Soccer
EPL Fantasy Heroes: Defender Double, Man Utd Leader, Cash
Discover the top Fantasy Premier League performers from Matchweek 9: Van de Ven’s historic double, Man Utd’s new leader, and Cash’s resurgence for Aston Villa.
EPL Fantasy Heroes: Matchweek 9’s Top Performers Revealed
These are the most effective Fantasy Premier League performers from Matchweek 9, selected according to official fantasy rules.
Team Selection Methodology
This fantasy team represents the optimal lineup possible under standard FPL rules: maximum squad value of £100 million, no more than three players from any single club, and when players are tied on points, the cheaper option gets the nod.
Important note: This isn’t any real player’s actual team, nor is it Sport’s editorial selection. The players in the graphic are arranged alphabetically from left to right by position (defenders-midfielders-forwards), not in tactical formation.
Points are calculated without captaincy bonuses, as doubling points would distort clear comparisons between matchweeks and fantasy heroes.
Matchweek 9 Standout Performers
Micky van de Ven – Defender, Tottenham (20.92% ownership) – 18 points
The Dutch defender scored twice against Everton, who hadn’t conceded from set pieces all season until his brace. Van de Ven becomes the first Tottenham defender to score a Premier League double since Jan Vertonghen in 2013.
Looking ahead: Tottenham face a challenging run against Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal, making clean sheets increasingly difficult.
Brian Mbemo – Midfielder, Manchester United (8.48% ownership) – 15 points
Mbemo’s double against Brighton marks his fourth goal contribution in the last three matches. The midfielder leads Manchester United this season in shots (23) and touches in the opposition penalty area (47).
Favorable fixtures: United face Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, and Everton in their upcoming matches.
Matty Cash – Defender, Aston Villa (1.98% ownership) – 12 points
After a slow start, Aston Villa have won four consecutive matches, with Cash scoring his second goal of the season. The defender leads Villa’s backline in shots (8) and passes into the final third (83).
Tough tests ahead: Villa face Liverpool and Bournemouth next – the current first and second-placed teams.
Zian Flemming – Forward, Burnley (0.09% ownership) – 11 points
Making his first start of the season, Flemming immediately impressed with two goals against Wolves, leading the match in shots (3).
Challenging fixture: Burnley face Arsenal next, with the team generally prioritizing defensive solidity.
Dango Ouattara – Midfielder, Brentford (0.17% ownership) – 11 points
Ouattara scored and earned a penalty against Liverpool, ranking second in the matchweek for shots (5) and tying for first in big chances created (3) with teammate Igor Thiago.
Difficult schedule: Brentford face Crystal Palace and Newcastle in coming weeks, making Ouattara a risky fantasy option.
Looking Ahead to Matchweek 10
Deadline reminder: The Matchweek 10 deadline is Saturday, November 1st at 17:00 Moscow time. The round kicks off with Burnley vs Arsenal, Brighton vs Leeds, Crystal Palace vs Brentford, and Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United.
Photo credits: Gettyimages.ru/Julian Finney, David Rogers; East News/AP Photo/Dave Thompson