Watchlist

The FPL players on the Watchlist ahead of Gameweek 9

We pick out the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players who are the best medium-term targets based on fixtures, form and value.

Seven-time top 10k finisher and Scout regular Zophar will be taking the reins for this series in 2021/22, producing a fortnightly piece and discussing the rankings by position.

ABOUT THE WATCHLIST

Our regularly updated Watchlist, which is visible on the sidebar, ranks players in each position for the month ahead – or rather, the next four Gameweeks.

This allows site users to get a longer-term view on recommended players beyond the weekly Scout Picks.

Players are selected according to factors such as FPL’s form rating*, club injuries, club morale, forthcoming fixtures and whether or not the player in question is likely to be a bargain in FPL.

The table displays the player name and club, along with the abbreviation for the factors that played a part in their ranking. A key for these factors can be found below the player in the table and looks like this:

Arrows before the name indicate whether a player as climbed or fallen in our reckoning since the previous update or if they are a new entry into the tables.

Please note that while we may generally only recommend one player from each club within a position, alternative assets at the same club can always be considered.

*points divided by a club’s matches played over the last 30 days

THE WATCHLIST: BEST FPL GOALKEEPERS

The top three goalkeepers, Aaron Ramsdale (£4.6m), Robert Sanchez (£4.6m) and David Raya (£4.6m), retain their spots at the top of the Watchlist but there is movement below, with Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) moving up to fourth due to Southampton’s decent defensive numbers and good run of fixtures.

Edouard Mendy (£6.1m) sees big movement. The Chelsea shot-stopper moves up the list into sixth position and he looks to be offering something that other premium goalkeepers usually lack – save points and bonus.

Illan Meslier (£5.0m) moves down because of Leeds United’s stuttering form, despite their appealing fixtures. West Ham United’s own matches toughen up considerably, too, which sees Lukasz Fabianski (£5.0m) drop out and be replaced by Emiliano Martinez (£5.5m). The Argentinian should not miss any further game-time this season due to international commitments and is a great bet for saves and bonus points.

THE WATCHLIST: BEST FPL DEFENDERS

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) rightfully takes his spot back at the top of the defender rankings after returning to the Liverpool starting line-up.

Joao Cancelo (£6.3m) and Antonio Rudiger (£5.8m) remain the defensive picks of choice from their respective teams. Cancelo once again displayed his attacking potential with a goal against Club Brugge in midweek and Rudiger played all 90 minutes for Chelsea against Malmo. He should feature regularly for the London side going forward.

Ben Chilwell (£5.7m) has replaced Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.2m) as the second Chelsea defensive option. While security of starts is definitely greater with the Spaniard, Chilwell has shown he can be an explosive option and is rarely subbed on for a cameo. However, with back-to-back starts in the last two games, he might be a risky pick ahead of the Norwich fixture in Gameweek 9.

Brentford’s defenders will likely make the next update as their fixtures clear up significantly after facing Leicester.

THE WATCHLIST: BEST FPL MIDFIELDERS

The top three of Mohamed Salah (£12.8m), Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) and Son Heung-min (£10.1m) all found the back of the net in Gameweek 8 and retain the top spots. Phil Foden (£8.0m) was impressive against Club Brugge and being substituted early bodes well for his minutes against Brighton.

A potential injury issue means that Bukayo Saka (£6.4m) drops out of the Watchlist but Bryan Mbuemo (£5.6m) is a big mover. No player has hit the woodwork more often this season (six times) and, with fixtures improving, he is the standout midfielder below £6m.

Kai Havertz (£8.1m) is a new entry into the Watchlist on the back of injuries to Timo Werner (£8.6m) and Romelu Lukaku (£11.7m). The midfielder is likely going to be playing up top in the short term and is a great out-of-position differential option.

THE WATCHLIST: BEST FPL FORWARDS

With the injury to Lukaku, Jamie Vardy (£10.6m) leaps to the top of the forward rankings. The 34-year old is joint-top with Salah in the Golden Boot race (seven goals) and Leicester’s attacking numbers have shown significant improvement over the last four Gameweeks.

