ISL Fantasy, Matchweek 9 Preview: Transfer trends, top buys and more
Here's a look at the best picks, differential options and transfer trends ahead of Matchweek 9 of ISL Fantasy.
ISL Fantasy MW9 Deadline: Wednesday, December 6, 06:30 PM IST
Another mini blank week is on the cards in Matchweek 9 of the Indian Super League (ISL), as ten teams will feature during the week, with FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC missing out.
ISL Fantasy managers are grappling with a time crunch as they shuffle their squads. Given the rapid pace of fixtures in December, strategic squad planning becomes paramount. Managers must prioritise players with minimal rotation, while also adding depth to their squads.
Matchweek 8 Summary
Matchweek 8 witnessed a goalscoring spree, with a total of 21 goals netted across six matches, averaging an impressive 3.5 goals per match. In the realm of fantasy football, Nandhakumar Sekar stole the spotlight in Matchweek 8. Emerging as a substitute in the second half against Punjab FC, he clinched a brace and contributed an assist, accumulating an impressive 12 points for the week.
𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 8️⃣ was full of G⚽als & Thrills! 🔥
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 5, 2023
The fixtures in 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 9️⃣ are set to give us more such excitement! 🤩 #ISL #ISL10 #LetsFootball #ISLonJioCinema #ISLonSports18 | @JioCinema @Sports18 @eastbengal_fc @MumbaiCityFC pic.twitter.com/VSxR9f3bR0
During Kerala Blasters FC's double Matchweek, forwards Dimitrios Diamantakos and Kwame Peprah showcased their prowess, earning 12 and 11 points, respectively. Following closely are the Mohun Bagan SG defenders Brendan Hamill and Asish Rai, both finding the back of the net and securing a clean sheet in their 2-0 triumph over Hyderabad FC.
Matchweek 9: What to expect?
Mumbai City FC are set to make a return after a two-week hiatus, engaging in an away match against Bengaluru FC on Friday. Matchweek 9 is set to kick off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant hosting Odisha FC, potentially revisiting their AFC Cup clash from a week ago. Thursday will witness a face-off between Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC, while on Saturday, East Bengal FC will host the newly-promoted Punjab FC. The week concludes with a clash between NorthEast United FC and Hyderabad FC on Sunday.
| Fixture | Date |
| Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Odisha FC | December 6, Wednesday |
| Jamshedpur FC vs Chennaiyin FC | December 7, Thursday |
| Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC | December 8, Friday |
| East Bengal FC vs Punjab FC | December 9, Saturday |
| NorthEast United FC vs Hyderabad FC | December 10, Sunday |
What the Managers are thinking?
Most Transferred INs for MW 9
| Player | Position | Club | Transferred IN |
| Rafael Crivellaro | Midfielder | Chennaiyin FC | 263 |
| Jorge Pereyra Diaz | Forward | Mumbai City FC | 208 |
| Amey Ranawade | Defender | Odisha FC | 175 |
| Sunil Chhetri | Forward | Bengaluru FC | 144 |
| Dimitrios Diamantakos | Forward | Kerala Blasters FC | 143 |
(As of Wednesday, December 5, 04:30 PM)
Most Transferred OUTs for MW 9
| Player | Position | Club | Transferred OUT |
| Adrian Luna | Midfielder | Kerala Blasters FC | 151 |
| Mourtada Fall | Defender | Odisha FC | 146 |
| Parthib Gogoi | Forward | NorthEast United | 135 |
| Dimitri Petratos | Forward | Mohun Bagan Super Giant | 131 |
| Sachin Suresh | Goalkeeper | Kerala Blasters FC | 130 |
Top Picks for Matchweek 9
Rafael Crivellaro (Chennayin FC): Crivellaro is currently in exceptional form despite the team's results not meeting expectations thus far. In the eight matches played, he has accumulated four assists and scored two goals.
Cleiton Silva (East Bengal FC): Silva has already scored five goals in seven matches for the Red and Gold Brigade, and the forward will be eager to add to that tally when they host Punjab FC on Saturday.
Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City FC): The Islanders are eager to make a strong comeback against Bengaluru FC after facing recent setbacks in the AFC Champions League. Diaz, as always, will lead the charge for the attacking-minded Mumbai City FC side and could provide a valuable advantage for his fantasy owners.
Top Differential Picks for Matchweek 9
Nandhakumar Sekar (East Bengal FC): Nandhakumar was grappling with a dip in form recently and even witnessed Vishnu PV taking over his spot in the playing XI. However, his stellar performance against the Highlanders is bound to inject a much-needed boost in confidence for the matches ahead. With only 4% of fantasy managers having him in their squads, he stands out as a potential game-changer in the upcoming week.
Jordan Murray (Chennaiyin FC): Murray showcased his scoring prowess by netting twice in their thrilling 3-3 draw with Kerala Blasters FC, making a compelling case to retain his place in the starting XI. With just a 2% ownership, he emerges as another potential significant differential this week, offering a valuable option for fantasy managers aiming to elevate their teams.
Roy Krishna (Odisha FC): The Fijian centre-forward is currently in excellent form, delivering positive performances in their last three fixtures across all competitions. He is set to face his former team in Matchweek 9. However, there is a possibility that he might be rotated due to their demanding schedule.
Captaincy Pick: Cleiton Silva
The Brazilian forward secured a brace in their recent commanding 5-0 victory over NorthEast United FC, and with another home fixture against the struggling Punjab FC, he has the potential for another stellar performance. Additionally, being on set pieces gives him the edge as a prime candidate for the captaincy choice in Matchweek 9.
