Gameweek 9 presents tricky fixtures and crucial differential matchups, offering excellent opportunities for major returns outside of the established premium tier. The following seven players all possess the statistical foundation and fixture difficulty needed to deliver significant points this weekend
1. Nick Woltemade (Newcastle) vs. Fulham (H)
Woltemade represents perhaps the clearest statistical case for a forward pick this week. The German international is the most-transferred-in forward for Gameweek 9, having made a blistering start to his Newcastle career by scoring 4 goals in his first 5 starts. This clinical finishing has seen him significantly outperform his expected goal involvement (xGI) of 2.8, demonstrating high confidence in front of goal. This weekend, he faces a Fulham side that has managed only one clean sheet in eight attempts and has conceded 10 goals in their last six fixtures. Playing at St. James’ Park against a porous defence makes Woltemade an essential selection.
2. Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) vs. Brighton (H)
Despite a low overall points total, Matheus Cunha’s underlying numbers scream potential. Over the last six Gameweeks, Cunha’s expected goals (xG) figure of 2.79 ranks him second among non-premium options (behind only Haaland and Salah), indicating elite positioning and goal threat. Crucially, his opponent, Brighton, is the key selling point: they have failed to keep a clean sheet all season and commit to an open, high-pressing game. This tactical approach is perfect for a fast-breaking forward like Cunha to exploit the space they leave behind.
3. Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) vs. Crystal Palace (H)
While Gyokeres has endured a league drought, scoring twice in mid-week European action (against Atlético Madrid) should inject confidence for his home fixture. The underlying numbers confirm his persistent threat: he has recorded the second-most shots in the box (12) among all forwards in the last four Gameweeks (excluding Haaland). He now faces a Crystal Palace defence that has looked increasingly vulnerable, having conceded 14 Big Chances in their last four Gameweeks, placing them among the worst defensive units in the league over that period. A clinical forward like Gyokeres is poised to take advantage of the opportunities Arsenal’s attack will inevitably create.
4. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) vs. Sunderland (H)
Enzo Fernandez offers a uniquely reliable points floor for a midfielder in his price bracket. His responsibilities on set-pieces and penalties (with Cole Palmer currently injured) significantly enhance his attacking potential. Recent statistics show his strong involvement in the final third, registering eight shots in the box and eight chances created over recent fixtures. Facing newly promoted Sunderland at home, Chelsea is expected to dominate possession and territory, maximizing the number of corners, free-kicks, and penalty-box touches for Enzo.
5. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) vs. Brentford (A)
Szoboszlai is a reliable starter for one of the league’s most powerful attacking units. His case is built on consistent all-around creative involvement rather than volatile returns. The Hungarian’s wide range of passing is evident in his 43 crosses and 16 accurate crosses total this season, ensuring he retains multiple avenues for attacking returns. He faces Brentford away, a fixture where Liverpool’s star-studded attack will be heavily favoured to score multiple times, making Szoboszlai an excellent source for potential assists. He’s also high on confidence having scored one and assisted another in their Champions League match vs Frankfurt in midfield.
6. Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) vs. Tottenham (H)
Ndiaye is a strong differential with 3 goals and 1 assist in eight games and the bonus of penalty duties. His expected assisted goals (xAG) figure of 2.0 is high, showing he’s creating quality chances that his teammates are missing. He faces a Tottenham defence that, despite their manager’s reputation for solidity, has looked shaky in recent weeks, struggling with defensive organization and offering prime chances for Ndiaye to exploit at Goodison Park.
7. Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest) vs. Bournemouth (A)
Jesus’s primary appeal is the secured starting role under new manager Sean Dyche in the absence of the injured Chris Wood, He is now Forest’s nailed-on central striker, giving him guaranteed minutes. He faces a Bournemouth side known for being aggressive going forward, which can often lead to high-tempo, end-to-end games. Jesus offers a cheap, assured forward who benefits immediately from the “new manager bounce” effect and allows for investment in more explosive midfielders.
8. Gabriel Maghalhaes (Arsenal) vs Crystal Palace (H)
For managers looking for a defender, Gabriel remains the top option. Arsenal holds the best defensive record in the Premier League with a league-leading five clean sheets and a miserly three goals conceded. Gabriel is the most-owned and top-scoring defender in FPL, providing multiple routes to points, he has combined a goal and an assist with two clean sheets and seven bonus points over the last three Gameweeks alone, thanks largely to his aerial threat from set-pieces. Against a Palace side that struggles to create offensively, a clean sheet and potential attacking returns make him a must-have, if somehow still unowned.
These seven players each offer a compelling route to FPL points in Gameweek 9, whether through elite underlying goal threat (Woltemade, Cunha), consistent set-piece returns (Enzo Fernandez, Szoboszlai), or high-upside potential against weak defensive units (Gyokeres, Ndiaye). The decisions made in the forward and mid-priced midfield slots will likely be key to climbing the ranks this weekend.
