GW9 Deadline Alert: Gabriel, Konsa & The Cheap Striker You're Sleeping On

Happy Halloween, FPL managers! 🎃 Welcome back to the Who Got The Points newsletter - your rapid-fire guide to nailing Gameweek 9 before that Saturday morning deadline. This week there are some standout moves you simply can't afford to miss, from Arsenal's defensive duo delivering massive hauls to a cheap differential striker that's flying under the radar. Let's get into it.

Before you make any transfers, here's the urgent news you need to know:

The standout performer of Gameweek 8 and the hottest transfer target of the week. Gabriel was simply monstrous, picking up 17 points thanks to a goal, a clean sheet, and 3 bonus points against Everton. That takes him to 52 total points on the season, with 5 clean sheets already banked. Over 221,000 managers have transferred him in this gameweek alone - and it's easy to see why.

Gameweek 9 brings Liverpool at home to Arsenal, which is admittedly a tough fixture on paper. But Arsenal have been rock solid defensively all season, and Gabriel's threat from set pieces makes him a genuine attacking return candidate even in big games. At 23.3% ownership, he's trending towards being a must-have.

Possibly the best value defender in the entire game right now. Konsa delivered 14 points in Gameweek 8 - a goal, a clean sheet, and 2 bonus points against Everton - at under £5 million. That is genuinely absurd value. He's racked up 3 clean sheets this season and is clearly hitting his stride, with 39 total points to his name.

Nearly 240,000 transfers in this week tells you everything you need to know about manager sentiment. With Aston Villa facing Fulham at home in Gameweek 9, the clean sheet potential remains strong.

Here's a name that might surprise you. Neto from Chelsea carries the highest form rating of any midfielder we're tracking at 7.7, with 3 goals and an assist already this season. Nearly 96,000 transfers in this gameweek suggest managers are waking up to his potential.

Chelsea face Man United today at 12:30pm - and United were absolutely battered 3-0 by Bournemouth in Gameweek 8. They look disjointed, defensive confidence is shot, and Chelsea attackers are licking their lips. Neto has been quietly building a compelling case all season at a manageable £6.6m price point. At just 4.5% ownership, he's also a handy differential.

The exodus is real. Over 113,000 managers have transferred Mbeumo out this week, and the reasons are clear. Man United conceded three goals to Bournemouth in GW8, their attack hasn't clicked, and Mbeumo blanked again - no goals, no assists, zero bonus. He's scored 4 goals this season but at nearly £8 million, you can reinvest that money far more effectively right now. Chelsea vs Man United today only adds to the concern.

Nearly 49,000 transfers out this week. Verbruggen kept a clean sheet against Liverpool in GW8 but Brighton now face Man City in Gameweek 9 - a very tough ask for a clean sheet. Add in rotation risk following their EFL Cup involvement against City midweek, and the odds of a blank look alarmingly high. The clean sheet potential simply isn't there this week.

Hold on before you panic sell here. Yes, Kinsky's GW8 was solid - 9 points with a clean sheet and 2 bonus points. But Gameweek 9 brings Crystal Palace, which is actually a decent fixture for Spurs. He's kept 3 clean sheets this season and has 32 total points. Don't make the classic FPL mistake of selling a player just after a good week.

Looking to get an edge in your mini-leagues? These three options are all flying under the radar:

A true wildcard pick. Ayari carries a form rating of 6.0, with 2 goals and an assist already this season. Brighton face Man City in GW9 which isn't ideal defensively, but they've shown real attacking intent all season. 11,000 managers have already transferred him in this week. Expected points of 6.0 for GW9 make him an intriguing differential in midfield.

A low-cost goalkeeper option worth considering. Suzuki picked up 4 points in GW8 as Villa beat Man City 2-1, and he's racked up an impressive 25 saves already this season. With 66,000 transfers in this week, managers are clearly taking notice. Villa face Fulham at home on Saturday evening in GW9 - decent clean sheet potential at a budget price.

The cheapest option on this list and arguably the most intriguing. Two goals this season, a form rating of 5.0, and 13,000 transfers in this week. Coventry face Sunderland at home in GW9, which is one of the better fixtures on the board. At under £5 million, he's a genuine budget enabler if you need to free up funds.

Just make sure you monitor those Coventry injury updates - Thomas, Amenda and Wright are all doubts - before pulling the trigger on any City assets.

The captain pick almost selects itself this week. Gabriel was outstanding in GW8 with 17 points and Arsenal's set-piece threat means he's a genuine attacking return candidate even in a tough game against Liverpool. Double up on that with his defensive solidity and the armband case is strong.

If you want to get clever and own both Arsenal defenders, Konsa is your differential captain option at a fraction of the price. 14 points in GW8, clean sheet potential vs Fulham, and barely 20% ownership. A bold but justifiable shout.

The Gameweek 9 deadline is 11:00am this Saturday morning - that's TODAY. With Chelsea vs Man United kicking off at 12:30pm, there is absolutely no room for error. Get your team sorted right now before you lose access to key players.