Pro Pundits

FPL Gameweek 13 player comparison: Saka or Martinelli?

Throughout the 2022/23 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season, our stellar team of Pro Pundits, Hall of Famers and guest contributors will be sharing their thoughts and own transfer plans.

Only Premium Members are able to read every single one of these pieces, so sign up today to get full access not just to the editorial content but all of the other benefits, from hundreds of Opta stats to a transfer planner.

Here, seven-time top 10k finisher Zophar compares the FPL appeal of two Arsenal midfielders and reveals his team plans for Gameweek 13.


It’s the last Gameweek of a hectic period, following a fairly low-scoring midweek where the two most prolific sides didn’t play. With only four Gameweeks left until the unlimited transfers of a World Cup break, surely the priority for FPL managers is to now get as many players from Manchester City and Arsenal as possible.

READ MORE: FPL Gameweek 13 team news: Live updates

Gabriel Martinelli vs Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka (£7.9m) has outscored Gabriel Martinelli (£6.9m) over the last four rounds, after a slow start to the season. As pointed out by my friend @UnderstandingF8, a lot of this has to do with Ben White (£4.5m) growing into his right-back role, allowing Saka to take up more central positions while Martinelli has to stay wider due to currently having Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.2m) on his side rather than Kieran Tierney (£4.8m) or Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.0m).

Let’s have a look at the underlying numbers.

Above: Gameweeks 1-7, Saka left + Martinelli right

Over the first seven Gameweeks, Saka (above left) and Martinelli (above right) posted similar numbers, with 1.65 and 1.64 non-penalty expected goals (NPxG) tallies. The expected assists (xA) numbers were fairly similar too – 1.05 vs 1.24, slightly in Martinelli’s favour.

We discussed Arsenal, Man City, Darwin Nunez (£8.8m) and Wildcard picks in this week’s shorter episode of The FPL Wire. Check it out here.

See you next week!

VIDEO LATEST

Haaland Foden


625 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Davew88
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Jesus or Toney?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Jes

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Jesus

    3. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I have Toney, sticking with on WC
      Had Jesus till last week when I swapped with Nunez whom I transferred out for Mitrovic now
      Both Toney and Jesus are on 4 YC I think

    4. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Toney probably because Saka, Martinelli & Gabriel/Salina probably the better triple up

  2. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Play
    A) guehi (eve)
    B) cucurella (MUN)

    1. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      A

    2. Don Rogers FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Same dilemma- Currently on A

  3. Manani
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Who to score more till WC?

    Creswell or Samacca

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Trick question - it's Scamacca & X or Cresswell & Y surely? If X and Y are always benched then it's Scamacca

      1. Manani
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Thanks. Samacca is pretty much nailed right?

        1. Biggsy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          Hope so as I've got him 🙂

          Antonio seems to start in Europe so far

  4. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    A. Trossard to Saka (bench Mount/Andreas)
    B. Mount to Saka (bench Trossard)
    C. Scamacca to Darwin/Firmino (bench Trossard)
    D. B+C (-4)

    C likely means a hit next week to shift on both Mount and Trossard.

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      B if Saka is for

    2. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      *fit

  5. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    No idea why people talk of the BB chip like its root canal work or a trip to the in-laws. Played in a DGW with the right nailed on personnel can make you massive gains.

    1. Don Rogers FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      'Right, nailed-on personnel ' is the tricky bit but tend to agree that it is not a chip to be tossed away lightly.

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      It’s more about the fact that people compromise their team to work towards a bench boost

      1. Don Rogers FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        I agree, i have got that very wrong in some previous seasons and wasted points over consecutive weeks building up to the big BB, only for it to disappoint. However, I think immediately following a wild-card it is a great chip.

      2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Yeah I get that part but to me you can still get a cheap 2nd keeper in place if needed after the second WC, and also a solid cheap defender (probably a CH). Then its the two other spots that need a little planning around the time. You can take a hit and get 2 games out of these people too.

        Honestly think that the way the game has become so samey that the BB (along with using FH wisely) will be the chips that can really set teams apart now. TC will surely go on Haaland once his double is sorted out for most.

