We are seven Gameweeks into the 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League season and we now have a sizeable data set to judge teams and players, in order to build a team for the schedule ahead.
With the second international break upon us, many managers are considering whether this is the perfect time to hit the FPL Wildcard button.
In this article, we have used the powerful Assistant Manager tool to build the best Wildcard team for Gameweek 8, designed to maximise points potential and give FPL managers a huge boost up the rankings.
The AI-powered Assistant Manager tool helps you create a fully tailored FPL team based on your own strategy.
Whether you want to exclude specific players, load up on midfielders, or experiment with different formations, this smart tool adapts to your preferences.
As shown in the image above, managers can easily lock-in or exclude players such as Salah and Haaland, while adjusting the rest of the squad around them.
Once your criteria is set, the Assistant Manager generates an optimised FPL team designed to maximise points.
Centre-backs continue to benefit from the new Defensive Contribution (DEFCON) points system. The Algorithm includes five in the squad — Senesi (six matches), Gabriel (three), Richards (four), Andersen (six) and Mukiele (four) — with all five having earned DEFCON points in at least three matches so far.
As shown in the above image from our Stats Sandbox feature, Senesi, Andersen, Richards and Gabriel all rank among the top 10 defenders for DEFCON points this season.
Arsenal lead the way for defensive solidity, sitting top for both shots in the box conceded (39) and expected goals conceded (xGC) at just 4.90. That strong defensive record has led the Algorithm to double up on their backline with Gabriel and Raya.
Despite an underwhelming start to the season by his standards, Salah remains in the Algorithm Wildcard Squad for Gameweek 8.
As the below image from our Fixture Difficulty Ratings shows, Liverpool are ranked fourth for 'Attack Difficulty' over the next six Gameweeks.
No midfielder has registered more assists than Kudus (five), with the Ghanaian international also ranking fifth among midfielders for chances created (13).
Palmer is not expected to return to the Chelsea lineup before the next international break, meaning Enzo is likely to take penalty duties in the short term. As shown in the image below from our Stats Sandbox feature, the Argentine international ranks second among midfielders for 'big chances' (six) and third for Expected Goals (xG).
Semenyo is an obvious inclusion with the winger top for 'big chances' (seven) amongst midfielders.
Meanwhile, Reijnders is second amongst Man City players for 'big chances' (two) and xG (1.35) only to Haaland.
Haaland has started the season on fire, no player has scored more goals (nine), attempted more shots in the box (28) or been afforded more 'big chances' (14) than the Norwegian international.
As highlighted in the Assistant Manager’s Optimal Player Rotation Strategy image below, he is the Algorithm's preferred captain pick in three of the next five Gameweeks.
Calvert-Lewin has only had a short spell in the Leeds side, but he’s already been afforded five big chances — a tally bettered only by Gyökeres, Mateta (nine) and Haaland (14) among forwards.
Kroupi Jr. is expected to serve as the third substitute most weeks, with the team alternating between a 4-5-1 and 3-5-2 formation depending on the Optimal Rotation Strategy.
This draft keeps hold of the two most expensive players in the game, Haaland and Salah, while also doubling up on Arsenal’s defence — the tightest in the league — without making major sacrifices in midfield.
If you’re looking to adjust the Algorithm’s setup in the Assistant Manager tool, one option could be swapping Salah for Saka. This move would free up funds to upgrade your third forward, which could prove especially valuable if you’re planning to Bench Boost in the near future.
For those currently on a Wildcard, make sure to check out Corey and Craig’s latest Elite XI: Team Reveal blogs: “Reset, Refocus, Rebuild” – Elite XI Veteran Reveals Wildcard Plansand and Wildcard Activated! 5× Top 10k FPL Manager Shares Gameweek 8 Plans. Both managers share detailed insights into their Wildcard strategies, player selections, and chip planning.
You can also use the Assistant Manager tool to build your own custom draft with FPL AI — prioritise different positions, strengthen your bench, target specific Gameweek ranges, or tailor your approach to your own playing style, whether that’s loading up on attacking full-backs, chasing differentials, or rotating for fixtures.
Your perfect team might be just a few smart tweaks away.
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