Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is unavailable in Gameweek 6 after his red card against Southampton, leaving FPL managers scrambling for replacements.Â
Liverpool claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southampton in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night. Shea Charles canceled out Alexander Isak’s opener before Ekitike scored the winner in the 85th minute. After scoring, the Frenchman took off his jersey as he dashed toward the corner flag, celebrating.
Hugo Ekitike, who was already on a yellow, received a second yellow card and was sent off for taking off his jersey after scoring.
Jeremie Frimpong couldn't believe it 😅 pic.twitter.com/KXQfyypngj
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 23, 2025
Having already been cautioned, Ekitike saw his second yellow after his celebration and got sent off. His dismissal forced Liverpool to defend their narrow lead with 10 men, as the Saints piled men forward.
Liverpool ultimately saw the game through at Anfield, but Arne Slot was critical of his striker’s decision, calling it “stupid.” Ekitike has also acknowledged his mistake and has apologised to fans for letting emotions get the better of him.
Hugo Ekitike Apology on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/2Ez1T3ZcbZ
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) September 23, 2025
Following his dismissal, Liverpool fans are left wondering what games Ekitike will miss after his Southampton red card. Since it is only a double yellow, we can confirm that he will miss only one game. But the suspension will carry over to the Premier League, meaning he will be unavailable for Liverpool’s trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Best Hugo Ekitike Replacements for Gameweek 6 in FPL
Liverpool arguably have the best squad in the Premier League. So, they should be covered in the attacking department. But FPL managers are left to find an 11th-hour replacement for Hugo Ekitike.
With 27.4% ownership, Ekitike was the 10th most-owned player in FPL on Wednesday. Now, the £8.7million man sits in 11th place with 25.8%, as Fantasy managers start to bring in replacements. Read on to figure out which five players should be on your radar ahead of Gameweek 6.
Richarlison (Tottenham) – £6.7 Million
If you are in the market for an in-form goalscorer without breaking the bank, Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison is worth a look. The Brazilian forward has claimed 29 points so far, with 9 coming in the last match against Brighton & Hove Albion. He scored a goal, had two shots on target, won six duels, and delivered two accurate long balls.
Richarlison also has a favourable set of fixtures coming up. Spurs face bottom-ranked Wolverhampton Wanderers on Matchday 6 before facing Leeds United. Signing Richarlison for just £6.7 million seems like a pretty sensible decision.
Joao Pedro (Chelsea) – £7.7 Million
Joao Pedro has become an FPL sweetheart in his debut season at Chelsea. The £7.7 million started firing on all cylinders at the FIFA Club World Cup, and has stretched his purple patch through to the Premier League. The former Brighton & Hove Albion forward is the most-owned player in the game, with 67.4% ownership. He has scored two goals and three assists in five matches and has 35 FPL points to his name.
Chelsea, who are sixth in the Premier League rankings, face Brighton on Matchday 6, Nottingham Forest in GW8, and Sunderland in GW9. Considering the form that Pedro is in, he should earn you some solid points in the coming weeks.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United) – £7.7 Million
West Ham United have been shockingly poor this season. With only 3 points to their name, the Hammers are in 19th place in the Premier League rankings, firmly in the early relegation window. Their star man, Jarrod Bowen, however, remains a solid pick at £7.7 million. The Englishman has 24 points to his name, and we believe the best is yet to come.
Bowen has scored two goals in the last three Premier League matches and chipped in with an assist as West Ham beat Wolves in the Carabao Cup. He also has a decent set of fixtures in front of him, starting with Everton on Gameweek 6. Arsenal on GW 7 will be difficult, but Leeds United on Gameweek 9 and Burnley on Gameweek 11 seem encouraging.
Alexander Isak (Liverpool) – £10.5 Million
Alexander Isak made his Premier League debut for Liverpool in a 2-1 win over Everton last weekend. He played for 23 minutes and scored a solitary FPL point. In midweek, Arne Slot allowed him to stretch his legs in the EFL Cup clash against Southampton. The Swede made the opportunity count by scoring in the 43rd minute. His goal proved crucial as Liverpool claimed a 2-1 victory.
At £10.5 million, Isak is a rather pricey pick, but he is the most natural Hugo Ekitike replacement in FPL. Slot is likely to start him against Crystal Palace in the Frenchman’s absence, and a convincing performance could see him become the first choice.
Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest) – £7.6 Million
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood has not been firing as regularly as he did last season. He opened the season with a bang, scoring twice against Brentford. He has since failed to score in the Premier League.
It is to be noted that Forest has not had it easy, facing Crystal Palace and Arsenal away from home. Forest can turn a corner from Matchday 6, as they face Sunderland at City Ground. If they do, Wood, who has scored 20 points this season, is likely to lead the charge.
