Holly Shand Backs Chelsea’s Cole Palmer In Her Best FPL Captain Picks For Gameweek 9

As the Premier League and FPL returns for Gameweek 9 following a busy week of European action, Holly Shand shares her best captain picks ahead of the action.

FPL Gameweek 9 Best Captain Picks

Those managers who have backed against Erling Haaland for captaincy over the last three gameweeks have been richly rewarded. The Manchester City striker failed to score against Newcastle United, Fulham and Wolves.

So which captain options should you consider for your FPL teams this week?

Erling Haaland vs Southampton (H)

Despite a poor run of form, the quality of the fixture means that Erling Haaland retains his status as the go-to captain pick this weekend, as Manchester City entertain relegation candidates Southampton at the Etihad. Saints have conceded 23 goals this campaign, failing to keep a clean sheet.

Manchester City are among the top attacking teams in the Premier League, scoring a leading 19 goals from 157 shots. Erling Haaland has been involved in more than half of those returns, leading the way in the Golden Boot race with ten goals, which all came in the opening five gameweeks.

Haaland’s home form is particularly impressive and he already boasts a hat-trick against promoted Ipswich Town, which is a good indicator ahead of this game. Haaland has scored three goals in two Premier League appearances against Southampton.

If Haaland had come into this game in better form, many would likely be considering using the Triple Captain chip on him. Haaland remains top for shots on target (23) and shots in the box (31), but he’s had no big chances on goal in the last three gameweeks, which is a concern.

Cole Palmer vs Newcastle United (H)

For managers looking to back against Erling Haaland for the armband, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer could be a worthy alternative for Newcastle United’s visit to Stamford Bridge. Palmer’s home form has been imperious once again this season, with four goals and two assists in his last three.

Palmer leads the way for goal involvements this season, with 11 and has an enviable record from the penalty spot. In the last four gameweeks, he sits top for shots with 19 and big chances with seven, while he also offers assist threat too.

The last time he faced the Magpies at home, Palmer scored 13 FPL points with a goal and an assist, which resulted in a 3-2 win for Chelsea. Crucially, he is guaranteed to come into this game fresh following his omission from the UEFA Europa Conference League squad for the league phase.

Ollie Watkins vs Bournemouth (H)

Don’t discount Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins from the captaincy conversation, especially with a home game against Bournemouth. He remains one of the most consistent performers this season, with seven goal involvements, including four in the last four gameweeks.

Watkins ranks top for big chances on goal this season with 12. Meanwhile, Bournemouth have failed to keep a clean sheet on the road so far in this campaign, with Watkins chalking up 20 points across the two fixtures against them last season.

Bryan Mbeumo vs Ipswich (H)

If you want to go differential with your captain pick for FPL Gameweek 9, then consider Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo ahead of their home game against Ipswich Town. He has been incredible so far this season, scoring six goals in eight appearances.

When you consider Mbeumo’s home form, the case for awarding him the armband becomes increasingly compelling. He has produced five goals in four games, with no blanks. Opponents Ipswich Town have just one clean sheet this season, conceding 16 goals.