Introduction
After a dramatic GW7 full of shock results and last-minute goals, managers now turn their attention to Telegraph Fantasy Football GW8.
With fixture swings and new injury doubts, it’s time to separate the casuals from the contenders. Here are the best premium picks, bargains, and captaincy calls for this week’s action.
Best Premium Picks for Telegraph Fantasy Football GW8
So due to our new strategy and the model I use things are going to look slightly different. I have identified that creative players have the strongest correlation to value. Value is a better driver than points as points have already happened, where we are trying to look to the next week, Telegraph Fantasy Football GW8.
Salah (Liverpool) – Contributes heavily in both creating and scoring chances. While he is not performing to the level he was last year, he is still great and playing as much as possible. United this weekend so a good chance to step up.
Haaland (Man City) – While not a creative player, you cannot ignore him with the sheer number of goals he scores. Every team needs a talisman and Haaland will be for most teams. Another home game, where City create lot of chances and against Everton.
Saka (Arsenal) – Tough game this weekend away to Fulham, but if Saka can put that form together he had before his injury last season he is going to be essential in any team.
Bruno Fernandes (Man United) – Unfortunately, I can’t see a positive with Bruno at the moment. He doesn’t seem interested, he isn’t playing well and he is away to Liverpool who want a decent win. Avoid.
Top Mid-Priced Picks for GW8
Eze (Arsenal) – With Odegaard out, there is room for a creative midfielder to step. This is a great chance for Eze to give Arteta a problem. He is a fantastic player when it comes to creating chances and this is where he will gets points.
Bowen (West Ham) – A new manager and new found confidence. While Bowen is always performing well, I have good feeling with the fixtures coming up and the new tactics.
Doku (Man City) – This is the season of the Doku. He is getting better and better, and we can see why Man City have been patient with him. Creatively he is coming to the party and that’s where he is interesting.
Simons (Spurs) – The complete midfielder. Simons surprised me by going to Spurs, but you can see his quality. He has in the past been great in attack, both by scoring and creating. He gets corner duties too.
Best Budget Players / Cheap Enablers
De Cuyper (Brighton) – While Brighton have not been exactly to their best, some of their new signings have been playing pretty well. De Cuyper is a creative defender and as a result he is effective both in defence and attack. Better than Porro?
Talbi (Sunderland) – Another Belgium league import who is looking good so far. The main reason we have picked him out is due to the excellent creative stats he has already clocked up. Now he is at home against Wolves, which again is a good opportunity.
Iwobi (Fulham) – Is one of my favourite players, and heavily underrated. Fulham do not have a lot to offer in terms of attack, alot of the play goes through Iwobi and as so his activity increases. Worth a punt against Arsenal.
Pino (Palace) – Looking good so far, still can’t believe he went to Palace. He is slowly going through the gears, but I can see him starting against Bournemouth. I’m pretty sure it will be a low scoring affair, but it will take a creative player to break it.
Fixtures to Target in GW8
- Man City v Everton – looks like a big win could be on the cards here for City with the number of chances they create at home and Haaland on great form.
- Spurs v Aston Villa – This will be a good game, and the model thinks Spurs will come away with the win. Looking at some of the results so far this season, Spurs winning 1-0 is a comfortable prediction.
- Liverpool v Man United – What a game this could be! Could this be the game for Isak and Wirtz?! Either way the model is predicting a high scoring game with Liverpool winning.
- West Ham v Brentford – This is the start of the run, the start of the Nuno era. The model predicts West Ham to come away with a narrow win.
FAQs – Telegraph Fantasy Football GW8
Who are the best captain picks for Telegraph Fantasy Football GW8?
The best captain options for GW8 are usually high-form players with favourable fixtures. Look for attackers from teams with home games and strong goal potential — premium assets like Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, or Ollie Watkins often top the list.
Which budget players should I buy for Telegraph Fantasy Football GW8?
GW8 often rewards value picks who are nailed starters and offer consistent returns. Consider defenders or midfielders under £3.0m who are playing 90 minutes regularly — they allow you to reinvest in premium captain choices.
What are the top transfer tips for Telegraph Fantasy Football GW8?
Before locking in transfers, check fixture runs, form, and injury updates. Prioritise players with three-to-four favourable matches ahead and avoid short-term punts unless chasing points in mini-leagues.
What formation works best for GW8 in Telegraph Fantasy Football?
The 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formations often offer the best balance in GW8, maximising points from attacking midfielders and strikers. However, adapt based on player form — if defenders are keeping clean sheets, a 4-4-2 can work too.
Conclusion
It’s great to be back after an international break! This weekend is going to be a good one with a number of relegation candidate clashes. Also we have some important games for the potential top 4/6. It’s going to be fireworks!
Whatever team you decide to go with, just have fun guys!
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