We are in uncharted territory here FPL-wise, ever since the passing of England’s longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
A whole round of fixtures was pushed and there were lingering doubts about gameweek 8 as well, with multiple rumours flying around.
Thankfully, Premier League released a statement on Sunday to clarify the situation.
Seven of the planned ten fixtures will go ahead, and the remaining three will be played sometime else in the future.
The fixtures postponed include Man Utd’s clash against Leeds, Chelsea’s blockbuster match versus Liverpool and BHA vs. Crystal Palace.
Of course, ironically, the clarity has confused FPL managers more than they would have liked.
With only select matches going ahead, many FPL assets will be rendered useless this week with 0 points and teams risk falling down the ladder in their leagues.
Adding to the FPL manager’s irritation is the arrival of the international break after this gameweek.
Meaning long-term decisions made now could be affected in case of injuries or rotations post-break.
Our tip is to play either the Wildcard or the Free Hit now and fixture-proof the team as much as possible for future gameweeks.
The Free Hit chip could be handier later when double GWs roll in, so out of the two, the wildcard is preferred.
Who to bring in?
Managers can keep up to four players who are fixture-less this week, provided the other 11 in the team are guaranteed to play.
Incoming transfers should have a positive outlook for at least the next 4-5 gameweeks.
Trippier and Nick Pope
The duo are the top two transferred-in players this week and are in high demand due to their record and the attractive fixtures coming up.
Mitrovic/Isak/Toney
This post may either help you decide or confuse you even further.
With a one-GW viewpoint, managers can give Toney (v. Arsenal) a miss and decide between the other two.
But with a mid-to-long term view, any of the three strikers can do wonders for your squad.
West Ham Defence
With very attractive fixtures till GW11, Zouma, Coufal or Emerson can be the differential additions that you need to boost your team.
If you don’t have the Norwegian yet, a wildcard can be a great opportunity to include him.
Andreas Pereira
The £4.6M-priced midfielder is a great budget option that will allow managers to utilise funds elsewhere while also including a guaranteed start in their team.
Andreas has provided two assists in the season so far.
The next seven fixtures have a maximum FDR rating of 3, meaning the player can deliver points and save money in the process.
Who to transfer out?
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah
Never thought I would see this day but the former FPL darlings are the top 2 transferred-out players this week.
Poor form, coupled with no fixture this week and difficult ones going forward means the duo can be transferred out.
This will release a lot of funds that can be reinvested elsewhere.
Pascal Gross
Having taken FPL by storm this season, the midfielder’s rising star might finally start falling.
Gross is the third-most transferred-out player.
Brighton are fixture-less this week and face Liverpool and Spurs after the break.
BHA have also lost their manager to Chelsea, meaning there could be changes in the team resulting in reduced FPL output.
Jordan Pickford
The England No. 1 suffered a thigh injury in the Merseyside derby which will keep him out for a few matches even after the international break.
Captain-material
Harry Kane
Recommending Kane over Haaland is a risk we are willing to take given Kane’s fixture and form.
The striker has scored or assisted for five games in a row.
The team he faces, Leicester, sit bottom of the table and have conceded 16 goals.
Fun Fact: Harry Kane has recorded 17 goals and 3 assists in 14 PL matches against Leicester.
Erling Haaland
Perennial captain for some, the striker faces Wolves in the next game, who sit 14th on the table having won only one game. I smell points.
