Gameweek 8 is behind us, and it’s time for Fantasy Premier League managers to make their next moves. With another deadline approaching, the transfer market is already heating up, and several players are attracting serious attention ahead of Gameweek 9.
Injuries have also complicated matters. Bukayo Saka, João Pedro, and Dominik Szoboszlai are among the players managers are moving away from, leaving many FPL teams with decisions to make. Fortunately, there are several promising alternatives, including in-form attackers, reliable midfield options, and defenders with appealing upcoming fixtures.
But which players are actually worth bringing into your squad?
Let’s consider five players worth bringing into your team for Gameweek 9.
1. Nicolas Jackson (£6.8m) – Aston Villa
Fixture: Fulham
If you’re looking for a forward who can deliver attacking returns without taking up too much of your budget, Nicolas Jackson deserves serious consideration. Jackson has attracted considerable attention following his recent performances, and his growing popularity among FPL managers is understandable. At £6.8m, he offers an affordable route into the forward position while leaving enough money available for premium options elsewhere in your squad.
His appeal is particularly strong for managers looking to replace an injured forward without completely restructuring their teams.
Aston Villa’s Gameweek 9 fixture against Fulham also gives Jackson an opportunity to build on his recent performances. Although no fixture guarantees attacking returns, his current momentum makes him an attractive option.
The main consideration is whether Jackson can maintain his output over a longer period. Managers should look beyond his most recent score and assess his minutes, starting role, and involvement in Villa’s attacking play.
2. Marcus Tavernier (£6.4m) – Bournemouth
Fixture: Leeds
Marcus Tavernier has emerged as one of the most popular transfer targets ahead of Gameweek 9, and there are good reasons for that interest. The Bournemouth midfielder has combined attacking contributions with a useful role in the team’s set-piece situations. That combination gives him multiple routes to FPL points, whether through goals, assists, or contributions from dead-ball opportunities.
At £6.4m, Tavernier also occupies an attractive price bracket. He isn’t as expensive as the premium midfielders, yet he offers the potential to produce meaningful returns while helping managers maintain a balanced squad.
Bournemouth’s upcoming fixtures strengthen his case. They host Leeds in Gameweek 9 before facing Ipswich, giving Tavernier an opportunity to continue his recent run.
Of course, his popularity means managers should be careful not to buy him solely because everyone else is doing so. The important question is whether he fits your team and whether you’re comfortable holding him beyond the immediate fixture.
For managers looking to replace an injured or underperforming midfielder, however, Tavernier looks like a sensible option.
3. Pedro Neto (£6.6m) – Chelsea
Fixture: Manchester United
Pedro Neto is an appealing midfield option for Gameweek 9, particularly for managers looking to avoid investing in Manchester United assets. At £6.6m, Neto offers a more affordable alternative to premium midfielders while providing the potential for attacking returns. His recent form has been encouraging, averaging 7.7 points over his recent matches, and his relatively low ownership makes him an attractive differential.
Chelsea host Manchester United in Gameweek 9. While this isn’t necessarily a straightforward fixture, Neto’s recent performances make him worth considering, especially if you’re looking for a midfielder who could help you gain ground on other managers.
His price also provides flexibility, allowing you to invest more of your budget in premium options elsewhere in your squad.
4. Gabriel (£7.9m) – Arsenal
Fixture: Liverpool (Away)
Defenders don’t always generate the same excitement as attacking midfielders and forwards, but finding a dependable defender can make a significant difference over the course of an FPL season. Gabriel is worth considering for managers looking to strengthen their defense.
His appeal comes from the possibility of clean-sheet points and his threat from attacking set pieces. Arsenal’s defensive quality gives him a reasonable foundation, while his ability to contribute at the other end of the pitch offers additional upside.
There is, however, a financial consideration. At £7.9m, Gabriel is a substantial investment for a defender. Managers must decide whether the additional cost is justified compared with cheaper defensive alternatives who could provide similar returns.
Arsenal face Liverpool away in Gameweek 9, which is not an especially comfortable fixture for a defender. Nevertheless, Gabriel could still be a useful long-term addition if you’re planning beyond the next gameweek. His value should be judged over a longer period rather than by expecting an immediate clean sheet against Liverpool.
5. Evanilson (£6.2m) – Bournemouth
Fixture: Leeds
If you’re searching for a forward who offers a more affordable alternative to the premium strikers, Evanilson deserves a closer look.
Priced at £6.2m, the Bournemouth forward provides an opportunity to strengthen your attack without sacrificing too much money elsewhere.
His recent performances have made him an interesting option for managers looking beyond the most popular names in the transfer market. He has also attracted attention because of his potential to provide attacking returns at a relatively modest price.
Bournemouth’s upcoming fixtures make the move more appealing. Their Gameweek 9 meeting with Leeds offers an opportunity for Evanilson to contribute, while the subsequent fixture against Ipswich could provide another chance to deliver returns.
Evanilson is particularly attractive to managers who need to free up funds for premium midfielders or defenders.
FPL Gameweek 9 Transfer Tips: Final Verdict
Gameweek 9 presents FPL managers with several interesting transfer opportunities, but it also requires a little patience.
Jackson and Tavernier stand out as popular attacking options, while Neto offers another midfield alternative. Gabriel could strengthen your defense over the longer term, and Evanilson provides a more budget-friendly route into Bournemouth’s attack.
If you have just one free transfer, don’t rush into a move simply because a player is attracting thousands of new owners. Consider your existing squad, check the latest injury news, and think about the next few fixtures before making your decision.
My sincere scout advice: Prioritize Jackson if you need a forward replacement, consider Tavernier if you’re strengthening your midfield, and avoid taking unnecessary points hits unless the potential benefit clearly outweighs the cost.
Good luck in Gameweek 9!
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