With the Premier League on hold this weekend amid the ongoing international break, some of you may be considering using your Wildcard chip for GW8, especially as insurance in case your team is hit by multiple injuries from players on international duty. In this blog, we take a look at the best players to target in each position for your FPL Gameweek 8 Wildcard.
Link to all our FPL GW8 blogs including scout picks, players to target, buy, hold, sell analysis, differentials, captaincy metrics, best forwards, and more. Completely free to access as well!
Best Players to Target in FPL GW8 Wildcard
Goalkeepers to Target on FPL Gameweek 8 Wildcard
Pope (5.1m)
Nick Pope is the highest-scoring goalkeeper in FPL this season with 41 points under his belt. Newcastle have registered 5 clean sheets in their first 7 games with Pope between the sticks, the highest in the league this season so far.
The Magpies have a great run of fixtures coming up as well, apart from big games against Man City, Spurs, and Chelsea, between GW8 and GW17, making Pope an excellent choice for your GW8 Wildcard team.
Raya (5.7m)
Raya is a no-brainer given Arsenal’s defensive prowess that they have displayed over the past few seasons, which they’ve maintained this term as well. The Gunners conceded the fewest number of goals in the Premier League over the last two campaigns, with Gabriel, Saliba, and Raya at the heart of their defense.
However, he is the most expensive goalkeeper option at 5.7m and one of the most popular with 27.8% TSB. Regardless, Arsenal have a favorable fixture run until GW19, barring their London derbies against Tottenham (GW12) and Chelsea (GW13).
Raya’s Stats this season:
- Goals conceded – 3
- xGC – 4.35
- Clean Sheets – 4
- xCS – 3.91
- Big Chances Conceded – 5
Donnarumma is another premium option at 5.7m to be considered. However, Man City have a difficult run of fixtures against Villa, Bournemouth, Liverpool, and Newcastle, between GW9 and GW12.
Further Read: FPL GW8 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More
Dubravka (4.0m)
Dubravka is an excellent budget choice to keep on your bench if you have spent well in the goalkeeper position by opting for Raya or Donnarumma. At just 4.0m, the Burnley keeper is the most popular choice among FPL managers, with 34.1% TSB.
Burnley have a pretty decent run of fixtures too. However, Dubravka has conceded the most goals this season (15) and has registered just 1 clean sheet so far, with 18th-placed Burnley in turbulent form. So, while a great bench option, it wouldn’t be ideal to use him as your main FPL goalkeeper.
Goalkeepers with Most Saves this season:
- Dubravka – 29
- Sels – 25
- Roefs, Vicario – 24
- Petrovic, Kelleher, Leno, Pope – 19
- Pickford – 17
- Henderson – 16
- Raya – 15
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Defenders to Target on FPL Gameweek 8 Wildcard
Gabriel (6.3m)
Gabriel has scored 47 points this season, the second-highest among FPL defenders behind his teammate Timber. The Brazilian is a reliable premium option with Arsenal’s upcoming fixture run offering opportunities for clean sheet points as well, making Arsenal defenders prime choices for a GW8 Wildcard.
Timber (5.9m)
Timber has the highest points for a defender this season with 48 points earned, averaging nearly 7 points per game. He’s scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists so far, and as a full-back, more goal involvements are expected from Timber in Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures, in addition to clean sheet points.
Further Read: FPL GW8 Wildcard Team – Tips, Players to Target and Best Drafts
Senesi (5.0m)
Senesi has arguably been the best-performing defender in FPL this season. Having earned 46 points so far (3rd), he has seen the highest price rice of 0.5m, starting at 4.5m in GW1. He remains one of the cheaper defender options and is certainly a must-have for managers, so make sure you bring him in this gameweek before his price rises further.
He has registered the highest CBI of 76 alongside Liverpool’s Van Dijk and has made the most of the new DEFCON system, with 88 defensive contributions (1st) in total so far. With Bournemouth in excellent form under Andoni Iraola this season, it makes no sense not to have Senesi in your team.
Burn (5.1m)
Dan Burn has deputised as left-back for Newcastle in Lewis Hall’s absence. With Hall set for a substantial spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Burn is expected to bring in points via goal involvements and clean sheets.
Aside from Man City in GW12, Newcastle have an excellent run of fixtures until GW23, with no fixtures that have an FDR higher than 3 during that period.
Guehi (4.8m)
Guehi is tied with Senesi at 46 total FPL points this season, making him one of the best-performing defenders. He has also seen substantial goal involvement for a center-back, scoring a goal and providing two assists in seven games. With Palace in excellent form under Oliver Glasner, Guehi is expected to continue earning some major points.
Alderete (4.1m)
Alderete is a great budget option to consider at 4.1m. The Sunderland defender has shown some great point-scoring potential, having earned 39 points so far. It should be noted that Sunderland do have difficult fixtures against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Bournemouth, Liverpool, and City in the upcoming gameweeks.
