FPL 2022/23: Gameweek 9 – Captaincy Picks

Alric Fernandes
By Alric Fernandes
7 Min Read

Following the end of the international break, we turn our attention to gameweek 9, as FPL managers look to maximise their squad’s potential before breaking for the World Cup. With the occurrence of unprecedented events over recent weeks, Fantasy Premier League managers will be keen on keeping up with the pace moving into a demanding period of fixtures, with a majority of assets expected to deliver fruitful returns moving forward.

Having delivered consistent returns over recent outings, the likes of Erling Haaland (£12.0), Harry Kane (£11.4), and Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.9) are likely to emerge amongst the most coveted players moving into the game week. Moreover, with the significance of the armband having grown tremendously in recent weeks, in this article, we take a look at assets most likely to deliver favourable returns whilst looking at those capable of serving as competent candidates for the armband moving into the gameweek.

IVAN TONEY [FWD, £7.3m, BOU (A]

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Amongst the most exciting players in recent weeks, Toney emerges as a tempting option for the armband having delivered fruitful returns this season. Accounting for five goals and two assists hitherto, the forward has the potential to establish himself as an essential pick owing to Brentford’s healthy run of fixtures moving forward.

Registering a commendable number of expected goals (0.39xG) per 90 minutes, Toney remains the Bees’ focal point in attack. Moreover, accounting for the second-highest number of passes completed (6) into the attacking third alongside topping the chart for shot-creating actions (20) amongst teammates hitherto, the forward establishes himself as an all-round attacker capable of delivering both goals and assists moving into a congested run of fixtures.

Facing a Bournemouth side having registered a victory and two draws in their last three outings, Brentford are likely to face a competitive side on the pitch this weekend. However, with Toney emerging as the likeliest of players to deliver FPL returns in game-week 9, the forward remains a notable differential for FPL managers looking to take a punt on the captaincy at the weekend.

JAMES MADDISON [MID, £7.9m, NFO (H]

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Amongst Leicester City’s brightest sparks despite their poor start to the season, Maddison emerges as a coveted asset as the Foxes head into a much-welcomed upturn in fixtures, starting this weekend. Having been the team’s highest goal contributor this campaign, the midfielder establishes himself as a tempting asset with the Foxes likely to capitalise on their fixture run having yet to register a victory this season.

Accounting for three goals and an assist hitherto, Maddison remains the likeliest of Leicester City’s assets to provide favourable returns over the coming weeks. Although not boasting a notable number of expected goals and assists per game, the midfielder ranks second for passes completed (8) into the 18-yard-box and tops the charts for shot-creating actions (20) amongst teammates this season. Moreover, with Leicester having found the back of the net in six of the seven game-weeks played hitherto, Maddison is likely to continue remaining crucial to the team’s attacking prowess moving forward.

Facing a Nottingham Forest side struggling to keep clean sheets, Leicester will be keen on securing their first victory of the league campaign this weekend. With Maddison emerging amongst the notable assets over the immediate future, the midfielder emerges as a tempting prospect of the armband in game-week 9.

HARRY KANE [FWD, £11.4m, ARS (A]

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Having delivered significant returns in recent weeks, Kane emerges amongst the strong candidates for the armband this weekend. Accounting for six goals and two assists in the league hitherto, the Spurs forward is likely to improve his tally of goal contributions moving forward.

Registering a commendable number of expected goals (0.69xG) per 90 minutes, the England international is likely to continue delivering attacking returns over the coming weeks. Moreover, also serving as a creative outlet within the side, Kane ranks second for passes completed (24) into the 18-yard-box whilst topping the chart for shot-creating actions (26) amongst teammates this season.

Facing an Arsenal side comfortable at the top of the table hitherto, Spurs will be looking to dethrone their North London rivals from the top this weekend. With Kane emerging amongst the assets likely to deliver an attacking return on paper, the forward establishes himself as a strong candidate for the armband despite a challenging fixture in the upcoming game week.

ERLING HAALAND [FWD, £12.0m, MUN (H]

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FPL’s highest scoring asset (73pts) hitherto, Haaland emerges as the safest candidate for the armband this weekend. Having registered a bewildering 11 goals alongside a solitary assist, Manchester City’s talisman is expected to continue providing fruitful returns over the coming weeks.

Boasting an inscrutable number of expected goals (1.17xG) per 90 minutes, the striker establishes himself as the asset most likely to deliver attacking points over the coming weeks. Moreover, averaging 4.62 shots on target per game, Haaland emerges as the most consistent of forwards in the league this season.

Facing a rejuvenated Manchester United side this weekend, the city rivals will be keen on denting the Red Devils’ prospects moving forward. With Haaland expected to deliver the goods in the Manchester derby, the Norwegian striker is likely to deliver attacking returns provided City deliver a compelling display on Sunday.

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