Are you OK? Are you coping with an international break devoid of Fantasy Premier League action? Are you patiently waiting for the warm embrace of Gameweek 9?
Us too.
As the return of Premier League action mercifully approaches we ruminate over whether now is the time to use your wildcard chip and weigh up players worthy of a position in your squad.
When should I use my wildcard?
There is no perfect time to use your Wildcard.
Injuries and the form of key players are both hugely variable, and while tough fixture runs and congested schedules can be calculated, the form of teams can not.
But with Gameweek 9 approaching, the uncertainties surrounding newly managed teams Arsenal and Chelsea are becoming less vague and the form of key players, whether it be the underperforming Mo Salah or the consistently sensational Eden Hazard, are becoming more evident.
What’s more, during the lengthy international break you’ve probably had time to take stock of your squad, outlining the deadwood and the key players.
If you’re falling behind in your standings and feel like urgent action needs to be taken, then go with your gut and utilise your Wildcard chip.
But who exactly should you sign? Here’s a 15-man squad which costs just shy of £100m.
Goalkeepers
Ederson, Manchester City
He might not rack up points via saves made, but so far Man City’s Brazillian stopper has managed five clean sheets in eight fixtures.
Ederson is the top-scoring goalkeeper and a safe bet to remain there or thereabouts for the remainder of the season.
Cost: £5.7m
Rui Patricio, Wolves
Rui Patricio is an excellent choice for both first and second choice keeper.
The Portuguese has made the sixth most saves in the league and the fourth most clean sheets, feats which have seen him tally up 41 points in the first eight Gameweeks.
Cost: £4.6m
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool
TAA didn’t play a minute in Gameweek 8 during Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Man City, but don’t let that put you off recruiting the Englishman.
The full-back will start the vast majority of this season’s games for a club who have a new-found steel at the back.
Don’t be surprised if he also picks up the odd assist.
Cost: £5.2m
Andrew Robertson, Liverpool
In eight Gameweeks, the Scotland captain has scored under five points just twice.
The full-back’s stock has risen by £0.3m since the start of the season and this will continue to rise should he maintain his habit of picking up bonus points.
Cost: £6.3m
Matt Doherty, Wolves
Few players have punched above their weight like Wolves’ Irish full-back.
Despite costing just £4.7m the defender has scooped up 49 points for the promoted side.
If Wolves can retain a steely nature in defence, Doherty will continue to pick up bumper points totals on a regular basis.
Cost: £4.7m
Kyle Walker, Manchester City
Manchester City’s full-back represents a cheaper alternative to Marcos Alonso who enjoyed a barnstorming start to the season.
In the past five Gameweeks Walker has scored 35 points – 10 more than the Chelsea defender.
Cost: £6.6m
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Crystal Palace
Aaron Wan-Bisakka has become something of a cult favourite among FPL players this season due to his low price and frequent high-scoring games.
The Englishman costs just £4.3m and is worthy of a position as your fourth or fifth choice defender.
Cost: £4.3m
Midfielders
Eden Hazard, Chelsea
Seven goals, three assists and 13 bonus points – it’s fair to say Eden Hazard has enjoyed the 2018/2019 season so far.
Recruit the Belgian or risk falling behind players who have the ace in their pack already.
Cost: £11.3m
Ryan Fraser, Bournemouth
Is there a better value player in the Fantasy Premier League?
The attacking midfielder’s price has risen £0.5m since the start of the season, but he still costs just £6m. Not bad for a player who has scored 48 points in the first eight Gameweeks.
Cost: £6m
Gylfi Sigurdsson, Everton
The Icelander has enjoyed a rebirth at Goodison Park in recent weeks, pulling the strings for an Everton side finally discovering their identity.
The instrumental midfielder will struggle to maintain his goalscoring form demonstrated in the past couple of Gameweeks, but expect him to regularly pick up impressive points totals via assists and bonus scores.
Cost: £7.4m
James Maddison, Leicester City
Three goals and two assists in eight games earned Maddison the adulation of FPL and Leicester City fans alike – not to mention a call up to the England squad.
The Leicester player is the fifth highest scoring midfielder in the Fantasy Premier League and costs just £6.9m.
Cost: £6.9m
Richarlison, Everton
Everton’s record signing’s red-hot start to the season was cooled by a needless red card, but Richarlison still remains a good value asset to Fantasy Premier League teams.
Expect his goal in Gameweek 8 to serve as a kickstart for the remainder of the season.
Cost: £6.8
Strikers
Callum Wilson, Bournemouth
Callum Wilson has been vital to the Cherries’ unlikely emergence as a force in the league, playing a direct role in 10 goals in just eight Gameweeks.
Only one striker has scored more FPL points than Wilson this season: Sergio Aguero.
Cost: £6.4m
Glenn Murray, Brighton
Glenn Murray has been – and will continue to be – the main source of goals for Brighton this season.
The target man has already picked up five goals this season and represents a good value gamble for goals up front.
Cost: £6.6m
Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal
Arsenal and Alexandre Lacazette both took a while to get off the mark this season.
But since Gameweek 3 when the Frenchman earned his first assist Lacazette has been a reliable source of assists and goals for his club. Don’t be surprised if the striker can maintain this form throughout the season.
Cost: £9.6m
Total cost of team: £99.5m
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i‘s week-by-week tips:
Fantasy Premier League tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 2
Fantasy Premier League tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 3
Fantasy Premier League tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 4
Fantasy Premier League tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 5
Fantasy Premier League tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 6
Fantasy Premier League tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 7
Fantasy Premier League tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 8
Fantasy Premier League tips: 5 players to sign in Gameweek 9