FPL Gameweek 9 – Captain Picks

While this writer is not well-versed on Google analytics, a chaotic international break has likely ensured that 'Mo Salah Coronavirus update' has exceeded 'Pfizer vaccine latest' in the search rankings. Rival fans ridiculing Pool fans for their lack of available first-team players to face Leicester on Sunday night are struggling to conceal their FPL fears as they stare at the red, orange and yellow flags impeding their scouse triple-up. With doubts over Henderson and Robertson now adding to the already considerable injury list, Klopp is undoubtedly contemplating snatching Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota from Senegal and Portugal respectively to wrap them in cling film over the coming days. With Salah recovering over the next two weeks presumably and Harry Kane facing a Manchester City defence that isn’t exactly impermeable but should succeed in reducing his point ceiling considerably, improvisation and adaptability is the name of the game this weekend with regards captain choice. Ahead of Gameweek 9's deadline (Sat 21 Nov 11:00), we assess the options we believe offer the highest potential in a tricky week for captain choice.

PREMIUM OPTIONS

Bruno Fernandes (£10.6m) vs WBA (H)

The Portuguese number ten looks like the most opted for premium Salah replacement, second only to Ziyech in transfers in this week. Sitting fifth in the overall points standings for midfielders and on the back of a 17-point haul against Everton in Gameweek 8, Bruno is looking like a necessity for any FPL team. Since his long overdue arrival to a Manchester United team scarce in the creative department, he has been second to none in terms of consistency despite United's poor start to the season. With Martial back from suspension (although a doubt) and Rashford most likely recovering from a niggle in time for the West Brom fixture, Bruno will be frothing at the prospect of another hefty return against arguably the worst Premier League side since Robbie Savage marshalled Derby County to a dismal 11 points in 2007-08. Yet to register a win eight games in, it is worth noting West Brom kept a relatively exhilarating Spurs attack to just one goal in the last round of fixtures; a poor day at the office from Jose's men or a sign of improvements from the Hawthorns? We'd lean towards the prior.

Timo Werner (£9.4m) vs NEW (A)

After being chosen in the most starter squads out of any player, Werner looked dead and buried amongst FPL managers after four gameweeks without a goal. With four goals in his last four matches and managers increasingly regretting their decisions to sell, Timo looks like the proven goalscorer Chelsea have been missing for the last few seasons. With Havertz looking likely to come back into the squad after recovering from COVID-19 and Ziyech firing on all cylinders, Werner looks likely to punish a Newcastle side who recently shipped four against a relatively stale United attack. Add recently obtained penalty duties to this decent fixture and we're backing a decent return from the German marksman.

Dominic Calvert Lewin (£7.6m)/James Rodriguez (£7.9m) vs FUL (A)

Had Ademola Lookman not completely glitched, Fulham would have obtained four points from their last two games and we may be discussing the seemingly inconceivable corner Scott Parker's side have begun to turn. It must be noted Fulham were exceptionally lucky not to be hammered by a West Ham side missing their only goalscorer in Antonio and we'd be surprised if this luck carries over to Craven Cottage against an Everton side hungry for redemption after a bullying from United. Ancelotti will be keen to silence the doubters and a fit-again Richarlison should be a massive boost for the Toffees. It would be difficult to see the man who has scored the most goals from open play since his manager's arrival to the Premier League not scoring at least once against a dismal Fulham side and DCL will most certainly be looking to move ahead of the absent Mo Salah and Son in the race for the Golden Boot. Rodriguez will also be eager to dismiss the beginner's luck narrative and the Columbian playmaker will presumably have too much quality for a relatively inexperienced Antonee Robinson. This could be a huge scoreline and Everton could be the slightly hidden gem for captain choice this gameweek.

DIFFERENTIAL PICK

Anthony Martial (£8.7m) vs WBA (H)

In a week where there are few standout fixtures for the top six, we have backed another United asset to shine. The Frenchman has had a horrific start to the campaign having obtained more red cards than goals in the opening eight gameweeks. After 17 goals and nine assists last year, Martial is undoubtedly on his way to master the number nine position many sceptics considered outside of his capabilities. In terms of a one-week punt, the Frenchman offers not only the potential for a huge score but currently placed in 3.9% of FPL teams, Martial is a massive differential amongst the sought-after United attack this gameweek. Please note that there are reports that Martial is carrying an injury at present, so be sure to keep an eye on press conference news prior to the weekend.