Bournemouth's Rising Stars: Should You Invest This Gameweek?

As we gear up for gameweek nine, FPL experts are buzzing about Bournemouth's potential. With a home match against Leeds on the horizon, now might just be the perfect time to bring some Cherries into your squad. One standout option is Marcus Tavernier at £6.4 million. His recent performances have been impressive, showcasing a nice blend of goal-scoring ability and playmaking from the midfield. Evanilson, priced at £6.2 million, is another name to consider. He represents a solid budget-friendly forward choice, especially with Bournemouth’s upcoming favorable fixtures providing him a goal-scoring platform. For those looking to bolster their defense, Antonio Silva at £5.0 million is my top pick. He’s been contributing well defensively, but I wouldn’t rush to stack up on too many Bournemouth players just yet. Nicolas Jackson, worth £6.7 million, is also catching eyes lately, having netted four times in his last four Premier League outings. He’s showing promising form at Aston Villa and could be a valuable addition as they kick off a string of favorable fixtures against Fulham this week. My only hesitation with Jackson is his playing time. With Villa balancing Champions League commitments and the return of young striker Brian Madjo (£5.4 million) from injury, he could be subbed off early. Still, given his current form and price, he’s definitely worth considering. As for captaincy, it's hard to look past Erling Haaland (£15.7 million). Despite Manchester City suffering their first league loss of the season, he scored against Aston Villa last week and remains the most reliable option for big points. Of course, it's not mandatory to captain him every week, but he’s the only truly dependable premium player on the market right now. Joao Pedro (£7.8 million) is an easy transfer out after Xabi Alonso's remarks about an extended absence due to injury. Holding him on the bench may be tempting, especially since he can be a top asset when fit, but the uncertainty makes him a sell in my book. Additionally, with mid-priced forwards like Jackson and Evanilson heating up, there are plenty of enticing alternatives. Players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.1 million), Thierno Barry (£5.6 million), and if you have the funds, Alexander Isak (£9.1 million) should be on your radar. I’m also considering parting ways with Rayan Cherki (£8.0 million) this week. His talent is undeniable, but his playing time is becoming concerning. After being substituted at halftime against Aston Villa last week, it’s clear he’s not a reliable pick right now. Instead, I’m eyeing Tavernier as a cheaper option to free up funds for other areas of my squad. While Cherki could deliver a surprise haul if he starts, I’d prefer to invest in players with guaranteed minutes. When it comes to my Arsenal players, I’m not looking to sell just because they’re facing Liverpool away this week. David Raya (£6.2 million) and Riccardo Calafiori (£6 million) are still solid defensive picks, although the Liverpool match might challenge their clean sheet potential. After facing Liverpool, Arsenal’s schedule includes Hull, Newcastle, Manchester City, and Brentford — offering plenty of opportunities for points. If you hold Arsenal defenders, I’d recommend keeping them rather than chasing after other transfers. If Calafiori is sidelined, I’ll likely bench him against Liverpool and hope he’s fit for the upcoming Hull match. However, I wouldn’t actively seek to bring in more Arsenal assets this week when other teams present more appealing short-term fixtures.