FPL Gameweek 8 Team Reveal 2025/26 – My Squad, Transfers and Captain Picks
With the seventh round of fixtures on the horizon, managers are making key decisions on transfers, captaincy, and starting XIs. In this piece, @KarbownikFF shares his FPL Gameweek 8 Team Reveal 2025/26.
He goes through his squad selection, the players he’s backing, and the moves he is considering ahead of the deadline.
Team Reveal
Check put who the best captain is for FPL Gameweek 8!
After a poor GW7, I’m happy to finally move on. I dropped from 500k to just inside 1 million, but with the wildcard active, here’s how my team currently looks.
Goalkeepers
I’ve gone for Pope and Dúbravka. Dúbravka is an easy lock – he’s the cheapest playing goalkeeper in the game. As for Pope, it was a close call between him and Raya. Newcastle have been tremendous defensively this season, and with their fixtures, I can see that continuing.
Defenders
First up is Gabriel – the best defender in the game for me, and an easy lock. Arsenal have once again been the league’s best defence, and Gabriel offers both attacking threat and DEFCON potential.
My second defender is Timber, though this one isn’t locked. His xGI has been among the best of all defenders this season, and with a good upcoming fixture, I can see that form continuing. However, his rotation and minute risks are off-putting, and his DEFCON numbers are limited – which might push me toward Raya instead.
Third is Senesi, currently the best defender in the game for DEFCON, averaging just over 12 per game. Despite middling fixtures, his historical attacking threat keeps him in my team.
Fourth is Lacroix, who stays. He’s solid for DEFCON, has decent fixtures, and offers attacking potential. Hopefully, his patience finally pays off.
Finally, Joe Rodon completes the defence. Two goals in quick succession, strong DEFCON numbers, and a price of just £4.1m make him an easy pick – plus, he has great fixtures ahead.
Check out all of the news ahead of Gameweek 8 for every team, ahead of the deadline.
Midfielders
Starting with Saka – he’s back from injury and could be on penalties, though that’s still uncertain. With good attacking fixtures ahead and key teammates side-lined, he’s an easy inclusion.
Next is Enzo Fernández. With Palmer injured and no clear return date, Enzo is playing in the number 10 role and on set pieces. He’s got good fixtures and DEFCON potential, making him a strong option.
Semenyo is my third midfielder. His price is creeping up to nearly £8m, which makes me slightly hesitant. He’s been overperforming his data, but given his fixtures, I’m still happy to hold for now.
Fourth is Ismaïla Sarr, who I’ve owned all season. Great data, great fixtures – there’s really nothing to dislike.
Lastly, Xhaka. At just £5m, he might be a boring pick, but the meta supports it. Strong DEFCON output, free-kick duties, and a nailed role make him reliable value.
Forwards
No surprises with Haaland – he’s a beast and an automatic pick.
Next is Bowen. Despite poor underlying data, I like him. With Füllkrug injured, Bowen could play as a striker, which boosts his appeal. He’s also a 90-minute man with good fixtures ahead.
Lastly, and maybe a bit controversial – Calvert-Lewin. At £5.5m, with great fixtures, penalties, and elite data, he might be my favourite forward after Haaland.
Summary
This draft leaves me with £1.7m in the bank, which I can use to upgrade later or keep as flexibility.
I’m also considering a few tweaks:
- Raya + Burn over Pope + Timber, or
- A bold move for Isak, which would involve downgrading Lacroix, Semenyo, and Bowen to Richards, Minteh, and Isak.
That second route is unlikely, but on my radar.
Plans Ahead
I plan to roll transfers over the next few weeks to prepare for Liverpool’s fixture swing in GW12. I also intend to Bench Boost in GW9, freeing up funds by GW10 onwards.
Captain: Haaland
Vice-captain: Saka
Both are unlikely to change.
