LöfLife - Weekly Waivers | GW8 - Finally back after int break

Hey!

Back again for some waiver action! You can find me on X at FPL_Löflife (@peter_lof) / X for updates on FPL Draft. The deadline is just 2 hours away, don't miss it!

It's great to be back, the Nations League doesn’t interest me much. I still really want to expand on this thread with more stats and strategy, but I haven’t had enough time lately. There aren’t many big players returning from injury either, which I usually keep an eye on.

Gameweek 7 thread midfielders and many available mids in general are on fire. Carvalho, Rutter, and Paqueta from my last thread all delivered points. I feel like my drafted midfielders are the reason my season hasn’t started well.

I’ve given them too many chances. Every week, this thread provides solid advice, but I haven’t been able to capitalize on it. Going forward, I’ll be swapping mids more aggressively, using players in the category of Kudus, Eze, and Bailey to grab the best available midfielders each week.

Games after an international break are always tricky, so we’ll need to follow today’s press conferences closely for the latest injury updates. South American players, in particular, often return a day later than Europeans and have long flights, so they’re more prone to being rested. Last international break, many South Americans played, but some were benched the following week after the Champions League or Europa League matches. Don’t bench your key South Americans, but maybe consider resting your less crucial players like Estupiñán.

Let’s dive into Gameweek 8:

Goalkeepers

Caoimhin Kelleher (LIV) vs. Chelsea

With Alisson out, Kelleher is a free pickup. Liverpool’s schedule is getting tougher, but they can still keep clean sheets against strong teams. I consider Liverpool favorites here, and a clean sheet against Palmer and Jackson is a real possibility.

Defenders

James Justin (LEI) vs. Southampton | 2g 1a

Justin is back to the form we saw in FPL a couple of years ago, with 22 points in his last two games. Southampton struggles to score, so a clean sheet is also likely.

Nikola Milenkovic (NFO) vs. Crystal Palace | 0g 1a

Nottingham has been solid this season with only one loss, and their tight defense has earned points against Liverpool, Chelsea, and Brighton. I expect another win against Palace, who have struggled, especially without Olise. Milenkovic edges out other options based on stats, though Aina and Moreno are worth considering too.

Collins (BRE) vs. Manchester United | 1g 0a

Collins makes the list again. Brentford has a great schedule coming up after some tough opening games. They’ve yet to keep a clean sheet, and while Man United might seem a tough matchup, there's still a chance. United has scored just five goals, and their attack has looked shaky. With CDMs Mainoo and Ugarte doubtful, and Casemiro underperforming, Brentford could surprise.

Midfielders

Ilkay Gündoğan (MCI) vs. Wolves | 0g 0a

I’m still backing Gündoğan. Despite no returns yet, he’s second in both xG and xA over the past few games for City. Wolves have the leakiest defense in the league, so I'd grab any available City asset like Kovacic or Grealish too.

Mavididi (LEI) vs. Southampton | 2g 0a

Keeping Mavididi on the list. Leicester has been decent, and they’re up against the weakest team in the league at the moment. He’s been their top attacking threat, even more so than Vardy, making him a good pick this week.

Georginio Rutter (BRI) vs. Newcastle | 2g 1a

Rutter remains underpicked in many leagues despite being in great form. Brighton has scored in almost every game this season, and I’m not too concerned about Newcastle’s defense.

Adama Traoré (FUL) vs. Aston Villa | 1g 2a

Traoré has exceeded expectations for Fulham this season. He still struggles to finish chances, but he’s creating plenty of them. Only Solanke has missed more opportunities based on xG vs actual goals scored. He could get both goals and assists, so I’d take the chance on him.

Strikers

Liam Delap (IPS) vs. Everton | 4g 0a

Delap has scored three goals in his last two games. With Ipswich at home against Everton, they should at least score once. Everton’s defense, especially without Branthwaite, doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (EVE) vs. Ipswich | 2g 1a

I also don’t expect Ipswich to keep a clean sheet here. Calvert-Lewin’s hot form has cooled in the last couple of games, but he’s still getting into good positions. Goals should come again soon.

Good luck!