We’re back after the international break, and it is time to hit the FPL tactics board, which means fresh injury doubts, rotation fears, and a million different “Wildcard Active” posts on your timeline. Gameweek 8 is here, and whether you’re chasing rank or trying to protect that green arrow, it’s all about picking the right players for the right fixtures.
Let’s break down the best picks across each position and answer the big question: Should you hit that Wildcard button yet?
The Must-Have FPL Assets for Gameweek 8
Best Forward Options
Joao Pedro
It’s been a quiet few weeks for Joao Pedro, but patience might finally pay off. Chelsea’s fixtures look golden, with three of the next five against teams susceptible to goals. Up next is Nottingham Forest, leaky at the back and tailor-made for a bounce-back from the Brazilian. If you’ve held him through the blanks, this could be your reward.
Nick Woltemade
Woltemade is quietly becoming a serious option up front. Three goals in his last four games and only 10.4% ownership, that’s differential gold. Newcastle’s upcoming fixtures are manageable, and with his confidence high, he could keep ticking along nicely.
Jarrod Bowen
I said it last week, and I’m saying it again: it’s time to bring my boy Bowen back. Two goals in his last three, great form, and just 7.4% ownership. The catch? He’s overperforming his xG, and West Ham’s attack has looked blunt lately. Still, with Bowen’s knack for popping up with goals, he’s one of those “ignore at your own risk” kind of picks.
Midfield Picks
Enzo Fernández
Enzo started the season on fire with three goals and two assists, and with Palmer out injured, He’s still on penalties for now, and with a lovely fixture run ahead, he looks like a smart mid-priced midfielder who can deliver steady returns.
Eberechi Eze
If you’re looking for a cheaper midfield option, Eze’s the one to watch. Odegaard’s injury opens the way for him to start in his preferred position. He’s direct, confident, and always a threat around the box.
Bukayo Saka
Saka remains the more reliable long-term pick. He’s on corners, set pieces, and penalties, all vital for Arsenal’s attack. Even with Champions League rotation looming, Saka feels fixture-proof right now, and Arsenal’s upcoming run makes him hard to ignore.
Defender Picks
Riccardo Calafiori
The cheapest way into that rock-solid Arsenal defense. With the Gunners’ next few fixtures looking very clean-sheet friendly, Calafiori offers real value. And if luck’s on your side, he might even chip in with an assist or two.
Daniel Muñoz
Crystal Palace defenders have quietly become FPL gold. Muñoz stands out as a reliable option with a solid attacking threat from the right. Palace face Bournemouth, Arsenal, Brentford, Brighton, and Wolves next, tricky but balanced. If you’re looking for consistent 6-pointers, Muñoz is your guy.
Bonus Tip
If there’s one thing to keep in mind for Gameweek 8, it’s this double up on Chelsea and Arsenal assets. Both teams have a great fixture list in the coming weeks, making them ideal targets for transfers and long-term planning.
Should You Wildcard?
A lot of managers are itching to hit the Wildcard, especially after the international break. But here’s my take: Hold off unless your team’s genuinely in trouble.
If you’re only dealing with one or two injuries, take a -4 if needed, but don’t waste your Wildcard just yet. There’s another international break coming soon, and with AFCON arriving in December, you’ll want that chip when chaos hits later in the season.
So for now, stay patient, make smart transfers, and keep your Wildcard tucked safely away.
