FPL Challenge – a different twist on the traditional Fantasy Premier League game – returns for Gameweek 9.

Each week comes with its own rules, which can completely change the players we target every week.

Here, Louis runs through his top tips and best picks for the Gameweek 9 Challenge before revealing his own team.

Even when the FPL deadline has passed, you can still enter Challenge teams right up until kick-off!

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE THIS WEEK?

TOP PICKS

GOALKEEPERS

Selecting a goalkeeper is far from straightforward in this week’s FPL Challenge. Managers will primarily be looking for someone with good clean sheet and save potential, but also a player who doesn’t block another route into the same team due to the one-player-per-club restriction.

One option who ticks those boxes is Djordje Petrović. Bournemouth head into Gameweek 9 on the back of five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. They also face a Leeds United side who have struggled to convince from an attacking perspective recently.

Crystal Palace’s failure to score in their previous two league outings could make Antonín Kinský an appealing alternative. Tottenham haven’t been the most reliable defensively this season, but their clean sheet against Chelsea last time out offers some encouragement.

There are several other options worth considering between the sticks. Aston Villa’s Zion Suzuki and Brentford’s Caoimhín Kelleher could both appeal, while David Raya offers a route into Arsenal’s defence for those willing to back them against Liverpool.

DEFENDERS

No defender in the league has completed more successful dribbles than Lewis Hall (10), making him a prime target for this week’s FPL Challenge. Newcastle United have been far from convincing defensively, but their clean sheet last time out should provide some encouragement ahead of Everton’s visit. Combined with his attacking threat, Hall has multiple routes to points in Gameweek 9.

Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili could also offer plenty of upside. The wing-back has averaged 0.26 expected goal involvements (xGI) per 90 minutes, while only Hall has completed more successful take-ons among defenders. A clean sheet against Tottenham looks less certain, but his attacking potential makes him an exciting option.

Both Michael Kayode and Jayden Bogle also rank highly among defenders for successful dribbles. With reasonably favourable fixtures this week, the pair could provide alternative routes to points.

Elsewhere, Adrien Truffert, Leif Davis and Maxim De Cuyper are also worth considering. All three offer the potential to contribute in multiple ways, making them viable options for managers looking to maximise their returns.

MIDFIELDERS

Hull City appear to be struggling after a promising start to the season, but Mohamed Belloumi continues to impress. The midfielder has already registered three goals and two assists, while no player in the league has completed more successful dribbles. Averaging two per match, Belloumi looks particularly appealing ahead of a favourable home fixture against Ipswich Town.

Two Tottenham attackers complete the top three midfielders for successful take-ons: Sávio and Mohammed Kudus. While Sávio continues his recovery from injury, Kudus appears to be cementing his place in the Spurs attack. The Ghanaian could benefit from facing a Crystal Palace defence that has struggled in recent weeks.

Of course, Jérémy Doku immediately comes to mind when considering successful dribbles. Despite playing significantly fewer minutes than several other players, the Manchester City winger still ranks among the league’s leading performers for this metric. His ability to beat defenders makes him another exciting option.

Elsewhere, Julio Enciso, Mathys Tel, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer have all demonstrated their dribbling ability this season. With favourable attacking fixtures ahead, each offers the potential to deliver points through multiple routes.

Johan Manzambi, Harvey Barnes and Marcus Tavernier also deserve consideration. All three provide viable alternatives for managers looking to target successful dribbles in Gameweek 9.

FORWARDS

The standout forward heading into Gameweek 9 is Nicolas Jackson. As well as having a fantastic home fixture against Fulham, Jackson has scored two braces in his previous four matches. He has also completed more successful take-ons than any other forward in the game, giving him multiple routes to points this week.

Not far behind is Omar Marmoush. Tottenham face a Crystal Palace side who currently have the worst defensive record in the league, offering the Egyptian a brilliant opportunity to rack up points. However, checking the starting line-ups before committing to Marmoush will be key.

Evanilson, Thierno Barry and Oli McBurnie also have favourable fixtures this week. All three have demonstrated their ability to complete successful dribbles, making them viable alternatives for managers looking to target this scoring route.

Finally, it would be unwise to overlook Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has been in outstanding form since the start of the campaign and remains a strong option, even if successful dribbles aren’t his main route to points.

TEAM REVEAL

• I’m actually very happy with this team and I don’t see myself changing any of my players, to be honest. All five outfield players have multiple routes to points and have a very impressive dribble record this season.
• I think the only decision I can’t settle on is captaincy. I think Belloumi is the obvious, but Jackson and Doku almost certainly guarantee successful take-ons this week. I’ll mull this one over right up to the deadline.