Teams & Players to Target From FPL GW9 | Fixture Swing Analysis

Whether you have been smashing FPL recently or have found yourself in a downward spiral in rank, the FPL GW9/10 fixture swing offers us the chance to rethink our teams and make significant strides following the international break. In this article we will be taking a look at teams and players to target long-term, some more short-term options, and ones to avoid from GW9 onwards. First, let’s take a look at some teams to avoid!

Link to all our FPL GW9 blogs including Buy, Hold, Sell analysis, Differentials, Captaincy metrics, Best GW9 Wildcard Drafts, Tips, and more. Completely free to access as well!

Teams and Players to Target From FPL GW9

Fixtures from FPL GW9-16

Teams to avoid From FPL GW9 Onwards

Luton

After their moment in the spotlight during their double in GW7, it is now time to once again avoid Luton players. While managers could look to keep Morris for GW9, due to their favorable fixture against Forest, they then play Villa, Liverpool, and United in quick succession. Their fixtures don’t get any easier until post-GW16, and while the stats suggest that the Hatters have been slightly hard done by so far this season, with an Expected Points of 8.39 compared to their current total of 4, they are still arguably one of the worst teams in the league and should be avoided.

Brentford

Since beating Fulham on the 19th of August Brentford have not won a single game in the premier league. While (similarly to Luton), the stats show that they should have picked up more wins in that period, they are nonetheless in poor form. Their fixtures are not great from GW10 onwards, and they also blank in GW18, so now is probably the time to sell Brentford assets.

Chelsea

The Blues have possibly the worst fixture run of any team from GW9 onwards, facing Arsenal, Spurs, City, Newcastle, and Brighton in their next 6. While Pochettino’s side have had some positive results lately, they still lack composure in front of goal. Their defence is one of the best in the league this season; they are 4th for both goals against and expected goals against, but their attack has been lackluster. For now, it is probably best not to risk it, and instead steer clear of Chelsea assets.

Manchester City

After their tough fixture against Arsenal, City will face Brighton, United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, and Villa between GW9 and GW15. This is a difficult run for any team, even for Man City, who have had a couple of poor results recently, losing to Wolves in the league and Newcastle in the cup. Pep’s men will likely secure some points in this run, but it is impossible to predict where, and there are other teams who offer better value, and more guaranteed points in the short term.

Teams to Target From FPL GW9 Onwards

Liverpool

Team	GW9	GW10	GW11	GW12	GW13	GW14	GW15	GW16
Liverpool	EVE (H)	NFO (H)	LUT (A)	BRE (H)	MCI (A)	FUL (H)	SHU (A)	CRY (A)

The Reds have been in excellent form this season and are approaching a very favorable fixture run from GW9-GW16. They currently sit 4th in the league, with 17 points, and were unbeaten until GW8. They sit 4th for xG and 5th for xGA (pre GW8), despite having played some of the best teams in the league (Spurs, Chelsea, Villa, West Ham, Newcastle).

I would suggest staying away from Liverpool defenders for now, as they are conceding a goal a game (pre Brighton), and have been bailed out on a number of occasions by Alisson.

However, their attackers are a must-have going into GW9. Salah is the clear favorite, with Fantasy Football Hub’s predicted points tool predicting him the 2nd most points over the next 4 fixtures. His stats so far this season back this up, as the Egyptian is averaging 0.72xG/90 and 0.60xA/90.

Therefore the only real choice is between Nunez and Diaz. Nunez has the better underlying stats, 1.11xG/90 and 0.36xA/90 in the Premier League, compared to Diaz’s 0.55xGI/90, and the Uruguayan is no longer minutes risk in the short term due to Gakpo’s recent injury. Jota is back from suspension for GW9, but is more of a threat to Diaz than to Nunez, as this season Klopp has tended to play him out wide so far in 23/24. Therefore Nunez is likely the best option, although both Diaz and Jota could be interesting differentials for managers looking for something slightly different.

Brighton

Team	GW10	GW11	GW12	GW13	GW14	GW15	GW16
Brighton	FUL (H)	EVE (A)	SHU (H)	NFO (A)	CHE (A)	BRE (H)	BUR (H)

Brighton are a difficult team to analyse in FPL terms, as De Zerbi rotates frequently, and the Seagulls have been fairly inconsistent so far across all competitions. They are 3rd for xG and top for goals scored, but 4th worst for goals against, so are truly a mixed bag.

