EPL Game-Week 8 FPL Player Picks

The season has finally kicked off with Liverpool and Manchester City picking up their pace for the title-race while the other four ‘big six’ sides have been struggling to make any positive impact to secure and cement their position for next seasons’ European spots. Meanwhile, Leicester is making a statement to crash the party and create problems for the others.

The upcoming weekend has a few decent fixtures to gain enough points from, but it’s good to keep the Champions/Europa League games in mind as well. So let’s jump into options to ponder:

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Goalkeepers

Nick Pope (£4.6, Burnley v Everton)

Everton have lacked quality when going forward despite having quality strikers to put the ball in the net, while Pope has managed to keep two clean sheets in the previous three games with an average of 5.3 points per game at home this term, which is why there is a possibility for a clean sheet in this match.

Ederson (£6.1, Man City v Wolves)

It’s an expensive choice but a safer approach to go for with a dull Wolves team that just can’t find their way to scoring goals. Yes, there are cheap keepers such as Pope or Patricio who are giving consistent points, but some will see it as better to be safe than sorry in this fixture.

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Defenders

John Lundstram (£4.5, Sheffield v Watford)

The real surprise package of FPL so far — since Pukki fever is dying down – Lundstram is someone who gives clean sheets, runs around the midfield for an assist or two, even scoring bonus points, to become a massive favourite for many fantasy managers out there. Plus, it’s against a struggling Watford side.

Issa Diop (£4.5, West Ham v Crystal Palace)

Pellegrini’s side has been showing impressive signs of a push for a top six position this season, and Diop has started every match with three clean sheets under his belt. Palace have been extremely lackluster going forward, and with the Hammers’ manager being somewhat defensive minded, there are chances for a clean sheet for this game.

Erik Pieters (£4.8, Burnley v Everton)

Pieters has cemented his position despite being an expected backup. Playing every minute this season, he has bagged three clean sheets so far. With the opposition team trying to figure out its attacking approach, Burnley has a good chance for another blank on defense.

Nicolás Otamendi (£5.5, Manchester City v Wolves)

Otamendi has more shots on goal than any central defender so far, plus City have found a way to defend with Fernandinho at the back, so the Argentine is a very strong choice at his price point.

Fikayo Tomori (£4.6, Chelsea v Southampton)

Tomori has started his fourth consecutive Premier League game and is becoming Lampard’s preferred option in central defense. Chelsea have found stability in the back and will fight for another clean sheet against Southampton. Plus, he comes in the cheap budget bracket.

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Midfielders

Riyad Mahrez (£8.5, Man City v Wolves)

With five assists and two goals already, Mahrez has discovered his form as a Citizen, cementing his position on the right wing. Despite playing the full game midweek against Dinamo Zagreb, Mahrez will still likely start the game due to his hot form at the moment.

Mason Mount (£6.7, Chelsea v Southampton)

Mount has been a regular for Chelsea and the key figure to provide or even score goals so having him on the team is always a plus.

Heung-Min Son (£9.7, Tottenham v Brighton)

Spurs have been extremely poor at the back, but Son keeps delivering goals and assists for his side, and many fantasy managers know what he can provide in terms of points.

Daniel James (£6.2, Man United v Newcastle)

Newcastle’s defense has been particularly poor, as have United’s forwards as well. James is the only positive in the front line of the Red Devils. Even if it unfair to depend on the young lad so much, he is their only hope for making an impact. He can provide good returns at a cheap price tag.

John McGinn (£5.8, Aston Villa v Norwich)

McGinn has surprised many with his recent impressive performances, having three goals to his credit already. Norwich will look to bounce back, which is why it’s a risky yet interesting choice to consider.

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Forwards

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0, Arsenal v Bournemouth)

Auba has been the only player who keeps on scoring goals, but he has the worst possible teammates in defense. No matter how much Arsenal concedes, you know this striker is always in line to put one in the back of the net.

Callum Wilson (£7.9, Bournemouth v Arsenal)

This goes the other way round from the above story. Wilson has been the main man for his side, with five goals and three assists. Facing a very delicate Arsenal defense, Wilson will take advantage of any mistake.

Sergio Aguero (£12.2, Man City v Wolves)

Sergio Aguero and goals is a better love story than Twilight, as they say. There’s not much to say about this man other than he just keeps putting the ball in the net again... and again. City will look to demolish a poor Wolves side, so expect many goals from them in this fixture, especially from this dangerous goal scorer.

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No Leicester or Liverpool players are in the picks above since they face each other; it’s better to take risks with players against the so-called smaller clubs.

As well, Kevin De Bruyne – potential candidate for the Player of the Season – has also been omitted because a minor injury doubt; best case scenario, even if he plays the final ten minutes, one should just keep him in the team without thinking twice.

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What players are you planning to choose and reject? Who is worth risking in fixtures such as Liverpool v Leicester? Are you planning to go all-in with your wildcard for this week or waiting to do it after the international break? What players will you go for despite European football and travel midweek? Please let us know in the comments below!

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