Fantasy football
The English Premier League is back this weekend, and so is Fantasy Premier League and Phakaaathi’s Private Fantasy League, where you the chance to win great monthly prizes.
October’s prize is still up for grabs – a Chiro Master Queen Base Set worth R6 000 proudly sponsored by Fair Price. You can still enter following the rules in the advert at the bottom of this page.
In the meantime, Emmett McConnell, who scored an impressive 103 points in Gameweek 8, gives his tips on who you might want to put in your team for Gameweek 9.
After an enthralling 0-0 draw, Manchester City (Host Burnley) and Liverpool (at Huddersfield) return from the international break to much more favourable fixtures.
Kevin de Bruyne (£9.7 million) has cleared himself to play, but it is not certain whether Pep Guardiola will start the Belgian yet. It would be much safer to rely on Sergio Aguero (11.3) or Raheem Sterling (11.1) for goals, and David Silva (8.5) and Benjamin Mendy (6.2) for assists.
It is also questionable whether Liverpool’s best attacking options, Sadio Mané (9.9) and Mohammed Salah (12.8), are fit enough to prominently feature against Huddersfield Town after picking up injuries during the international break. Both were reportedly available for the weekend, and Jurgen Klopp usually tries to get the most out of the African duo. A full 90 isn’t a certainty, 60 minutes or at least a shorter 30-minute cameo is more likely. For more cautious owners, Roberto Firmino (right, 9.3) is an assured starter. Firmino hasn’t produced as some owners might have expected (two goals, two assists), but more are overdue.
Leicester against Arsenal is set to be the weekly goal-fest match. Neither defence has looked steady, while both attacks are scoring consistently (15 and 19 respectively). The duo of Alexandre Lacazette (9.7) and Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang (10.7) are red-hot and appear more confident in the Arsenal team, while Mesut Ozil (8.3) and Aaron Ramsey (7.4) represent the best midfield options for the Gunners.
Leicester, meanwhile, will presumably score as well. Jaimie Vardy (9.0) has more goals (23) than any player against the top six teams dating back to 2014. Should Arsenal employ a high line, Vardy will be a constant threat to get behind the defence.
For those looking for cheaper options, look no further than Bournemouth. The front four of Callum Wilson (6.4), Joshua King (6.3), Ryan Fraser (6.0) and David Brooks (5.0) have 12 goals (of a total 16) and 11 assists split between them. Bournemouth have yet to score less than two goals in any home match this season and host an underwhelming and inconsistent Southampton.
Watford are missing three of four starting defenders at Wolves this weekend. Jose Holebas and Christian Kabasele are suspended, while Daryl Janmaat is injured. The Wolves defence has been resilient recently, with four clean sheets in five matches, but now it’s time for the attack to thrive.
Forward Raul Jimenez (5.6) should benefit the most from the dishevelled Watford backline.