EPL Game-Week 9 FPL Player Picks

Expectations! That one word is the basis that transfers are made. Statistics, fixtures, and other data are compiled and lead to fantasy managers deciding whom to bring into their squads each game week.

The recent international fixtures can slightly alter plans; long travel can disrupt the fitness or form of players. The football calendar is not kind to international players, yet we expect them to perform for ninety minutes each week (maybe twice) while providing us with huge points hauls. The perceived insistence of someone like Harry Kane to play every minute while on England duty never ceases to amaze me. Will all the minutes wear on players like him later in the season? Truth is we expect Kane to score twenty-five goals playing ninety minutes each week in the Premier League.

Game week nine features some fantasy friendly fixtures, Bournemouth home to Norwich being one example. Some high scoring games may be coming, so let’s look at some players we should expect to do well.

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Goalkeepers

Paulo Gazzaniga (£4.4, Tottenham v. Watford)

We start with a budget friendly option, the man tasked to replace the injured captain. Do you dare buy into Spurs at this time?

Rui Patricio (£5.1, Wolves v. Southampton)

Wolves have shown supreme defensive resolve in recent weeks, this week it should continue.

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Defenders

Kyle Walker (£6.0, Manchester City at Crystal Palace)

Not selected by Gareth Southgate for the national team once again, Walker should have no such issue for his club. Palace have given City problems in recent meetings so he will have to be on top of his game.

Calum Chambers (£4.4, Arsenal at Sheffield United)

Hector Bellerin should be back soon, but Chambers is expected to start in this one against a team that haven’t found the net for the last couple games.

Fikayo Tomori (£4.7, Chelsea v. Newcastle)

Part of the recent England squad, Tomori is gaining valuable knowledge. The visit of Newcastle is an opportunity to add points to all the promise he has shown thus far.

Caglar Soyuncu (£4.7, Leicester v. Burnley)

Burnley are scoring goals, which makes this a difficult pick. The international performance against the likes of Antoine Griezmann and the French was commanding, however he will have to be up for it again while facing Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2, Liverpool at Manchester United)

Overlooked for Kieran Trippier while on England duty, Trent will be rested and ready to trouble the left side of the United defense.

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Midfielders

Felipe Anderson (£6.9, West Ham at Everton)

With the soft touch and accuracy on his passes, Anderson is a good bet for ten assists this season. He will look to find the holes in the Everton back line that currently has them in the relegation zone.

Kevin De Bruyne (£10.0, Manchester City at Crystal Palace)

Word is that the Belgian is back and ready to play for the title holders. Pep Guardiola is likely to throw him straight into the fire, all that’s left to be seen is if the points will continue to flow.

Sadio Mane (£11.7, Liverpool at Manchester United)

David De Gea is out for the game, so the scoreline could get ugly at Old Trafford on Sunday. We have to back the Senegal man to inflict some pain.

Jack Grealish (£5.9, Aston Villa v. Brighton)

Grealish would want to be competing with Mason Mount, James Maddison, and Ross Barkley for an England place. More returns will help his case, this is a good fixture to do it.

Nicolas Pepe (£9.3, Arsenal at Sheffield United)

A Monday night game gives Arsenal time to have players fresh after travel. Pepe has been slow finding himself in the Premier League, but now may be the time he begins to come good... but then so was gw-8, gw-7... YMMV.

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Forwards

Callum Wilson (£7.9, Bournemouth v. Norwich)

If i told you a forward has returned at least a goal or an assist in seven of his first eight fixtures you would think it was Sergio Aguero or Harry Kane perhaps. Wilson has begun the season in exceptional form and seems likely to produce each time he steps on the field.

Tammy Abraham (£7.7, Chelsea v. Newcastle)

This would be an obvious captain pick for game week nine. Chelsea have the ability to get goals; he will be a big threat.

Jamie Vardy (£9.0, Leicester v. Burnley)

Probably my transfer this week, Vardy has the potential to score big points at anytime. Brendan Rodgers gave him extra time off during the break to deal with the row between his wife and Coleen Rooney.

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There you have it folks! are we thinking along the same lines or are we far apart? Whom do you think is an obvious pick that I have left out? Whom will you captain this week? And who deserves to be dropped? Please share with us in the comments!

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