Pro Pundits

My FPL Gameweek 9 transfer plans and whether I’ll be keeping or selling Salah

Three-time top 5k finisher Az reveals his current Gameweek 9 plans in his latest Pro Pundits column.


So after my article last week, I’m back to give my thoughts about the, quite frankly, chaotic international break and what it means for my own team going forward.

I’m writing this on Tuesday evening and I currently have three “flags” in my team: Ben Chilwell (£6.0m), Mohamed Salah (£12.3m) and Tyrick Mitchell (£4.1m). This could all change in the next few days but I’m feeling quite lucky, as I know plenty of managers have the likes of Raheem Sterling (£11.5m), Marcus Rashford (£9.6m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) and even Andrew Robertson (£7.1m) and are sweating on their fitness and availability for the weekend.

It’s a difficult time, and if you’ve made early moves, don’t beat yourself up. While it is generally advisable to wait as long as possible to gather as much information as you can, sometimes price fluctuations mean that you have to take a risk to avoid being “locked out” of the moves that you want to make.

In the October international break, I made some early moves that made me a tidy profit of £0.6m on my team value. Okay, it meant that I had to play the Wildcard the same week when issues started to arise, but I still think that it was an acceptable risk for that kind of team value. It was only the late injury to Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m) that really forced my hand, and without that, I’d probably still have it in my pocket.

Those without Wildcards or even Free Hits need to factor this into their decision making, but as always, sometimes the early moves can pay off and set you up nicely for the weeks ahead. I cannot say I wouldn’t have moved early to dump the likes of Alexander-Arnold, Callum Wilson (£6.6m), Mitchell or Danny Ings (£8.3m), who we are all fairly sure aren’t going to make miraculous recoveries for the next Gameweek.

Is now the right time for some restructuring? 2

Armed with only one free transfer this week, I have shown patience over the international break. In my previous article, I talked up the upcoming potential of the likes of De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes (£10.6m) but have yet to make an official move for either player.

Salah’s fitness status is weighing on my mind.


Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

1,114 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chilly bench is perfect!

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Well....yeah...at least we know he’s fit which is great, but I have to wonder what’s the point of benching him. Surely just give him the night off.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Perfect for us FPL managers though. Know he’s fit now but not risked

        1. Sharkytect
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah, I don’t care what the common sense decision should be - this is a nice message for FPL managers.

          Thanks Gareth!

    2. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Little chilli starts today... (Bukayo

  2. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Dallas or kwp? Or jus start kwp and saiss tgt?

  3. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Grealish his third game in a row for England, wow. Southgate no respect for Villa.

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thinking to capt him for fpl.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        bad idea given played three games

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Imagine the scenes if he got a knock tonight

  4. tuvok
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    De Bruyne starting again for Belgium

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hope he got injured

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Wtf

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Would make life easier

        1. Pukkipartyy
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Are u for real???

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            No , I'm made of moonlight

            1. fc_skrald
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              but that is from the sun

  5. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is it a Saturday 12.30pm syndrome or first game of the gw syndrome when it comes to captains?

  6. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Robertson starts for scotland

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      So much for a hammy!

  7. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    So how long is salah out for??

    1. dshv
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      This week

    2. Setpiecemad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ronaldo took 19 days to recover and get a negative test so Salah could be out for another 2 weeks

    3. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Important question. Big gamble to hold if he is out longer than a GW.

      But if he is ONLY out the one GW then would be foolish to sell now. This is quite the pickle and holding up transfers until picture is clearer.

    4. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      3

    5. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If he tests negative before the GE starts then he’s a keep, it not then sell.

  8. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Mccarthy
    Chiwell taylor lamptey mitchell justin
    Salah soucek son sterling bruno
    Watkins dcl davis

    1.8itb 1ft

    The only plan that i have is next week son to zyiech and bring some city defender or maybe wc will see..
    also want to keep salah, because one week without him will be good

    Any suggestions ?

