I’m not one to blow my own trumpet but the Gameweek 8 article was pretty good. Attacking returns for four out of five of those featured has set the bar high for this week. Even if none of our potential differentials return anything at all, at least we are safe in the knowledge that the next International break doesn’t rear its ugly head until the middle of next month.
Here’s Gameweek 9’s hopefuls:
Josh Murphy
Despite seeing his Cardiff City side suffer (another) defeat against Burnley in GW7, Josh Murphy made his mark in spectacular fashion. The winger found the net with a powerful strike during a performance which yielded 20.5 points in Fantrax.
Murphy attempted six shots on goal in the game in question and seems to be part of most good things that Cardiff do; a good sign for a differential pick. This week’s home fixture against fellow strugglers Fulham who have allowed the second most shots on their goal and are yet to keep clean sheet this season gives Murphy a great chance to get some more points on the board.
Gerard Deulofeu
It’s no secret that I’m a massive Gerard Deulofeu fan. His return to the bench in GW8 was delightful to see, especially for someone who used a 4th round pick on him and then held him for the first seven weeks of the season.
If (and it’s a big if), he can stay fit, Deulofeu has the potential to be a top 15 forward in Fantrax. His contribution of numerous key passes and successful dribbles means that he isn’t dependant on goals and assists for a decent points haul.
The Spaniard’s ownership of 51% suggests that a lot of previous owners have given up on him after what could be considered a “slow start” to the campaign but he’s well worth a pick up now he’s healthy. This week’s trip to Wolves represents a tough challenge but next week’s home tie against Huddersfield could be the week where Deulofeu reminds everyone what he is capable of.
Xherdan Shaqiri
The man waiting in the wings, ready to capitalise on any injuries to the big boys may get another chance to impress. The international break brought about its usual injuries for Liverpool and with Sadio Mane struggling to shake off a broken thumb (probably impossible) Xherdan Shaqiri may get another shot.
Last time Shaqiri was called upon he took his chance, registering two assists in a first half demolition of Southampton. A trip to Huddersfield should give the Swiss star another decent chance of registering some attacking returns. Daniel Sturridge is also worth an add this week with several Reds struggling for fitness.
Junior Stanislas
Junior Stanislas has already featured in one of these articles but this time I mean it. The Bournemouth play maker has spent the last month regaining full fitness and all signs seem to point to this week as his first start of the season.
Former differential David Brooks is far too mainstream for this column after two goals in two games but it looks like Ryan Fraser may miss out due to an ongoing hamstring injury that forced him out of Scotland action.
Step forward Stanislas to take the reigns in a favourable home fixture against local (ish) rivals Southampton. “Stan” should dominate set piece duty and, if the reports of Josh King’s injury are true, that could include penalties.
Feels like the potential for an all or nothing week for Stanislas who, on his day, can be a 30 point scorer in Fantrax.
Fantasy Football 92 