However, at such a cheap price, he’s definitely a worthy pick for your GW8 Wildcard and can be brought off the bench in your team depending on the favorability of his fixtures.
Further Read: FPL GW8 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More
Tarkowski (5.5m)
Tarkowski has registered the third-highest DEFCON total this season at 79 alongside Van Dijk, earning a total of 12 points from defensive contributions this season. He has missed out on DEFCON points only in one fixture in his first seven games so far.
Tarkowski DEFCON stats this season:
- GW1 vs LEE(A)- 15
- GW2 vs BHA(H)- 10
- GW3 vs WOL(A)- 11
- GW4 vs AVL(H)- 11
- GW5 vs LIV(A)- 14
- GW6 vs WHU(H) – 7
- GW7 vs CRY(H) – 11
Rodon (4.0m)
Rodon is another excellent budget pick for managers, and at just 5.4% TSB, he is a very cheap differential option. He has scored 30 points so far and has quite a favorable run of fixtures between GW8 and GW12, so points should be on the cards for Rodon.
Cucurella (6.1m)
Cucurella had a slump in form between GW4 and GW6, scoring just 1 point in 3 games for Chelsea. However, it should be noted that two of those three games saw red cards for Chelsea. Cucurella bounced back with an assist in their emphatic 2-1 win over Liverpool last weekend as well.
Given their upcoming fixtures, the Spaniard is expected to maintain his return to form, and we should see more goal involvement from him as well.
Diouf (4.4m)
Diouf has provided the most assists (4) of any defender this season, scoring a total of 26 points so far. And at just 4.4m, he is quite a productive budget option who should register more goal involvements with West Ham’s upcoming fixtures. He has registered an ICT index of 31.4 and has far exceeded his xA of 0.75.
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Midfielders to Target on FPL Gameweek 8 Wildcard
Semenyo (7.9m)
Like his teammate Senesi, Semenyo has emerged as the best-performing player in his position this season, leading the standings among midfielders with 66 points and second behind Haaland amongst any player this season.
He’s been in exceptional form this term, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists, completely outperforming his xGI of 4. Semenyo is certainly an obvious choice, and he should be brought in if you don’t have him already.
Semenyo’s stats this season: (Rank among Midfielders)
- Shots – 17 (1st)
- Shots on Target – 9 (1st)
- Shots in the box – 15 (1st)
- Big Chances – 7 (1st)
- xG- 3.73 (1st)
- Key Passes – 10
Further Read: FPL GW8 Wildcard Team – Tips, Players to Target and Best Drafts
Saka (9.9m)
Saka is one to keep an eye on after the England international returned from his hamstring injury. He put himself back on the points board after scoring in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham last weekend. Being the club’s primary penalty taker and given their favorable fixture run, Saka is expected to continue racking up the points.
Surprisingly, he has only 9.7% TSB, which means he just makes the cut as a premium differential option that non-owners may be missing out on.
Enzo (6.7m)
Enzo Fernandez has scored 41 points this season and is third behind his midfield partner, Caicedo (2nd). He has scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists so far this season. With the Argentine playing a more offensive role in Palmer’s absence, Enzo should increase his tally in the coming gameweeks.
He played a key role in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Liverpool last weekend as well, playing the penultimate pass that led to Estevao Willian’s stoppage-time winner.
Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures:
Caicedo (5.8m)
Caicedo has offered some of the best ROI of any player in FPL this season. At a bargain price of 5.8m, the Ecuadorian midfielder has scored 45 points, averaging more than 6 points a game. He’s registered the highest number of defensive contributions (96) of any midfielder this season, so you can rely on him to consistently score points even if he doesn’t get any goals or assists.
He has scored 3 goals already, though, including two bangers against Liverpool last weekend and Brentford in September.
Caicedo’s DEFCON stats:
- GW1 vs CRY(H) – 12
- GW2 vs WHU(A) – 7
- GW3 vs FUL(H) – 23
- GW4 vs BRE(A) – 17
- GW5 vs MUN(A) – 15
- GW6 vs BHA(H) – 11
- GW7 vs LIV(H) – 11
Further Read: FPL GW8 Wildcard Team – Tips, Players to Target and Best Drafts
Rice (6.5m)
Rice has scored 40 points this season, the fifth-highest among midfielders, outperforming his xGI of 1.6. At 6.5m and 8.6% TSB, he is a differential who is on the cheaper side and should give some great return with Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures.
There were some concerns over his fitness after Arteta revealed in his post-West Ham press conference that Rice asked to come off in the second half due to back pain. However, it seems like there’s no reason to worry as the England international has reportedly joined up with the Three Lions squad after being assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff and has since participated in training as well (via The Standard).
Eze is another high upside option to consider if Odegaard is ruled out for a while. If Odegaard is ruled out for a while, Eze’s expected minutes should go up. Eze has silently racked up 3 assists from the last 4 games with good underlying numbers.
Sarr (6.5m)
Sarr is one to watch after the Crystal Palace forward returned to fitness at the end of last month. He has scored or assisted in 4 of the 5 games he’s played for Glasner’s side this season, registering the second-highest PPG among midfielders at 7.2.