  9. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Southgate has started a strong 11 because he doesn't want to lose 2 games in a row and feel the heat of the British media. This is a dead rubber match, England are out and will finish 3rd regardless.

    Jose will be going made right now.

    1. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      *mad

    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Have you read his sarcastic tweet?

    3. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      *English media

      1. The Mandalorian
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        It's called British Media here's a slide show on it.

        https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/gg3000/british-media

        If you need some hairs to split start with your own.

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Alan is dead on. I think some Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish media don't classify themselves as British media.

          1. The Mandalorian
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Should I change it to Global Media instead so not to offend the snowflakes.

            1. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Either post your own opinions and facts, if you have any, or post a link to a presentation on British media that wasn't so obviously compiled by a clown.

              1. The Mandalorian
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/british-media

                Post proof it's called English media which you obviously don't have.

                1. The Mandalorian
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  To be honest Greennred your previous posts have been odd to say the least. The fact that you come onto an FPL site arguing with people says it all. When Covid restrictions are lifted you need to get out more buddy and get a life.

                  1. GreennRed
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    Thanks Princess.

                  2. Alan The Llama
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    Jeez, you're some kind of hypocrite. I corrected you, you seemed to get upset about it and now you're suggesting other people need to get a life.

                    The reality is the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish media will give the England result very few column inches tomorrow, let alone Southgate "feel the heat" from them,

                    It's okay to be wrong. Get over it.

                    1. The Mandalorian
                      • 11 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      Last time I looked England isn't in Scotland, Wales or Northern Island. What those countries report on is not my concern.
                      You corrected nothing. You just like to troll other peoples posts for self amusement. Seriously get a life.

                      1. Hotdogs for Tea
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 4 months ago

                        Northern Ireland

            2. Baines on Toast...
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              No, that would be the radio company

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      English Media ... the media here in Wales does not really care

  10. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Struggling to field 11.

    Priorities with 1 FT (£1.1m itb)

    Martinez
    Robbo* Chilwell* Lamptey
    Soucek Son Grealish Zaha
    Kane DCL Bamford

    steer, saiss* mitchell* salah*

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Saiss -> West Ham defender

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      This

  11. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    So they are projecting Salah to only miss the one GW. This correct?

    If so will hold.

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Who are they?

      1. Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        FPL, expected return 28.11.

      2. HellasLEAF
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Your mom is included in the 'they'. So include your mom.

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Unlikely

  12. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Am I correct here: Salah needs negative test first, and 10 days after the negative test he's allowed to come back to UK?

    And if I understand correctly, that's why he's still not ruled out of the Brighton game, but the chances are now increased?

    As things stand, we probably wouldn't know before deadline if he misses the Brighton game?

    1. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If he misses 2 he is gone. Can't keep 12 million player on bench 2 GW's in my mini league don't think I have the depth to cover that or would need some luck

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He is out, glad i sold and banked 0.2 profit as he has dropped since

      1. Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That's personal assessment of the situation, and I respect that. Thing is, we don't know for sure if he misses the two games or not, and we probably wouldn't get the confirmation before the first deadline. But I agree, chances are, he misses both imo.

        1. caldracula
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Premier league protocol is 10 days isolation after a positive test. He tested positive today and the Brighton game in 10 days away so no chance he plays.

    3. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No it’s ten days isolation from the first negative test. So if he was to test negative tomorrow he could return to the uk and further isolate until Monday and then he would be available to train.

    4. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Actually ignore me, from what I’ve just read it will be 10 days from any positive test, so would be atleast 10 days from today.

  13. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA* Chilwell* Taylor Justin Mitchell*
    Salah* Son Hamez Grealish Bissouma
    Vardy Jimi Mitro

    A) TAA-> Cresswell, Grealish (C)
    B) TAA, Salah, Mitro -> Cresswell, Bruno (C), Werner -8

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If A I’m looking at Mitro + Jimi -> Antonio/Bamford/Watkins + Werner for -4 next week

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      -8 or even -12

      1. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        As in it's worth -8 or even -12 or what do you mean?