  6. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Lost on last

    Rate my WC please guys

    Guita / ward
    Cancelo, white, trippier
    Salah, foden, Eze, martinelli
    Haaland, firmino, Jesus

    Dalot, Williams, Andreas

    Have £1.6 itb and I’m not sure if I need to use it?

    Maybe dalot to Doherty..

    1. Saka Rice
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I'd have Saka and Mitro instead of Jesus and Eze. Also Firmino is a rotation risk

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Same here

      2. FISSH
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Thanks

  7. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    If Darwin is out (not on the bench, either), would you do Targett > Ake (-4).

    Ake seems nailed in the Prem, but then again isn’t Gomez banned for UCL so Ake might play. Not sure Gomez is prem standard, though.

  8. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Should i Risk Darwin? 0.5 itb - WC Active

    Raya
    Zouma Taa Cancelo
    Zaha Foden Saka Martinelli
    Toney Darwin Haaland (c)

    Ward Trippier Andreas Bueno

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I think Andreas is a nice first sub (move him ahead of Trippier) to be able to risk it on a WC

    2. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I would with that bench

      1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Could do Firmino for this week if i see team news before kick off then switch back, dont like my squad when salah is in

  9. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Should I still put Saka on my WC team even though he's flagged?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Yes

    2. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I have

    3. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      It's not really that risky imo, but could go Martinelli if you wanna be super safe.

  10. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    G2G? Hows the beching options?

    Pope
    Cancelo Trippier Gabriel
    Salah Bowen Martinelli Andreas
    Haaland Kane Mitrovic

    Ward Almiron Neco Emerson

    Who to play?

    A) Almiron
    B) Andreas

    1) Pope
    2) Ward

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      G2G except for playing 2 over 1

  11. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Salah Darwin or Firmino?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Salah yet to prove he is worth it for me. I think Darwin could be a good pick if he can keep his fitness up

    2. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I'm keeping Salah

  12. G Banger
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Bench one of the following:

    a) Tripper
    b) Guehi
    c) Almiron

  13. Cheeky Onion
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    What the deal with Saka's knock? Recon he's starting this weekend?

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Yes

    2. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Kick, with the toe, to the back of the calf last night. Stayed on the pitch for quite a while after it happened. Surprised he was flagged to be honest.

    3. Dion D's Solo Shower
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Yeah, surely. He gets kicks like that one almost every game, but he'll be fine

  14. Podorsky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Any Liverpool training pictures?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Yeah, Salah seen marauding the touchline.

  15. gooner_112233445566
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    now till world cup

    a) botman, salah, eze
    b) trip, saka, zaha

    got trent, white, martinelli and darwin already

    newcatske defender will alternate with white. which is why im not so sure about having trip...

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      A due to Salah
      Will get Saka, by downgrading Nunez
      If on WC

  16. jcr1997
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    West ham fans - Emerson likely to start vs b'mouth?

    Wolves fans - Jonny likely to start?

    1. Angelic upstart
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Moyes is like Pep at the moment

  17. Tesejas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Am I good to go? On a WC.
    Raya
    Gabriel,Cancelo,Trippier
    Salah,Foden,Saka,Martineli,Zaha
    Haaland,Mitrovic

    Bench: Ward, N.Williams, Patterson, Greenwood

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      g2g

    2. FCRS1991
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Bench is weak

    3. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      looks good. Bench is fine, WC soon (in response to above comment)

  18. Angelic upstart
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Who do I put in my team this week - Guehi, Castagne or Neco?

    I'm leaning towards Castagne due to slightly more goal threat and he doesn't get booked as often.

  19. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    G2G with my WC team or any changes you would do? Maybe zaha instead of saka for this GW?

    Kepa Ward
    Guehi Trippier Neco White Cancelo
    saka salah martinelli Andreas foden
    Mitro haaland toney

  20. boc610
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    city and pep yet to condemn the chants from city "fans". pathetic. especially when you know they got rattled by klopp telling a few home truths and this is why they are staying quiet.

  21. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Pick one from each
    1- Ward WOL (A)
    2- Guaita EVE (A)

    A- Justin WOl (A)
    B- Guéhi EVE (A)

  22. FCRS1991
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    GTG?

    Ward
    Cancelo Perisic Cucurella
    Foden Martinelli Zaha Barnes
    Haaland Kane Mitrovic

    Pope Trippier Andreas Neco

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      trippier instead of perisic

      1. FCRS1991
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        After spurs loss to UTD?
        If they dont win they will at least score at home

    2. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      looks good! would be tempted on Barnes to Saka if funds allow?

