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| "Arsene, are you pleased you captained Giroud for your FPL team today?" "Well. Of course." |
The Smart Money
If Tony Pulis gets the vacant Palace job then Selhurst Park may well become something of a mini-defensive bastion against the threat of relegation. Until then though, it'll more likely resemble a duck shoot for Arsenal's glittering array of attacking talents. We've talked about Mesut Ozil's lofty fantasy status already this week, but our own thoughts are leaning ever so slightly more in favour of Olivier Giroud than the German playmaker. It's just gut feeling really, it's anyone's call on the day.
The Astute Pick
Robin Van Persie should not be overlooked. We're certainly pleased we decided to sell him for our own team a few weeks ago, especially with the niggles he's picking up on weekly basis now, and is an injury concern for GW9 now as well, although cryptic Mr.Moyes has given him a "good chance".
Man United's form is improving. Despite just a goal last week they created more goalscoring opportunities against Southampton than any other team has this season, with Van Persie having his best game of the season so far too. He's the bookies favourite this weekend by a long way and whilst they will always reflect the expected interest and market in their odds they are not in the habit of throwing money away. First hat-trick of the season? Maybe.
The Flair Pick
We start with a mention of Southampton and one of Lambert or Osvaldo, the two players who top our GW9 Projections. Southampton are not, it's fair to say, a free-scoring side but, as with United, their form going forward has been steadily improving. However, the forecast data says as much about Fulham's defence as anything else. From a closer look at both player's recent stats and form though, it is Pablo Osvaldo who is in the ascendancy.
For a captain punt less likely to viciously jangle your nerves all weekend look to the return of Christian Benteke. He made an instant impact as a sub against Spurs last week and Everton have not been able to keep a clean sheet for a while now. Benteke's ownership has dropped to 12% and there'll be very few handing him their team's armband this weekend.
- As always, good luck this gameweek from
all of us at InsideFPL
