It was a below average week for this column last week as our captaincy pick backfired and midfield completely blanked, but that seemed to be an issue with a lot of teams in what was a low scoring week overall. The top six most popular midfielders in the game – Cole Palmer, Bruno Fernandes, Morgan Rogers, Rayan Cherki and Pascal Gros – totalled zero in fact! An astonishing statistic, but well done to those who had Marcus Tavernier, Harvey Barnes or Julio Enciso, proving the value of mid-range attacking midfield talent.
Let’s have a look at FPL Gameweek 9 and where the value is this week.
FPL Gameweek 8 Team
GK: Raya – 7pts
DEF: Calafiori – 1pt, Ajer – 2pts, Muharemovic – 9pts
MID: Rogers – 1pt, Rice (C) – 6pts, Foden – 1pt, Manzambi – 1pt, Iwobi – 3pts
FWD: Haaland – 8pts, Thiago – 5pts
TOTAL: 44pts
FPL Gameweek 9 Target Fixtures & Players
Manchester City (vs Brighton, home)
A much-changed City side overcame this same opponent on penalties on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, but now return to league action after their disappointing result against Aston Villa on Saturday. With Arsenal facing a tough trip to Anfield, City can put some pressure on and put some daylight between themselves and the Seagulls with a win here.
Top picks:
- Josko Gvardiol (5.7m) – Could have scored against Villa last week had it not been for some excellent goalkeeping, and looks a real threat going forward.
- Phil Foden (6.8m) – I just think he’s going to haul one of these days, and after an assist against this same opponent in midweek, could be in line to start this game.
- Jeremy Doku (7.5m) – Looks to have locked down the left wing position and looks a real threat.
- Erling Haaland (15.8m) – Nothing much needed here. Captain him and enjoy the ride.
Aston Villa (vs Fulham, home)
Villa have turned the corner and all credit to Unai Emery after a summer exodus and a disastrous start the season. His new signings have gelled quickly and last week’s win over Manchester City was a superb performance. They now have another home game and a chance to climb the table again.
Top picks:
- Zion Suzuki (5.0m) – Superb performance last week make him arguably the second most appealing keeper in the game.
- Matty Cash (4.3m) – Had to check my eyes after seeing his price. On corners and has strong clean sheet appeal this weekend.
- Johan Manzambi (6.0m) – Blanked last week but looked a real threat and must be fancied for an attacking return of some form in this one.
- Nicolas Jackson (6.8m) – Two goals against City and the most transferred in player in the game this week.
Chelsea (vs Manchester United, home)
Chelsea had a disastrous time of it against Tottenham last week, but host Manchester United this weekend who are having an even worse time of it. Without Joao Pedro, they’re not as much of a threat, but United heads have dropped and Xabi Alonso’s men should have too much.
Top picks:
- Jorrel Hato (4.5m) – Looks to be one of Alonso’s favourites and has attacking threat.
- Morgan Rogers (8.0m) – Has had a quiet couple of games but United look vulnerable and Rogers can take advantage.
- Cole Palmer (9.8m) – A bit of a punt here but will want to answer his critics after his red card against Tottenham on Saturday.
Tottenham (vs Crystal Palace, home)
Spurs look to have turned a corner but Palace are in all sorts of trouble and Roberto De Zerbi’s side have some solid options this weekend in FPL.
Top picks:
- Antonin Kinsky (4.5m) – Clean sheet potential against one of the weakest attacks in the league.
- Sandro Tonali (5.3m) – Locked in for minutes, Defcon potential and pops up with the odd goal.
- Mohammed Kudus (6.5m) – With Maddison a doubt, Kudus looks the best of Tottenham’s attacking midfield options.
Bournemouth (vs Leeds, home)
After a tricky start the Cherries have got their house in order and have a number of fantastic value enablers in their ranks. They can get the better of Leeds at home this weekend.
Top picks:
- Antonio Silva (5.0m) – Defcon magnet who has decent xG.
- Marcus Tavernier (6.4m) – Another cracking haul at Old Trafford makes the midfielder borderline must-have.
- Evanilson (6.2m) – Ticking along real nicely and has goal and assist threat, so a chance of a blank is low most weeks.
FPL Gameweek 9 Captaincy
Erling Haaland (C) – Made the mistake of not captaining him last week as his relentless scoring run continued, won’t be making the same one again.
Nicolas Jackson (VC) – His form makes him a compelling captaincy option this week for those betting against Haaland continuing his run.
Worth a Punt
Amar Dedic (4.5m) – When he plays, he hauls, two double figure returns this campaign, and with Newcastle hosting Everton after winning on the road last time out, Dedic could be on for returns again.
Sepp van den Berg (4.9m) – Brentford fans love this guy and now he’s back from injury he’s well worth a look for the Bees’ home game with Nottingham Forest.
Julio Enciso (5.5m) – 10 points last week, the Paraguayan is Ipswich’s main creative outlet and could haul again against fellow strugglers Hull.
Oli McBurnie (5.5m) – Hull’s home match with Ipswich will be seen as a must win and McBurnie has led the line for the Tigers well so far this season.
FPL Gameweek 9 Team
GK: Kinsky (4.4m)
DEF: Cash (4.3m), Silva (5.0m), Hato (4.5m)
MID: Tavernier (6.4m), Tonali (5.3m), Manzambi (6.0m), Palmer (9.8m)
FWD: Haaland (15.8m) (C), Jackson (6.8m), Evanilson (6.2m)
SUBS: Penders (4.4m), Enciso (5.5m), Dedic (4.5m), van den Berg (4.9m)
TOTAL: 93.8m
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