      1. FCRS1991
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Have the funds, but I would have to take a hit

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I don't think Cucurella starts vs. Man United, but may well get subbed on later.

      Koulibaly & Chilwell as LCB/LWB (or LB).

      1. FCRS1991
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        That's my fear too. Him and Perisic.
        If they dont play I'm left with Trippier at Spurs and Neco vs Pool.

        Would it be worth a hit to bring a replacement at this point?

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          Same question I'm asking myself

  23. Malkmus
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    So..

    A - Mount, or
    B - Toney?

    Ta

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      B

    2. One More Hit
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Any other options? I'd go for Toney based on fixtures but what are you moving out to facilitate?

    3. FCRS1991
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Toney for sure....Mount is too inconsistent

      1. Malkmus
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Ah ok, actually it should be:

        A - Mount
        B - Zaha

        1 - Toney
        2 - Darwin

        Ta

  24. antis0cial
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Nunez now worth it on a WC or just go with Toney (+ Haaland/Mitro)?

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      thought the same and ended up going with salah and mitro toney haaland.. think pool still a bit shaky

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        For me that's a reason to go Darwin instead of Salah - he's an easy downgrade to Toney or Mitro if Liverpool stutter. If they don't, he's probably returning

      2. antis0cial
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Yeah I have Salah, thought Nunez would be worth the punt for nfo LEE, but not so much when he's flagged and potentially missing Forest game

      3. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        This

        1. tibollom
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          that

          1. Zogzeg
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 6 months ago

            t’other

    2. FCRS1991
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Toney against Villa....easy choice

  25. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Worried about Doherty not starting this week.
    Would you take a hit for Neco to Cresswell and play him (benching Doherty)?

    Thanks

    Pope
    Cancello Trippier Doherty
    Salah Zaha Foden Martinelli
    Toney Mitro Haaland
    Ward Andreas Neco Dunk

    1. FantasyTony
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Cresswell has been terrible every time I saw him this season.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        He’s acc been quite good

    2. FCRS1991
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Maybe, but not for a hit

    3. Mirror Man
        1 year, 6 months ago

        The cure for Doherty is not Cresswell.

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      My heart says start With Guaita but the mind says Ward. What do you say?

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        I have no brain, Guita

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          Lucky you

        2. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          Lol

      2. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Same dilemma. Might just end up going with Guaita.

      3. Mirror Man
          1 year, 6 months ago

          Waiting for letstalkfplreview.com to tell me what the most template move possible is. Can't decide on this hugely complicated decision for myself, unfortunately. I'll post the final result on my Patreon. You can have the link to that if you like. $3 a month. Buttons really.

          1. Mirror Man
              1 year, 6 months ago

              Also, smash that like button. Thanks.

        • DRIZ ✅
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          Darwin not seen in training pics?

          1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
            • 4 Years
            1 year, 6 months ago

            He was the player on the poster for the game

            1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
              • 4 Years
              1 year, 6 months ago

              if that means anything lol

          2. Philosopher's Stones
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 6 months ago

            Heard he's out there preaching his theory of evolution

        • One More Hit
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          On a W/C, thanks for advice previously. Trying to weigh up which striker is the better option, I know Firmino may get a rest over the next two matches but the 8m price point means almost any other move is possible.

          A) White, Firmino, Andreas

          B) Gabriel, Mitrovic, Almiron

          1. Biggsy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 6 months ago

            I like B but keep Andreas over Almiron - assume he's benched most weeks so suspect the funds will come in handy

          2. King of Kings.
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 6 months ago

            Definitely B

          3. Mozumbus
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 6 months ago

            A with Mitrovic

          4. One More Hit
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 6 months ago

            Thanks both

        • jcr1997
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          Start Pope & Trippier? Or benchTrippier for Jonny/Emerson?

        • tibollom
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          Zaha or Saka on a WC? currently on saka but thinking zaha against everton could be good

          Kepa Ward
          Guehi Trippier Neco White Cancelo
          saka salah martinelli Andreas foden
          Mitro haaland toney