FPL GW9 fixture swings: teams worth buying for the next five Gameweeks
Updated 26 October. GW9 is an unusual week because Liverpool host Arsenal and Chelsea host Manchester United, while several popular transfer targets have cup matches before the deadline. The correct plan depends on whether you need a one-week Free Hit or a player who will deliver value over GW9–GW13.
GW9 matches and potential decisions
| GW9 fixture | What to assess |
|---|---|
| Bournemouth vs Leeds | Tavernier/Evanilson attack, Silva/Hill DefCon, Leeds' stronger-than-expected defence |
| Aston Villa vs Fulham | Jackson after a GW8 brace; long-term Villa fixtures |
| Man City vs Brighton | Haaland captaincy and City's expected starters after cup duty |
| Tottenham vs Crystal Palace | Spurs defensive/value assets; avoid betting only on GW8 clean sheet |
| Brentford vs Nottingham Forest | Forward minutes and Forest's defensive injuries |
| Coventry vs Sunderland | Budget starter comparisons |
| Hull vs Ipswich | Lower-cost player opportunities; verify actual roles |
| Chelsea vs Manchester United | Strong assets meet each other; Pedro fitness and United selection concerns |
| Liverpool vs Arsenal | Premiums with tough opposition; assess beyond GW9 |
| Newcastle vs Everton | Forward rotation and defensive value |
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The teams to investigate for GW9–GW13
Bournemouth: their run includes Leeds (H), Ipswich (A) and Nottingham Forest (H). That offers a reason to compare Tavernier and Evanilson, but also defenders with repeated DefCon returns. Their cup game versus Villa makes fitness and minutes a final checkpoint.
Aston Villa: Fulham at home in GW9, then Manchester United away and Sunderland at home, plus subsequent matches with Ipswich and Everton. Jackson's GW8 brace could prompt interest; evaluate performance over more than one match.
Chelsea: United at home starts a run that also includes Sunderland away and Leeds at home. Their attacking potential could become more attractive if João Pedro is fit, but availability and minutes must come first.
Arsenal: Liverpool away is awkward now, with Hull at home in GW10 and Newcastle away next. Selling a premium Arsenal defender solely for GW9 can create a GW10 rebuy problem. Evaluate the whole holding period.
Leeds: their defensive numbers have been strong, but Bournemouth away is not a clear-cut clean sheet. Players such as Trafford and Muharemović are better assessed over multiple matches and against your current goalkeeper/defender options.
Free Hit versus buying a fixture run
A one-week Free Hit lets you load up on favourable-looking GW9 matches and restore your normal squad afterward. A normal transfer should have a broader return horizon. Do not sell a long-term asset for a one-week punt and then pay to buy him back.
If your squad is concentrated in Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and United, compare our GW9 Free Hit squad with the XI you would field normally. If your only issue is one poor fixture, consider saving the chip.
Practical comparison checklist
Use OneFPL Player Lab to check last-five minutes, defensive contributions and chance quality. In Transfer Planner, test GW9, GW10 and GW11 side by side, including a route where you roll one free transfer. Update for injuries after the 27–29 October cup games.
Verdict: Bournemouth and Villa are among the clearer fixture-run opportunities. Chelsea's schedule may improve after a tough opener; Arsenal remain a hold candidate for many managers despite Liverpool away. The right team depends on current ownership, remaining chips and budget, not colour-coded fixtures alone.
Sources: Premier League 2026/27 fixture calendar; EFL confirmed midweek fixtures.