The deadline for Fantasy EFL Gameweek 5 is closing in. To assist in fine-tuning your squads, I’ve prepared my Gameweek 5 team reveal.

After a relatively “successful” Gameweek – meaning scoring just above average – I’m sticking with a 1-3-2-1 formation, and am looking at the upside of a few differentials, with so many good fixtures to choose from.

GAMEWEEK 5 TEAM REVEAL: THE STARTING SEVEN

GOALKEEPER

In goal, Salford City’s Matt Young (G) faces a Cheltenham Town (H) side that have scored one goal in five games, losing five straight. I’m expecting him to return his second shutout of the season.

If I opt out of double Salford, Cardiff City’s Nathan Trott (G) is the obvious replacement, facing Plymouth Argyle (H).

DEFENDERS

MK Dons’ Jack Sanders (D) was the first name on the team sheet once again and wears the armband. With 58 points in five games, his lowest score so far has been nine points. 86 clearances, two goal involvements, and facing a blunt Walsall attack – he’s essential this Gameweek.

Completing the Salford double-up, Adebola Oluwo (D) averages 8.8 points, returning 44 points in five, despite keeping one shutout. He’s already scored twice this season, and I don’t see the Robins posing an attacking threat.

As a differential pick, Middlesbrough have conceded one goal in three, winning all three matches, and central to that is Alfie Jones (D), who’s made a great start under Rob Edwards. The centre-back is owned by less than 2.5% of managers, despite returning 28 points.

They’re up against Sheffield United (H), who have struggled to score, netting just once in their first three games, and sit bottom of the table. Despite the Blades’ on-paper talent, I anticipate a dominant performance from Boro.

MIDFIELDERS

Doncaster Rovers’ Owen Bailey (M) continues to provide the goals for Donny, with three in five (+18), alongside further returns including four interceptions (+8), totalling 39 points. He also picked up two goal contributions midweek in the Carabao Cup.

They face Rotherham United (H), who have lost two of their opening four, conceding seven. They continue to struggle defensively, and I foresee goals at Eco-Power Stadium.

Partnering him, Sorba Thomas (M) of Stoke City has been in unplayable form and is heavily overlooked with just 3% ownership. He’s a real hidden gem in my view.

The winger has five goal contributions in five, returning in all three games for the Potters, including their impressive 2-1 away victory at Southampton.

While against WBA (H) isn’t the easiest on paper, the Baggies are yet to keep a clean sheet. Given Stoke’s prolific form in front of goal and WBA manager Ryan Mason serving a touchline ban, I still fancy Thomas’ chances of another haul.

FORWARD

There are several forwards on my radar, including MK Dons’ Callum Paterson (F) and Stevenage’s Jamie Reid (F).

For now, Omari Patrick (F) of Tranmere Rovers is in my side.

The number 11 has less just 1.4% ownership, despite five goal contributions (+21) in four, totalling 36 points, alongside further attacking returns.

I’m excited for an action-packed match at Prenton Park between Rovers and a Notts County side that has conceded eight goals in their last five games, and are yet to keep a clean sheet.

With both teams having promising attacks, a high-scoring game feels inevitable, and with his superior form, I expect Patrick to be involved in any goals.

GAMEWEEK 5 TEAM REVEAL: CLUB PICKS

Stoke are flying under Mark Robins, and nobody foresaw the start they’ve made to the Championship. Their goalscoring woes of seasons previous are long gone, with 2+ goals in all three games, conceding just two.

If Mason was touchline-bound, I’d be more concerned, but I expect them to make it four wins from four prior to the international break.

A bold choice to go with a triple Salford, but I can’t see a world where Cheltenham comes away with a win here. The Robins have had a terrible start to the season, and I expect their struggles to continue. Losing six from six to start the season feels unlikely, but for now I’ll stick with the Ammies.

If I go elsewhere, Cardiff look a strong pick against Plymouth, while Tranmere remain unbeaten.