Best FPL Picks for Gameweek 8

I’m deep in the habit of treating every deadline like a chess move, and for FPL Gameweek 8, that means choosing the Best FPL Picks that balance form, fixture, and minutes. I’ve gone through the numbers, pressers, and fixture runs for 2025–26 and built a list you can actually use: premiums I’d captain, mid-price options I’d trust, and a couple of cheap differentials I’d happily gamble on. Read on for my top selections across all positions and the reasoning behind each pick.

Best FPL Forwards

If you’re chasing goals and captaincy options, the Best FPL Forwards list for Gameweek 8 is where you start. I’m looking at proven finishers plus mid-price strikers who are guaranteed minutes and getting service from their creative teammates. Prioritise form, minutes, and upcoming fixtures. A striker with high xG and an easy opponent is pure gold this week. Below are five forwards I’d consider starting or bringing in now, depending on budget.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

If you’re after an obvious captain and consistent goals, Manchester City's Erling Haaland remains the first name you click. He’s leading the scoring charts this season and has been absolutely prolific. I’d captain him in almost any fixture as long as he starts. 

Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)

Gyökeres looks settled at Arsenal and is getting good service from the wide players. He’s not as expensive as the biggest premiums and offers both minutes and goal threat. A great pick if you want an Arsenal player without blowing your bank.

João Pedro (Chelsea)

Pedro has started well after his summer move to Chelsea and is already integrating into their attack. He offers goal threat and is lower ownership than the elite strikers, so he’s a useful differential if you want Chelsea’s minutes and a healthy ceiling.

Nick Woltemade (Newcastle)

Woltemade is a rave this season at St James’ Park; he’s scored on the bounce and looks comfortable in Newcastle’s system. He’s cheaper than the top premiums and could be the mid-priced forward who gives you green arrows if he keeps this form going.

Wilson Isidor (Sunderland)

Isidor is a tidy differential who’s been popping up with goals for Sunderland. He’s not nailed for everyone, but his minutes and finishing make him a decent budget-facing striker to rotate into your team if you need to save cash.

Best FPL Midfielders

Midfielders win matches for managers more than any other position, and for FPL Gameweek 8, I’m focusing on creativity, set-piece duties, and minutes. The Best FPL Midfielders I’ve picked are either central creators who assist and score regularly or wide men getting shots and penalties. Balance your midfield with one or two premiums and a couple of cheaper, in-form picks who actually start week to week and take corners and free-kicks.

Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Foden’s movement and chance creation make him an elite captaincy alternative when Haaland is covered or rotated. He’s often at the heart of City’s best moments, and his underlying numbers give him a big ceiling.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Saka has been influential for Arsenal and pops up for both goals and assists. He’s a consistent starter, pairs brilliantly with Gyökeres, and is an obvious pick if you want to stack Arsenal’s attack.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Bruno remains a focal point of United’s attack and is usually involved in penalties and late runs into the box. Reliable minutes and set-piece duties make him a steady points-getter week to week.

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

Semenyo has exploded this season and sits among the top FPL point-scorers thanks to goals and assists — he’s a bargain for his output and a perfect enabler in many squads.

Jérémy Doku (Manchester City)

Doku offers a huge upside in City’s wide rotation. When he starts, he’s explosive, takes on defenders, and creates big chances; a slightly risky pick but one that can return big on the right day.

Best FPL Defenders

The Defenders have been sneaky point machines this season, clean sheets, set-piece goals and attacking full-backs are all huge. My Best FPL Defenders for Gameweek 8 blend clean-sheet probability and attacking returns: think defenders on corners, wing-backs playing high and centre-backs who join the attack on set pieces. These five names are the ones I’d back for steady points, bonus and the odd match-winning header from corners or free-kicks.

Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)

Gabriel is a set-piece threat, and Arsenal’s defence has been tight; he’s one of the highest-scoring defenders in FPL thanks to clean sheets and occasional goals. Pair him with other Arsenal assets for maximum upside.

Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)

Timber plays high and gets forward frequently; he’s collected assists and a couple of goals early in the season. He’s ideal for managers who want attacking returns alongside clean-sheet solidity.

Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City)

Gvardiol offers route-to-City clean sheets and, crucially, attacking returns when he gets forward. City’s defensive profile, plus his aerial threat, make him a great premium defender pick.

Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth)

Senesi is a budget-friendly centre-back who gets on set pieces and starts consistently. Bournemouth’s fixtures at home make him a steady pick for attacking defenders.

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

Guehi is the long-term safe pick among centre-backs; he’s nailed, strong on set pieces, and Crystal Palace still offer clean-sheet chances. He’s dependable week to week.

Best FPL Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers are about floor more than flash, but the Best FPL Goalkeepers for Gameweek 8 still include a couple of save specialists and reliable clean-sheet hitters. I’m targeting keepers from sides with favourable fixtures or those who face lots of shots (for save points), plus a budget option for wildcarders. Below are five goalies who either give steady baseline returns or the upside of a clean sheet plus bonus points.

Vicario (Tottenham)

Vicario is drawing clean-sheet probability from Tottenham’s organised defence and gets the bonus upside when Spurs control games. He’s a premium who gives peace of mind over a run of fixtures.

Nick Pope (Newcastle)

Pope is a high-floor option who racks up save points and benefits from Newcastle’s improved defensive record; he’s a great pick for managers who prioritise steady points each week.

Đorđe Petrović (Bournemouth)

Petrović is a bargain, newly signed to Bournemouth and is currently their starter; he’s a nice one-week punt or wildcard pick for matchups like Fulham at home.

Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)

Henderson has delivered clean sheets and is part of a Palace side that’s defensively organised under Glasner; he balances price and consistency well for mid-priced goalkeeper choices.

Robin Roefs (Sunderland)

Roefs is an interesting budget enabler who can free cash for premium outfield players. Only take him if he’s confirmed as the starter and you’ve got a reliable second keeper on the bench.

Final thoughts

I build my squads for FPL Gameweek 8 around a clear spine: a captain-ready forward (Haaland if you have him), two creative midfielders who take set pieces, one premium defender and a flexible keeper who either locks clean sheets or racks saves. These Best FPL Picks combine short-term fixture sense with longer-term form.