As players return from international duty, the excitement builds for the upcoming Gameweek 8 of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL). The domestic football scene is set to resume after the recent international break, and millions of FPL managers are eager to make adjustments to their fantasy squads.
Following a solid 2-0 win against West Ham United in the previous gameweek, the focus for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team now shifts to another London derby, as they prepare to face Fulham at Craven Cottage. The Gunners currently sit at the top of the Premier League table, which further adds to the anticipation among their fans and FPL followers alike.
Defensive players from Arsenal have garnered significant attention in the FPL community this season, with ownership percentages rising rapidly. Gabriel has emerged as a top choice defender, nearing a 30% ownership mark. His strong performance on the international stage, including a clean sheet in a 5-0 win against South Korea, reinforces his value as he is priced at £6.3m. With two goals in his last three fixtures against Fulham, he represents a strategic option for non-owners. Overall, Gabriel stands as the second-highest scoring defender in the league, just behind Jurrien Timber, who has also made a mark with solid performances.
Among the more affordable defensive options are Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya, both priced at £5.7m and showing significant promise. Another potential bargain player is Cristhian Mosquera at £5.4m, making his mark in limited appearances.
The striker landscape has also changed this season, with more forwards becoming viable picks. Erling Haaland remains a top option at £14.5m, but managers may look for cheaper alternatives like Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade at £7.2m, who has made an impressive start to his Premier League career and recently scored his first senior goal for Germany. Another player to watch is Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko, priced at £7.3m, who is beginning to find form.
Fixture difficulty plays a critical role in FPL strategy. This weekend, several clubs, including Fulham and Manchester United, face challenging matches rated 4-5 on the difficulty scale. However, a large pool of clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds, have relatively easier fixtures ahead, making them attractive options for FPL managers looking to maximize points. Players like Bukayo Saka, expected to climb back to the £10.0m price point, and Declan Rice, available at £6.5m, could offer excellent returns.
Chelsea has players like Joao Pedro, who, despite a slow recent run, could bounce back with favorable fixtures, while Marc Cucurella is anticipated to shine as a dual-threat defender. For budget-friendly options, players from Leeds and West Ham could provide great value, including Lucas Paqueta and newcomer Anton Stach.
As the momentum shifts back to domestic football, FPL managers are positioned to make strategic decisions that could significantly impact their teams. With favorable fixtures lined up for key players, the prospects for this Gameweek seem promising, paving the way for potential gains in both points and player value.