    3. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Or C, WC to:

      McCarthy Button
      Coufal Chilwell Targett Kilman Mitchell
      Mané Bruno KDB Grealish Bissouma
      Vardy Watkins Bamford

  14. Alex_thekid
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Does everyone agree that this looks like the best week of the season to WC with all the injuries and BIG fixtures swing but it doesn't always work out like it could hopefull of making some rank gain's over the next few gws

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm in the camp that thinks it's actually the opposite. Lot of players missing or with a question mark over their heads, and using a WC now means if you have Salah (which most here do) then you're already trying to plan to get him back in which can put you in a fix because you might spread the money now meaning you have to use 2 transfers to afford to get him back in, for example.

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Sorry didn't really elaborate on first point, lots of players are missing which means a lot won't actually use WC to get who you want, you'll be using it to fill a gap and to pick who's available which is a completely different thing

        1. Alex_thekid
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Completely disagree I haven't left any players who I want this he Kdb Bruno and Kane could all match Salah or outscore him over the next few gws also want to see how Liverpool lineup and play over the next few weeks with all the injuries to team

          1. Black Knights
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Yeah I’m not quite with this argument.

            I now have: Cancelo, Dias, Coufal, Bruno, KDB, Ziyech, Watkins.

            I now no longer have: TAA, Dier, Saiss, Salah, Podence, Son, Wilson

            The only one that’s even close is Son vs Kdb, but I’ll take that chance through GWs 9-13.

            1. Pacer.
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              respectfully disagree that Watkins v Wilson isn't even close. That one could easily end up very much in Wilson's favor given his pedigree and what little we really know about how much Watkins can be expected to deliver

              1. Black Knights
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                Not this week if Wilson is out, and struggling to overcome muscle injuries isn’t his strong point. But I will give you that it’s closer than the other examples.

                1. Pacer.
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  yes, concerned wilson owner here

                  1. Black Knights
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    I’ve owned him twice, I had him GW1 but he became DCL in GW3, and then again last week as my Ings replacement. I like him, a lot. I think he’s a bargain and they have a good run.

                    1. Black Knights
                      • 12 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      But it’s Newcastle and he struggles with his legs, which is always a worry.

    2. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Agree, I hit the button before all the commotion as wasn't happy with my defence and this has made it more worthwhile.

    3. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I also believe there is a case for it being a really bad week, potentially. In the short term it appears to be a good week, but I think GW10 is such a big one for LEI, MCI, SPU etc and add the Salah stuff into the mix that potentially at the end of next week the picture could all look quite different to how people anticipate. Playing it next week also avoids any nasty mishaps with major players injured just before they hit the runs you anticipate as crucial

      Not to say that any week when you have several big flags is a bad one to play the WC or really that it's the wrong thing to do. But I think there's a case for patching up your team this week and making do and unleashing it right before the big swings

      1. Dosh
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This is exactly the reason I'm holding one more week.

        1. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Leicester and City don’t really have terrible games this week. Certainly not ones to be put off by if you’ve decided to WC now. So it’s not like WCers can’t prepare for their runs.

  15. The Sociologist
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What a dreary selection from Southgate.

  16. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Already on a -4 and looking to hold Salah.

    Hoping no more surprises, is this gtg?

    Martinez
    Coufal Chilwell Kilman Lamptey
    Grealish Son Bruno
    Maupay Kane DCL

    Steer Bissouma Dallas Salah*

    1. FPL_Motty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Looks gtg

  17. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Guys Ft Salah to

    A)Mane
    B) KDB
    C) Bruno

    Already have Sterling

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

    2. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

    3. FPL_Motty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Mane. Then back to salah

  18. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which transfer plan looks better?

    A)
    GW9: Salah, Foden & Wilson ➡️ Rashford, Grealish & Vardy
    GW10: Saiss ➡️ Cancelo
    GW11: Son & Kane ➡️ KDB & Bamford/Antonio
    GW12: Rashford ➡️ Salah

    B)
    GW9: Salah, Foden & Wilson ➡️ KDB, Grealish & Bamford/Antonio
    GW10:Kane & Saiss ➡️ Cancelo & Vardy
    GW11: Save FT
    GW12: Son ➡️ Salah

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Doesn't matter tbh, you can't plan that far ahead

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes but my moves this week have huge impact on my GW10 & 11 transfers.

