With Gameweek 5 on the horizon, it’s just as important to offload players who are struggling for minutes, form, or facing rotation risks, writes FPL expert Blake Hurst.

This week’s Fantasy Premier League sell list focuses on five players who carry too much risk or lack the returns needed at this stage.

Freeing up funds and squad spots by cutting these options can help you invest smarter and maintain momentum as the season builds.

Knowing when to sell is key to staying competitive – and these choices make that easier for you.

Richarlison (Tottenham, 6.7m)

Richarlison faces stiff competition for minutes with Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani and even Mathys Tel, who started up front in Gameweek 4.

If the Brazil international was nailed on, he’d be a solid FPL asset thanks to his proven goal threat. However, the current rotation risks make him a risky pick, especially when there are more consistent options available this early in the season.

For managers looking to avoid unnecessary headaches, it’s sensible to look elsewhere for attacking returns unless Richarlison’s place becomes more secure.

Rayan Ait-Nouri (Man City, 5.9m)

If Rayan Ait-Nouri is still in your squad, now’s the time to cut him loose.

The wideman’s injury against Tottenham means he’s set to miss the next few gameweeks, making his 5.9m price tag tough to justify.

Holding an injured player – especially at that price – limits your options for starting defenders who can deliver consistent returns.

With plenty of 4.5m defenders regularly chipping in points with defensive contributions and clean sheets, it makes more sense to free up funds and space for players who are fit and earning points week after week such as Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen, Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven or Everton’s James Tarkowski.

Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion, 4.5m)

De Cuyper stood out as a promising FPL option early on, offering attacking potential from the back.

But Brighton’s struggles to keep clean sheets have dented his appeal, and his recent injury provides a timely chance to cut ties.

At 4.5m, there are other defenders offering more consistent returns and better value for your money.

Until Brighton’s defensive form improves, De Cuyper looks more like a risk than a reliable choice in your squad. Moving him on now makes sense for freeing up funds and reducing rotation headaches.

Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool, 8.8m)

Ekitike is neither a strong buy nor an urgent sell right now, making him more of an avoid for FPL managers.

The forward is expected to start the next couple of gameweeks, since Alexander Isak missed out in GW4, but that situation won’t last long.

Once Isak makes it to the starting line-up, Ekitike is likely to be sidelined or shifted out wide, reducing his involvement and potential returns.

For those weighing up moves, holding off on investing in Ekitike feels like the safest call until his role becomes clearer.

Florian Wirtz (Liverpool, 8.4m)

Wirtz was a fan favourite early in the season but he’s yet to deliver the FPL returns expected at his price.

While Liverpool can score against any team, Wirtz hasn’t been contributing enough points to justify his spot.

With tricky fixtures ahead, moving funds elsewhere could be the smarter move for managers needing consistency.

Of course, the classic FPL curse looms – just as a player is sold, he might suddenly start returning points.

While Wirtz will be an option later on in the season, at this stage it’s hard to justify holding him when there are better options available.