New Options
Josh King, Armando Broja and Hwang Hee-Chan all scored again last game week to prove they are not one-game wonders and are worthwhile cheap forward options. Note, Broja has an ankle injury worry. King scored a hat-trick in Watford’s win at Everton, ensuring coaches are jumping on.
Aaron Ramsdale has been on coaches’ radars for a few weeks but with Arsenal finding some stable form, he looms as a decent cheap goalkeeper option. He seems to have usurped Bernd Leno for good.
Man City’s Gabriel Jesus also needs to come on to your radar, despite Pep Guardiola’s unpredictable line-ups, given he has scored three goals and provided six assists in his last nine league starts.
Previous week lessons
It’s no surprise that the weaker sides cough up big points but Chelsea players dined out on bottom club Norwich City last gameweek, with Mason Mount, Reece James and Ben Chilwell - who has three goals in three games - all going large. Leeds are away to the Canaries this gameweek, meaning Rodrigo and Raphinha should be considered.
Southampton’s teenage defender Tino Livramento is mounting a case to be an essential cheap option in the backline after a fine run of form. It’s important to jump on these cheaper options to maximise value in your team. The Saints play inconsistent Watford this gameweek too.
Who to captain?
Mohamed Salah is the man. Liverpool are at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, so if you own him, there’s no doubt about it. Salah has 107 points this season, 50 clear of the equal next best Jamie Vardy and Michail Antonio (the latter is still top value).
If you’re one of the unlucky coaches who don’t own Salah, firstly, get him. Secondly, if you can’t Son Heung-Min is worth consideration as captain as he has a fine recent record against Manchester United, scoring three goals and setting up two against them last season.
Injuries
Jamie Vardy left coaches frustrated last gameweek after being replaced at half-time after picking up an ankle injury in the warm-up but Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has declared “he’s fine”.
Chelsea have provided no return date on injured duo Romelu Lukaku (ankle) and Timo Werner (thigh), while Cesar Azpilicueta is a doubt with a shoulder concern. Arsenal’s Ben White has been unwell and is no certainty to play in Saturday’s early kick-off against Leicester.
Popular Brentford pair Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo have picked up groin and thigh injuries respectively and will miss, along with goalkeeper David Raya who will be out for several months with a knee injury.
Cheap Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis is out suspended after five yellow cards, along with Manchester United’s Paul Pogba after his red card against Liverpool.