Triple Up on Bournemouth v Forest: FPL Team of the Week Gameweek 9
Why Skipping Salah and Pedro Could Be the Smart Play This Week
It’s one of those Fantasy Premier League (FPL) weeks where the obvious choices aren’t necessarily the right ones. With Chelsea and Liverpool both presenting dilemmas, many managers will be second-guessing their line-ups — particularly when it comes to Joao Pedro and Mohamed Salah, two names that have traditionally been FPL gold but are now testing the patience of even the most loyal fantasy managers.
Joao Pedro’s upcoming fixtures are tempting, starting with a home clash against Sunderland, but the Chelsea striker’s form is plummeting. No goals since Gameweek 3, just two shots in the last four matches — the numbers speak for themselves. Meanwhile, Salah, the once-automatic captain choice, simply isn’t producing like the £14.3 million superstar he’s priced as. Seven Premier League games without a non-penalty goal and only 16th among midfield scorers? That’s not what you expect from the Egyptian King.
So, this week’s Team of the Week takes a bold direction — no Salah, no Joao Pedro. Instead, we’re turning our attention south to the Vitality Stadium, where Bournemouth’s clash with Nottingham Forest looks ripe for FPL exploitation. Triple up? Absolutely. The data, form, and fixture all point to a Cherries bonanza.
The team is built to fit within the standard £100m budget, as if playing a Free Hit, and after last week’s solid 66-point haul — led by Gabriel’s 12 points and another captain’s return from Erling Haaland — we’re ready to go again.
Keeper and Defence: Trust the Process, Target the Fixtures
Robert Sanchez (Chelsea, £4.9m) – vs Sunderland (H)
Sunderland have managed just one away goal all season and rank fourth lowest for expected goals (xG) on the road. Chelsea, even without Cole Palmer, should have enough control to keep this one tight at the back. Sanchez might not be everyone’s favourite pick, but clean sheet potential here feels solid.
Gabriel (£6.4m) & Jurrien Timber (£6m), Arsenal – vs Crystal Palace (H)
At this point, not owning an Arsenal defender is a bigger risk than doubling up. Their backline looks locked in, and Mikel Arteta’s side have posted two consecutive clean sheets, with Gabriel and Timber racking up 19 and 18 points respectively in the past two weeks.
The only note of caution? Crystal Palace have shown flashes of attacking life recently — but Arsenal’s defence at home is elite, and with Burnley and Sunderland up next, there’s little reason to look elsewhere.
Joe Rodon (Leeds United, £4.1m) – vs West Ham (H)
Budget defenders rarely come with this kind of upside. Leeds have conceded just four goals at Elland Road, boasting an xGC (expected goals conceded) of 2.3 — bettered only by Bournemouth and Arsenal.
Meanwhile, West Ham looked dreadful in their last outing against Brentford, producing an xG of 0.33. Rodon also carries set-piece threat and has scored seven points in three of his four home games. At £4.1m, he’s a gem.
Marco Senesi (Bournemouth, £5m) – vs Nottingham Forest (H)
Consistency is key, and Senesi has been just that. He’s registered defensive contribution points (DEFCON) in six of eight games, and his side face a Forest team in complete disarray.
With Sean Dyche newly installed but yet to find a spark, Forest’s attack has dried up — one goal in six games and none in their last three. Bournemouth, by contrast, are organised, confident, and playing with purpose. Senesi feels like a safe and smart inclusion.
Midfield: Bournemouth’s Front Line Is the Place to Be
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth, £8.1m) – vs Nottingham Forest (H)
At this point, Semenyo feels as essential as Haaland or an Arsenal defender. Six goals in eight games and involvement in nearly every Bournemouth attack.
He was unlucky not to register a second assist against Crystal Palace, and given Forest’s defensive collapse — 15 goals conceded in eight games — it’s hard to see past another big return here. His pressing, movement, and finishing make him a genuine differential turned must-have.
Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth, £7m) – vs Nottingham Forest (H)
If Semenyo is the safe pick, Kluivert is the punt — but a calculated one. The Dutchman made his first start of the season last week, and based on his performance, he’s earned a spot moving forward.
Last season, Kluivert was FPL gold with 12 goals and six assists, and now that he’s back in the XI — potentially still on penalties — this is the week to jump early. Forest’s disjointed defence is there for the taking.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, £8.9m) – vs Brighton (H)
Yes, Bruno missed another penalty at Brentford. Yes, his price dropped. But the underlying numbers remain elite. If not for those missed spot-kicks, he’d be second only to Semenyo among midfielders for total points.
He leads the league in key passes (22), sits top-five for shots (18), and consistently finds himself involved in big chances. The frustration for FPL managers is understandable, but Bruno is due — and his home fixture against Brighton could be where it turns.
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool, £7.5m) – vs Brentford (A)
Salah might be misfiring, but Gakpo is quietly thriving. Among Liverpool players, he’s top or joint-top for shots (21), shots in the box (15), goals (3), assists (2), key passes (17), and expected assists (1.43).
The eye test matches the data — he’s sharp, confident, and involved in everything good Liverpool do going forward. At nearly half Salah’s price, he’s a no-brainer if you want Reds coverage.
Strikers: The Ever-Reliable and the Form Gamble
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, £14.7m, Captain) – vs Aston Villa (A)
At some point, FPL managers need to stop overthinking it. Haaland might blank one week and haul the next, but his numbers remain otherworldly. Villa Park isn’t the easiest venue — they’ve only conceded five in four home games — yet Haaland is fixture-proof.
Until further notice, he remains the perma-captain. Don’t get cute.
Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United, £7.4m) – vs Fulham (H)
The stats say his run is unsustainable — four goals from four shots on target — but form is form, and Woltemade is on fire. Fulham have conceded 75% of their goals away from home, and Newcastle look increasingly dangerous in front of their own fans.
Ignore the xG regression talk for now and ride the wave while it lasts.
Final Thoughts: Bournemouth Are the New Goldmine
This week’s strategy hinges on one key idea — triple up on Bournemouth against Nottingham Forest. It’s a rare combination of form, fixture, and opportunity.
Semenyo looks unstoppable, Kluivert’s breakout moment feels imminent, and Senesi anchors one of the league’s most quietly efficient defences. Add to that a United playmaker in Bruno and the inevitable Haaland captaincy, and this lineup strikes a balance between reliability and upside.
As always, Friday’s BBC Sport FPL Q&A with expert Pras (live at 15:30 BST) will dig deeper into some of these picks, but if you’re looking for a bold, data-backed team this week — Bournemouth is where your chips
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