Fantasy Premier League managers were left scratching their heads after another surprising weekend that saw premium assets falter while differential picks delivered spectacular returns. Gameweek Nine has reshaped the FPL landscape, forcing managers to reconsider their strategies ahead of the busy festive period.
Haaland's Concerning Dry Spell Continues
Manchester City's goal machine Erling Haaland failed to find the net for the second consecutive gameweek, leaving his 82% ownership frustrated. The Norwegian striker managed just two points against Arsenal, compounding managers' worries after his blank against Wolves. With City's fixtures turning favourable, many are now facing the ultimate FPL dilemma: stick or twist?
Alternative Captains Come Good
While Haaland disappointed, those who gambled on alternative captaincy picks were handsomely rewarded:
- Mohamed Salah delivered a 13-point haul against Brighton, reminding managers of his consistent returns
- Son Heung-min continued his excellent form with another double-digit return
- Ollie Watkins justified his premium price tag with goals and assists
Differential Picks Make Their Mark
Several lesser-owned assets emerged as potential season-defining picks:
- Pedro Neto continues to be the bargain of the season, providing yet another assist
- Kieran Trippier reminded everyone why he's the premier defensive option with a clean sheet and attacking returns
- Jarrod Bowen maintained his impressive home form with another goal at London Stadium
What This Means For Your Squad
The emerging pattern suggests that diversifying funds away from Haaland could be a viable strategy, at least in the short term. With several mid-priced attackers delivering consistent returns, managers have genuine alternatives to the traditional template approach.
Defensively, the clean sheet landscape remains volatile, making attacking full-backs like Trippier increasingly valuable. The continued success of budget enablers like Neto also provides managers with more flexibility to invest in multiple premium assets.
As we approach the busy winter schedule, having a strong bench and navigating fixture congestion will become increasingly important. The lessons from Gameweek Nine suggest that flexibility and willingness to back differential picks could be key to climbing the rankings.
