The FPL season is a marathon, not a sprint. We hear it all the time, right? But as we stare down the barrel of Gameweek 8 in the 2025/26 season, that sentiment rings truer than ever. The early-season jitters have subsided, the template teams are starting to form, and suddenly, those carefully planned initial squads are beginning to show cracks – or perhaps, shining opportunities. Whether you’re chasing green arrows, recovering from a red arrow nightmare, or just looking to solidify your position, Gameweek 8 presents a pivotal moment. The fixture swings are becoming clearer, player form is establishing itself, and the value picks are beginning to emerge from the pack. It’s time to make those surgical strikes in the transfer market.
We’ve all been there: staring blankly at our squad, weighing up a -4 hit against the tantalising prospect of a player on a hot streak. Or perhaps you’re sitting on a comfortable two free transfers, ready to pounce. Whatever your situation, the goal remains the same: maximise points. And that often means identifying those key players who are primed to deliver, not just for one week, but for a promising run of fixtures. This isn’t about chasing last week’s points, but rather spotting the trends and anticipating the upcoming hauls.
So, as the transfer deadline looms for FPL Gameweek 8, let’s cut through the noise. I’ve sifted through the data, watched the games with a keen eye, and identified five must-buy Fantasy Premier League transfers that could genuinely elevate your team. These aren’t just names pulled from a hat; they represent a blend of proven form, tantalising fixtures, and differential potential. Ready to sharpen your squad?
Capitalising on Form and Favourable Fixtures
One of the golden rules of FPL is to back players who are not only performing well but also have a string of appealing matches ahead. It’s a simple equation, but often overlooked in the frenzy of a red-hot new signing or a knee-jerk reaction. For Gameweek 8, several teams are entering a phase where their attacking assets, in particular, look incredibly appealing. We’re talking about consistent goal threats and creative hubs who are central to their team’s success and, crucially, FPL points.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa – Forward)
Ollie Watkins has, for several seasons now, been the epitome of a reliable FPL forward. And as we head into Gameweek 8 of the 2025/26 season, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Villa’s attacking setup under Unai Emery continues to foster chances, and Watkins is consistently at the sharp end of them. He’s been quietly accumulating attacking returns, often flying under the radar compared to the Haaland-esque premiums, but his consistency is exactly what you need in your forward line.
The upcoming run of fixtures for Aston Villa looks particularly inviting. They face teams that, historically, have shown vulnerabilities at the back, or tend to be involved in more open, high-scoring affairs. Watkins’ work rate, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat. Moreover, his relatively steady ownership means he’s not a huge differential, but he’s certainly not a dead-cert template pick either, offering a balanced blend of security and upside. If you’re looking for a dependable striker who will reward your faith, Watkins is an outstanding choice to bring in for Gameweek 8.
Phil Foden (Manchester City – Midfielder)
Manchester City assets are almost always on the FPL radar, but identifying the right one at the right time is the challenge. For Gameweek 8, Phil Foden stands out as the prime candidate. He appears to have truly cemented his place in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI, showcasing his incredible versatility and goal-scoring prowess. Whether deployed wide or in a more central, attacking midfield role, Foden has been a consistent source of FPL gold.
City’s fixtures over the next few weeks are, predictably, excellent. They’re a team that scores freely, and Foden is increasingly becoming one of their main protagonists. His ability to pop up with goals from midfield, combined with his assist potential, makes him a highly attractive option. What pushes him into ‘must-buy’ territory for Gameweek 8 is his recent form – he’s been racking up double-digit hauls with a frightening regularity. If you have the funds, and let’s be honest, you should always try to make space for a City attacker on form, Foden could be the key to unlocking those crucial midfield points.
Unlocking Midfield Value and Defensive Strength
Beyond the obvious big hitters, FPL success often hinges on finding those mid-priced gems who punch above their weight, or defenders who offer both clean sheet potential and attacking returns. This is where clever management of your budget and a keen eye for underlying statistics truly pays off. For Gameweek 8, I’ve identified players who fit this mould perfectly, offering excellent value and significant upside.
Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace – Midfielder)
Eberechi Eze is a player who, when fit and firing, is an absolute joy to watch – and even more so to own in FPL. He’s the heartbeat of Crystal Palace’s attack, often the one creating chances, taking set pieces, and driving forward with the ball. While Palace can be an inconsistent team, Eze’s individual brilliance often transcends their overall form, making him a potent FPL asset, especially when he hits a purple patch.
Ahead of Gameweek 8, Eze looks to be in one of those purple patches. His underlying statistics are excellent, demonstrating his involvement in key attacking phases, and his eye for goal appears to be particularly sharp. Palace also have a surprisingly decent run of fixtures over the coming weeks, facing teams that aren’t renowned for their defensive solidity. At his price point, Eze offers fantastic value and significant differential potential. He’s the kind of player who can deliver those explosive hauls that rocket you up the rankings, making him a compelling transfer for the adventurous manager.
Destiny Udogie (Tottenham Hotspur – Defender)
When you talk about attacking full-backs, Destiny Udogie’s name has been consistently cropping up over the last couple of seasons. Under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham play an exciting, high-pressing brand of football that often sees their full-backs pushing high and contributing significantly to attacks. Udogie, in particular, has excelled in this system, showcasing his blistering pace, overlapping runs, and surprising threat in the final third.
For FPL Gameweek 8, Udogie offers a double threat: clean sheet potential and attacking returns. Spurs’ defence has shown periods of real solidity, especially against teams they are expected to dominate. Crucially, their upcoming fixtures present several opportunities for both. Udogie’s involvement in attacks, including his ability to get into goal-scoring positions or deliver crosses, adds an extra layer of appeal. He’s not just a defender for clean sheet points; he’s a genuine assist and even goal threat. If you’re looking to upgrade your defensive line with someone who can offer more than just a potential clean sheet, Udogie is a standout pick.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United – Forward)
Rounding off our must-buy list for Gameweek 8 is Alexander Isak. The Swedish international has consistently demonstrated his class and clinical finishing whenever he’s been given a run of games. Newcastle United, under Eddie Howe, are a team built on intensity, direct attacking play, and creating high-quality chances. When Isak is fit and leading the line, he is often the beneficiary of this attacking philosophy.
Newcastle’s fixture list around Gameweek 8 looks very promising for their attacking assets. They face several teams that have struggled defensively, or tend to leave spaces that a player of Isak’s intelligence and pace can exploit. He’s a natural finisher, capable of scoring a variety of goals, and his penalty duties (if he retains them) only sweeten the deal. While injuries have sometimes hampered his FPL consistency in the past, if he’s showing strong form and fitness now, he represents excellent value and significant goal threat. Isak could be that differential forward who catapults you past your mini-league rivals.
Final Thoughts: Trusting Your Instincts (and the Data)
Navigating the FPL season successfully requires a delicate balance of analytical thinking and gut instinct. While these five players represent my top picks for Gameweek 8, the true art lies in how they fit into your unique squad structure and overall strategy. Always check the latest news before making your transfers – injuries, surprising team selections, or even late-breaking transfer rumours can change everything.
The beauty of FPL is its ever-evolving nature. What works one week might not the next. But by focusing on players with strong underlying statistics, proven form, and favourable fixture runs, you’re stacking the odds in your favour. Don’t be afraid to take a calculated risk, especially if it helps you break away from the crowd. Good luck with your Gameweek 8 transfers, and may your arrows be green!
