Whether it’s using a Wildcard or free transfers, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers will decide to buy and sell many players in the run-up to Gameweek 8.
These people are frantically replaced based on form, injuries, suspensions and upcoming matches.
Above: From Friday afternoon, the most bought (left) and most sold (right) players will go to Gameweek 8
But whether it’s a good idea or not is another matter.
As we look at this week’s hottest ins and outs, let’s pick out a few players that are good to buy, hold and sell in preparation for Gameweek 8.
Erling Haaland (£14.5m)
An obvious one to kick things off, but it’s still worth saying: Haaland feels almost essential.
The leader for goals (nine), attempts (29), big chances (14) and expected goals (xG, 7.71 – see image below) has been overtaken Mohammed is wrong (£14.4 million) for both price and ownership.
But eerily, this wasn’t even his best FPL start. Of Haaland’s four seasons at Manchester City, 2025/26 is the first without an early hat-trick. This was the best for expected goal involvement (xGI, 8.44), but he has never had so few shots on target (14).
We examined whether Haaland usually slows down after this point, but either way it would be very brave to continue without Haaland.
VERDICT: BUY
Nick Woltemade (£7.2m)
A community debate over this international break asks how best to cover Newcastle United’s exciting upcoming games. After a trip to Brighton and Hove Albion, the Magpies will take on Fulham, West Ham United and Brentford.
Using a combination of ‘eye test’ observations, contextual knowledge and membership area statistics, we see that Anthony Gordon (£7.4m) should be their first-choice penalty taker, but he has not registered an FPL return in 16 top appearances. It’s a run that goes back to the end of January.
While centre-forward Woltemade has four goals from five starts (in all competitions) and plays in a position where few FPL assets are currently attractive.
Other teammates on the left prevent Gordon from reaching the 70-minute mark, while Woltemade is unchallenged during Yoane warned‘s (£7.4m) injury.
Of course, Eddie Howe’s preferred scenario would have been to soften Woltemade. But the knee situation has led to more playing time, and it is paying off.
VERDICT: BUY
João Pedro (£7.7m)
On to a third attacker, now. Still Joao Pedro is in poor form in over 60% of FPL squads.
He has not scored a goal in the last four league games and managed just two shots – neither of which were on target – alongside a low xGI of 0.26.
However, fitness management ensures that he is not in the Brazilian squad this week, and a European suspension applies between matchweeks 8 and 9. Therefore, the 24-year-old ‘should’ start all of Chelsea’s great games.
What we don’t know for sure is if it’s him or… Enzo Fernandez (£6.7 million) in fines during Cole Palmer‘s (£10.3m) absence. But it could be a real setback in the rankings if you sell Pedro and he immediately finds form for so many rivals.
VERDICT: HOLD
Mohammed Kudus (£6.7m)
Elsewhere, those who activated a long-awaited Gameweek 8 Wildcard may have been planning to sell Kudus for eg Antoine Semenyo (£7.9 million), Idiman Ndima (£6.5 million), Ismila Hare (£6.5 million) or Backseat (£7.6 million).
But there has to be some flexibility. Spurs’ summer signing leads all others in assists (five), crosses (48) and take-ons (56).
Last weekend he scored his first goal for Thomas Frank’s team and it now seems the best way to start this attack. Three of the next four are also at home.
VERDICT: HOLD
Jack Grealish (£6.9m)
Okay, this might be controversial, as a bit of team depth can deal well with Grealish’s looming unavailability.
He is number two in the league in assists (four) and chance creation (17), while leading the way in touches (53). Sunday’s stoppage-time winner against Crystal Palace continues his good spell on loan, but it is precisely that same temporary move that makes him unfit for Gameweek 8.
It could be a good time to sell Grealish as Man City’s match precedes a mixed bag against Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland, Fulham, Manchester United, Newcastle and Bournemouth.
VERDICT: SELL
Richarlison (£6.8m)
Finally, Richarlison was believed to be a nailed-on starter in the absence of Dominic Solanke (£7.2 million) and The Redican Creation (£6.9 million).
He started the campaign with an Opening Day brace and three price increases later was competing in Gameweek 7 in over two million squads.
But the player tied for third for box shots (15) is now on the bench for the second time in four games. He cannot be trusted for minutes.
VERDICT: SELL
Do you agree or disagree with these conclusions? Feel free to leave a comment below on who you should buy or sell before Gameweek 8.
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