I was conflicted regarding the positions of Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.5m) and Harry Kane (£12.1m) but decided to retain the Portuguese at fourth. He scored against Atalanta midweek and, given how poor Manchester United are defensively, they surely have to rely on Ronaldo to bail them out with goals.

Spurs’ recent switch to a 4-2-3-1 has certainly enhanced Kane’s appeal, with the England striker having looked much better in the last few matches. However, over the last four Gameweeks, he has managed just six shots in the box, which makes me want to wait a bit longer to see if he is really back to the Kane of old.

Callum Wilson (£7.3m) and Armando Broja (£5.0m) are new entrants to the Watchlist. Wilson is always amongst the points if Newcastle United score and the Magpies could experience a ‘new manager bounce’ after parting ways with Steve Bruce. Broja took more shots in the box than any other Gameweek 8 player and is an intriguing option at such a low price, in a Saints side that has great upcoming fixtures.

442 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Iheanacho should be in the list as well? He was nailed in spring and be soon again…

    1. MattyW
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Daka a threat now

    2. Lord.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Never thought I’d say this, but I’m surprised Auba doesn’t make it into the Strikers list.

  2. Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    So, what does Bielsa mean about Raphinha? Is he in or out?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      What did he say?

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Got over jetlag/tiredness.

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      What source are you reading?

      https://twitter.com/FFScout/status/1451162103126056960

  3. MattyW
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Random one
    Start Traoré away at Leeds or ESR home to Villa ?

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      ESr

    2. Joker91
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      ESR fo' sure

  4. Tuchel Job
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Chilwell or Azpilicueta?

    Which one should I take?

    1. Joker91
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Chilwell, live a little

  5. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bench one:

    Sarr
    Benrahma (already have Antonio)
    Livramento

    Thanks

    1. Goodfeathers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Tough choice between Sarr & Benrahma as both could hurt you. I'd perosnally bench Sarr but maybe Benrahma makes more sense as you're already covered for West Ham attack.

  6. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku, Greenwood and Semedo ->
    Vardy, Havertz and Azpi (-8) ?

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Probably just the first 2

      1. FPLtfs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers. What about;
        Luka, Green, Semedo ->
        Vardy, Son, 4.6 def?

  7. Goodfeathers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Havertz looks like a good short term punt if he's going to be playing up top for a few weeks. & NOR, NEW, BUR next 3 looks very tasty.

    Could do Jota & Benrahma to Havertz & Mbeumo for free this week. Good moves?

    1. TeddiPonza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Vert good moves

    2. Lord.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Most definitely

  8. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you change anything here?

    Ramsdale Foster
    TAA Cancelo Dias Livramento
    Salah Foden Raphinha Mbuemo Brownhill
    Vardy Antonio Toney

    1m itb

    1. MattyW
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Could downgrade Dias to Rudiger and then upgrade Brownhill ?

    2. Kabayan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No, good to go atm
      Nice squad.

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Chelsea a bit too rocky at the moment?

      I like it.

  9. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ings or Antonio out for Toney?

    1. gryffsonofarthur
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Ings

    2. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Neither, imo

  10. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez (Steele)
    TAA Manquillo Duffy (Williams, Omobadile)
    Salah C Greenwood Raphina Gray (Jota)
    Toney Antonio Jimenez

    0 FT-6.3 ITB

    given Jota is my only sub likely to play any minutes, and I have two Brighton (goalkeeper and defender) for this City game then Liverpool away, is it worth taking a hit and upgrading a defender this week?

  11. maksud
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku and Grealish out for Vardy and Havertz for free? Sounds good?

    1. gryffsonofarthur
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

    2. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  12. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo James Livramento
    Salah Gray Raphinha
    Ronaldo Antonio Toney

    (4.0 Saka* Semedo Sissoko)
    1 FT & 1.5m

    A) Ronaldo ➡️ Vardy
    B) Ronaldo ➡️ Kane

    Ronaldo to Vardy gives me enough cash to get in Son around GW12.
    Ronaldo to Kane means I won't be able to get Son without raising another 2m from elsewhere.
    Will get Mbeumo for Gray next week.

    Thoughts?

    1. MattyW
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I prefer Vardy over Kane anyway

  13. gryffsonofarthur
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1 free transfer and am torn how to use it.

