This article is part of our Fantasy Premier League Tips series.

Best Free Hit Team for Gameweek 5

The Free Hit chip is one of the most powerful weapons in the Fantasy Premier League, and Gameweek 5 looks like an intriguing time to deploy it. With injuries, suspensions, and underperforming assets cluttering many squads, a well-constructed Free Hit can give managers the edge by maximising fixtures and targeting players with both safety and upside.

Building a one-week squad purely for upside means targeting explosive captaincy options like Mohamed Salah, premium strikers such as Viktor Gyokeres, and differentials like Lyle Foster.

With Gameweek 5 presenting standout matchups for Liverpool and others, this is how I would line up on a Free Hit.

Check out our updated FPL rankings, FPL tips and cheat sheets to fine-tune your squad.

GOALKEEPER

Emiliano Martinez FPL Free Hit Pick Gameweek 5 – Best Goalkeeper Option

Villa sit just behind Liverpool in the clean sheet odds for the week, making Martinez a strong and reliable pick between the posts. His shot-stopping ability also gives him save-point potential on top of the fixture appeal.

Sunderland have been strong this season, but their attack leaves a lot to be desired.

DEFENDERS

Daniel Munoz FPL Free Hit Team Gameweek 5 – Top Defender Choice

Munoz offers attacking upside from wing-back and faces an out-of-sorts West Ham attack. The fixture gives him both clean sheet and goal involvement potential.

Joachim Andersen FPL Free Hit Gameweek 5 – Reliable Defender Pick

A defensive contributions machine, Andersen also benefits from a home fixture. His consistency makes him one of the safest picks, whether he gets a clean sheet or hits the defensive contribution bonus.

Virgil van Dijk FPL Free Hit Gameweek 5 – Liverpool Clean Sheet Target

Liverpool are the top favorites for a clean sheet this week, albeit not by much in what is projected to be a low-scoring week.

Van Dijk is the most dependable way into their backline. He also brings goal threat from set pieces and racks up defensive contribution points regularly no matter the opponent.

MIDFIELDERS

Mohamed Salah FPL Free Hit Gameweek 5 – Essential Captaincy Pick

Salah, once again, is the standout captaincy option for the week. While his league form has been quiet, his Champions League goal and assist suggest he's finding rhythm again. Top of the anytime goal and assist markets, Salah is an essential inclusion.

Florian Wirtz FPL Free Hit Gameweek 5 – Midfielder with Upside

Despite underwhelming early returns, Wirtz remains Liverpool's most reliable attacker for minutes after Salah. With a good fixture, he's worth backing for a breakout performance.

Bruno Fernandes FPL Free Hit Gameweek 5 – Penalty and Set-Piece Specialist

Mr. Reliable. On penalties and set pieces, Fernandes offers multiple routes to points including possible defensive contributions. The matchup may not be the best, but his versatility and role on PKs provides plenty of opportunities to points.

Antoine Semenyo FPL Free Hit Gameweek 5 – Budget Midfielder in Form

In excellent form and with a home fixture, Semenyo is one of the best-value attacking picks available for Gameweek 5. Bournemouth host what should be a tired Newcastle side that rarely rotates its midfield, fresh off Thursday's game against Barcelona.

FORWARDS

Jean-Philippe Mateta FPL Free Hit Gameweek 5 – Striker with Penalty Appeal

Still benefiting from Eddie Nketiah's absence and likely penalty duties after Eberechi Eze's departure, Mateta is primed for consistent minutes. His aerial threat should cause real problems for a shaky West Ham set-piece defense.

Viktor Gyokeres FPL Free Hit Gameweek 5 – Arsenal Forward to Target 

Arsenal's new frontman is central to their attack and on penalties. With limited forward options this season, he's quickly become a reliable pick. Facing Manchester City leaves some questions, but Arsenal have a 48-hour edge in terms of rest on their opponent in this game. City will either play on tired legs or have a bit of Pep Guardiola rotation.

Lyle Foster FPL Free Hit Gameweek 5 – Budget Forward Enabler

Foster is a bit of a different selection, but Nottingham Forest have been nervy in two matches since Ange Postecoglou took over and the loss of Ola Aina hasn't really been addressed yet.

Don't forget to use our Predicted Lineups page and confirmed team news 75 minutes before kickoff.

Best Free Hit Team for Gameweek 5 pictured