FPL

The best FPL goalkeepers for a Gameweek 8 Wildcard

Following the rundown of suggestions for stand-out Fantasy Premier League (FPL) forwards and midfielders for Gameweek 8 and beyond, we continue the search with the pick of the goalkeepers.

We previously asked Fantasy Football Scout users with a Wildcard intact when they planned to activate this prized chip, and just under 30% of the responses were for this current Gameweek.

The article below – an updated version of the one we published in Gameweek 7 – looks at the best buys at the back with those FPL managers in mind but the targets are, of course, also relevant for those using ‘free’ transfers in Gameweek 8.

All stats and graphics included in this piece are taken from our Premium Members Area.

Here are some of the more interesting goalkeepers for your Wildcard:

Aaron Ramsdale

Xhaka and Moura recalled as Ramsdale starts again

It may be best to whisper this but Arsenal are looking defensively solid again. After a promising second half of last season yielded nine clean sheets from 23 games, three of which came in the final five, Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just once in the four games since Aaron Ramsdale (£4.6m) was installed as first-choice goalkeeper.

In that time, Arsenal have conceded fewer big chances than any other Premier League side.

It’s important to factor in the calibre of opposition when reflecting on those numbers but there are more favourable games on the horizon, with the Gunners’ next six matches including home fixtures against Crystal Palace, Watford and Newcastle United.

Ramsdale has impressed so far and, at such a reasonable price, meets the preferences of those managers who prefer the value of cheap ‘keepers.

Ederson

Expensive goalkeepers don’t tend to be a popular tactic in FPL when the £100m can only stretch so far. Those at the top clubs tend to face fewer shots and therefore make fewer saves, as well as being hampered by the inability to make the attacking contributions – and rack up bonus points – that make full-backs such as Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) and Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) such coveted assets.

However, with budget defenders like Shane Duffy (£4.3m) and Tino Livramento (£4.2m) seeming too good to ignore, buying Ederson (£6.0m) could be a useful and secure way to gain coverage of Manchester City’s supreme defence ahead of a strong run of fixtures. Their 42 shots conceded is far lower than second-best Wolves’ 68 – a domination that continues in expected goals conceded (xGC), attempts conceded in open play and most other defensive categories.

Robert Sanchez

The game’s most-selected goalkeeper and with good reason. Last season, Brighton’s defence had fantastic underlying stats that somehow didn’t materialise. Their xGC was third-best but only 12 clean sheets were kept, resulting in a 16th-place finish. Things look better this time, with only two sides – Manchester City and Chelsea – conceding fewer goals so far.

At the back of this defence is Spain international Robert Sanchez (£4.6m). He emerged from nowhere to make his debut last November and, after securing his place in Gameweek 13, helped the Seagulls to ten clean sheets from 26 matches. Already on three for this campaign, Brighton are sixth in the league and about to have promising fixtures against Norwich City (a) and Newcastle (H). There are some iffier games around those two matches but for a long-term goalkeeper who allows you to concentrate on transfers elsewhere, Sanchez is a reliable option.

David Raya

Despite conceding three times against Liverpool, Brentford’s defence have been a strong addition to the league with three clean sheets from seven matches. Until that six-goal thriller, only Man City and Wolves had allowed fewer shots through their backline.

It stems from a formation change towards the end of the Bees’ successful promotion season, in which they moved from a back four to a wing-back system. Whilst they let in more goals than fellow new boys Norwich City and Watford, this late switch has continued into the top flight and has been boosted further with the club-record signing of Kristoffer Ajer (£4.5m). Brentford look good at both ends of the pitch and David Raya (£4.6m) – comfortable on the ball – will be a strong pick for the Burnley (a), Norwich (H), Newcastle (a) run that starts from Gameweek 10.

Ben Foster

Is £4.0m FPL goalkeeper Foster the new Watford number one? 3

The Watford stopper is in over 20% of FPL squads, having been seen as the cheap £4.0m back-up most likely to get games – and all it took was five matches until he stepped in for Daniel Bachmann (£4.4m). He conceded goals to Norwich, Newcastle and Leeds but just making appearances and collecting save points is good enough for his price tag and ’emergency back-up option’ status.

FPL managers probably wouldn’t want to be playing Foster all that often: Watford are one of two clubs without a shut-out to their name and are about to embark on a nasty set of matches that includes home clashes with Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United between Gameweeks 8 and 15.

There is also the concern that new Watford boss Claudio Ranieri will re-address his new club’s goalkeeper pecking order after succeeding Xisco Munoz.

Also consider

Jimenez ends goal drought as Arsenal claim convincing north London derby win 8

Vicente Guaita and Alex McCarthy are both £4.5m, possess two clean sheets and rank mid-table for their teams’ ability to prevent shots, yet the former has still been able to rack up 22 saves. If McCarthy continues to hold off Fraser Forster (£4.4m) as Southampton’s number one keeper, there is a great run of fixtures between Gameweeks 8 and 15 where the Saints face only one Champions League opponent.