    Have the exact 12.1 to swap out Lukaku for Kane. However is vardy the better option and pocket the extra for changes elsewhere?

  14. Tuchel Job
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On a WC,

    Sanchez Foster
    Rudiger Chilwell Van Dijk Cancelo Jansson
    Salah B.Silva Havertz Townsend Gilmour
    Vardy Jimenez Edouard

    What do you guys think?

    Thanks.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rather TAA over VVD.

  15. Rex Lapis
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which one?
    A. Toney, Son, TAA
    B. Kane, Mbuemo, Azpi (double CHE defence)

    1. Kloppage Time
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A.

  16. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best option?

    A Lukaku to Vardy
    B Benrahma to Havertz
    C both for -4

    1. gryffsonofarthur
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B if you’re captaining Haverz

    2. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. ATXHorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      c

    4. Taribo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C

  17. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Mahrez to Havertz(-4)
    B) Start Livramento
    C) Start Mahrez

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B or C, then do A next week

  18. DagheMunegu
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Guys, Lukaku Saka to Havertz Jesus -4?

    Yes or no ?

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm thinking getting in Havertz and Jesus too. Not sure if I want to take a hit or do it over 2 weeks. Tempted to hit

  19. Cheeky Onion
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which transfer would you prioritize for this week?

    A) Ronaldo > Vardy/Jesus/Jimenez
    B) Benrahma > Havertz
    C) Reguilon > Cancelo/Dias

    Still have WC so don't mind short term punts on players like Jesus and Havertz

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C

      1. Cheeky Onion
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Been wanting Cancelo for a few weeks now, but have a feeling he'll be benched after playing 2 full 90's this week

  20. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Moving over here -

    Lukaku + Jota + Benrahma > Toney + KDB + Havertz (-8)

    KDB could be Son (but Havertz would max out at 9.1)

  21. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Swapped Antonio at start of week to Vardy looks like .2 or .3 rise is on the cards.
    Lukaka dropping like stone worth a hit for a replacement, got a few possible benchings ??

    Sa
    Alonso, Cancelo, Rudiger, Livramento
    Salah, Greenwood, Saka, Gray
    Vardy, Toney,

    4.0, Tierney, Sissoko, Lukaku,

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Monies too tight to mention

  22. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Starting defence of
    Sanchez (Steele)
    TAA Manquillo Duffy (Williams, Omobadiele)

    Worth taking a hit to upgrade Williams or Omobadinele)?

    Have 6.3 ITB but 0 FT?

  23. TheBiffas
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ramsdale
    Taa Cancelo Rudiger Christensen
    Salah Raphinha Saka*
    Vardy Antonio Lukaku*

    Foster Livramento Brownhill D Luiz

    Lukaku and Saka > ...

    a) Mbuemo + Kane
    b) Son + Toney
    c) Havertz + Auba

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B for me

    2. Jässi
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  24. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    B

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Reply fail

  25. Jässi
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Lukaku to Vardy for free
    B) Lukaku to Auba for free
    C) Lukaku & Grealish to Vardy & Havertz (-4)
    D) Lukaku & Grealish to Vardy & Raphinha (-4)
    E) Lukaku & Grealish to Ronaldo & Raphinha (-4)

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      D

    2. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Start with A for now

  26. Robson-Canoe
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best Lukaku replacement if you already have Vardy?

    I'm torn between Kane and Auba, Auba certainly has the fixtures. Or would you rather go for a cheaper option?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      (cough) Firmino (cough)

  27. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Start two(the other goes first sub):

    A: Armstrong
    B: ESR
    C: Mbuemo

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B+C

    2. MattyW
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B,C

  28. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What’s Firpo evolving into?

    Asking as a fan, thanks.

  29. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Azpilicueta, Cancelo
    Salah (c), Mbeumo, Foden, Raphinha
    Lukaku, Antonio, Toney

    Foster, Livramento, Brownhill, Duffy

    1ft 0.7 itb

    A Lukaku > Vardy
    B Lukaku > Kane
    C bank transfer, play Livramento. Hope Lukaku is back next week.
    D Lukaku + Brownhill > 4.5 + KDB

    Any other suggestions welcome

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  30. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bruno to KDB
    Yes or No?