FPL Top Picks for Gameweek 9

Arsenal face Liverpool in week 9 and they will be without their defence general, William Saliba. The Frenchman picked up a red card in their week 8 away trip to AFC Bournemouth, which ended up costing them three points and sending them down to third place on goal difference.

FPL managers who are Arsenal fans will not only be sad about the prospect of facing the current league leaders without Saliba, who joins Martin Ødegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori among the absentees. They could possibly be without Bukayo Saka as well, which makes it even worse.

How does this translate to FPL? Keep reading for more information.

Gameweek Analysis

Arsenal’s last five meetings with Liverpool have ended in two wins and two draws which shows how much of an improvement Mikel Arteta’s side have experienced in the last two seasons. In all these games, they have had Saka, Ødegaard and Saliba. FPL managers enjoyed point returns from these particular players, who have proven to be Arsenal’s most important assets over time. Their unavailability limits many managers just as it limits Arsenal on the pitch.

On the other hand, Liverpool is looking good, but not “guns blazing” good. Except Mohamed Salah, not many Liverpool assets have proven their worth this season. This is another limit for many FPL managers whose strategy is built with heavy hitters (which is more than 30 percent of the managers in the game).

Best Value Games for Week 9

Thanks to the uncertainty surrounding Arsenal-Liverpool, we have come up with three games that could provide good value for managers willing to make drastic changes to their squads. These games can also be analysed by managers looking for one or two differentials to sign for the week and beyond.

Leicester City vs Nottingham Forest

Players to watch: Chris Wood, Jamie Vardy, Facundo Buonanotte

The Foxes are showing their attacking prowess but so far, Wood has been the strongest Tree in the league (pun intended). Any one of these players could help your squad this week.

Everton vs Fulham

Players to watch: Dwight McNeil, Emile Smith-Rowe, Raul Jimenez

This is a match where both teams are likely to score. McNeil will be leading Everton, whose fortunes are starting to improve. Jimenez has been great as well and Everton is a great opportunity for him to catch up to Wood.

Brentford vs Ipswich Town

Players to watch: Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap

These two attack without a care but most of their attacks always end up at the feet of the two players mentioned above, making them strong options for week 9.

Best FPL players for week 8

Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – vs Southampton

Since his outburst against Arsenal, Erling Haaland has failed to score. He has been an expensive liability in many squads but every manager understands that when he gets going again, he becomes unstable. Manchester City take on Southampton in week 9.

While it is hard to predict the outcome of the match thanks to City’s erratic form, Southampton presents a great opportunity for Haaland to get going once again. This is what makes him our top pick and also our top captaincy pick.

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) – vs Bournemouth

Watkins is doing his bit for Villa but he has not hit the heights he did in the 2023/24 season. His ownership has dropped drastically in the game. But just like Haaland, Bournemouth is a great place that the England international striker can start from if he needs to regain his form.

Heung-Min Son (Tottenham Hotspur) – Crystal Palace

Son returned from injury last week to impress and become Tottenham Hotspur’s highest-scoring player in FPL. This time, the reason why he should be in every team that can afford to have him is that Spurs are playing Crystal Palace, who are his favourite opponents. In 14 games against the Eagles, Son has scored nine goals and provided two assists. He is likely to start and with that record, he is a great addition to any squad.