FPL 2025/26 GW8: Five must-buy Fantasy Premier League transfers for Gameweek 8

Gameweek 8 of Fantasy Premier League is finally here and, with the international break behind us, it’s time to make your moves count, writes FPL expert Blake Hurst.

Fixtures are lining up perfectly and form is ready to explode. These five players could be the game-changers who take your team to the next level – don’t miss your chance to bring them in and ride the wave of points.

Joao Pedro (Chelsea, 7.7m)

After a well-timed rest over the international break and a midweek Champions League suspension between GW8 and 9 that keeps him fresh for league duty, Joao Pedro looks ready to kick back into rhythm.

The Brazil forward’s recent numbers won’t turn heads yet, but Chelsea’s run of fixtures might be the reset the 24-year-old needs.

With Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, Wolves and Burnley all on the horizon in the next five gameweeks, momentum could swing his way quickly.

Joao Pedro tends to thrive when confidence builds, and with minutes and match sharpness returning, this stretch of fixtures feels built for him to remind FPL managers what he’s capable of.

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Cristian Romero (Tottenham 5.1m)

Aston Villa’s set-up tends to draw defensive contributions from opponents, which suits Romero perfectly for their visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Romero is Tottenham’s leading source for clearances, tackles, and interceptions, and this match-up could quietly turn into a rewarding clean sheet and bonus point week.

Beyond his defensive contributions, Romero remains a lurking set piece threat – he’s always sniffing around for that header when the delivery is right.

While most managers overlook him for flashier names, this fixture provides a real chance for under-the-radar returns at both ends of the pitch. A cheeky goal? Don’t rule it out.

Nick Woltemade (Newcastle, 7.2m)

Three goals in his last four matches and penalty duties firmly in his favour mean Woltemade is quietly emerging as one of the best value picks among budget forwards.

The Germany forward’s price makes him an easy enabler, but his form suggests something more consistent could be brewing.

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With a solid run of fixtures ahead and few strong low-cost striker options available, Woltemade stands out as the clear alternative for managers chasing balance up top.

Given how steady his performances have looked, this feels like the perfect moment to jump on before his ownership climbs.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, 9.9m)

With Odegaard sidelined, Saka takes on a bigger share of set pieces – including corners, which Arsenal have turned into a real source of goals.

Add penalties to that list after he stepped up even with Viktor Gyokeres on the pitch, and the picture becomes clear: Saka is back at the heart of Arsenal’s attacking output.

With his ownership hovering around 10%, the 24-year-old is a genuine differential for those looking to climb the ranks.

Given his reliability in big moments and Arsenal’s fixture run ahead, this could be the stretch when Saka’s returns spike again. Get in before he becomes a template pick.

Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal, 6.3m)

If I were playing my Wildcard, Gabriel would be the first defender locked in. Arsenal look the most secure side in the league, and he’s the stand-out FPL option from that backline.

A constant aerial threat on corners and a reliable source of clean sheets, Gabriel brings both safety and upside every week.

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With his minutes nailed and confidence high in that defensive unit, Gabriel is exactly the kind of long term pick you can set and forget.

Sometimes the smartest move is just keeping it simple – and he fits that bill perfectly.

Want more tips? You can also read 101GreatGoals.com’s guides to the FPL players to sell and avoid in Gameweek 8 and Fantasy Premier League wildcard tips.