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. hemalm
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Either of these worth a -4?

    A) Semedo to Chilwell
    B) Greenwood to Havertz

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

      No

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

      B

    3. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    4. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B & captain

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

      Thanks everyone

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

    Hey Lukaku owners: it's an easy move to Vardy if for free
    Non-owner

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep no brainer

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

    Could do Lukaku & ESR -> Vardy & Son with exact cash and -4. Latter ones seem to rise tonight so tomorrow these movea may be impossible.

    Go or no-go?

    Team is

    Ramsdale
    TAA Azpi Cancelo Livramento
    ESR* Salah(c) Townsend Raphinha
    Lukaku* Antonio

    Foster Maupay Duffy Brownhill

  4. Jude Rooney
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo and Sarr to Vardy and Haverz for a hit!

    What do you think?

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

      Yep looks good

    2. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rather just keep Sarr and the four points and not have an 8.1 player I need to sell soon.

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

    KDB anyone? Is it worth prioritizing him over Vardy?

    Cheers!

    1. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Low ownership so good upside.

      Not having Vardy could hurt over the next few weeks though.

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

        Yeah, real tricky.

        Thanks!

    2. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Always rely on Kev when fit

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

        Right, but Vardy is consistent as well.. tough choice.

        Cheers!

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

      Vardy better value now imo

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

        He is, but if Kev bags at least one next game, he will be considered as “must have” on here haha.

        Cheers!

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

      I've considered him. Not sure if it's worth a -4 though.

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

        Got two transfers tho! I wouldn’t do it for a hit, no 🙂

        Thanks!

    5. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't

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

        Cheers mate!

  6. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I’ve got so many fires to put out I’m considering an 8 point hit this week. Not something I like to do in normal circumstances but I’m thinking do it now and then sort Antonio and Alonso later otherwise I could be falling behind week after week. What do guys think?

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA Cancelo Alonso Christiansen Livramento
    Salah Jota Doucouré Gray Gilmour
    Ronaldo Antonio Toney

    I’ve got exact money to do
    Ronaldo, Jota and Doucoure to Vardy, Son and Mbeumo

    Thoughts?

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good

      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

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

      i'd do that for sure, even if it doesn't pay back this week, long term it looks great

      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        That’s what I’m thinking, short term pain for long term gain. Only problem I think the current climate is the worst time to take hits but here I am contemplating a -8

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Currently in the same situation and thinking exactly the same (bringing in same trio). Ronaldo, Greenwood & Benrahma > Vardy, Son & Mbeumo. I do still have WC but think I'd prefer the -8 tbh and reckon this will be a good week to take hits as there is gonna be a lot flying around? Wanna save WC for either next ITB or for the big fixture swings going into the Christmas period, reckon it will be far more optimal to use then?

    4. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      im also considering a -8

      As long as one of those 3 hits it big you've more than made back the -8

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

    Seriously RMT still shows Lukaku as C fav???

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

      Go with who's in second then?

  8. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Already did Jota + Lukaku -> Mbuemo + Toney

    Play saka or gilmour out for someone up to 12.0?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      if you would want rid of Saka anyways (forgetting the knock), I would shift for a hit

  9. Dexters Laboratory
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Foden to Havertz (-4) ?

    1. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not for me but I do want Havertz

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

      No.

    3. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn’t do that one, no

    4. hustler7
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No

    5. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      nah

    6. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No chance!!

      1. Dexters Laboratory
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks Everyone!

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

    On WC:

    A. Nacho and Foden (both some mins risk, but potential upside)
    B. C. Wilson and Greenwood (know next few fix are rough)

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

        Cheers. That's my lean too. Criminal that Nacho has not been playing more, imo, but can't make the decision for B-Rog.

  11. Assisting the assister
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A. Havertz Son and Hwang
    B. Mbuemo KDB Toney

    Cheers for help!

    1. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

    Gilmour to Havertz (C) for -4 or captain Salah or Vardy?

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Salah

  13. 2 goals 1 cup
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ramsdale
    Livra - TAA - Cancelo - Chilwell
    Raph - Salah - Foden - Mbuemo
    Antonio - Vardy

    Sanchez, Hwang, Duffy, Benrama

    Thoughts??

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      G2g

  14. Dammit_182
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Afternoon All,

    I’ve got a back 4 of TAA, Rudiger, Chilwell and Cancello + 3.9 def.

    I need to remove Lukaku as my transfer (probably going Wilson and spending the cash over the next few weeks).

    Do you think at least 3/4 my defenders get a game or do I need a -4 hit to get in some cover this week?

    Thanks.

    1. lugs
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      no need for a hit, just play the defenders you have and don't over think it

      1. Dammit_182
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers. Very sound advice

  15. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to bench:
    A. TAA (mun),
    B. Townsend (WAT),
    C. Toney (LEI), or
    D. one of Cancelo/Dias (bha)?

    1. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B - never consider benching TAA

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

        I'm torn between B and D really.Thanks, mate, cheers!

    2. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Toney

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think United score, especially if Rashford is fit, so with TAA you're probably looking for an attacking return.

  16. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Are you guys making the Lukaku > Vardy swap tonight before the price rise?

    Or waiting on pressers?

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I always wait on pressers unless you’re going to be priced out of it.

