FPL GW8: Best Free Hit Team and Top Player Picks
Gameweek 8 brings one of the strongest Free Hit opportunities of the Fantasy Premier League season. With top teams like Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool enjoying favorable fixtures, this week's best Free Hit team blends premium attackers, solid defensive stacks and value differentials for maximum upside.
Check out RotoWire's updated FPL rankings, FPL tips and cheat sheets to fine-tune your squad.
Goalkeeper and Defenders for Gameweek 8
Manchester City, Arsenal, Sunderland and Leeds are ranked as the four most probable teams to keep a clean sheet this week, and I've invested in each of their defences accordingly.
Here are the odds pulled from the GW8 FPL cheat sheet:
Manchester City boast the best clean-sheet odds of the week, so a defensive double-up feels justified. Gianluigi Donnarumma is preferred in goal, offering safe minutes behind the league's strongest defence, while Josko Gvardiol provides similar security in defence.
Gabriel remains the standout Arsenal defender thanks to his reliability, set-piece threat, and the team's long-term defensive solidity. Completing the backline are Omar Alderete and Joe Rodon. Both centre-backs have strong defensive-contribution numbers who also carry a realistic chance of clean-sheet returns given their fixtures versus Wolves and Burnley, respectively.
Midfielders to Target on Free Hit
Bukayo Saka is the standout Arsenal attacker and an excellent differential. He appears to be first in line for penalties and faces a kind fixture against Fulham. Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, has seen his rostership dip, which makes him a high-impact pick for this week. His record against Manchester United is exceptional, and he remains one of the few players capable of delivering a massive haul in any fixture.
Enzo Fernandez is expected to stay in a more advanced role with Cole Palmer sidelined and could also be on penalties. A fixture against a completely out of sorts Nottingham Forest defence increases his appeal. Lucas Paqueta, at only £5.9 million, rounds off the midfield as a creative playmaker with set-piece duties and defensive-contribution potential.
Best Forwards for GW8
Erling Haaland is the obvious captaincy choice. He has been in outstanding form, leads the Fantasy Premier League point scorers, and benefits from a week's rest after being released early by Norway. Alongside him, Dominic Calvert-Lewin provides a cheap yet effective option. Priced at just £5.5 million and likely on penalties, he faces a Burnley defence that has conceded the most expected goals in the league.
Don't forget to use our Predicted Lineups page which is updated throughout the week before confirmed team news 75 minutes ahead of kickoff.
Best Free Hit Team for Gameweek 8 pictured
FAQs
What is the best Free Hit team for FPL GW8?
Stack Manchester City and Arsenal defenders, captain Erling Haaland, and include Salah, Saka and one value forward like Calvert-Lewin.
Who should I captain in FPL GW8?
Haaland remains the safest pick; Salah is the best differential captain.
Which defenses have the best clean-sheet odds this week?
Manchester City, Arsenal, Sunderland and Leeds top the Gameweek 8 projections.
Should I use my Free Hit in Gameweek 8?
Yes, if your current team lacks multiple premium attackers or strong defenders.
