FPL Challenge GW9: Trick or Treat strategy for 2026/27
The official Fantasy Premier League Challenge GW9 theme is “Trick or Treat.” It changes how players earn points: each successful dribble adds three points, while being tackled loses one point. This is a different game mode from standard Fantasy Premier League, so a player who is useful in a normal 15-man squad is not automatically the best pick in the Challenge.
The Premier League has also described the current four-week Challenge event as a six-player team with no budget restriction and eligible formations 1-2-2, 2-1-2, 2-2-1, 3-1-1, 1-3-1 and 1-1-3. Always verify the competition screen before locking your squad, as event-specific restrictions can change.
The official GW9 scoring twist
| Action | Special GW9 Challenge effect | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Successful dribble | +3 points each | Ball-carriers can earn substantial extra points |
| Tackled by an opponent | −1 point each | High-volume dribblers must also be efficient |
| Standard goal, assist and other normal actions | Standard scoring also applies | Goal threat still matters |
For instance, a player completing four dribbles while being tackled twice would earn 4×3 − 2 = 10 additional Challenge points from these special events, before regular scoring. This is an illustrative calculation, not a player's actual match return.
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Select roles, not famous names
Prioritise wide attackers, advanced midfielders and ball-carrying forwards who regularly attempt take-ons and retain playing time. A winger who receives the ball in one-versus-one situations has more special-scoring opportunities than a holding midfielder who mainly circulates possession. But the opponent matters: a player facing a compact defence might attempt many dribbles and also get tackled more often.
| Archetype | Potential upside | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Direct winger | Repeated successful dribbles | High tackled count; substitutions |
| Advanced ball-carrying midfielder | Central carries and chance creation | Crowded midfield limits space |
| Mobile forward | Dribbles plus goals | Fewer ball touches if team struggles |
| Safe centre-back | Reliable ordinary points | Usually lower special-rule ceiling |
Do not fabricate individual successful-dribble figures. Consult a reliable current-season events dataset and confirm competition scoring before stating any player-specific projections.
GW9 fixtures that can shape your team
City host Brighton; Bournemouth host Leeds; Chelsea face Manchester United; Spurs host Palace; Liverpool host Arsenal. These matchups can affect how often attacking players receive possession in space. A defender from a likely dominant team may still be useful for normal points, but the special scoring rewards carrying the ball successfully.
Best workflow: shortlist six role-suitable players across positions, check likely starters through OneFPL Team News, then estimate their special-event upside rather than copying a regular FPL captaincy ranking. Challenge locks can work differently from standard FPL, so read its in-app deadline information for every player.
Captaincy for Trick or Treat
Consider an attacker who can earn both conventional returns and multiple successful-dribble events. Do not simply captain the highest-owned FPL striker if his dribble participation is low. In a format with +3 per successful dribble, special-event volume can overturn the normal rank order.
Mistakes to avoid
- Building a normal £100m 15-man Wildcard squad: this Challenge format uses six players and no budget limit.
- Picking a high-dribble-attempt player without considering tackles suffered.
- Treating historical dribble numbers as guaranteed returns.
- Ignoring formation restrictions or late team news.
- Reusing last week's Legends or The Shield rules: GW9 scoring is different.
Frequently asked questions
How many points is a successful dribble worth in GW9 Challenge?
Three additional points per successful dribble under the Trick or Treat rules.
Are players penalised for being tackled?
Yes. Each time a player is tackled, they lose one point under the GW9 special rule.
Is GW9 Challenge the same as normal FPL?
No. It is a separate six-player event with special scoring and no budget restriction according to the official event announcement.
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Editorial note: This analysis distinguishes confirmed events from projections. Check official FPL data and team news before acting. OneFPL is an independent FPL companion, not affiliated with the Premier League.
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Editorial correction — 26 October 2026: Special-scoring caution for GW9
GW9’s Challenge promotion was described around successful dribbles and being tackled, unlike normal Classic FPL points. Confirm the challenge-specific scoring values and eligible player pool on the official GW9 Challenge page before giving a numerical player ranking. Attacking dribble volume and likely 90-minute involvement may matter more than ordinary goalscoring reputation.