Defenders are a no-go for now, due to their poor defensive record, and (as mentioned) their manager’s tendency to rotate players. Instead, we should look to target their attackers. Mitoma is the most nailed (2nd highest minutes played of any Brighton player), and has continued his impressive form from last season, so should be the priority.

Furthermore the Japan international has the highest xG and 2nd highest xA in the Brighton squad so far this season. Having said this, he is running slightly hot, and has tended to underperform in seasons gone by, so I would not be surprised to see his goal and assist output fall at some point. He is in fine form, but it cannot continue forever.

Ferguson and Pedro are the two forward options, but both are minutes risks. Ferguson has started more games in the League this season (4 to Pedro’s 2), but Pedro has a slightly higher xGI/90. If managers are looking for a differential option, then Fati has showed in limited minutes that he could be one to watch, with 1 goal so far in only 104 minutes (all substitute appearances). Ferguson has the highest predicted points (FFH), predicted 20 over the next 5, compared to 12.9 for Pedro and 8.8 for Fati, but there is really not much between Brighton’s forward options in my opinion.

West Ham

Team	GW10	GW11	GW12	GW13	GW14	GW15	GW16	GW17
West Ham	EVE (H)	BRE (A)	NFO (H)	BUR (A)	CRY (H)	TOT (A)	FUL (A)	WOL (H)

After losing to Newcastle late in GW8, the Hammers will be looking to bounce back after the international break. They play Villa in the league in GW9, but after that have a very favourable fixture run all the way up to GW17, so are definitely a team we should keep in mind.

Bowen is the obvious choice, with 5 goals and 1 assist this season (need I say anymore?). Areola has also been in excellent form this season, having saved his team 4 goals already this season (according to fbref) or 0.57 goals per 90. This suggests that West Ham have been conceding far too many shots, and his outstanding performances are unlikely to continue all season. Therefore we should perhaps avoid Coufal, despite his attacking numbers, and instead focus on the midfield and/or forward line.

The stats show that they are creating lots of high-quality chances from set pieces (corners and free kicks), and with James Ward-Prowse the main Set Piece taker he should be targeted. The Englishman currently has 2 goals and 3 assists, and an xGI/90 of over 0.5.

Soucek has the 3rd highest xG/90 in the squad due to his role as a box-crashing midfielder and set-piece threat, so could be a good low-ownership pick.

Manchester United

Team	GW9	GW10	GW11	GW12	GW13
United	SHU (A)	MCI (H)	FUL (A)	LUT (H)	EVE (A)

Having beaten Brentford late in GW8, United will be in high spirits going into the international break. Ten Hag’s side have been inconsistent so far this season, and have had a number of poor results recently, but the break will give his side a chance to reset.

United are firmly mid-table in almost all categories (xG, xGA, points, goals etc.), but the introduction of Rasmus Hojlund has definitely made them a more enticing prospect for FPL managers. The Dane has scored 3 goals in 2 games in the Champions League and has been unlucky not to return in the League yet. Furthermore, United’s new N.9 has raised the level of players around him, and United have looked much more likely to score with him in the team.

While Rashford’s level has dropped this season (0.4xG/90 compared to 0.58xG/90 last season), his United teammate Bruno Fernandes has maintained his high level of output, contributing 0.35xG/90 and 0.41xA/90. With good fixtures over the next 5, Fantasy Football hub’s Predicted points tool predicts Bruno to return the 4th highest points of any player over the next 5, only behind Haaland, Salah, and Son.

Arsenal

Team	GW10	GW11	GW12	GW13	GW14	GW15
Arsenal	SHU (H)	NEW (A)	BUR (H)	BRE (A)	WOL (H)	LUT (A)

The Gunners will be riding high after their win against reigning champions Man City, and the international break gives key players the chance to rest and recover after a grueling period. Arsenal have the joint-best defensive record in the league, as well as a fairly prolific attack, and with all 3 promoted teams in their next 6 fixtures, Arteta’s side are an obvious one to target.

Saka will be looking to regain his starting spot in GW9 after missing GW8 through injury. The winger has been electric all year, and has both the highest xG/90 and xA/90 of any Arsenal player to have played over 200 minutes this season. Odegaard and Martinelli are predicted the 2nd and 3rd most points over the next 5 of any Arsenal player (behind Saka), so are the ‘next best’ options for those looking to double up on attackers. Jesus can be considered but could be rotated with Nketiah and even Trossard.

