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That was the last of it.

After the final International window of the year, Fantasy Premier League returns uninterrupted till March. But in typical fashion, the internationals came with its list of injury absentees.

How then do you pick up or maintain your momentum after Game Week eight? Football Castle brings some tips for Game week nine and the subsequent run into the hectic December schedule.

The biggest challenge for GW9 is undoubtedly how to navigate this injury crisis caused by fatigue and Coronavirus over the international fixtures. However, I do see it as an opportunity to get rid of some expensive assets and perhaps realise a few gems with some good scouting.

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Injury crisis/ squad dilemma

FPL hotshots such as Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson (if you still have either in your team) have all been stricken whilst Danny Ings recovers from a knee operation.

The Son-Kane double ownership also needs to be reassessed considering their falling attacking numbers in recent game weeks in addition to a tough run of upcoming fixtures that include Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester, and Wolves. Tottenham’s style of play will also see them defending more in these games.

Alternatives

Lucas Digne(£6.1m) is a reliable alternative to any high-scoring defender due to his threat in FPL. The Everton man may have struggled as his team went through a recent rough patch due to many absences, but the Toffees are back to full-strength this weekend and face a timid Fulham side. Furthermore, the Frenchman begins a decent run of fixtures thereafter.

Patrick Van-Aanholt(£5.4m): The Dutchman recently won back his place in Palace’s backline and faces a Burnley side who remain the league’s lowest scorers. The leftback’s expected goal involvements is always high for the Eagles and he is a smart option for clean sheets and goals considering his upcoming run of games. 

If you do not already have Kurt Zouma(£5.4m) in your team, here is another reminder that you should as the defender leads Europe’s top 10 leagues for successful aerial duels. His increased clean sheets have been well-documented as well as his threat from attacking set pieces as he faces Newcastle who are always likely to concede set-plays.

Jack Gtrealish
Grealish is in red-hot form for club and country. (REUTERS)

Jack Grealish(£7.5m): The 25-year-old followed up his brilliant showing against Arsenal with two man-of-the-match performances for England. The Aston Villa captain comes in very good form (four goal involvements in the last two league games) and is playing right at the top of his game. Grealish currently features in 37% of the squads and he has a good run of fixtures for the foreseeable future.

Hakim Ziyech(£8.2m): The attacking midfielder dazzled with four goal involvements in as many games and continued his scintillating form with three goals in two games for Morocco. Ziyech faces a Newcastle side who are susceptible to conceding set-piece chances which is a tantalizing prospect for the Wizard’s magic left foot. 

Possessing Ziyech is associated with owning Timo Werner(£9.4m)in your team as a cheaper alternative to the Son-Kane double act. The German has already benefited from many of Ziyech’s sensational passes from the right as that combination will improve with more games. Opponents Newcastle have also struggled for clean sheets at home, creating a tantalizing scenario for Werner who is now Chelsea’s penalty taker.

Richarlison’s(£7.8m) return from suspension is set to boost Everton massively against Fulham, and their main FPL assets in particular. He will provide an outlet for James Rodriguez’s pinpoint cross-field passes which improves chances for Dominic Calvert-Lewin as well as Lucas Digne bombing forward from left-back.

A brace for Ollie Watkins(£6.1m) in the electric 3-0 win away to Arsenal in GW 8 took his tally to six goals in seven games. Watkins now faces an encouraging run of fixtures (BHA, WHU, NEW, WOL, BUR) in which Aston Villa are set to score goals. Additionally, the 25-year-old is well-rested having not been involved during the International window.

Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford is proving a reliable FPL asset for Leeds.

Patrick Bamford(£6.1m): Leeds face Arsenal, Everton, and Chelsea in their next games with their style of play set to register many attacking returns against teams who won’t sit back. Amidst the probability of giant-killing, Mateusz Klich(£5.6m) represents a considerable threat as he shares a strong understanding with Bamford. His three assists and two goals will be increased when Leeds are in their rampant elements. 

Che Adams(5.9m) has taken on greater importance for in-form Southampton following the injury to Danny Ings. Adams can outline his impressive form in 2020/21 having already scored since Ings’s absence, the striker is worth the faith for a low-priced performer. 

Goalkeepers

Lukasz Fabianski(£5.0m): The Pole might have got the bonus points for an easy penalty save against Ademola Lookman last time out. However, Fabianski retains high saves potential and has a decent run of fixtures coming up. 

Vicente Guaita(£5.0m) faces Burnley, Newcastle and West Brom in his next three games which have high clean sheet potential. The Spaniard should see an improvement on his lone clean sheet this season in coming games behind Palace’s solid rearguard. 

Do you have any Fantasy Premier League GW9 questions before the deadline 11:00GMT on Saturday, 21 November?.

Let us know in the Comments section below, Looking forward to what you have to say!

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Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin
November 20, 2020
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Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin

Chief Editor of the Football Castle, Bolu Alabi-Hundeyin is a football junkie and writer of the beautiful game.

https://thefootballcastle.com

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