Isak or João Pedro for FPL GW7: Who Should Buy, Hold or Sell?

João Pedro owners can leave that forward slot alone for now. Isak owners have a harder decision: wait for Liverpool’s final team news if the bench can cover him, or line up a replacement if another absence would leave a hole in the XI. For anyone buying one of the two this week, Pedro is our pick.

We grouped them together as injury doubts in our GW6 hold-or-sell piece. Pedro’s two-goal return, covered in the GW6 review, has changed that.

Pedro is worth keeping

Pedro started against Bournemouth, scored twice and played around 70 minutes for a 12-point return. It was an encouraging comeback after missing GW5. He had completed 90 minutes in each of his first four league appearances, so we would not read too much into an early withdrawal on his return. Another substitution around the same stage is still worth allowing for when weighing up a transfer. Chelsea’s match report, Pedro’s FPL record.

There was more to like than the goals. Sky Sports’ Peter Smith highlighted the combinations between Pedro, Palmer and Rogers, with Chelsea’s attack helping make up for their defensive weaknesses. That makes Pedro easier to keep after his injury, even if the next few opponents offer a tougher test. Smith’s analysis.

Chelsea go to Everton next, then host Tottenham and Manchester United before visiting Sunderland. It is a reasonable run for an existing owner. We would be less inclined to tear up a fully fit forward line just to chase last week’s 12 points. Official fixtures.

Isak owners should have a transfer ready

Liverpool’s 16 October team-news update leaves open the possibility of Isak returning against Brentford, after he missed the Manchester City and LASK games. Andoni Iraola has not confirmed his availability or a starting place and expects to rotate again amid a congested schedule. A return is possible, but dependable minutes are not established, so buying him now still makes little sense. Liverpool team news.

At £7.8m, Pedro is the obvious replacement to consider for the £9.0m Isak. He is back playing, and the move can free up money elsewhere. Liverpool’s next four are Brentford away, Brighton and Arsenal at home, then Crystal Palace away; those fixtures do not offer enough of an advantage to justify carrying an injured forward without cover. Current prices, official fixtures.

How urgently you act depends on your bench and whether the move would cost you points:

• With a dependable substitute, wait for the final Liverpool update. News that Isak can start would make holding much easier.
• With no cover and a free transfer, replacing him makes more sense if he remains a doubt.
• Before taking a hit, compare Pedro’s likely points over the weeks you plan to keep him with those of the player who would start if you made no transfer.

If you own both, deal with Isak first. If you own neither and your forwards are fit, Pedro can stay on the shortlist without becoming this week’s priority.

Cheaper options if you need funds elsewhere

Gonzalo García at £6.1m is our first choice among the cheaper alternatives. He has started all six league games, playing 86 minutes in GW6, and Fulham’s next two are Hull at home and Coventry away. Aston Villa away and Newcastle at home follow. One goal so far is the drawback: the appeal lies in his regular starts and upcoming fixtures, with the hope of more goals to come. Gonzalo’s record and fixtures.

Thierno Barry is cheaper again at £5.7m and has three goals from six starts. Everton’s schedule is harder to like: Chelsea at home, Arsenal and Newcastle away, then Coventry at home. We would take that trade-off only if the extra saving funds a worthwhile upgrade elsewhere. Barry’s record and fixtures, current prices.

Work out the cost using your selling price and money in the bank. Isak and Pedro are £1.2m apart in the market, but your actual saving may be smaller.

The GW7 deadline is Saturday 17 October at 10:00 UTC / 11:00 BST. Unless Chelsea report a setback, keep Pedro. For Isak, choose your replacement and let Liverpool’s final update decide whether to make the move. Official deadline.