West Ham United continue their 2024/25 Premier League campaign when they host Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town this Saturday – and Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers will be casting an eye over West Ham players ahead of a crucial clash in east London.
Having come from behind to claim a Premier League point on the road for the second successive away game at Brentford, there is optimism that Julen Lopetegui’s side can claim their first top-flight home win of the season at London Stadium.
Tomáš Souček, who has mastered the art of scoring in big moments, stepped up to be the West Ham hero for the second time this season, scrambling the ball in from close range nine minutes into the second half to cancel out Bryan Mbeumo’s first-minute opener for the Bees.
Both sides will be full of individuals looking to provide the touch of magic required to make the difference on the day, meaning there are a number of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) decisions to be made in the lead up to kick-off.
The Gameweek Seven transfer deadline is set for 11am on Saturday 5 October ahead of a mouth-watering feast of weekend action that begins two-and-a-half hours before West Ham’s clash against the Tractor Boys at London Stadium.
While we will be giving you FPL tips and tricks throughout the remainder of the 2024/25 season on whufc.com, see below for some of our picks for the upcoming round.
Also, don't forget to join the Official West Ham United FPL League by entering the code tezfax...
For the next fixture, all eyes are on Jarrod Bowen…
Bowen to lead by example
West Ham will attempt to end a five-game winless run in all competitions on Saturday when they face Ipswich, and at such times you need players to step up and be counted. Captain Jarrod Bowen (£7.4m) is sure to be one of those players.
The West Ham winger enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his career last season, netting 16 Premier League goals in addition to supplying six assists. The 27-year-old has collected 24 points from the Hammers’ opening six Premier League games, and only Souček (£5.0m) has accumulated more (25).
Souček has looked better than ever this season under Spaniard Lopetegui, and, despite enjoying one of his best seasons in Claret and Blue last term, scoring ten goals in all competitions, he could be on his way to surpassing that tally this campaign.
He has had many defining moments over the years, including winners against Fulham in 2020, Everton in 2021, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and FK TSC Bačka Topola in 2023, and Everton in March 2024, as well as his towering header against Sevilla in spring 2022. His equaliser against Brentford was another magic moment, and you wouldn’t bet against the Czech being among the goals again this weekend.
And if you fancy a real wildcard pick, why not gamble on Andy Irving (£4.9m), who was named in the senior Scotland men’s national team squad for the first time on Tuesday?
Opposition Watch: Ipswich Town
Liam Delap (£5.6m) has arguably been the star of Ipswich Town's season so far, scoring three goals in six Premier League games, and his two goals earned the Tractor Boys a deserved draw against high-flying Aston Villa at Portman Road last time out.
Delap, who joined from Manchester City for £15 million during the summer, isn’t just about his goals; he is a focal point for Kieran McKenna’s side, and his off-ball work rate is commendable. After George Hirst's knee injury in pre-season, the forward was able to stake his claim, and that’s exactly what he’s done.
The 21-year-old is currently outperforming his xG of 1.05, and so far this season he’s taken just nine shots with six hitting the target, giving him an eye-catching 33.3% conversion rate. He’s someone the West Ham defence will have to keep a close eye on.
Leif Davis (£4.5m) has enjoyed a stellar season in defence so far. The 24-year-old had one of the best-ever records of any promoted defender in FPL, with the left-back producing two goals and 18 assists last season, while his set-piece duties helped him create an eye-catching 125 chances.
West Ham have allowed more key passes to be created from their right flank than any other team except Everton this season, and that’s an area the Tractor Boys may look to exploit against the Hammers.
