FPL Challenge – a different twist on the traditional Fantasy Premier League game – returns for Gameweek 8

Each week comes with its own rules, which can completely change the players we target every week.

Here, Louis runs through his top tips and best picks for the Gameweek 8 Challenge before revealing his own team.

While the FPL deadline has passed, you can still enter Challenge teams right up until kick-off!

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE THIS WEEK?

TOP PICKS

GOALKEEPERS

Only two goalkeepers available this week have been at their respective clubs for more than five years, making them eligible for double points. One of those is Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, who faces Brighton at home. However, the Seagulls rank among the top two sides for goals scored this season, so a clean sheet could be difficult to come by.

The other option is Everton’s Jordan Pickford, who could also benefit from save points. That may help him compete with some of the stronger goalkeepers who aren’t eligible for double points. However, a difficult meeting with Arsenal makes him considerably less appealing from a clean-sheet perspective.

There are several alternatives worth considering, even without the double-points bonus. Brentford’s Caoimhín Kelleher faces newly promoted Hull City, whilst Fulham’s Bernd Leno takes on Coventry City. James Trafford is another interesting option, having contributed to Leeds United’s impressive defensive numbers this season.

DEFENDERS

There are more options in defence for Challengers to choose from this week. However, it could be difficult to look past Gabriel Magalhães. Alongside his goal threat from set-pieces, Arsenal top the clean sheet projections ahead of their home clash with Everton, giving the Brazilian multiple routes to points.

Kristoffer Ajer has been fairly unlucky when it comes to DefCon success. Although he’s reached the threshold in three matches, he’s also fallen just one contribution short on another three occasions. His fortunes could change this week, with Brentford travelling to Hull in a fixture that also offers clean sheet potential.

Fulham’s Antonee Robinson could be another strong option. The Cottagers kept a clean sheet against Hull last time out, showing their potential against promoted opposition. They face another newly promoted side in Coventry this week, while Robinson also offers attacking potential from left-back.

Other appealing options include Manchester City’s Rúben Dias, Crystal Palace wing-back Tyrick Mitchell, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.

MIDFIELDERS

There appear to be limited viable options for Challengers in midfield this week, although all is not completely lost. A midweek hat-trick could help Phil Foden secure a start against Aston Villa. Admittedly, the fixture isn’t entirely convincing, but Manchester City rank among the top two sides for goals scored this season.

Another option many Challengers may be reluctant to select is Bruno Fernandes, who qualifies for double points. Although the Portuguese midfielder has struggled for form recently, Manchester United’s home clash with Bournemouth could provide the perfect opportunity for him to return to his best.

The injury to Bukayo Saka is arguably a significant blow to Arsenal’s attack, but it could make Martin Ødegaard a more appealing option. The Norwegian has already scored twice this season and could also inherit penalty-taking duties in Saka’s absence, adding another route to points.

Alternatively, Challengers could opt for more convincing options who don’t qualify for double points. Players such as Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White, Kevin Schade and Bryan Mbeumo all offer potential this week.

FORWARDS

There are no starting strikers who have played for their clubs for over five years, so Challengers will have to settle for someone outside the Challenge framework. That shouldn’t be an issue, though, with plenty of appealing options available. João Pedro is among them, having registered eight attacking returns already this season. The Brazilian could add to that tally against Spurs this week.

Of course, we shouldn’t ignore Erling Haaland either. Several Manchester City players qualify for double points this week, but the Norwegian remains an attractive alternative. Having scored eight goals in his opening seven matches, Haaland heads into the clash with Aston Villa in excellent form.

Hull City started the season in good defensive form, but their performances at the back have declined significantly in recent weeks. Brentford face them in Gameweek 8, and the Bees have the firepower to punish their opponents. Igor Thiago is among those who could capitalise on the favourable fixture.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Fulham’s Gonzalo García and Arsenal’s Kai Havertz are also viable alternatives.

TEAM REVEAL

• Alisson is in goal, whilst Gabriel and Mitchell complete the backline. Gabriel is the standout Arsenal asset this week for me, so he also gets the captaincy armband. Mitchell is a complete punt to be honest. But he does offer multiple routes to points from wing-back, so he’s still a very good option against Newcastle.
• Midfield was tough, especially because there are no viable strikers for double points. It kind of forced me into picking Foden and Fernandes. Neither completely convince me, which is why neither get the captaincy armband.
• Joao Pedro gets the edge over Haaland for me, based on the fact I already have Foden. Although you could also argue that JP has the better fixture.