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.

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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. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Play Trippier Andersen or Castagne (got ward in net) this week?!

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

      Andersen, for me.
      Everton are poor going forward and can easily concede from a corner

    2. mattyb09
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Trippier

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

    WC13
    A. Kepa
    B. Pickford

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

      As a Pickford owner I’d go Kepa.

      But I got rid of Ward just as he started to go on his run of CS’s, so maybe the key is for me to have faith in Pickford, whose fixtures are turning for the better now.

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

        Thanks
        Got Ward whom I'm keeping
        Pickford I like because of fixtures, Iversen is out

  3. FPL_trail_runner
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Bench boost may actually be an open this week

    Newcastle could hold spurs away

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

    Worth taking a hit to do Firmino > Nunez

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

      No

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

      why?

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

        I’m edgy

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

          dont do it! Nunez could not play apprently

    3. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Do you mean the other way around?

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Read the tweets- Darwin a doubt and to be assessed

  5. meule
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Who got the best chance to start between these

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

      hmmm tough one

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

      I’d say probably

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      B

    4. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      A

    5. meule
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Lol half of my question disappeared.
      Between these 3.9/4.0 defender :
      Bueno, Toti and Zanka ?

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

        bueno

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

        like some cartoon characters

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

      None of the above

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

        great input!

  6. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    On WC whom to drop?
    1. Zaha
    2. Bowen
    3. Martinelli

    Have Saka

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

      bowen

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      1

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

      Biwen

  7. mattyb09
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Start 2:

    a) Guehi @ EVE
    b) Andreas @ LEE
    c) Gordon v CRY
    d) Dier v NEW
    e) Emerson v BOU

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

      ab

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

      ce

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

      BDACE would be my order of preference

  8. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Please bench one:

    a) Tripp
    b) Saliba
    c) Andreas

  9. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    So latest news from Klopp suggests bringing in Darwin will be risky.

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

      Yes

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

    Darwin or Jesus is gonna go down to the wire. I'm probably gonna wait until Saturday morning hoping for team news.

    Eaten the Foden price rise now so I might as well wait until the end.

    Anyone else made a decision either way? Who you going for?

    1. FPL_trail_runner
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I think Darwin will score alot more

      Soton is tough

      Forest and Leeds are perfect games

      I reckon he will start, however the extra cash from Jesus is useful

    2. Shteve
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Neither on a WC

    3. The Iceman
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I have Darwin but now he’s been flagged I’m considering moving him to Haaland instead of Solanke…

    4. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I did Trossard to Foden this morning. Waiting for Saka news otherwise getting in Martinelli

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

      I think Scamacca and Mount to Darwin and Saka but given it's a hit and risk around Darwin, may just chicken out and do Saka.
      Don't fancy Jesus as think a defender + Martinelli & Saka is the way to go with Arsenal

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

        No way I sell Scamacca now if I had him.

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

      Pep roulette can bench Foden

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

        This is very true.

      2. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        I really, really doubt it considering they lost the last game.

        Pep's unpredictability is vastly overstated.

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

      WC13
      Ditched Nunez already after having him for one week for Jesus
      Brought in Mitrovic
      Did Maddison and Zaha to Foden and Saka

    8. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I sold Maddison for Foden yesterday and Trossard to Martinelli will most likely be my next transfer.

    9. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Out of curiosity why isn’t Firmino in the running?

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

        Because he's played 3 games in a week already and he's never really been a consistent FPL asset.

  11. suddenorgan
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    nobody on WC like Bowen? three favourable home fixtures in next four, no need for him to play in Europa

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      I have him at present. I dont rate zaha so much away from home (palace 3 out of 4 away)

      1. suddenorgan
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Yeah I'm not sure I fancy Zaha away at Everton either but he is quite a streaky player, currently have both in a Salahless 3-5-2

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

      Wanted him
      But MF overflowing with Salah Foden Saka Martinelli Andreas

      1. suddenorgan
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Yeah, Andreas is such a good 5th mid that it makes you want to go 3-4-3 by default

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

          Exactly

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

    Ward (Leno)
    KT Botman Dier Cancelo (Emerson)
    Salah Zaha Martinelli (Andreas, Bailey)
    Mitro Firmino Kane

    1FT. 4.3m itb. I’m considering Bailey to Foden but then I’d have to bench Dier rather than get rid for a cheap defender

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

      ballsy to go without haaland

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

        Oh ffs I knew I was forgetting someone. Took him out for last week

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

          lol get him back in mate, will hurt otherwise...

    2. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Kane + Bailey > Haaland + Foden

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

        0.2 short unfortunately for Foden. Can take a further hit and bring in Neco for Dier to save funds, or just scrap Foden and get Saka

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

    Zaha or Saka on WC? tempted to do Zaha then switch to Saka next week..

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

    1. Bob.
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Saka

    2. Jonesy5
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Our WC teams are nearly identical (I’ve got Gomez instead of White). I ended up taking out Zaha for Saka

  14. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Lots of penalties this gameweek please

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

      Probably all get saved too…

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

        …..except against Everton, as I have Pickford and my keepers never ever save pens.

