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Chief's fantasy football picks – Gameweek 9

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Raheem Sterling has scored in all five of his home games this year (Everton, Crystal Palace, Shakhtar, Stoke and Napoli.
Raheem Sterling has scored in all five of his home games this year (Everton, Crystal Palace, Shakhtar, Stoke and Napoli.

Written by: Chief @FPLHINTS

Must-have pick – Raheem Sterling

Not long ago I recommended him as a differential pick. A few weeks later he’s become essential and has produced performances that have justified his place in Manchester City’s first team. To put this into context, Raheem Sterling has scored eight goals and provided two assists in his 11 competitive appearances for Man City since the start of the season.

I have no doubt that he will continue his superb run of form that has helped his team win seven of their first eight league games. Of course, Man City aren’t going to win their Premier Leagues by five goal margins every week. But for the time being at least, when they do threaten to score, Sterling is likely to be involved in some capacity.

The Citizens face a stubborn Burnley team this weekend that currently sits seventh in the table. However, the Clarets are also conceding a goal a game on average on the road, where as Man City have scored more than four goals a game at home. Expect the same levels of attack from Sterling and his teammates.

Comeback pick – Wilfried Zaha
Roy Hodgson: It’s unfair to pin Crystal Palace survival hopes on Wilfried Zaha.
Roy Hodgson: It’s unfair to pin Crystal Palace survival hopes on Wilfried Zaha.

Crystal Palace hadn’t scored a goal let alone managed a point this season until their unexpected victory at Stamford Bridge last weekend. This was in no small part due to Wilfried Zaha in his return back from injury as he marked the occasion by scoring a goal.

I have no doubt that this will be the first of many to kick start Palace’s campaign. After all, he did score seven goals and accrued 11 assists last season. With Benteke still injured, Zaha will be expected to step up again and play a vital part in his team’s attack.

They next face an inconsistent Newcastle United team that have conceded three goals in their last two games. Crystal Palace have a lot of ground to make up after their poor start, so expect Zaha and his teammates to have the motivation of scoring more goals.

READ MORE: Will Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return hurt Lukaku’s fantasy prospects?

Differential pick – Richarlison
Richarlison has been involved in six goals in just his first eight Premier League games for the Hornets.
Richarlison has been involved in six goals in just his first eight Premier League games for the Hornets.

If you need an in-form player from a so-called ‘smaller club’ then look no further than Richarlison. The Brazil Under-20 international signed for the Hornets this summer and has scored two goals and attained two assists in his last three Premier League games.

He is averaging more than three shots shots per game (26 shots in total so far) and has been integral in Watford’s recent form that has moved them up to 4th in the league. Of course, their next opponents are Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

But, as was evident with Crystal Palace last weekend and against Roma this week, Chelsea have been prone to conceding goals when N’Golo Kanté is absent from the team. Watford are capable of also causing trouble to Chelsea’s defence. Richarlison has added a bit of flair to Watford’s team and will be a key asset for them this season.