Key Highlights
- The FPL deadline for Gameweek 9 is on Friday, October 24 at 18:30 BST.
- Managers are advised to reconsider highly owned players like Joao Pedro and Viktor Gyokeres due to poor form.
- Chelsea’s Joachim Andersen may need to be sold or postponed using a chip due to his injury status.
- Erling Haaland is recommended as the captain for Gameweek 9.
FPL Transfer Trends and Strategies for Gameweek 9
As Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers gear up for Gameweek 9, it’s crucial to stay informed on the latest transfer trends. The deadline for this week’s transfers is tight—set for Friday, October 24 at 18:30 BST. This tight schedule means players must make quick decisions that can significantly impact their squad.
Key Players and Their Current Status
Marc Share highlights the performances of several key players who are currently struggling in the league but remain popular choices among FPL managers due to upcoming fixtures. Joao Pedro (£7.5m), Viktor Gyokeres (£9.0m), and Tijani Reijnders (£5.7m) are notable examples. Despite their high ownership, these players have failed to score goals recently, with Gyokeres remaining in the goalless streak across four league games.
Other managers are advised to consider selling these players or avoiding them during Wildcard activations. For instance, Zophar suggests that Joao Pedro, Viktor Gyokeres, and Tijani Reijnders may not be worth keeping given their current form and upcoming fixtures, which do not favor consistent goal scoring.
Chip Strategy for Gameweek 9
The upcoming matches offer a mix of opportunities and challenges. Chelsea’s forward Joachim Andersen (£4.5m) is currently injured and may need to be sold or postponed using the Chip as he faces uncertain short-term availability. This decision will impact managers’ strategies, especially those planning on Bench Boosts for defensive players who are set to face bottom-tier teams.
Cheaper forwards like Marc Guiu (£4.3m) and Eli Junior Kroupi (£4.5m), who have recently scored goals, are likely to start due to their recent form. However, owners of Joachim Andersen will need a strategy in place for the upcoming Gameweek 9 deadline.
Wildcard Activations and Captain Selection
For those considering Wildcard activations, Pro Pundit Lateriser advises caution with players like Gabriel Magalhaes (£6.4m) due to doubts over his status. The wildcard could be a valuable tool for managers who are looking to make significant changes or back up on recent successes.
Erling Haaland (£14.7m) is recommended as the captain for Gameweek 9, given his impressive goal-scoring record across all competitions this season. Bruno Fernandes (£8.9m) and Antoine Semenyo (£8.1m) complete the podium of recommended captains.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming FPL Gameweek 9 presents a mix of opportunities and challenges for managers to navigate. With tight deadlines, form trends, and uncertain player availability, it’s crucial to make informed decisions based on recent performances and future fixtures. Managers should consider both the short-term impact of transfers and long-term strategic goals as they prepare their teams for this critical round.