Jose Sa (£5.0m) costs slightly more but pulled off a rare goalkeeping assist in Gameweek 6 when setting up Raul Jimenez’s (£7.5m) winner, delighting his ownership with a 14-point haul. Similar to Guaita, he has made a high number of saves despite Wolves conceding the second-fewest number of shots throughout the league. Their xGC is only bettered by Man City, Everton and Brighton, making Sa a good pick for upcoming meetings with Crystal Palace (a), Norwich (a) and Burnley (H).

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

235 Comments Post a Comment
  1. MIGHTY JOE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sort this bench please:
    1) Duffy
    2) Benrahma
    3) Livra

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      231

    2. Geordie19
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      1, 3, 2

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      213

      1. MIGHTY JOE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Haha. This is not helping my headache :DD

    4. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Same order. I'm biased but Duffy played great stuff during IB. Scored one from setpiece, should have had a second.

  2. Geordie19
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed
    Is Raph is out, reckon Torres is worth a 1-2 week punt?
    On WC but just a little put off by ‘booking a tf’

    1. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I fell for the Torres gamble . He didn’t play in a month or so . Avoid Pep Roulette , foden will be the same .
      The only attacker safe is KdB , if he’s fit , he plays . Don’t bother with the rest .

  3. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A-Jota for Foden and captain Foden

    B-Upgrade one of two non playing Norwich defenders, Williams and Omobamidele (If Manquillo doesn't start I'm a player short)

    C-Save transfer, choose between starting Gray or Jota (assuming Lukaku's fit)

    1. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Foden was garbage last night for England . Avoid Citeh mids.. minefield.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Jota out but not for Foden. Keep Omobamidele. Great enabler price. Playing great for Ireland too, might get some gametime.

  4. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    John Percy
    @JPercyTelegraph
    ·
    Brendan Rodgers will not be leaving #lcfc for Newcastle if/when Steve Bruce is sacked. No interest in the job and fully committed to Leicester

    1. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Good he ain’t good enough anyhow .

  5. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you activate your WC if this was your current team?

    Sanchez, Foster
    Alonso, Rudiger, Cancelo, Livra, Shaw
    Salah, Greenwood, Benrahma, Raphinha, Bissouma
    Toney, Antonio, Ronaldo

    1. MIGHTY JOE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Think so

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers! Been getting different answers via other questions, I thought I would ask outright.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No way!

      Sanchez Vs Norwich
      Alonso and Rudiger vs Brentford
      Cancelo vs Burnley
      Livramento vs Leeds
      Salah vs Watford
      Benrahma and Antonio vs Everton
      Ronaldo and Greenwood vs Leicester

      That's your team for this week.

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Understood, and many of them I would keep. But I've also received feedback on both sides. See above. That's why I'm asking point-blank.

      2. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thank you for the feedback. I think I am leaning this direction.

    3. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Benra won’t replicate his first few games , I own him too and want rid .
      Greenwood impacted by CR7 ,Raph in a Leeds team that are a shadow of last season .
      I think Mane is one to watch and maybe a cheap Everton mid ( not Townsend )

    4. Hint
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No

    5. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No way.

  6. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    So Klopp confirms that Jota is OK. Will FPL clear his yellow flag?

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Whenever there's a "should", a "likely" or, in this case, a "looks like", the flags tend to stay at 75%.

      1. Milk, 1 Šuker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks Neale. Will he have a presser to confirm?

        1. Skonto Rigga
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          He will indeed, on Friday!

  7. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Wonder if there is any chance of Tsimikas starting due to Robertson's IB involvement plus UCL midweek.

    Could do with him playing, better than Shaw atleast 😀

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No. Robertson had a bit of rest in early season injury outage.

  8. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do Shaw and Bruno out for Cancelo and Son?

    1. DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes, I would

    2. fc_skrald
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      not sure, I also have those two ManU players and still in doubt with two free transfers...think I will just sell Shaw for Cancelo.

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      yes

    5. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  9. Romford Pele - Don't w…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Start Livramento (LEE) or Gallagher (ars)?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Gallagher

  10. gart888
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA Rudiger Cancelo White
    Salah(C) Jota Gray
    Ronaldo Antonio Toney

    Livramento Raphinha Sissoko

    0.5 ITB

    Good to go?

  11. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    start Gray or Jota?

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd go Gray just since I think a Jota 30 minute cameo is pretty likely this game.

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Plenty of time to do well

        1. gart888
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          For sure. I'm starting both out of necessity. But I figure Gray in 80 minutes is better.

  12. JAYPEE
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On a wildcard which is the better team:
    Ramsdale Foster
    Rudiger Cancelo TAA Tomiyasu Livramento
    Salah Son ESR Raphinha Douglas Luiz
    Lukaku Antonio Hwang

    OR

    Ramsdale Foster
    Rudiger Cancelo Dias White Livramento
    Salah KDB ESR Raphinha Brownhill
    Lukaku Antonio Hwang

    So basically it’s
    TAA v Dias
    Tomiyasu v White
    Son v KDB
    Douglas Luiz v Brownhill

    1. Diddly Squat
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Don’t get the love for Hwang. He won’t be facing that atrocious Newcastle keeper every week .

