GW 9 Picks You’ll Want on Your Radar

From visionary punts to essential starters — here’s the plan.

GW 9 has a real mix of solid staples and smart differentials, with a few fixtures that should shape the week in a big way. Chelsea defenders look close to essential, Brighton and Villa assets have sneaky upside, and the Manchester derby brings plenty of attacking promise on both sides. Here’s who The Scout is backing to make the most of it.

Defence

Peng & Bright – the WSL’s best defence against its second-worst attack makes Chelsea cover close to essential in GW 9. Millie Bright brings stable minutes and strong bonus potential and has everything you want for this fixture. Meanwhile, visionary-eligible Livia Peng — likely stepping in for the injured Hannah Hampton — looks like a huge score waiting to happen.

Wilms – a defender on set pieces against a leaky London City defence means Lynn Wilms' attacking upside is the real appeal in GW 9. With the Lionesses' attack firing, she has multiple routes to points. And with Aston Villa keeping a joint-high four clean sheets this season, a shutout-powered haul might even be on the cards too.

Casparij – yes, the Manchester derby is a tricky defensive fixture, but Kerstin Casparij is so dangerous going forward and so strong on bonus that it barely matters. She’s only blanked twice this season, and the lack of clean sheets hasn't stopped her being a top-three defender. Start with confidence.

Midfield

Hanson – her minutes aren’t totally locked in, but if you’re chasing upside, Kirsty Hanson at home to London City is exactly the sort of pick you make in GW 9. She shoots often, gets involved, and carries real haul potential. A fun, high-reward play.

Kirby – don’t let Fran Kirby’s blank last week put you off. She was inches away from a solid return, denied only by a Risa Shimizu goal-line block. Kirby’s been consistent, has penalty duties, and has another strong fixture against Leicester City. Reload.

Toone & Fujino – if history tells us anything, the Manchester derby favours attackers. We haven’t seen fewer than four goals in this fixture since May 2023 and the last time either team failed to score was February 2022.

Ella Toone (seven returns in eight) and Aoba Fujino (strong form, great on bonus, still under 6% owned) are both excellent ways to cover this game. Fujino offers unique points; Toone dropped a 20-pointer in this fixture last season.

Forwards

Beever-Jones (c) – likely fit for the trip to Liverpool, Agnes Beever-Jones has a brilliant case for the captain’s armband in GW 9. Beyond the clear mismatch (second vs second-bottom), Liverpool are a favourite opponent — she’s scored in each of the last four WSL meetings. Add in her bonus potential (2/3 games against the Reds) and she’s primed for another big return.

Gago – the doubts were never about Kelly Gago’s quality — only her minutes. Two consecutive starts totalling 170 minutes, plus three goals in that spell, have put those concerns to bed. Eligible for visionary points and facing the league’s worst defence, this is the perfect moment to strike.

Russo – Tottenham’s early defensive solidity has unravelled and Alessia Russo is heating up again with 19 points in her last two games. She also absolutely loves this derby — she’s hit bonus every single time against Spurs since bonus points were introduced, racking up 27 points across three meetings. A very safe pick.

Plenty of ways to get ahead this week — visionary punts, in-form players, derby chaos, the lot. Lock in your picks, trust your gut, and let GW9 cook.