Palace have been in excellent form, and after their upcoming fixtures against Bournemouth and Arsenal, they have a favorable run between GW10 and GW15. Sarr should maintain his form and earn some big points in the coming gameweeks.
Stach (5.0m)
Stach is an excellent budget differential option (3.2% TSB) who has a great run of fixtures ahead of him, with Leeds set to face Burnley, West Ham, Brighton, and Forest next. He has scored a goal and provided 2 assists this season.
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Minteh (6.0m)
Minteh is another alternative to consider, with just 3.5% TSB and priced at 6.0m. He has scored 31 points this season and could take advantage of Brighton’s long and favorable run of fixtures.
The Seagulls’ next fixture higher than FDR 3 is against Liverpool in GW16, as can be seen below.
Further Read: FPL GW8 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More
Jaidon Anthony (5.7m)
Anthony is an excellent, well-rounded player who has displayed exceptional point-scoring potential, with 41 points to his name (3rd highest among midfielders). He has scored 4 goals and provided 1 assist in 7 games so far, while managing to earn DEFCON points in 3 matches, showing that he has something to offer not just in attack but defensively as well.
Anthony couldn’t finish last weekend’s game against Villa due to a knock, but he is expected to return to fitness after the international break before GW8. Watch out for Press conference updates.
Bruno Guimaraes (6.5m)
Guimaraes scored 14 points in an excellent display last weekend against Forest, scoring the opener before winning the penalty that led to Newcastle’s second of the night. On the back of a stellar performance, and with fixtures against Brighton, Fulham, West Ham, and Brentford coming up, Guimaraes should offer some quick return if managers bring him in ahead of GW8.
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Forwards to Target on FPL Gameweek 8 Wildcard
Haaland (14.5m)
The relentless goal-scoring machine has continued his extraordinary form this season, scoring the highest FPL points (70) of any player this term. He has scored 9 league goals so far and is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. If you haven’t already brought him in, you’re surely missing out on a plethora of points for your FPL team.
Further Read: FPL GW8 Wildcard Team – Tips, Players to Target and Best Drafts
Woltemade (7.2m)
With Alexander Isak’s departure this summer, Woltemade is now Newcastle’s primary No.9. The German forward has been quite productive for the Magpies, scoring 3 goals in 4 league games and averaging 6 points per game (the second highest amongst FPL forwards this season behind Haaland’s 10 PPG).
He scored a fantastic penalty against Nottingham Forest last Sunday (when Anthony Gordon was not on the pitch). While Gordon is Isak’s successor as Newcastle’s penalty-taker, Woltemade could certainly provide competition and step up for some pens this season after his thundering finish last weekend, meaning more points could be up for grabs from the German.
Joao Pedro (7.7m)
Although Joao Pedro has blanked in his last 3 games, earning 2 points each match, he remains a viable option who could return to form in Cole Palmer’s absence (injured), given Chelsea’s very favorable run of fixtures coming up.
After their derby against Arsenal in GW13, they face Leeds (FDR 2), Bournemouth (FDR 3), and Everton (FDR 2). He still has the second-highest points (39) amongst forwards as well, and has registered the third-highest ICT at 40.6.
Bowen (7.7m)
Bowen has stepped up with 3 goals in West Ham’s first 7 fixtures this season. Although the Hammers are in terrible form and in a transitional period, having replaced Graham Potter with Nuno Espírito Santo after just five games, they have an easy run of fixtures between GW8 and GW12.
Bowen, who is third behind Joao Pedro with 35 FPL points, and second ahead of him with a 43.8 ICT index, should give you some good return and is a great alternative to consider.
Further Read: FPL GW8 Wildcard Team – Tips, Players to Target and Best Drafts
Thiago (6.1m)
Thiago has scored 32 points so far, and at just 6.1m and 3.3% TSB, the Brentford forward is a cheap differential pick managers could opt for if they use their Wildcard in GW8.
Aside from high FDR fixtures against Liverpool and Arsenal, Brentford have quite a good fixture run as well, up until GW21.
Further Reads from ALLABOUTFPL Ahead of FPL GW8
FPL GW8 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More
Top FPL Gameweek 8 Captain Picks Based on Analysis & Metrics
Premier League Players who will miss PL due to AFCON 2025
FPL GW8 Predicted Lineups, Injuries, & Press Conference Updates
FPL GW8 Scout Picks Based on Stats, Analysis and Matchups
DEFCON Analysis: Top Defenders for DCs, Best Opponents + More
FPL Gameweek 8 Transfer Tips: Two Players to Buy, Hold & Sell
FPL Gameweek 8 Wildcard – Position Wise Players to Target
FPL GW8 Wildcard Team – Tips, Players to Target and Best Drafts
Link to all our FPL GW8 blogs, including buy, hold, sell analysis, differentials, captaincy metrics, transfer targets, and more. Completely free to access as well!
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Akshaye Raphael
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