Ahead of each Premier League gameweek, I'll take a look at sub-50 percent rostered players on Fantrax and Sleeper whose situations may have changed or improved, and assess whether or not they are worth a pickup in season-long leagues.
Fantrax & Sleeper Waiver Wire Pickups for Gameweek 8
With seven gameweeks in the books, fantasy managers have a clearer picture of which players are delivering consistent value and which roster spots still need upgrades following the international break. Gameweek 8 offers an elongated chance to decipher who remains under-rostered on Fantrax and Sleeper, from goalkeepers benefiting from soft fixtures to midfielders finding more attacking involvement.
Below, I highlight the top waiver wire pickups across every position to help strengthen your squad before the weekend GW8 slate.
For more help setting your lineup, check out our Fantrax & Sleeper rankings, cheat sheets, and projected lineups before the weekend matches.
GOALKEEPER
Martin Dubravka (35% Fantrax, 40% Sleeper)
It's rare that Burnley keeper Dubravka will be the keeper to stream, but a home match against fellow promoted side Leeds United is a chance to utilize him. It's been a tough return to the top flight for Burnley, but Dubravka has been solid in most matchups, approaching or exceeding double-digit points in three of his side's last four matches. A five-goal onslaught by Manchester City has been Dubravka's lone performance under five points since the opening match of the season.
DEFENDERS
Gabriel Gudmundsson (27% Fantrax, 35% Sleeper)
Gudmundsson is on the flip side of that Burnley matchup and should have some license to continue getting forward from left-back. Though he's struggled of late to accrue fantasy points, Gudmundsson still has some attacking upside from crossing the ball while providing solid defensive value from tackles and clearances. A better matchup could mean more threat from the flank for Gudmundssonl as well.
Use our Fixture Difficulty Ranker to spot easy or tough schedules for the rest of the season
Quilindschy Hartman (23% Fantrax, 31% Sleeper)
It's another Burnley player, and Hartman has been almost matchup-proof, as he hasn't scored below 5.75 points in his last four while exceeding 10 points twice over that stretch. The full-back has assists in two straight, but offers a strong attacking floor even without goal involvements having created six chances and crossed 15 times over his last three. Aided by a split role of corners, he's a solid fantasy defender who is widely available.
MIDFIELDERS
Bertrand Traore (1% Fantrax, 3% Sleeper)
Traore is once again expected to be in the starting XI against lowly Wolves, and that's enough to look at him for a one-week stream. The attacker has made just one start since joining Sunderland, but he produced six fantasy points in just 30 minutes during a cameo appearance against Nottingham Forest. Traore is capable of firing shots, crossing and creating chances while facing off against the one of the worst teams in the league.
Diego Gomez (14% Fantrax, 23% Sleeper)
Gomez has started back-to-back league fixtures as the attacking midfielder for Brighton. While he's yet to score or assist in league play, he scored four (yes, four!) in the EFL Cup last month, and he's taken three shots in those last two matches, both on the road.
Since joining Brighton from Inter Miami in January, his time has slowly increased. While in a bit more of an attacking role in his starts, he can also play as a defensive midfielder where he's replaced struggling Carlos Baleba more than a few times. While he may not start every match, it's clear Fabian Hurzeler favors Gomez in the XI at this point.
FORWARDS
Donyell Malen (16% Fantrax, 40% Sleeper)
Malen should be rewarded with a second-straight start after netting a brace and scoring 27.5 points in Gamweek 7 against Burnley. While the matchup this week isn't as good, Tottenham aren't afraid to give up a goal and Malen has flashed upside in the past, scoring 13 goals in 2023/24 with Borussia Dortmund. Malen's main concern moving forward will be playing time, but if he continues to produce for a Villa side who have only scored six goals this season, he'll be undeniable given the iffy form of Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins.
Samuel Chukwueze (4% Fantrax, 16% Sleeper)
Forward continues to be a wasteland on the waiver wire, leading me to Chukwueze who may see a start in Gameweek 8 against top of the table Arsenal. A tricky winger, Chukwueze assisted during 22 minutes last time out in just his third appearance since joining Fulham from AC Milan. Chukwueze was an impressive prospect at Villarreal, but never really found much success in his two years in Italy. The attacker would be a desperate stream in Gameweek 8, but he could be one to monitor if he can lock down playing time moving forward. His status may depend on the Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz injury situation.