        1. Sandy Ravage
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          Pickford is likely to get an assist than save a pen

      2. Sandy Ravage
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Hopefully not against Zaha, Saka, Haaland, Kane or Wilson.

  15. The Iceman
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 6 months ago

    That Darwin flag is really annoying, I don’t think he’ll be risked now as Klopp is very cautious with these things.

    Darwin > Haaland
    Trossard > Foden for a -4?

    Original plan was to move Solanke to Haaland with my FT.

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

      Haaland

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

      There is no flag!

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

    saka or nunez on wildcard

    already got trent, martinelli and salah

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

      saka

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

      Saka if not injured

  17. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Is Darwin a no go on WC this weekend then?

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

      I think Andreas is a great option if Darwin doesn't play so not necessarily a no go

      1. Bubbles1985
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        True. I have a good bench.

  18. Jrot94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    sorry to repost, no love on first print!!

    What's the consensus on Bench Boosting? Have strong team as fielded 11 last week, had full Man City / Arsenal bench and tansferred in more. Week 14 have good matchups up and down the roster. Better to wait for DGW or just get it out of the way and not overthink it?
    thnx

    1. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      What does your bench look like?

      1. Jrot94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        After moves, assuming no injuries...starting line-up will be stacked (like all of us)

        Sa @ BRE
        Guehi vs SOT
        Cucurella @ BRI
        Andreas vs EVE

        1. Sandy Ravage
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 6 months ago

          Tempting but there might be better fixtures during a DGW

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

      i usually wait for a DGW...

  19. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Still have WC and 1FT. But maybe GTG?

    Raya (Ward)
    VVD Tripp Cresswell Saliba (N.Will)
    Salah Martinelli Zaha (Andreas, Jensen)
    Haaland Kane Mitrovic

    Only one ManC asset...

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

      WC now. Just four GW left for you to use it. Get City and Arsenal players in.

  20. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Neco on a WC?
    Or but risky re minutes

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

      I got him for third place on the bench

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

      Only has to last until GW16, so go Neco or even more fodderish. If you need him to be a good first sub or even play, then I would avoid.

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

      Thanks

  21. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Saka 75% chance of playing
    Good news

  22. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Team this week. Did Trossard to Martinelli with my FT. Good to go?

    Ward
    Cancelo Tripp Guehi
    Salah Zaha Martinelli Andreas
    Haaland(c) Kane Mitro

    Leno Bailey Neco Malacia

    1.1m itb, 0ft

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

    Mount out for Foden but still got one free.

    Roll it or use? Hmmmmmmmm……

  24. barton fc
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    is the saka knock a worry or we still safe ti get him in ?

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Not safe. Would you really feel say if someone here said it was safe? What do we know? 😀

  25. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Please rate this WC...

    Kepa Ward
    Cresswell Tripp Cancelo Saliba Dalot
    Marti Foden Bowen Eze Maddison
    Haaland Toney Darwin

    0.3m left ITB

    Thanks

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

      Darwin pick is questionable.
      Also, maybe downgrade Eze to Andreas...he's a cheap but effective MID.

    2. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Maddison out, saka in. Then good to go.

    3. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Perfect opportunity to at least double on Arsenal attack missed. I'd want Trent as well. I normally like goofy behaviour but I don't see the point here...?Perhaps you're a 'spreading the risk' kind of thinker? Go all in mate, it's more logically sound!

    4. luk46
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      5.8/10, too many benching issues

  26. Murder On Zidane's Flo…
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Which one to start?

    A) Tripper (TOT) (A)
    B) Dalot (CHE) (A)

    1. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      A all day

    2. luk46
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Trippier

  27. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Thinking KDB > Foden to fund Darwin + Liverpool DEF before the WC break

    1. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      Maybe not...

      1. Sandy Ravage
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 6 months ago

        Definitely not

  28. BusbySwede
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Thoughts with my one FT made with Trossard to Foden?

    Ward
    Trippier, Cancelo, Guehi
    Salah, Foden, Martinelli, Zaha, Sinisterra
    Haaland, Mitro

    Pope, Justin, Solanke, Webster

    A) Pope to Raya/Guaita for a hit and in that way i can do Sinisterra to Saka next gw?

    B) Downgrading Solanke to a benchfodder for the same reason as A, but instead of Pope?

    C) Sell Salah next gw and get Saka and alot of extra funds for other positions, like upgrading both of Solanke and Sinisterra?

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

    Start one:

    A: Trippier
    B: Mings(lol)

    Asking because still gotta be asked cause of Trippy's tough fixture I guess.

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 6 months ago

      ye thats not really a question 😀

  30. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 6 months ago

    Advice appreciated - 1 FT, 0.3 ITB.

    Pope
    Cancelo, Gabriel, Cucurella, Dier
    Salah, Andreas, Gordon
    Haaland, Kane, Solanke

    (Ward, Trippier, Trossard, Dasilva)

    A) Trossard -> Martinelli.
    B) Kane & Dasilva -> Toney & Foden (-4)
    C) Something else

    Thinking A is most sensible?

    Cheers