Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers face a busy set of decisions before Gameweek 8. Arsenal host Everton, Chelsea welcome Tottenham Hotspur in a London derby, Manchester United host AFC Bournemouth, and Liverpool take on Brighton & Hove Albion. Manchester City face a tougher test away at Aston Villa.
This guide covers the best fixtures to target, the teams with clean-sheet potential, and the matchups that may leave FPL managers rethinking their picks before the deadline.
FPL Gameweek 8 at a Glance
Full FPL Gameweek 8 Fixture List
All kickoff times are UK
time.
Best FPL Gameweek 8 Fixtures to Target
Arsenal vs. Everton
Arsenal’s home game against Everton makes their players worth considering at both ends of the field. David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori offer clean-sheet potential.
Bukayo Saka injury update: Saka is now a major doubt. He went off after just 10 minutes of Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw at Bayern Munich on Wednesday, October 21. After the game, Mikel Arteta confirmed the problem was with Saka’s quad and said, “It doesn’t look good at all.” The club must wait for scan results to understand how serious it is.
- Saka is very unlikely to face Everton on Saturday.
- Arteta is expected to give an update at his pre-match press conference on Friday, before the deadline.
- Saka owners should watch for that update before deciding whether to keep him or use a transfer.
Looking ahead: Arsenal travel to Liverpool in Gameweek 9, then host Hull City in Gameweek 10. That second fixture keeps their other players appealing for managers planning ahead.
Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur
A London derby is never easy, but Chelsea’s home game against Tottenham could still deliver attacking returns. Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro are the key options, and all three are regular starters under Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea’s next three fixtures also look kind, which makes their attackers useful beyond this gameweek:
Hull City vs. Brentford
Brentford’s trip to Hull City is another fixture worth targeting. Kevin Schade has returned from a shoulder injury and made the bench in Gameweek 7, so check whether he is back in the starting lineup. Kristoffer Ajer offers a cheaper route into Brentford’s defense.
Brentford’s next run also gives managers reasons to back their players:
Other Gameweek 8 Fixtures Worth Considering
Manchester United vs. AFC Bournemouth
Manchester United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford, which gives their attackers a chance to deliver points. Their defense is a different story: United are still waiting for their first Premier League clean sheet of the season, so think carefully before investing in their back line.
On the Bournemouth side, Marcus Tavernier is one to watch. He has four goals and has started every league match this season. However, Bournemouth play AC Milan in the Europa League on Thursday, so his minutes on Sunday are not guaranteed. Check the lineup from that match before buying him.
Liverpool vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
Liverpool’s home game against Brighton could also produce attacking returns. Liverpool’s forwards may appeal to managers who expect an open game, but Brighton have enough quality to cause problems. Recent form and likely starting positions should guide decisions on both sides.
Tougher Gameweek 8 Fixtures to Assess
Aston Villa vs. Manchester City
Manchester City’s trip to Villa Park in Saturday’s early kickoff is a harder fixture for managers who own their players. Erling Haaland remains the standout option. He picked up a knock against Ipswich Town and was rested for the Champions League win over AEK Athens, but Enzo Maresca has confirmed he is 100% available for Villa.
How Semenyo’s injury changes City’s attack: Antoine Semenyo is out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury. That opens up minutes for other attackers:
Doku is the one to watch, although there is still no guarantee he will start every week.
Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle United
Newcastle’s trip to Crystal Palace is another fixture to consider. Lewis Hall has started every Premier League match this season, which makes him a reliable option for managers who want a defender who plays every week. He also takes Newcastle’s set pieces, so he can score points in attack. His clean-sheet potential, however, will depend on how well Newcastle defend at Selhurst Park.
FPL Gameweek 8 Players to Target: Quick Reference
Final Thoughts
Arsenal, Chelsea and Brentford have the fixtures most likely to deliver FPL points in Gameweek 8. Before locking in your team, check the latest injury news, especially Arteta’s Friday update on Saka.
Manchester City’s attackers are also worth considering, but heavy rotation makes it hard to predict who will start. Recent form, upcoming fixtures and expected minutes should guide your final choices before the deadline.
- READ MORE: FPL GW8 Tips: Three Key Lessons From Gameweek 7 You Need to Know
