We are BACK! Tell your family & friends that the weekend is now back to being exclusively football related. So get comfy on the couch and make sure you’ve stocked up on your favourite snacks.
I don’t know about you but I’m very excited and feel refreshed after the break, almost like I’m the one on the pitch for these Premier League fixtures. All my transfers seem genius, my players all look like they’re primed to score, and I can see myself reaching for that #1 overall rank. Of course, this over-enthusiasm will be gone after the first fixture when my players bring me back down to reality but I am enjoying the moment for now.
Since Gameweek 8 there have been International matches played. So some players might have a little flag next to their name explaining what has gone wrong for them over the past two weeks. I’ll let you know what you have missed and what you need to do to prepare for the next segment of the 22/23 FPL season.
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BEST OF FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE TWITTER GAMEWEEK 9
Dejan Kulusevski – Injury
Let’s start off with some bad news. Swedish international Dejan Kulusevski has been reported to have sustained a hamstring injury and is doubtful for the North London Derby this weekend. If you are one of the 12.2% of managers that own Kulusevski, it could be worth transferring him out to James Maddison or Wilfried Zaha, who have favourable fixtures over the next period.
Alexander Isak – Injury
You thought that the bad news was over? Wrong!
Aleksander Isak was mentioned in last week’s article as an excellent option for your FPL team. He gave owners a 9-point return last week and looked ready to deliver more over the coming weeks. Unfortunately, he has also been reported as an injury during the International Break and is unlikely to feature for Newcastle this weekend. This paves the way for Callum Wilson to return to the starting lineup. Look towards Ivan Toney or Aleksander Mitrovic as potential replacements for Isak.
Wildcard Advice
Have you used your wildcard for this week? If so, then I have just what you need!
FPL Consult has kindly provided a cheat sheet of advice for creating the perfect Wildcard team that will leave your mini-league opponents in the dust.
I agree with his advice and believe it will nudge you in the right direction over the next 6-8 gameweeks. I’ll also use this time as a quick reminder that during the World Cup (after Gameweek 16), every FPL manager has unlimited free transfers.
Manchester United Injury Troubles
I hate to ruin your day, but it’s bad news again.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are reportedly “very doubtful” for the Manchester Derby this weekend. Rashford is owned by 14.7% of owners and just provided them with a juicy 18-point haul before the break. This will also bode well for Manchester City’s defensive assets as Manchester United do not have a wealth of attacking options currently.
Gabriel Martinelli or Jack Harrison are viable replacements who are looking primed to deliver some points over the coming weeks.
Erling Haaland – O Captain, my Captain
I’ll now direct your attention to a person I trust the most in this world – myself.
I have provided a captaincy analysis and my decision-making for once again choosing Erling Haaland to wear the captain’s armband.
Many managers are looking to Mohamed Salah or even Ivan Toney this week instead of the dominant Norwegian. Just a reminder, Haaland has returned points in EVERY match of the season, and Manchester City is looking as potent in attack as ever.
As mentioned in the graphic, Manchester United have conceded 3.5 Expected Goals Against over the past 3 gameweeks while only conceding 1 Goal in reality. This suggests their defence is not as solid as a first glance would suggest…
Make sure to check out what the bookies believe will happen this gameweek: https://playmaked.com/bookies-advantage-gameweek-9/