In terms of defenders, White and Saliba are the two most nailed, and no Arsenal defender really offers any attacking threat, so take your pick. Raya looks like he will retain the N.1 spot ahead of Ramsdale so can also be considered.

Crystal Palace

Team	GW11	GW12	GW13	GW14	GW15
Palace	BUR (A)	EVE (H)	LUT (A)	WHU (A)	BOU (H)

Palace have 4 Clean Sheets in 8 games so far this season, and are 5th for goals against. What’s more, the Eagles face Luton, Bournemouth, and Burnley in their next 5, who are all in the bottom 5 teams for Goals scored so far this season. Therefore, players such as Anderson, Johnstone, Mitchell, and Guehi should all be considered.

It is slightly harder to sell the Palace attack, as they have only scored 2 in their past 4 League games. Hodgson’s side also recently lost Eze to injury, and are still without Olise, arguably their two best and most creative players. Edouard can be considered, as he is Palace’s starting striker and has scored 4 so far this season, but in his last two games in the Premier League, he has accrued a total of 0.0 xG and 0 shots on target despite playing 90 minutes in both matches.

The fact that their good fixtures don’t begin until GW11 gives us a chance to analyze them post-international break before making a final decision. So for those of you wildcarding this week Palace are non-essential, but definitely one to keep an eye on.

Other Teams to Consider

Most of the teams I am about to mention are also good picks, but are more short-term options (GW9-12), as their good fixture runs don’t last as long as the teams mentioned above.

Newcastle – Following impressive results against PSG, Man City, and West Ham, the Magpies are really growing into the season. Trippier, Schar, and Botman (if fit) are all excellent options in defence for their good run of fixtures. Isak looks most likely to start (based on recent line-ups), and either Gordon or Almiron could be good differentials.

Aston Villa – Watkins, Diaby, and Cash are clearly the best choices, while Torres and Martinez are also options, however, their fixtures take a real turn after GW12, so a triple-up is perhaps a risk if you are planning to ditch your Villa players before the fixtures turn.

Tottenham – Spurs have been unbelievable this season and have a decent fixture run from GW9-12, so we should try to hold onto their players if possible. The best triple-up is probably still Udogie, Maddison, and Son, although Vicario, Richarlison, and Porro should also be considered depending on your budget and squad needs.

All expected stats were taken from Understat (unless stated otherwise)

Predicted points data was taken from Fantasy Football Hub’s Predicted Points tool.

---

If you like our content do consider supporting us by contributing to the website. ALLABOUTFPL is run by the community and for the community. All our content is and will always remain free.

Further reads from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL GW9

When to play your first Wildcard?- Best Windows and Analysis
FPL GW9 Tips & Preview – Breaking Down The Key Dilemmas
Top FPL Gameweek 9 Captain Picks Based on Analysis & Metrics
FPL GW9 Scout Picks Based on Stats, Analysis, and Matchups
Top FPL GW9 Differential Picks(<10% TSB)
FPL GW9 Wildcard Guide- Best Drafts, Players to Target, GW9 vs GW10 Wildcard
Best FPL Budget Enablers to Consider From FPL GW9 Onwards 
FPL GW9 Transfer Tips- Players to Buy/Hold/Sell
FPL GW9 Transfer Targets & Watchlist Based On Eye Test & Stats
Teams & Players to Target From FPL GW9 | Fixture Swing Analysis
Confirmed & Likely FPL Double/Blank Gameweeks | 23/24 Season
FPL GW9 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More 

Link to all our FPL GW9 blogs including buy, hold, sell analysis, differentials, captaincy metrics, transfer targets, and more. Completely free to access as well!

Thanks for reading the “FPL GW9 Teams & Players to Target” blog. Keep checking allaboutfpl.com for regular blogs. Also, follow our 120,000+ community on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated on regular Posts and FPL updates.

What’s next from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL Gameweek 9 of the 2023/24 FPL Season?

We’ll be covering player comparisons, differential picks, transfer trends, Buy, Hold, Sell analysis, eye test report, fixture analysis, captaincy metrics, FPL GW8 tips, and more. Keep checking allaboutfpl.com for all our blogs and subscribe to our free newsletter through the link below. We’ll also be posting regularly about the same on our social media accounts so follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook keep our notification ON.

Our content is always free and if you like our content do drop a comment, follow, subscribe, and support us. Your love is what keeps us going:)

FPL Gameweek 9 FPL Deadline Countdown

Login and set your team for FPL GW9 now!