Gameweek 9 reminded everyone that nothing is guaranteed in FPL. Big hitters like Salah, Haaland frustrated managers with a blank despite huge ownership. On the other hand, defenders stole the spotlight. Arsenal’s Gabriel delivered again with strong defensive points, while Reece James showed his old attacking spark to reward anyone brave enough to keep the faith, and Nick Pope reminded us why a reliable keeper can quietly boost ranks when clean sheets arrive. The clear message from GW9 was simple: expensive attackers didn’t dominate, and those who trusted form over price walked away smiling.
Must have FPL asset for Gameweek 10 :
Best forward option:
Erling Haaland- Haaland doesn’t need form to score. He only needs one moment, and suddenly it’s a brace. Bournemouth’s defense has cracks, and those are the kind of weaknesses he feasts on. If you’re looking for captaincy comfort and pure goal-scoring power, he remains the safest pick in the game.
Jean-Philippe Mateta –Mateta keeps popping up with returns and still somehow isn’t talked about enough. Palace is creating more big chances lately, and Brentford at home is a matchup he can absolutely exploit. Cheap, consistent, and with confidence flowing, he’s a great way to save budget while still aiming for solid points.
Midfield picks :
Iliman Ndiaye- Ndiaye is starting to show what he can offer in attacking areas. He’s been heavily involved in Everton’s build-up play, getting into great positions and testing defenses more often now. With Sunderland up next, he looks like an exciting budget-friendly midfielder who could finally turn creativity into goals and assists.
Matheus Cunha– Cunha looks sharp, confident, and central to everything United does going forward. His recent returns prove that he’s adapting brilliantly to his new role, and he’s showing real threat in the box. A solid fixture run makes him a smart pick if you want points without spending premium money.
Bukayo Saka – Arsenal’s talisman always offers a mix of goals, creativity, and bonus points. Even when Arsenal aren’t at their free-flowing best, he finds a way to deliver. With a favorable game coming up, he stands out as a reliable, long-term midfield anchor for FPL managers.
Defender picks :
Gabriel – Arsenal are tightening up again, and Gabriel plays a massive part in that solidity. He’s always a monster in the air, which means clean sheets plus a real chance of attacking points from set-pieces. With a good fixture ahead, he feels like one of the most reliable defensive picks this week.
Jurrien Timber – Timber’s return has boosted Arsenal’s build-up and given him license to push higher up the pitch. He looks sharp, comfortable on the ball, and could become a bonus point magnet. If you’re looking for a slightly cheeky differential in a strong defense, Timber ticks that box beautifully.
Marcos Senesi – Senesi offers the perfect combo: Bournemouth’s clean sheet potential plus legit goal threat. His ability to pop up with decisive headers keeps him in the FPL conversation, especially in fixtures like this one, where City can struggle to create and defend dangerous crosses. Budget-friendly and dangerous in the box, he’s a smart addition to any GW10 squad.
Key fixtures and Differentials :
The key fixtures of GW10 open real doors for differential punts. With the likes of Crystal Palace hosting Brentford, a game where Palace can do really well, and Brentford’s attack is confident, players like Sarr or Thiago can take advantage. Meanwhile, Arsenal face a team low on away form, giving defenders like Gabriel or Timber a clean-sheet chance plus bonus upside with other attacking options like Eze and Gyokeres. On the attacking front, Manchester United’s more favorable fixture after that goal-fest means a less-owned forward or midfielder gaining involvement could climb fast. Pick the fixtures where the opponent foots the bill; that’s where the differentials hide.
Captaincy picks :
Captaincy this week feels straightforward, though managers always love to overthink it. Erling Haaland remains the safest armband in the game, especially against a defense that has looked fragile. If you’re hunting a cheeky edge, a confident mid like Bukayo Saka or an in-form striker such as Jean-Philippe Mateta could flip the script. Play it bold if you need a rank boost, play it calm if you want green arrows secured.
Every point matters from here, and the upcoming fixture could flip the narrative once again. Who steps up next?
