FPL Heisenberg backs Bournemouth investment ahead of Gameweek 9
BBC Sport's Fantasy Premier League expert FPL Heisenberg answered managers' Gameweek Nine dilemmas on BBC Sport on 30 October 2026. When asked whether it was time to invest in Bournemouth he replied, "Yes, I think so."
Heisenberg points to Bournemouth's fixture sequence as the primary reason for interest, noting they host Leeds in gameweek nine and then enjoy a run of favourable matches. Marcus Tavernier (£6.4m) is identified as his preferred midfield pick, with Evanilson (£6.2m) suggested as a budget forward alternative. Antonio Silva (£5.0m) is his defensive choice for the Cherries, though he says he would not be rushing to triple up on Bournemouth defenders.
Nicolas Jackson (£6.7m) is highlighted for his recent scoring form, "scoring four in his past four Premier League matches," and Heisenberg describes him as an appealing budget forward option. He adds that Aston Villa face Fulham at home in gameweek nine, which enhances Jackson's short-term appeal.
Heisenberg expresses a caveat about Jackson's minutes, pointing to Villa's involvement in the Champions League and the return from injury of Brian Madjo (£5.4m) as reasons Jackson could be at risk of early substitution. Despite the minutes concern, Jackson's recent form and price make him worth considering as an alternative to other budget forwards.
On captaincy, Heisenberg was clear: "Yes, absolutely." He names Erling Haaland (£15.7m) as his standout captaincy option, referencing Manchester City's first Premier League defeat of the season and noting that Haaland "scored again against Aston Villa in gameweek eight." He reiterates that Haaland is the player he would back to deliver the biggest points haul in any given match, while acknowledging there will be occasions to look elsewhere.
He recommends selling Joao Pedro (£7.8m) after Xabi Alonso's comments ruling him out "for weeks," saying benching the Chelsea forward while holding is a tempting but risky strategy because the recovery timeline is unclear. Heisenberg lists mid-priced alternatives in good form and with favourable fixtures, including Jackson, Evanilson, Dominic Calvert Lewin (£6.1m), Thierno Barry (£5.6m) and, for those with funds, Alexander Isak (£9.1m).
On Rayan Cherki, Heisenberg states, "It's likely I'll be selling Rayan Cherki (£8.0m) this week," citing his half-time substitution against Aston Villa in gameweek eight and inconsistent minutes in earlier matches. He argues that midfielders costing that amount should be expected to play 80-90 minutes regularly and says, "For me, it's time to sell." He suggests Marcus Tavernier as a cheaper midfield alternative to free funds.
Heisenberg says he is not planning to sell his Arsenal defensive assets despite their trip to Liverpool in gameweek nine, identifying David Raya (£6.2m) and Riccardo Calafiori (£6m) as quality options while accepting a clean sheet is less likely at Anfield. He notes Arsenal then face Hull, Newcastle, Manchester City and Brentford, and recommends holding existing Arsenal defenders rather than buying new ones this week because "several other teams offering more attractive short-term fixtures" should be prioritised.
His immediate advice to FPL managers is to prioritise players from teams with favourable short-term schedules before investing in Arsenal defensive assets, while considering Bournemouth attackers such as Marcus Tavernier, Evanilson or Nicolas Jackson ahead of gameweek nine.
