A favourable home game for Chelsea, plus Arsenal entertaining Crystal Palace sees their assets ascend the rankings.
So, who are the top 10 FPL picks by predicted points ahead of FPL Gameweek 9?
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10. Reece James (Chelsea)
- GW9 opponent: Sunderland (H)
- Predicted points: 5.5
Reece James is one of three defenders and three Chelsea assets to make this top 10 this week, ahead of the home game against Sunderland. He was the Player of the Week last time out, netting 18 FPL points in the 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest, scoring his first goal of the campaign. He now has four goal involvements for the campaign.
9. Amad Diallo (Man Utd)
- GW9 opponent: Brighton (H)
- Predicted points: 5.5
Manchester United delivered back-to-back Premier League wins under Ruben Amorim for the first time last time out, with that highly significant 2-1 win at Anfield. Winger Amad Diallo has been a key player in this improved form, with an assist last time out. He has had 11 shots on goal and created 10 chances so far in this campaign.
8. Joao Pedro (Chelsea)
- GW9 opponent: Sunderland (H)
- Predicted points: 5.6
It’s been a surprisingly quiet period for Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, with just two shots in the last four gameweeks and no goal involvements. That’s a stark contrast to his opening four gameweeks, where he produced two goals and three assists. With promoted Sunderland next, there’s hopes for a return to form for the Chelsea striker.
7. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
- GW9 opponent: Sunderland (H)
- Predicted points: 5.7
Sticking with Chelsea, full-back Marc Cucurella is the AI’s favoured pick for this weekend. The Blues kept their third league clean sheet of the campaign last time out. Cucurella has produced two assists this season and hit the defensive contribution two-point bonus against Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 8.
6. Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
- GW9 opponent: Nottingham Forest (H)
- Predicted points: 5.8
Antoine Semenyo is impossible to ignore. He’s now the second highest scoring player in the game, and the second most owned behind Erling Haaland. Semenyo now has 10 goal involvements for the campaign, leading the way for both shots on target and big chances among midfielders. He racked up 18 points in his most recent home game.
5. Gabriel (Arsenal)
- GW9 opponent: Crystal Palace (H)
- Predicted points: 5.9
Arsenal continue to be the most consistent defence in the Premier League this season, with a leading tally of five clean sheets. They’ve conceded just three goals and the fewest number of big chances (5) on their goal. Gabriel is the leading defender in the game for FPL points, with two goal involvements and three defensive contribution bonuses.
4. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- GW9 opponent: Crystal Palace (H)
- Predicted points: 6.0
Bukayo Saka sits among the best midfield picks in the game and the most exciting Arsenal attacker given that he is on penalties. He showcased his routes to fantasy returns last time out by netting seven points despite not delivering a goal involvement. Both of his goals in this campaign have come at the Emirates.
3. Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
- GW9 opponent: Brighton (H)
- Predicted points: 6.1
An upturn in form for Man Utdand a home game could be a winning combination, with their captain Bruno Fernandes their top fantasy asset to date. He’s delivered two goals and one assist this season, with both of his goals coming at Old Trafford. He’s always close to defensive contribution points, averaging over 10 actions per game this season.
2. Mo Salah (Liverpool)
- GW9 opponent: Brentford (A)
- Predicted points: 6.5
Four consecutive defeats in all competitions has knocked the wind out of Liverpool’s sails. But there will be hope for a return to winning ways when they travel to Brentford this weekend. Their star man Mo Salah has produced two goals and two assists to date in this campaign, and has scored six goals in seven league games against the Bees.
1. Erling Haaland (Man City)
- GW9 opponent: Aston Villa (A)
- Predicted points: 7.5
Erling Haaland retains his place as the top AI option and best captain pick ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace. Having scored in six consecutive league games, it’s difficult to back against him. He’s now up to 12 goal involvements in eight Premier League games, while still leading the way for shots and big chances among all players by some margin.
