FPL Updates XI – Gameweek 9 Tips – Fantasy Premier League Tips

After starting the season with 6 straight weeks of at least 40pts FPL Updates XI have now had two consecutive weeks failing to hit that total. Unsurprisingly red arrows have followed. Obviously this wasn’t helped by Sergio Aguero’s -2pt week, but there are certainly improvements needed and changes are afoot.

So before we get into this week let’s have a little look at how FPL Updates XI did in gameweek 8.

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At the back we had to start both Ben Foster and Jonny Evans again and for the second straight week we had to stomach them conceding a late equaliser. Thankfully Ben Foster was in inspired form and picked up 2pts extra just from his saves. It is now five games in a row they have conceded and with Liverpool and Manchester City up next I would advise against bringing in any WBA coverage. Our other two defenders were John Stones and Hector Bellerin. Stones once again conceded. For all the plaudits aimed at City and Pep this year they have actually only kept one clean sheet in eight games. At 5m Stones is still great value for money but their inability to shut out the opposition is a frustration. Bellerin also conceded but picked up an assist, his second in his last three games, justifying the move to bring him in.

Our midfield was an even split of blanks and attacking returns. Yannick Bolasie picked up an assist whilst Mesut Ozil scored his third league goal of the season. On the other hand we had Michail Antonio blank for the third game in a row and Raheem Sterling blank for the second game in a row. Both players are looking at fairly favourable games upcoming so are safe for the time being.

Our strikeforce was saved by Rom. With his goal against City he took his goal tally to six and his FPL points total to 50. In the same game we had the misfortune to captain Sergio Aguero. His -1pt doubled was not what we needed and after watching him miss a penalty for Argentina just 4 days prior, costing me 155 quid, his miss for City pretty much summed up my luck for the week. Part of me feels he is going to struggle to justify the 13m price tag this season but with a really nice looking next five he wont be going anywhere anytime soon. Although for the first time in memory I’m actually hoping one of my players ISN’T on pens! Last up was Marcus Rashford and he blanked again. I can’t say I’m completely surprised given the fact Jose Mourinho petty much played him at right back for half the game on Monday night. If Mourinho continues with this frankly shameful defensive set up in the big games then I have absolutely zero interest in United cover. We will give him the benfefit of the doubt prior to this week though.

So after a disappointing week with no ‘bouncebackability’ whatsoever we have to cross our fingers and have faith in the team we have picked. With a noteable fixture ease upcoming for a handful of teams we have made a double swap. Our team is a little way away from being what we want but these two swaps help.

Baines (OUT) – Pieters (IN)

Bolasie (OUT) – Lallana (IN)

With Leighton Baines officially out this week we made the switches. In comes Erik Pieters for a bargain 4.4m. Yes Stoke have been poor so far but looking at their next six games they play just one team in the top 10 and that is Watford who are 10th. We also say goodbye to another Evertonian as Bolasie leaves this week. He hasn’t been bad but I just could not allow us to run without a single Liverpool player. All you need to do is look at the next 10 GW’s and you will understand why Adam Lallana is now in. If there is one piece of advice I can give you this week it’s to bring in Liverpool players.

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Again we have little choice in goal other than to start Ben Foster. Away to Liverpool is certainly not ideal so we will be hoping for save points.

In defence we run with a back three as per usual. Erik Pieters makes his debut for us and has Hull away. Hector Bellerin with a nice looking game against Middlesbrough and John Stones has Southampton at home. Maybe just maybe he might actually score us some points. So far this season the City centre half has scored 1pt four times and 2pts four times. Sooner or later he will deliver.

The midfield welcomes Adam Lallana. With three goals already this season he is just one away from matching last seasons tally. He is thriving under Klopp and although he maybe doesn’t have the upside of Firmino, Coutinho or Mane he is great value at 7.1m. Especially given his run of games and the fact he is only owned by 10% of FPL gaffers. Mesut Ozil fresh from his Champions League hattrick faces a Middlesbrough team that haven’t won since GW 2 and have conceded nine in their last five. Raheem Sterling may have blanked in the last two but he’s been a constant threat. That wont last so hopefully he gets back to form at home to Southampton. Last up is Michail Antonio. I think we’ve cursed him. Prior to joining the FPL Updates XI he five in four. Since bringing him in he has none in three. If ever there is a game to find your goalscoring form again it’s probably Sunderland.

So onto our front three. It’s redemption time for Sergio Aguero. In my six and a bit years of playing the Fantasy Premier League I cannot ever remember having a captain score me minus points. Fixtures on the horizon look appealing so I have no doubt he will fire us back up the league, starting with this week as our captain again. Romelu Lukaku starts and faces Burnley. They may have conceded three in each of their away games this season but they have only conceded three in total over five home games. So Rom will have to be on top form to deliver. Last up is Marcus Rashford, another player that has blanked since we brought him in. After watching United on Monday it will be interesting to see how they line up here. Let’s just say confidence isn’t high with expectations of attacking returns.

So there we have it. I cannot see this team posting sub-40pts again this week and although we have taken a 4pt hit the match ups look good enough for a decent week. We have dropped to 336,932nd overall so this is the week to rectify that.

With several teams looking at fantastic upcoming runs make sure your transfers are well thought out. Stoke, Liverpool and City are all worthy of investment.

Good luck to all, especially those keeping the faith with Aguero as captain. I can’t decide if it’s smart or just blind faith. Have a great weekend and let’s have the green arrows rolling in!

Written by FPL Guru (@FPL_Guru_)

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