Gameweek Nine Preview: Graphical Aid
If you approach a die-hard FPL player right about now, we can almost ensure two things. One, they've got no nails left. Two, they're restless. Craving what they miss most. International football really does lose its sparkle when the home nation of the BPL have already qualified for the Euros next summer in France. Trust us, we were in attendance for England v Estonia. It was dull, even in victory. Entertainment was saved for the Dutch, and the jubiliation of first time qualifiers Slovakia and Wales (among others of course). We're glad to say we're on the eve of the main event, the return of normality, and with it we provide our regular Graphical Aid for every Fantasy Football player that's in a last minute pickle with their teams.
Left-field thinking...
Each and every week on the Hype Train we attempt to unearth the beast FPL differentials. By no means are they always right, and neither do we claim divinity over our choices, but it's proven a more-than-useful exercise when thinking about what could potentially make your team stand out each week. The criteria is simple. A player must have less than 5% ownership to be counted as a 'wildcard' player.
For Gameweek 9, we've really had to roll our fingers around the bottom of the penny jar, but that's what good FPL players need to do in an age when you can no longer rely on heavy hitters from week to week.
To read our latest Wildcard attempt, click here or on the picture of Will.I.An below.
Who is on the 'Hype Train'?
As a special feature for GW9's Graphical Aid, we thought we'd put together something we've not done before, putting together a profile of every player on our 'Hype Train'. You can find the full list, and when these individuals entered, on our Weekly Hype page.
Any other FPL tips for GW9?
Like most, we're glad the international break is over. Injuries have ravaged the league. Hundreds of thousands will be drawn inro dropping points due to Sergio Aguero's injury whilst on duty with Argentina (we're blaming Messi for not being fit).
In the league, there's a few worthy notes that jump to mind.
Everton have a great record at home against Man United.
Spurs can't beat Liverpool.
Chelsea love playing Aston Villa at home.
Norwich have only ever won a single point at Newcastle.
Watford beat Arsenal at home the last time they were in the BPL.
Saido Berahino scored two goals at home to Sunderland last season.
Daniel Sturridge is almost assured of a striking birth against Spurs. Poor Ings. Poor Shaw. Poor Joe Gomez. It's been a bad month for English players.
What are we expecting to happen this weekend?
Roll a dice. We'd like to tell you, wouldn't that be nice. Reality has set hard that this season will throw in surprises every single week. Watch the reverse of everything above happen.
The transfer deadline is once again at the same time - Saturday 17th October at 11.45am (UK time). We're treated to three days of BPL action, starting in London as Spurs host Liverpool, and ending in Wales as Swansea entertain Stoke on a Monday night (cue 'can they do it on a...'). The Hype Team will be around this weekend to provide live FPL coverage throughout the weekend over on our Twitter account - @RealHypeTrain - with live FPL score charts and updates from the Premier League.
Until then, muse over our Weekly Hype page, and we wish your teams the best for the upcoming GW9.
