Welcome to FanBants' Power Rankings. In this weekly article, we rank the hottest players in the English Premier League based on their recent form.
How do Power rankings work?
Each week, we'll be tracking the top performers, and ranking them according to their stats from their last five games.
If two or more players are tied on the same stats, they'll share the same spot on the list.
Rankings will change every week based on the previous game week's performances, you can expect plenty of movement as some players rise, so others fall.
Let's dive into the fun:
Erling Halaand (6 goals)
Where did you think the most prolific striker this league has ever seen would rank?
Erling Braut Haaland leads this week's rankings having scored six goals in his last five appearances.
The current holder of the Golden Boot, Haaland has started this season just as he ended last year, scoring goals for fun.
This weekend, Manchester City come up against a lacklustre Wolves side, and the Norwegian marksman will be expected to deliver goals.
Cole Palmer ( 5 goals, 2 assists)
It looks as though Cole Palmer’s stock isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
The City Football Academy graduate has been on fire since leaving the Etihad in search of regular game time, netting 27 goals in all competitions in a Chelsea shirt.
This season, he’s gone from a star player to the lynchpin in Chelsea’s attack.
His five goals in his last five games include a ridiculous four-goal haul against Brighton.
This weekend against Liverpool, we’re backing a player made for the biggest stages to deliver once again.
Bryan Mbuemo ( 5 goals)
No Toney, no problem. That seems to be Bryan Mbuemo’s message to the Brentford fans since the move of their former talisman.
A tricky winger, who’s not only difficult to mark, but technically sound, Mbuemo has always had a spark to his game.
This season however, he’s tapped into a more clinical side of his game. His five goals in his last five games speak to a player who is beaming with confidence.
This weekend against a suspect Manchester United defence, the Cameroonian will be key for the visiting side.
Luis Diaz (4 goals)
Colombian forward Luis Diaz is driving Liverpool’s early title charge.
Despite battling out for minutes against Cody Gakpo , Diaz has kept the Dutch winger out of the side with an electric start to the season.
Scoring a brace in two of his last five games makes him a player you just have to look out for.
Up against Chelsea this weekend, we expect Diaz to give the Blues’ defense something serious to think about.
Bukayo Saka (1 goal, 5 assists)
Love him or hate him, there’s no doubt that Bukayo Saka is a very special player.
In an Arsenal side that is gaining plaudits for their work in defense, Saka has diligently been Arsenal’s biggest creative outlet this season, in the absence of Martin Ødegard.
Whether it’s whipping in corners, floating in crosses from deep, or taking his man to the touchline, Saka has more than one way to create a chance, and his six goal contributions in his last five games is a testament to that.
Kai Havertz, Jhon Duran Brennan Johnson (3 goals)
Kai Havertz
Havertz is looking like a man reborn this season. Playing in an unorthodox role in the striker’s position, he’s registered three goals in his last five games.
The rangy striker has made the ‘9’ position his, and he’d be looking to find the back of the net this weekend.
Jhon Duran
Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran is a very interesting player. The quintessential super-sub, he has a knack for coming off the bench to grab crucial goals.
His skill set would probably get him a starting shirt at most teams similar to Aston Villa, with his balance and finishing ability in particular standing out.
With three goals in his last few appearances, including a phenomenal strike against Bayern Munich, Jhon Duran is worth keeping an eye on.
Brennan Johnson
Is there a more in-form forward than Brennan Johnson in Europe’s Top 5 leagues?
Despite failing to register a contribution in his first four premier league games, Johnson has silenced his haters by finding the back of the net in his last 7 games for club and country.
A very direct player, who has a habit of shooting from rather unorthodox angles, the 23 year old winger will surely be one to watch in the London Derby against West Ham.
Virgil Van Dijk (4 clean sheets)
At the heart of Arne Slot’s stingy defence, Virgil Van Dijk has started this season in the typical fashion you’d expect from a defender of his caliber.
The big man has been impervious at the back, making 6 clearances per game, completing around 2.5 interceptions per game, and generally marshaling a defence that has kept five clean sheets this season.
Up against a very attacking Chelsea side this weekend, Liverpool fans will be looking to their captain, as they look to continue their impressive start to the season.
Dwight McNeil ( 2 goals, 3 assists)
Having initially moved McNeil into a more attacking role on the left wing, this season, Sean Dyche has now deployed his former Burnley prospect in an attacking midfield role - to great success!
McNeil is amongst the top players for metrics like big chances created, key passes, expected assists and so on.
Having grabbed a brace against Crystal Palace, and a goal and assist against Aston Villa, we’re buying into the hype and touting the 24 year old to remain in these rankings for a while.
Mo Salah ( 2 goals, 3 assists)
A man who needs no introduction, Mohammed Salah has endured a bit of a slow start when compared to previous seasons.
But don’t get it wrong, he is still one of the very best players in world football.
Salah has four goals and four assists in this campaign, with two goals and three assists coming in his last five starts.
Up against a Chelsea side he’s no stranger to, be sure to check this list out next week, because he might have climbed a few spots.
Andre Onana ( 3 Clean Sheets)
With Liverpool's Alison out with a hamstring injury, Andre Onana will have to take his spot in this list, albeit in a lower position.
Erik Ten Hag’s side have the heroics of the former Ajax man to thank for their current position, which would be far worse, if Onana hasn’t been consistent.
His three clean sheets in his last five appearances are more impressive when you consider the amount of shots he faces.
Up against a relentless Brentford side at home, Onana will have to be at his best this weekend.
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