Another Fantasy Premier League (FPL) week dawns upon us, with European action now behind and the league set to return on Friday.
Last weekend saw the brilliant Arsenal defence secure another clean sheet in a 1-0 away win at Nottingham Forest. Brighton and Hove Albion have been purring, and popular FPL picks Maxim De Cuyper and Pascal Groß returned once again.
Tottenham Hotspur clinched their maiden PL win of the season as James Maddison returned to the starting XI after 18 months.
There are considerable patterns emerging and ahead of what's looking like another high-scoring match day, we preview FPL GW8.
Also read: Man City Slashed to 6/4 for Relegation: What the 114-Charge verdict means for the Premier League
Injury Updates and Team News
The biggest talking point of this week was Bukayo Saka's injury in the 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich. Head coach Mikel Arteta said, post-match:
"They are a bit concerned. A player who has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news but we have to wait and see."
Moving to a triple Arsenal defense structurally, or snapping up any of Bryan Mbeumo, Morgan Gibbs-White or Kevin Schade seems a smart choice. The latter should be back in the starting line-up for Brentford, after sustaining a shoulder injury versus Aston Villa on 10th October.
Besides, Erling Haaland is ready to start according to Enzo Maresca. Eli Junior Kroupi, who is listed as a midfielder but will occupy advanced positions for AFC Bournemouth and perhaps, take penalties, is set to be named in the squad for the Manchester United clash.
Dominic Szoboszlai aggravated the injury that kept him out of the trip to Manchester City, and will be out for a maximum of three weeks.
Morgan Gibbs-White, who will be in action against Ipswich Town on Friday night, has trained all week and will skipper the side.
Player to buy and sell
Buy: Bryan Mbeumo
For a Manchester United team that's in the trenches, Bryan Mbeumo has been a silver lining playing false nine in the absence of Benjamin Sesko.
Matheus Cunha has proved ineffective in the same position, whereas Mbeumo has struck twice in a row and earned a bonus point in both matches despite not being on the winning side.
Both goals have come from just 0.89xG, punctuating how composed he is in front of goal. With Saka a popular sell due to the injury, Mbeumo should be a rather easy switch at £7.9m.
Sell: Yoane Wissa
With just one win in their last four and only four goals scored, Newcastle United are struggling to keep pace seven matches in.
Yoane Wissa is listed as a forward but plays behind the number nine. With no goals since GW2 and a missed penalty, the DR Congo international can be moved on to Charalampos Kostoulas, who has a staggering seven goal contributions, or Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United. The 29-year-old remains Daniel Farke's spearhead in attack and is the chief penalty taker.
Also read: Five managers who could replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United
Differential pick of the week: Evanilson
Quietly going under the radar is Evanilson. The Bournemouth striker has two goals and four assists to his credit, and has returned in three of his previous four outings.
The Cherries impressed with a statement win over AC Milan in Europe and are beginning to discover their rhythm under new boss Marco Rose.
Their fixtures over a long term are arguably the most favourable. Their next five read MUN (A), LEE (H), IPS (A), NFO (H) and FUL (A).
Captaincy
Erling Haaland is always on the radar for captaincy, as he travels to Villa Park. But, Villa have four wins in their last six against Man City. And Haaland hasn't found the back of the net in any of his latest four matches against them.
Amongst players with home fixtures, Joao Pedro or Cole Palmer are viable options. Palmer has three goals and two assists across his five PL appearances against bitter rivals Spurs.
Gibbs-White, with penalties, an attractive fixture, and a high baseline bonus record could be a left-field pick as well.