        1. Hansel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          A then

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Does B involve back to back hits?

    3. cheese XL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  19. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Game time: which 10%+ owned FPL player will get injured today?

  20. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Grealish starts for England, quite some minutes for him during IB. Hope he's coming out unscathed ...

    1. FPL_Motty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah kind of annoying from Southgate. This is a dead rubber

  21. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Does anyone know the exact Covid protocols and what that means for salah? Feels like the Brighton game must be touch and go?

    1. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      10 days out at least and the Brighton game is in 10 days.

  22. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah ➡️ Mane(C) tonight?

    Son/Rash ➡️ KDB/Sterling next week with 2.2 ITB

    Martinez
    Chilwell* - Bellerin - Lamptey
    Mane(C) - Son - Rashford* - Bowen - Grealish
    Kane - DCL

    Brewster* - Ayling - Mitchell*

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Why tonight?

      1. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Mane rise will ruin plan to get Salah back

  23. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    is rodriguez worth a punt now hes back?
    was thinking salah to rodriguez rather than mane just until salah is back

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      defo, never left my team. His next fixtures are really good, especially with Richa back.

    2. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      That's what I'm going for. I think he's the best 1 week punt that I don't already own and it frees up so much cash that I can be pretty versatile next week with a -4 to respond to Kane/Son/Vardy/KdB/Salah

  24. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which goalkeeper would you go for on a wildcard?

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thinking of McCarty, Martinez or Fabianski atm

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Go with McCarthy and cover Martinez and Fab with Targett and Coufal respectively.

        1. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          McCarthy has many fewer good games as your set and forget. Better to get Martinez and KWP for that.

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      All good picks. Depends which you can afford. Fab the best real life keeper 🙂

    3. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Martinez

  25. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best move here? Still got WC.

    A. Salah >> KDB
    B. Salah >> Bruno
    C. Saiss >> James/Lamptey
    D. Take a -4

    McCarthy
    Chilwell, Saiss, Cresswell
    Salah*, Son, Ziyech, Rodríguez, Grealish
    Kane, DCL
    (Nyland, Mitchell*, Justin, Davis)

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      How will you get in a City mid from GW10 if you go with B

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Either WC or Bruno / Son >> KDB

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          With a Saiss downgrade

  26. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on my WC team? (If Aguero fit)

    Martinez
    Chilwell Cancelo Targett
    KDB Fernandes Grealish Jota
    Aguero Vardy DCL
    Bench: Button, Kilman, Bernardo, Riedewald

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Too soon for Kun imo

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure of the Ageuro pick if fit as he is a rotation risk. Is Kilman and Bernardo nailed if Cancelo is rotated?

  27. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Chilwell Lamptey Taylor
    Salah Son Grealish Foden
    Kane Vardy DCL

    Steer Saiss Mitchell Alzate
    0.5itb 1ft

    A) salah & foden to fernandes & soucek
    B) salah & foden to fernandes & ziyech

    B) better in insolation, A) allows son to KDB the week after without another hit.

    A) the right move, right?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Got to be A

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Less glam, but more prudent.

  28. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    By GW10:

    Salah, Son, Saiss > Bruno, KDB, Coufal + 0.3 itb.

    Salah > Bruno being my FT this week.

    Is this a good plan?

  29. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kane ➡️ Werner -4 (-8)?
    Can afford any striker and have Vardy and DCL.

    Hear me out.. need to get Mo back in GW 12 and was planning to do Kane ➡️ Jesus -4 next week anyway to fund this ( also only keeping Werner/Jesus for GW 9,10,11).

  30. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    So I guess Chilwel and Robo flags will be cleared right?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Probably not until after their international game in case they get injured again