Erling Haaland scores his third consecutive home hat-trick in the Premier League. (Image: FPL Official/Twitter)
Gameweek nine threw some spanners in the works ahead of gameweek 10. We saw injuries, hat-tricks and everything in between as the path to the World Cup becomes clearer.
More shake-ups were witnessed, as some teams appear to be struggling more than most. Some assets are now hard to go past, while some may be out the door.
Updates
Wolves sack Bruno Lage
After suffering their fourth defeat of the Premier League season, the relegation-battling Wolves decided to axe their manager Bruno Lage.
Lage lasted 16 months in the top job, but Wolves’ start to the season has been woeful, they currently stand within the relegation zone, with only one win next to their name.
The Wolves board has now opened discussions for potential replacements, no names have currently been released.
Aleksandar Mitrovic injured against Newcastle United
Mitrovic had an ownership of around 30 per cent, before he suffered an injury in the first half, against Newcastle.
He managed just 36 minutes, before going down with a foot complaint. No update has been made by Fulham, regarding his fitness since.
Managers are taking no risks, with over half a million managers transferring him out of their squads, ahead of gameweek 10. Making him the most transferred out player of the gameweek.
He currently has a 75 per cent chance of playing, according to FPL. The pre-match press conference for matchweek 10 will prove to be vital.
If managers want to use one transfer wisely, Mitrovic to Ivan Toney makes perfect sense. However, most managers are opting for a two-pronged attack of Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, which could use two transfers.
Kyle Walker has surgery
After sustaining a groin injury during Manchester City’s 6-3 win over Manchester United, Walker has since had surgery.
Updates on his return date are unknown still. Nonetheless, Walker has an ownership of over six per cent, leaving managers in limbo over a defensive replacement.
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Who’s hot?
Erling Haaland – 23 points v Manchester United
Haaland celebrated his fourth double-figure haul of the season, from just nine games and his first 20 plus point haul.
The Norwegian scored his third consecutive home hat-trick in the Premier League, breaking the Premier League record as the fastest goal scorer to reach three hat-tricks (eight games).
Haaland is now easily the most-owned asset in the game, boasting 83.1 per cent ownership. His points tally for the season is 96, while the next best is Harry Kane, with just 56 points.
Haaland and Manchester City face an arguably weaker Southampton side in gameweek 10, once again at The Etihad. All eyes will be on Haaland, who presumably has his eyes set on another hat trick.
Leandro Trossard – 20 points v Liverpool
Liverpool’s defence was once again a nightmare, as Brighton took full advantage of it, closing out a 3-3 draw.
Haaland wasn’t the only asset to bag a hat-trick, with Leandro Trossard scoring all three of Brighton’s goals. His two first-half goals had the visitors up 2-0 early before he secured the hat-trick with the equaliser.
Trossard is now the fourth-highest-scoring asset in the game right now. He has only blanked three times from his seven Premier League appearances.
James Maddison – 18 points v Nottingham Forest
Many big FPL managers had put faith in Maddison, with some deciding to captain him over the proficient goalscorer.
Their madness almost came to fruition, as Maddison played the game of his life to get Leicester City their first win of the season.
Maddison scored twice and provided an assist, as Leicester romped Forest 4-0. His score was reduced to 15 points when he was cautioned but gained three bonus points.
He will be hot property going into GW10, after being the most-transferred in asset for GW9.
Honourable mentions go out to a few assets who scored big yet didn’t make the list.
Phil Foden (19 points) scored a hat trick.
Jarrod Bowen (14 points) ended his streak of blank scores, with a goal and assist against Wolves.
Miguel Almiron (15 points) shone in Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Fulham, scoring two goals.
Captaincy selection
Erling Haaland v Southampton
Owners of Haaland are most likely going to give him the armband, especially if they missed out in GW9.
After scoring three hat-tricks in his last three home appearances in the league, it is almost expected for him to take home the match ball.
He scored big once again in the Champions League during the week, bagging a brace in the 45 minutes he played. Those minutes he played suggest he will be raring to go when Manchester City hosts Southampton.
James Maddison v Bournemouth
Maddison was in scintillating form in GW9, driving the Foxes to their first win of the Premier League season.
He was heavily backed, going into GW9 and the same is expected for GW10, as Leicester are facing a weaker side on paper.
Will the madness pay off? If you are feeling risky and want to take the differential option, Maddison is your guy, once again.
Reece James v Wolves
An interesting one, but James could be set for a big points haul and the odds stack in his favour.
He played a vital role for Chelsea in their 3-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League, playing in his favoured position of right wing-back.
He scored and assisted a goal, which would have translated for a decent tally in FPL, especially since Chelsea kept a clean sheet too.
Chelsea faces Wolves, who are still without a manager. Wolves may now be more vulnerable and therefore, Chelsea could have a field day.
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