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

        Solid advice albeit I sometimes don't follow it.. I went for Alonso early and could have got in Chilwell instead if waited for team news indicators, and might have gone for Lukaku early this week if had looked like Lukaku would rise and Ronaldo drop before the Malmo fixture

  17. F4L
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Guaita
    Alonso Chilwell TAA Cancelo James
    Salah (c) Mane Raph
    Antonio Maupay

    Gunn Mbeumo Armstrong Brownhill

    Only 1FT and 0.7itb, pretty set on James + Maupay ➡ Azpi + Toney for a -4. Anything else stand out as an issue? Want to give Armstrong one more GW in the hope he somehow finds his way back into the first XI and can just bench him this week.

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

    Anyone considered Callum Wilson as a Lukaku replacement? Potential new manager bounce.

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      fixtures aren't the best, Jimenez for .3 more will outscore Wilson by a solid 8-12 points in the next 6 imo

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

      Considered him, but fixtures are mixed at best

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

      Fair points. Just think with a new manager he could turn heads.

  19. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hi

    Would you rather have Toney or Vardy?

    Toney has better fixtures.

    Already have Mbeumo

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

      Probably both. Looks like I'm going to end up with all three.

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      depends what you would do with the extra cash. If going Toney meant you could get Son in the midfield, I'd rather that

      1. DavvaMC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Plan was to get in Son GW12

        You think bees double is OK?

        Also thinking of Nacho?

        1. DavvaMC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Never had a good experience with Vardy

        2. F4L
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          yeah Bees double is fine, they'll both tick over with good fixtures for around 7GWs.

          I'm waiting Nacho for the time being as I'd want to see how Rodgers juggles having 3 in form strikers and how game time is shared between them.

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

      Vardy for me.

  20. Miniboss
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Second attempt:

    Could do Lukaku & ESR -> Vardy & Son with exact cash and -4. Latter ones seem to rise tonight so tomorrow these moves may be impossible.

    Go or no-go?

    Team is

    Ramsdale
    TAA Azpi Cancelo Livramento
    ESR* Salah(c) Townsend Raphinha
    Lukaku* Antonio

    Foster Maupay Duffy Brownhill

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

      Solid moves I reckon - It's a go from me

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

        Thanks mate

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

      Like it.

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

        Thanks, I think I’m settled then

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

    i'll be doing the popular Lukaku to Vardy, I did then wonder if any of these two were worth a hit?

    1. Jota to Kai
    2. Benhrma to Raphina

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

      Next week

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

        and which one would you prioritize? I had ear marked Armstrong to Toney next week

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

          2 at the moment

    2. Dazzler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm thinking A too (I've already got Raph) but just can't decide if I'm wasting 4 points on Kai...he's not exactly consistent is he?

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

        smells like a trap doesnt it, i think i'll avoid the hit. Armstrong give Ralphs comments might be a bigger fire

  22. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I was still stuck on the previous article...

    This Havertz wagon is one I am happy to avoid. I picked him for GW1 and got a lovely cameo 1 pointer. GW2 a 3 pointer and shipped him GW3 then got a goal vs LFC. After that blanks and a no show.

    Think people are rushing into a massive trap here just because he will play as a false 9.

    Other than his goal vs Malmo, how was his general involvement in the match?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      replied to your comment on other article

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

      Agree with you.

  23. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Am I GTG or should I take a hit for someone?

    Sa
    TAA Livra Pinnock Rudiger
    Salah Bruno Gray Raphinha
    Ings Jimenez

    Foster Amartey Gilmour Werner

    0itb 0ft

  24. Bleh
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Already pulled the trigger on Ronaldo > Vardy. Any of these worth a -4? 5.8 ITB.

    A. Jota/Benrahma > Son
    B. Jota/Benrahma > Raphinha
    C. Jota/Benrahma > Mbuemo
    D. Dennis > Jesus
    E. Dennis > Toney
    F. G2G

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

      Current team:

      Sanchez
      TAA, Cancelo, Livramento, Marcal
      Salah, Jota, Benrahma, Gray
      Antonio, Vardy
      (4.0, Duffy, Dennis, Allan)

    2. Dazzler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If I had the money, A

  25. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    My front 3 are Lukaku, Antonio & Vardy.

    Lukaku to

    a) Toney
    b) Jiminez
    c) Firmino (already have Salah)
    d) Jesus (only have Cancelo)

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

      A or D. Firmino not guaranteed minutes and would stay clear of Wolves assets.

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

      D

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

      All good options, but A or D for me, but I'm wary of Jesus rotation. Toney has the fixtures and you could use the extra to bolster mf

    4. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It really depends on what else you're gonna do with the extra funds elsewhere them all being different price points? On the surface of it though it's Jimenez for me!!

  26. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone considering Iheanacho?

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nope not with Daka in the mix and having just scored 4? Gonna be sharing gametime I reckon?

  27. Joey Tribbiani
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Claudio Ranieri on questions over Ben Foster spending too much time on his YouTube channel: "Ben, in training sessions and on the pitch, is always concentrating. He is thinking of his future. He's a great actor, great goalkeeper - that's it."

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

    Who to bench?

    A) Livramento (BUR)
    B) Reguilon (whu)
    C) Sarr (eve)

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

    On WC, Broja or Hwang?

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Neither but if pushed Hwang, more nailed and should again do better with Jimenez back?

    2. Dazzler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I've got Hwang. If I was on a wc I might be tempted by broja, good diff potential. Wolves are just too inconsistent

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

        Thanks. Fair assessment on Wolves on their lack of consistency.

  30. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Chilwell or Rudiger a better option for this GW? Reckon Rudiger will continue to make those runs into the box, especially now that Chelsea doesnt have a striker?

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

      Yes

    2. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rudiger as reckon Chilly will likely be benched for Alonso?

      1. Dazzler
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        fingers crossed