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.