As Gameweek 9 approaches, our Elite XI: Team Reveal managers — boasting a combined 80 top 10k finishes — are facing a week of key decisions.
From chip strategy to injury management and long-term planning, here’s how some of the best FPL minds are setting up for the weekend.
Tarek, chasing what would be an 11th top 10k finish, is taking a calculated approach this Gameweek.
“On the chop list there is mainly 3 players Anthony, Gyokeres and Bruno. I am willing to chance Bruno vs Brighton and Gyokeres vs Palace for one last time. Enzo Fernandez looks to be fully fit, so Anthony could make way for him.”
But he may hold off, targeting specific fixtures in Gameweek 10:
“I could still roll though, I will definitely get Mateta & Saka for Brentford and Burnley games in Gameweek 10 bar any injuries.”
A disciplined approach from a manager known for playing the long game.
Current world number one Tom Dollimore has no intention of sitting still, identifying several weak links that need addressing.
“With 5 Free Transfers and some holes in the team emerging, transfers will be made. Players who need to go (in order of priority) are Gvardiol, Reijnders, Stach, João Pedro, Gyökeres & Andersen. Current loose plan is to downgrade Gvardiol to fund Stach/Reijnders to Enzo Fernandez. Minteh could be an alternative to Enzo.”
Like Tarek, Tom is targeting Enzo Fernandez — a name repeatedly mentioned across the Elite XI: Team Reveal managers this week.
The Argentine midfielder currently looks like Chelsea’s main goal threat. He’s scored the joint-most goals (3) alongside Caicedo, taken the joint-most shots (11) with Neto and João Pedro, and registered the most shots on target (5) — as shown in the Opta Stats Sandbox.
With Palmer injured, Enzo has also taken over penalty duties, scoring one already. He leads the team for non-penalty xG (2.66) and has had the most big chances (6) of any Chelsea player.
Philman is reshaping his squad to increase flexibility and prepare for future chip usage.
“This week I'm looking at switching to a more flexible formation, which will have the benefit of giving me a stronger bench for deploying my Bench Boost chip.”
With Evanilson injured, a double move is on the cards:
“Evanilson is injured, and was not performing FPL wise prior to that. By selling him to a cheaper forward, I can upgrade Josh King to Enzo, who I have been looking to get in at this point with upcoming fixtures. The forward I have in my is Calvert-Lewin, who looks good value and nailed.”
Enzo once again features, while Calvert-Lewin could prove a valuable budget option — especially with a fixture against a struggling West Ham on Friday night.
As shown in the Match Centre feature, despite scoring only once in his last five games, Calvert-Lewin ranks top for xG (2.2) and shots on target (6), highlighting his potential to find the net. He’s also registered one FPL assist and recorded the second-most attempts (8) among Leeds players over that period.
Mark is keeping things simple and maintaining a clear long-term vision.
“All going well this week I'll get Enzo, Timber, or roll. Leaving will be Reijnders, or one of my vast stable of bad defenders.”
He’s already planning for the next strategic window:
“Gameweek 13 is looking the most favourable for Wildcard all going well but then it's not far until AFCON transfers....and it would be nice to delay even beyond that.”
A patient and measured approach from one of the most consistent Elite XI: Team Reveal managers.
Walter summed up the week’s frustrations for many FPL managers:
“The Andersen injury, which is annoying. Reijnders minutes becoming dodgy? Gyokeres and Pedro keep being useless, can't fault their consistency.”
His priority transfers again highlight familiar names:
“In terms of incomings, the priority names would be Saka - the switch from Gyokeres will have to be done at some point - and Enzo.”
And the structure of his squad could shift:
“Could do Reijnders to Enzo in one move, or Gyokeres/Stach to Saka/Kroupi jr if I want to switch to 352 and keep Bruno. Or I might roll again, keeping in mind I will likely target Palace next week, so I'll need at least one spot for Mateta/Sarr.”
Reijnders is currently the fourth most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 9, with over 300,000 managers losing faith in the Man City midfielder.
As shown in the Transfer Analytics tool, Enzo Fernandez is the second most popular replacement, with 16% of managers making that switch. However, Saka — who also features on Walter’s list of potential transfers — leads the way with 18.8%.
Corey is considering activating his Bench Boost, using Andersen’s injury as an opportunity to strengthen his squad.
“Given Enzo seems healthy and James was rested in UEFA Champions League, considering James in for Andersen this week and hitting Bench Boost. Would be great matchups for the most part and allows me to get it out of the way.”
He’s eyeing a short-term run for Reece James:
“James would not be a long-term play but something for likely four Gameweeks at most. Given the way Chelsea's schedule sets out I think he will start the next three and likely all four unless he gets called up to England in the next international break.”
And summarises his thinking neatly:
“I like the idea of bringing the Bench Boost forward if possible to allow me more flexibility moving forward. Presuming no news I am 65% certain this is the route I am going.”
A proactive strategy that could set him up well for the mid-season period.
Copenhagen Wednesday also had Bench Boost plans for Gameweek 9, though injuries have made him reconsider.
“Bench Boost Gameweek 9 was meant to be a celebration of astute planning, not a crisis triggered by one injured centre-back.”
He’s weighing up whether to stay the course or hold off:
“On paper, Andersen’s absence shouldn’t ruin the plan — but somehow it’s become a full-blown identity crisis about whether I even believe in the chip anymore.”
His reflections are as entertaining as they are insightful:
“Leeds assets, meanwhile, continue to smile sweetly from my bench like clingy exes I can’t quite block.”
And his conclusion captures the mindset of an experienced FPL manager searching for the right balance:
“Keeping Andersen would be the sensible call, but sensible rarely wins you green arrows or good stories.”
Whether he sticks or twists, Copenhagen Wednesday’s decisions will be closely watched.
Across the Elite XI: Team Reveal managers, Enzo Fernandez is the standout transfer target — mentioned by almost everyone this week.
Bench Boost timing is also a major talking point, with Corey Baker and Copenhagen Wednesday both weighing up whether to activate the chip.
Meanwhile, Tarek Balbaa and Mark Mansfield continue to focus on careful planning and patience, already eyeing fixture swings in Gameweek 10 and beyond.
Whether it’s calculated risk or strategic restraint, Gameweek 9 looks set to be a decisive moment in shaping the Elite XI’s seasons.
You can find out each manager’s final team, transfers and captain picks — and set up notifications to be alerted the moment they make their moves — over on the Elite XI: Team Reveal tool.
Unlock all our powerful FPL tools, including Elite XI: Team Reveal, AI Assistant Manager, Opta Stats and more.
Join 89% of our members who won their main mini-league last season.
TRY IT NOWAlready a Premium user? Login here
© fantasyfootballfix 2024 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
