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There are more than a few Fantasy Premier League managers still recovering from a disappointing Gameweek 9.
Following a round that posted the lowest average score (43 points) this season, FPL managers must fight the temptation to make wholesale changes.
Every season will feature low-scoring weeks but the trick is not to panic and only address the most pressing concerns within your squad.
Here are a few tips ahead of Gameweek 10.
CAPTAIN – MOHAMED SALAH | LIVERPOOL | 12.8M
Mohamed Salah’s ownership is down to around 30 per cent after being selected by over half the teams ahead of the opening week. With just four goals and two assists so far, he hasn’t lived up to expectations or his price tag.
The Egyptian did score the only goal for Liverpool in last week’s win away to Huddersfield though and with good fixtures ahead, is looking like a more appealing option.
Many would’ve been put off by his lack of impact in the preceding four weeks, scoring just once in that time and failing to provide any assists.
However, you have to take into account the teams he faced. Liverpool played Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City in three of those four fixtures. So perhaps Salah’s ‘lack of form’ needs to be put into perspective.
In fact, in the last three GWs when he played Chelsea, City and Huddersfield, the 26-year-old had 13 goal attempts. Only Eden Hazard has managed more over the period. Ten of those efforts have come inside the box as well while six have been on target.
Liverpool welcome Cardiff City to Anfield on Saturday, making Salah the prime captain choice this week after scoring a brace in the Champions League as well. The Bluebirds have the second worst defensive record in the Premier League behind Fulham, conceding 19 goals in the opening nine games. They’ve also conceded the second most big chances (19).
Mohamed Salah.
ALTERNATIVES
EDEN HAZARD (11.4m) is one to keep an eye on. The Belgian has been complaining of back trouble and was rested for Chelsea’s Europa League outing in midweek. He is being prepped for the trip to Burnley though who have conceded the second most shots from inside the box this season. Giving him the armband could either go very well or very badly.
CALLUM WILSON (6.5m) has just one goal but four assists in his last five outings. It’s not like he’s short of opportunities though. The striker has missed eight big chances so far this season, no one has missed more. However, Bournemouth travel to Fulham this week who have conceded a massive 27 chances, so he’s bound to see some come his way.
BOLD CHOICE
JOSE HOLEBAS (4.8m) is back from suspension and still remains the defender who has created the most chances this season with 17. Much of that is down to his excellent delivery from set-pieces. He should also pick up a clean sheet as Watford are at home to Huddersfield who have only scored six goals this season.
TWO TO WATCH
MATT RITCHIE | NEWCASTLE UNITED | 5.9M
Newcastle are enjoying a big swing in fixtures at the moment. Their next meeting against top six opposition comes only in GW 19 when they travel to Anfield. Matt Ritchie has not been great so far this season, a single assist being his only return. However, he has nine shots over the last three GWs of which eight have been on target so he’s showing promise going forward.
Matt Ritchie
MAT RYAN | BRIGHTON | 4.5M
Brighton are another side enjoying a good run at the moment, playing their next top six side only in GW 17 when they take on Chelsea. Mat Ryan has already bagged back-to-back cleansheets in his last two outings, picking up a total of 20 points in the process, including five bonus points. At just 4.5m, he could be a real asset and a good alternative to Wayne Hennessey and Rui Patricio.
Mat Ryan
TWO TO AVOID
RICHARLISON | EVERTON | 6.8M
Richarlison began the season like a house on fire but it may be time to drop the Brazilian. His fixtures aren’t very appealing with Manchester United away next before facing Chelsea, Liverpool, City and Tottenham in the following eight GWs. He operated as a central striker against Crystal Palace and looked out of sorts.
Richarlison
AARON RAMSEY | ARSENAL | 7.4M
Arsenal played some scintillating football in their recent 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace but worryingly for Aaron Ramsey, he wasn’t part of it. With his future at the club beyond this season uncertain, he hasn’t started in the last couple of games. Given the way the Gunners performed at the Emirates last weekend, Unai Emery will be reluctant to shuffle his pack.
Aaron Ramsey
