Gameweek 8: What Happened and Who Matters
Gameweek 8 served up tight wins, late goals and a few shocks. If you follow the Premier League and European fixtures, this round shifted standing positions and gave fantasy managers some clear targets. Here’s a quick, useful recap so you know what changed and who to pick for the next gameweek.
Key results and what they mean
Wolves produced two big moments this week. They beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to Pablo Sarabia’s free-kick, a result that underlines Wolves’ growing confidence and United’s ongoing problems. A different Wolves win, 1-0 over Bournemouth via Matheus Cunha, helped them climb away from the relegation fight and dent Bournemouth’s top-four push.
Liverpool edged Leicester after a late Trent Alexander-Arnold strike. That goal kept Liverpool on track in the title race and simultaneously confirmed Leicester’s relegation worries. Small margins are deciding big outcomes this season.
In Portugal, Rio Ave claimed a statement 2-0 win against Moreirense, with goals from Demir Ege Tiknaz and Guilherme Schettine. And in Europe, Ajax stopped Galatasaray’s run with a gritty 2-1 win in the Europa League, showing their young players can deliver on big nights.
Chelsea and Tottenham have a high-stakes clash coming up that could shape Champions League hopes. Chelsea’s recent form gives them the edge, while Spurs will rely on tight defending to get a result at Stamford Bridge.
Players to watch and quick fantasy moves
Want picks that actually help? Here are a few that jumped out this gameweek. Take Pablo Sarabia: set-piece quality and a knack for big moments make him a tempting short-term pick. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a high-upside option thanks to assists and late-game contributions—handy for free-kick or corner threat. Matheus Cunha is worth a look if Wolves keep creating chances; he’s showing up when it counts.
On the flipping side, managers with Leicester attackers should consider rotating them out until the club steadies itself. Bournemouth’s form dipped after the loss to Wolves, so keep an eye on their fixtures before committing transfers.
In Europe, Rio Ave’s forwards could be bargains in smaller competitions, especially if they keep taking chances. Ajax’s youngsters are worth monitoring for rotation plays in cup tournaments and fantasy squads that allow continental fixtures.
Injuries and selection? Check your line-up early. Managers who wait until kickoff risk losing players named on the bench after late tactical changes. If you can, use a free transfer on one in-form player rather than gambling on multiple changes.
Want a last tip: trust fixtures, not names. Look at who’s playing easy home games next and target set-piece takers and penalty-takers from those teams. They give you the best short-term returns without burning transfers.
Keep following Gameweek 8 updates here for lineup news, late injuries and quick previews before the next round.
