Fantasy Football Scout picks out four players to get in your line-up for Gameweek 10.
Roughly a fortnight ago, before October’s international break, Gameweek 8 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) brought a 15-point Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) haul, a dramatic pair of stoppage time Scott McTominay (£4.8m) goals and – even more shockingly – a genuine, legitimate clean sheet for those still with Jordan Pickford (£4.4m).
Two of our four picks were successful, although neither James Maddison (£8.1m) nor team-mate Pedro Porro (£5.1m) exceeded six points. Blanks arrived for Luis Diaz (£7.5m) and Dominic Solanke (£6.4m).
Now looking ahead to Gameweek 9, with an 11:00 BST Saturday deadline, here are a few less obvious players who we think could haul.
DIOGO JOTA (£7.7m)
Granted, this Liverpool attacker’s recent suspension means he’s started just one of their last six league outings. But that coincided with Gameweek 5 – the last time teams returned to action after a two-week pause.
Jurgen Klopp opted not to start late-arriving South American pair Darwin Nunez (£7.4m) and Luis Diaz (£7.5m) that day and it could be the same this time, seen as the Merseyside derby is a Saturday lunchtime kick-off.
As the first match of Gameweek 9, there’s a chance that team leaks could arrive that morning and, if Jota gets the nod, he’ll lead the line for the team that ranks joint-third for big chances (27). His two goals and two assists are continuing some springtime form where the 26-year-old netted seven times in 476 late-season minutes.
HWANG HEE-CHAN (£5.4m)
A high achiever staying under the radar is Wolves midfielder Hwang Hee-chan. Owned by a low 1.0% of all FPL managers, his five goals sit behind only Erling Haaland (£14.0m), Son Heung-min (£9.5m) and Alexander Isak (£7.5m).
Alternatively, people may see these returns as unsustainable, with the five coming from just 12 shots and 427 minutes. None of his first six Gameweeks went beyond 60 minutes although, crucially, the latest two have done.
Gary O’Neil certainly won’t be ditching such form for Saturday’s trip to former employers Bournemouth. The Cherries are yet to win and have conceded the second-most big chances (28) and shots on target (51).
RASMUS HOJLUND (£7.2m)
The sole team to have allowed more is basement-dwellers Sheffield United. Therefore it brings a tough dilemma to owners of Manchester United underachievers Marcus Rashford (£8.8m) and Bruno Fernandes (£8.4m).
The pair’s underlying stats haven’t been a cause for concern, it’s just the ongoing lack of end product. Both have blanked in six of their eight matches, leading to mass sales from many frustrated FPL managers.
But they should surely be kept for this one, right? Sheffield United have conceded at least twice in each match since the opening weekend.
As an alternative, attacking coverage can come from £72m summer arrival Hojlund. The young Dane has already risen twice in price despite no goals or assists from his four league starts. Instead, it’s the Champions League that has showcased his potential, scoring three times in two.
WILLY BOLY (£4.5m)
Finally, our defensive punt goes to Nottingham Forest centre-back Boly. Fresh from Gameweek 8’s clean sheet at Crystal Palace, next up for Steve Cooper’s side is Luton Town at home.
The 6ft 5in giant could enjoy facing the Hatters’ direct style of play and he offers a significant attacking threat from set-pieces. In fact, amongst defenders, he has the second-most headed attempts (six) and shots on target (five) whilst being third for efforts inside the box (eight).