    2. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A definitely for me. I'd prefer Son over KDB anyway, and getting TAA too seals it.

  13. TKC07
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    2 FTs. 0 itb

    A) Sarr & Semedo to Mbeumo & Walker/Laporte
    B) Sarr & Semedo to DLuiz & Cancelo + 0.2 (Start one among DLuiz / Livra every week)
    C) Gallaghar & Semedo to Brownhill & Dias (Start Livra every week)
    D) None of the above.

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Any way to get Mbuemo and Cancelo?

      1. TKC07
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        With TAA fit, can't afford both atm.

        1. gart888
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Guess I favour A then. Don't love it though. Seems a pretty lateral move for 2 FTs.

  14. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On a WC and left with 2 decisions... Any help is appreciated!

    A) Son + Livra, Manquillo on bench
    B) Dias + Foden, Livra on bench

    Ramsdale // Foster
    TAA Rudi Cancelo _____ // _____
    Salah Mbeumo _____ // Raph Brownhill
    Lukaku Antonio Toney

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. The-Red-1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      First one and then you have an almost identical team to mine (1 comment below)!

      1. Bruno Commando
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        In that case, I can only say your team looks great as well! The reason why I'm tinkering with option B is because I'm not sure about Son and Spurs...

  15. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Can I improve my WC team?

    Ramsdale Foster
    TAA Cancelo Laporte* Manquillo Livramento
    Salah Son Raphinha Mbuemo Brownhill
    Lukaku Antonio Toney

    0itb
    *Laporte is a placeholder for James when he is fit.

    The positions I'm wanting to improve are Manquillo and Brownhill. Only have 8.4 for the pair.

    Can I do any better?

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks great!

      1. ExpressoMySonny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I don’t know if I’d go double Brentford attack I would just prefer one of toney or mbuemo. This stage I like toney because he is more clinical

  16. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hi everyone. Is a hit here necessary?

    Sanchez
    Alonso, Rudiger, Reguillon
    Salah(c), Jota, Raphina, Benrahma
    Ronaldo(vc), Dcl, Antonio

    Steele, Livramento, Semedo, Bissouma 0ft .3itb

    Cheers

    1. Bruno Commando
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Don't think so. Biggest risks are Raph and Rudi for GW8 but you have adequate subs to deal with that.

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

  17. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    No matter how GW8 goes, Trent vs Watford will troll many people. Holders, benchers, sellers, haul hopefuls, wildcarders... Someone's gotta be trolled

    I don't even know what to expect, but I'm here for this

  18. el polako
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Cancelo (C) over Salah (early kick off curse) - madness ?

    1. Not again Shirley
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes probably madness TBH.

      I seem to remember Salah scored a Hattie in early KO against BOU away not so long ago.

      I don’t even own Salah so sure this will happen again and my Lukaku comes off injured after a few minutes lol

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Pretty mad, yes.

  19. CoracAld2831
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you wildcard this team? Or would you potentially wait until GW9 to do so?

    Sanchez-Foster

    Dunk-White-Ruediger-Christensen-TAA
    Gilmour-Raphinha-Salah-Sarr-Benrahma
    Antonio-Jimenez-Ronaldo

    1 FT
    0,1m in bank

    1. ArseneAllTheWay
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hold id say, get rid of Sarr for Mbuemo

      1. CoracAld2831
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thank you.

  20. ArseneAllTheWay
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    WC thoughts

    Ramsdale (Foster)
    TAA, Rudi, Cancelo (Duffy/Liv)
    Salah, foden, Raph, Esr (Townsend)
    Lukaku, Antonio, Toney

    Conundrums are
    A) Toney + ESR
    B) Jimenez + Brownhill (would be 3rd bench)

    1. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A.
      I like it

      1. ExpressoMySonny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        A

    2. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd say A, but Mbeumo instead of ESR.

  21. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Any chance Mbeumo price will go up tonight?

    1. ArseneAllTheWay
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He’s on 95, unlikely

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not likely

  22. ExpressoMySonny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    When do people think Rashford will start and is it Greenwood who makes way ?

  23. Maverick 11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone think Werner might become an option? I always felt he could explode given a bit of confidence, and he has a few recently

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not really tbh.

  24. Miniboss
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Townsend or Mbeumo? No other Everton or Brentford.

  25. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Williams and Sarr -> Cancelo and ESR (-4)?

    Sanchez
    TAA, Rudiger, Semedo, Livra
    Salah (c), Greenwood, Raph,
    Lukaku, Antonio, Jimenez
    4.0, Sarr, Allan, Williams
    1ft, 1.8 itb

  26. Darenzi
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Will Ederson (MCI) play Game week 8?

  27. Bobby's Teeth
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hi legends, needed your help:

    Would you WC this team?

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA Rudiger White Semedo Livra
    Salah Jota Raph Traore Gilmour
    Lukaku Antonio ASM

    Majorly worried about:

    1. Lack of City cover
    2. The 2 Wolves assets