Tottenham’s FPL essentials: Top players to buy and captain for gameweek 9

As gameweek 9 looms, Tottenham players are capturing the attention of Fantasy Premier League managers as both essential wildcard picks and attractive captain choices; in the wake of their dominant 4-1 win over West Ham

A look back at gameweek 8

Tottenham’s match against West Ham provided much-needed momentum following the international break. Spurs, under Ange Postecoglou, executed a stellar performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, securing a 4-1 victory that demonstrated their growing cohesion and attacking strength.

Goals from Heung-Min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, and Yves Bissouma illustrated the depth of the squad, with creative contributions coming from all areas of the pitch.

Spurs’ midfield was dynamic, led by James Maddison, who created five chances in just 45 minutes, while Destiny Udogie proved solid at left-back, combining defensive prowess with a brilliant assist. Brennan Johnson and Pedro Porro also played significant roles in the wider spaces, stretching the West Ham defence and contributing to Tottenham’s relentless forward drive.

This display makes several Tottenham players tempting picks for FPL managers, especially those eyeing a wildcard. Each brings something unique to the table, and as Crystal Palace awaits in gameweek 9, their attacking output is more than likely to continue against a side struggling for goals and clean sheets.

Best wildcard picks

Among Tottenham’s ranks, a few key players stand out as must-haves for any FPL wildcard draft, starting with their star man Heung-Min Son who is currently the second most transferred in player ahead of gameweek 9, according to Fantasy Premier League. However, this turned out to be a red flag. Son is actually set to miss this weekend’s game with a minor injury, leaving a number of FPL managers burned by early substitutions.

Son played 70 minutes against West Ham and was instrumental in the win, scoring once and tallying up 10 touches in the opposition box, earning a FotMob rating of 8.5. His sharpness in the box, combined with five shots and 12 fantasy points, makes him not just a vital addition but also a strong captain pick – just not this week.

James Maddison, despite being substituted at half-time, remains essential, especially for managers looking to capitalise on his creative flair. With five chances created, a 91% pass accuracy rate, and an assist, Maddison’s ability to pick apart defences makes him an appealing pick. Coming up against a leaky Crystal Palace defence, which has conceded an average of 1.4 goals per match, only adds to his appeal.

Destiny Udogie, another standout performer, showed his versatility by not only securing an assist but also making a crucial block. His five touches in the opposition box and three chances created suggest he’s more than just a defender, he is a defender offering attacking potential as well. Against a low-scoring Crystal Palace, a side that has scored just five goals in the Premier League this season, Udogie’s chances of keeping a clean sheet this gameweek are high – if you are on a wildcard, he is a solid pick worth considering.

Dejan Kulusevski is another wildcard target worth serious consideration. His outstanding display against West Ham, capped with a goal, four shots, and two chances created, saw him earn an impressive FotMob rating of 8.3. His form is trending upwards, and against a Crystal Palace side that is yet to find its footing this season, Kulusevski’s potential to rack up points should not be underestimated.

As for defensive options, Pedro Porro remains an intriguing choice. His involvement on both ends of the pitch makes him a reliable pick. He registered four shots and created two chances himself in the game against West Ham, which further enhances his attacking upside.

The best captain pick and final thoughts

If you’re looking for a differential captain pick away from Erling Haaland, Mo Salah and Cole Palmer this week, James Maddison is a strong candidate. His vision and ability to break down defences could be instrumental, and with Tottenham’s fluid system, it would not be a surprise to see him delivering another assist.

For those seeking to diversify their options further, Dominic Solanke offers a compelling choice as a differential pick; while his FotMob rating of 6.9 from the previous match may not jump off the page, he managed to create one chance and take a shot during his 81 minutes on the pitch.

Solanke’s ability to contribute, albeit without a goal or assist in the game against West Ham, means that he may be an under-the-radar option who could surprise against a porous defence, thereby warranting consideration for a captaincy shout, particularly if he finds himself in the right position to exploit any gaps.

In summary, gameweek 9 presents a great opportunity for those on a wildcard to invest in Tottenham’s top performers. With Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison leading the pack, and Solanke and Udogie offering additional options, Spurs assets seem poised for big returns against Crystal Palace.

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