FPL Gameweek 8 Tips: Key Transfers, Wildcards & Captaincy Picks

The international break is finally over, and it’s time to focus on Fantasy Premier League (FPL) once again as we prepare for Gameweek 8.

If you’re among the 63.9% of active FPL managers (those who’ve made a change in the last five Gameweeks) yet to use your Wildcard, this could be the ideal time to activate it.

Two of our Elite XI managers have already hit the button — you can view their latest Wildcard drafts and set up notifications through the Elite XI: Team Reveal tool.

Before locking in your transfers or captain for Gameweek 8, here are the essential FPL tips you need to know 👇

• 🔥 FREE 7-day trial + 50% off Premium – unlock all FPL tools now
• 📊 Elite XI: Team Reveal – track every move from the best FPL managers
• 🤖 AI Assistant Manager – instant, data-driven FPL advice
• 📝 FPL Guides & Tips – stay ahead with expert analysis

Top FPL Tips for Gameweek 8

⏰ Gameweek 8 Deadline

11:00, Saturday, October 18

📈 Most Popular FPL Transfers

1️⃣ Semenyo - 626,487
2️⃣ Woltemade - 599,476
3️⃣ Haaland - 537,979
4️⃣ Caicedo - 469,296
5️⃣ J. Timber - 387,848

👉 Top FPL Managers Are Ditching B.Fernandes — Here’s Who They’re Buying!

🚩 Notable FPL Players Flagged

• Grealish (19.7%) - Ineligible to face his parent club on 18/10
• Enzo (14.7%) - Knee injury - Oct 17: 'They didn't take part in the session yesterday, but we will see if they can train today. Otherwise, they would be out for tomorrow.'
• Wood (11.3%) - Knee injury - Oct 14: 'It's been a little bit sore for him this week. Nothing too bad. I think when you saw him go down, he was holding it a little bit. It's a little bit of tightness within his knee, so I think he will be fine. But we knew throughout the week he wasn't 100 per cent fit, so he didn't play much against Poland.'
• Palmer (11.2%) - Groin injury - Oct 17: 'Unfortunately, he needs to be out for probably six more weeks. This is the update. We try to protect Cole as much as we can, and the most important thing is that when he comes back, he is fully fit. We hope the six weeks will be enough, but it's a problem that we need to look at step by step, week by week, but for sure he is going to be OK.'
• A. Becker (7.5%) - Muscle injury - Oct 17: 'He's not training with us, so he's out. Like I always say, it's so difficult to say [how long he will be out], because the end phase of rehab can always give you positives and negatives. But he will not play this weekend, and also not next week.'
  

🧢 FPL Gameweek 8 Captaincy Candidates

1️⃣ Salah - 7.1 predicted points
2️⃣ Haaland - 7.0 predicted points
3️⃣ Reijnders - 6.2 predicted points

👉 Top Captaincy Picks (including a differential)

🤔 What’s the Best Free Hit FPL Team for Gameweek 8?

The Algorithm has crunched the numbers and revealed its optimal squad — built to maximise points in Gameweek 8.

Despite a slow start to the season, Salah takes the armband against a Man United side that have conceded 7 goals in 3 away games. 🫡

At the back, there’s confidence in Sunderland’s defence with a double-up on Roefs & Mukiele. They face Wolves, who’ve scored just 5 goals — the fewest in the league. The Black Cats have been a surprise, keeping 3 clean sheets, bettered only by Arsenal (4) & Newcastle (5). 🛡️

Finally, Sarr looks the standout differential, averaging 7.2 FPL points per match with 4 attacking returns in 5 games. ⭐

You can also optimise your own team now using the Assistant Manager tool.

👉 Wildcard Activated? Here’s the Top Team for FPL Gameweek 8

🔄 Are the Elite XI: Team Reveal Managers Using a Chip?

Gameweek 8 could be a big week for chip usage, with two Elite XI: Team Reveal managers — Copenhagen Wednesday (5× top 10k finishes) and Corey (4× top 10k finishes) — confirming they’ve activated their Wildcard.

We may also see a few Bench Boosts played, depending on updates from Friday’s press conferences. Make sure you visit the Elite XI: Team Reveal page and turn on notifications so you don’t miss any last-minute news.

👉 “Reset, Refocus, Rebuild” – Elite XI Veteran Reveals Wildcard Plans

👉 Wildcard Activated! 5× Top 10k FPL Manager Shares Gameweek 8 Plans

⭐ Top FPL Players for Gameweek 8

Check out some of our other must-read FPL content for this week:

👉 Top FPL Differentials You’re Overlooking for Gameweek 8

👉 FPL Gameweek 8: Top 5 Key Players

👉 Woltemade vs Gordon: The Newcastle FPL Dilemma

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