchester City’s strong defence has kept five clean sheets in all competitions, and Aleixandri has emerged as a top choice in their backline. With Aston Villa still adapting under new management and failing to score twice in their last four games, Aleixandri is likely to add to her impressive Fantasy haul as the second top-scoring defender in the game.

Sophie Howard (Leicester City) Leicester’s Howard was instrumental in their clean sheet last week against Aston Villa, earning her bonus points. With Everton struggling for goals, this fixture presents another good opportunity for defensive returns. Howard remains a solid pick, especially given the uncertainty in Leicester’s defence due to other rotations.

Midfielders:

Marie Höbinger (Liverpool) Höbinger stands out as the top midfielder for GW5. Playing against a Crystal Palace side that has conceded 12 goals this season, she could deliver a double-digit return with her set pieces, penalty duties, and potential for bonus points. This fixture, paired with Höbinger’s form, makes her the ideal pick this week.

Grace Clinton (Brighton) Clinton was unlucky not to register a return in GW4, with a shot tipped over and a would-be assist denied by the post. Despite a tough game week for midfielders, Clinton’s ability to score, assist, and rack up bonus points makes her a strong option to bounce back in GW5.

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea) Chelsea’s matchup against Spurs offers great potential for attacking returns, and Rytting Kaneryd is a player to watch. With her ability to secure goals, assists, and bonus points, she’s a solid option to capitalize on Spurs’ leaky defence, which has conceded eight goals in three games.

Forwards:

Khadija Shaw (Manchester City) Shaw is a no-brainer captaincy pick this week, with three goals and top bonus points twice this season. A home game against Aston Villa, who have struggled defensively, makes her a standout option. Expect a big haul from Shaw in GW5.

Mary Fowler (Manchester City) Fowler has started three consecutive games and offers significant upside with her goal involvement and excellent bonus point potential. Currently only owned by 2% of Fantasy managers, she presents a great differential opportunity. This could be the week to capitalize on Fowler’s potential, as she’s likely to deliver a strong performance.

Lauren James (Chelsea) While James has had a quieter start to the season with 13 points in three games, she remains Chelsea’s top forward to cover this favourable fixture against Spurs. With three attacking returns in her last three appearances, James offers a safe floor and the potential for a big return. Now valued lower and owned by just 10%, she’s a great buy for GW5.

With these picks, your Fantasy WSL team should be well-prepared to maximize points in Gameweek 5.