Dec 14

Gameweek 9 Captain Picks

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FPL Holly is back fresh from the International Break with her selection of captain picks for Gameweek 9. There's plenty of options from the top five sides, with favourable fixtures. The Clueless Husband pick also returns, with momentum favouring an attacking player: read on for more. Gameweek 8 ended up being the most split captain decision of the season: Harry Kane was very popular going into the game, but disappointed those who punted with just 1 point. Meanwhile, a 0-0 in the Liverpool and Manchester City game frustrated many carrying attacking players of Aguero, Salah and Mane. However, Eden Hazard managed his fourth double digit return of the season. Gameweek 9 follows the International Break, which has been mixed for our FPL stars. The news of a hamstring injury to Mo Salah has blown the captain debate apart for a second week running: he was likely to be the main contender going into this round of games. Will he be fit for the weekend?

Shield Pick: Sergio Aguero vs Burnley (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 4/9 While Hazard may be catching up on ownership, to the 50% mark, it's the favourable fixture that makes Aguero the shield pick this week. He's likely to be the most captained this week, so makes a great option for those wanting a safe choice. He's got 100% returns in home games, with 4 goals and 4 assists across 4 appearances at the Etihad. He's also on penalties and has had the International Break off, which has hopefully allowed him to recover from that ankle injury. A win should be a formality here for Manchester City, they are top of the Premier League, having scored 21 goals. Meanwhile, Burnley have conceded 12 goals and their main centre back James Tarkowski is currently injured. With De Bruyne back in the City squad, and Aguero having 6 goals in 6 games against Burnley, will you play safe?

Sword Pick: Harry Kane vs West Ham (A)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 7/10 Harry may have disappointed many in Gameweek 8, but he had plenty of shots and remains a strong captaincy contender this week. His away record is strong, with 4 goals and an assist across 5 games this season. He also has penalties and a great record against the Hammers: 7 goals in 7 Premier League starts for Spurs, including a brace last season. However, Kane has had a busy International Break and West Ham are showing some solidarity in defence of late, keeping a clean sheet against Chelsea and conceding just 1 goal at home to Manchester United. Will you play attacking with the sword pick?

Form Pick: Eden Hazard vs Manchester United (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 5/4 Eden Hazard's form remains incredible, he is having a remarkable season, with 8 goals and 3 assists across 8 games. He also has penalties to boost his output, and hasn't blanked at home all season, including scoring in a tricky fixture against Liverpool. He faces his old manager Jose Mourinho this week, and has been rather complementary in the press about their relationship: does this bode well for captaincy hauls? Manchester Untied have been in absolute disarray in recent weeks, keeping just one clean sheet all season, having conceded 5 goals across their last 2 games. Can Hazard keep his hot streak going, to add to United woes?

Fixture Pick: Mo Salah & Sadio Mane vs Huddersfield (A)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 4/5 & 5/4 Who knows which players will be fit for Liverpool this weekend? Salah or Mane could provide a viable option in this Liverpool side. Many managers have one of these midfielders in their side. Its worth noting that with the standard of the opposition, and Champions League action on Wednesday, they may not be risked even if declared fully fit. Both have found some form over the international games and could well be on penalties in the absence of James Milner. Huddersfield have conceded 17 goals this season, so goals look likely in this one. Klopp may need to deploy a different style, with Milner among the likely absentees. Are you going for the fixture pick?

Punt Pick: Raheem Sterling vs Burnley (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 17/20 Sergio Aguero may be the most popular option this gameweek, but Sterling could be a great option: his ownership is likely to rocket above the 5% mark as Salah/Mane owners knee jerk. It's a great fixture for Sterling and City and he is in great form: Sterling has 4 goals and 2 assists from 7 starts, including goals in each of his last three home games. There's always a risk of rotation under Pep, with Sterling planted on the bench when these two met in Gameweek 9 last season. Will that be an ominous piece of history for the punt?

Park the Bus Pick: Andrew Robertson vs Huddersfield (A)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 12/1 Clean Sheet Odds: 13/20 With Huddersfield scoring just 4 goals this season, and failing to find the back of the net at home, a Liverpool clean sheet looks to be a sure thing. Robertson is an important part of a Liverpool defence who've already kept 5 clean sheets this season, conceding just 3 goals. He already has 2 clean sheets and 7 bonus points, so multiple returns certainly look promising for this fixture. Liverpool won this fixture 3-0 last season. Are you brave enough to captain a defender?

Clueless Husband Pick: Alexandre Lacazette vs Leicester (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 5/6 Following a good points haul last week, the Clueless Husband is back to giving a striker the armband this week: his latest wildcard squad has brought a change in fortunes. Arsenal are going from strength to strength this season, with a string of winning performances. Lacazette has been central to the 19 goals scored, returning in 6 consecutive games, including 4 goals and 4 assists. This fixture got the 2017/18 season off to a bang, with Lacazette scoring in a mammoth 4-3 win for Arsenal. Will you side with my Clueless Husband? Until Next Week… Good Luck! Holly and her Clueless Husband Follow fplbet for weekly fantasy features... [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type="1_6" layout="1_6" spacing="" center_content="no" hover_type="none" link="" mer_position="all" padding="" dimension_margin="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_offset="" last="no" element_content=""][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]