LöfLife Weekly Waivers - GW9, don't miss the deadline tonight!

Hey!

Back with more waiver tips! You can follow me on X at FPL_Löflife (@peter_lof) / X for FPL Draft updates.

Don’t forget, the deadline is TONIGHT! We’ve got Friday football back, with Leicester taking on Nottingham tomorrow.

Midweek European games always add some unpredictability to team selections. Here’s a quick look at the Champions League teams:

Manchester City: Rested Dias, Gvardiol, and Kovacic. Doku and Grealish were out injured. Given they played on Wednesday and now again on Saturday, I expect some rotation.

Liverpool: Rested Robertson and Diaz, with Darwin starting up front (Jota injured). I’m expecting Darwin to retain his spot against Arsenal.

Aston Villa: They’re topping the CL group! Duran started over Watkins, but I think Watkins will be back against Bournemouth.

Arsenal: They’re in a tough spot with multiple injuries, including Califiori (out from the Shakhtar game). Saliba’s suspension adds to the trouble, but I wouldn’t load up on Arsenal reserves since they’re facing league leaders Liverpool.

Tonight, the Europa/Conference teams are in action, just after the waiver deadline. We could potentially make some quick changes if anything notable happens in these games. Keep an eye on Man United, Chelsea, and Spurs, as they are the teams playing.

Let’s dive into Gameweek 9:

Defenders:

Ferdi Kadioglu (BRI) – Wolves

Started at left-back last weekend, securing a clean sheet against Newcastle (their first home blank since last season’s opener). He’s likely to start again, even with Estupiñán returning from all the injuries. Wolves are bottom of the league, this could be a great pickup.

Nathan Collins / Ethan Pinnock (BRE) – Ipswich

I debated between these two last week, choosing Collins, but Pinnock bagged his second goal of the season. Their xStats are similar, so either could be a solid option. Ipswich have scored fewer goals than anyone except Palace and are last in xG.

Vitalii Mykolenko (EVE) – Fulham

Everton are hitting form, with 7 points in their last 3 games and 2 clean sheets. Mykolenko looks like the best option from their defense, but Tarkowski is also a great shout. Branthwaite’s return could further strengthen their backline.

Midfielders:

Matheus Nunes (MCI) – Southampton

Coming off a great game in the Champions League with 2 assists and a penalty goal, Nunes is likely to keep his spot. Though Guardiola might tinker, this is a high-upside gamble, especially with City facing a struggling Southampton side. Savio is also worth considering if available.

Mikkel Damsgaard (BRE) – Ipswich

With 3 assists in his last 5 games and some set-piece duty, Damsgaard looks like a strong pick. Ipswich are vulnerable at the back, making him a great target this week.

Facundo Buonanotte (LEI) – Nottingham

3 goals and 2 assists in 7 games for the youngster. Mavididi is also a solid pickup. Although Nottingham have had a good season, if...IF Leicester can keep Chris Wood quiet, I see them as favorites here.

Strikers:

Evan Ferguson (BRI) – Wolves

Ferguson got his first start of the season against Newcastle. With Welbeck likely out, Ferguson should keep his spot. Wolves have conceded an average of 3 goals per game – backing the striker here is a no-brainer, even if Haaland blanked against them. 😜

Iliman Ndiaye (EVE) – Fulham

Options are slim, and while Ndiaye hasn’t looked particularly threatening in the Everton games I’ve seen, he already has 2 goals to his name. I see Everton winning this one, making him worth a shot.

Good luck!