FPL Gameweek 8 Team of the Week brings some major surprises for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers. The headline — there’s still no Mohamed Salah. Despite his brilliant record against Manchester United, the Egyptian star has been left out of this week’s top lineup. With Erling Haaland wearing the captain’s armband and Eberechi Eze emerging as Arsenal’s creative engine, managers are now rethinking their strategies for Gameweek 8.
Salah, who has scored 13 goals and provided six assists in just 15 league matches against Manchester United, remains a dangerous omission. Yet, BBC Sport senior journalist Thomas Woods emphasizes that current form matters more than history. Salah’s recent performances — just two goals and four returns this season with an expected goals (xG) of 2.13 — haven’t justified his price tag.
Instead, Woods’ FPL Gameweek 8 Team of the Week spreads the £100m budget efficiently, leaning on in-form players like Eze, Doku, Bowen, and the ever-reliable Haaland.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton) – £4.4m – vs Newcastle (H)
Brighton’s keeper is an inspired budget choice. Newcastle has yet to score away from home this season, recording zero goals and just six shots on target across three matches. This could be Verbruggen’s best chance to secure his first clean sheet of the campaign.
Gabriel (£6.3m) & Jurrien Timber (£5.9m), Arsenal – vs Fulham (A)
Doubling up on Arsenal defenders continues to pay off. The duo combined for 19 points last week, and the Gunners’ fixture run — Fulham, Palace, Sunderland, Burnley — makes them must-own assets. With Fulham potentially missing a central striker, another clean sheet looks likely.
Omar Alderete (Sunderland) – £4.1m – vs Wolves (H)
A brilliant low-cost defender pick. With 53 defensive contribution points and consistent bonus returns, Alderete has been a quiet gem this season. Facing a Wolves team that’s managed just one away goal, he’s a strong start — if fit after a minor thigh concern.
Midfielders
Eberechi Eze (Arsenal) – £7.6m – vs Fulham (A)
Stepping in for the injured Martin Ødegaard, Eze has become a vital playmaker in Arsenal’s midfield. He leads in total shots (17, 11 in the box) and is involved in 38% of Arsenal’s goals while on the pitch. His attacking stats suggest he’s due for a big haul — a perfect mid-range pick for FPL Gameweek 8 Team of the Week.
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) – £7.9m – vs Crystal Palace (A)
The breakout star of recent weeks continues to deliver. With 18 points last week, Semenyo looks fixture-proof, even against a defensively solid Palace side. His pace and confidence make him one of the most explosive midfielders right now.
Jaidon Anthony (Burnley) – £5.7m – vs Leeds (H)
Anthony has quietly become Burnley’s most potent weapon, scoring four goals so far. Leeds’ defensive record away from home is poor — conceding an xGC of 5.5 — making this a favorable matchup for the winger.
Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) – £6.6m – vs Everton (H)
Although a rotation risk, Doku’s back-to-back 10-point home hauls are hard to ignore. He’s been involved in 27% of City’s goals when on the field and his blistering speed could trouble Everton’s defense. A high-upside pick for managers seeking differentials.
Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) – £6.7m – vs Nottingham Forest (A)
With Palmer sidelined, Enzo continues in an advanced attacking role. His 3.66 xG ranks fourth among all FPL midfielders, and he’s on penalties — further boosting his appeal. Consistent and reliable, Fernández is one to watch in FPL Gameweek 8 Team of the Week.
Forwards
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – £14.5m – Captain – vs Everton (H)
No surprises here. The Norwegian powerhouse remains the automatic captain pick. With few premium players in top form, Haaland’s consistency and explosive scoring ability make him essential every week.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) – £7.7m – vs Brentford (H)
Now listed as a forward, Bowen has adapted perfectly, becoming the third-highest scoring striker in FPL. Facing Brentford — who’ve conceded eight goals away from home — Bowen could easily add to his impressive tally.
Substitutes Bench
- Martin Dubravka (Burnley) – £4.0m – vs Leeds (H)
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds) – £5.5m – vs Burnley (A)
- Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) – £5.9m – vs Everton (H)
- Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) – £4.9m – vs Bournemouth (H)
Total Team Cost: £97.7m
Final Thoughts
The FPL Gameweek 8 Team of the Week rewards balanced strategy and value-based selection. Excluding Salah frees up funds for consistent performers across the pitch — particularly Haaland, Eze, and Semenyo. Managers should monitor fitness updates for Alderete and Fernández, while Doku remains a calculated gamble worth taking.
With the right combination of form and fixture picks, this lineup could easily replicate last week’s 100-point success. Whether you’re playing a Free Hit or setting your standard XI, this week’s structure offers a strong blend of safety and explosiveness.
Source: BBC Sport
