Look for involvement that doesn’t require a goal: recovering possession, clearing danger, creating chances or making saves. The strongest options combine that activity with substantial minutes. Prioritise what your squad needs over a rising average.
These GW8 recommendations use TFF’s simulated season through GW7. Ownership is a sample; check your league. Playing-time expectations follow supplied usage, and three-Gameweek projections are estimates. For transaction details, see how waivers and free agents work.
Top-priority claims
Lewis Hall
The Newcastle defender’s Analytics appeal spans both directions: 52 recoveries and 12 tackles won accompany eight chances created and nine successful dribbles. That gives him several forms of involvement beyond his goal and assist. Seven full appearances support expecting continued substantial minutes. His 7.9 recent average closely matches his 7.8 season average.
- Fixtures: Crystal Palace (A), Everton (H), Fulham (A).
- League size: 8–12; consider an upgrade in 4–6.
- Tier: Top priority.
- Drop: A defender offering limited involvement.
- Risk: Past consistency doesn’t guarantee the same opportunities ahead.
Bobby Thomas
Clearances and blocked shots give the Coventry defender a distinct Analytics case: 58 clearances and nine blocks, alongside 23 aerial duels won. This is involvement beyond goals or assists, of which he has neither. His 88.3-minute average supports a regular starting expectation. The 15-point projection is useful without promising a major scoring jump.
- Fixtures: Fulham (H), Sunderland (H), Everton (A).
- League size: 8–12; selective interest in 4–6.
- Tier: Top priority for defensive depth.
- Drop: An expendable, low-involvement defender.
- Risk: His defensive workload may fall even if minutes hold.
Medium-priority claims
Tarik Muharemović
Fifty clearances, 26 aerial duels won and 12 interceptions offer a defensive foundation, while two assists add attacking contribution. That mix supports an Analytics upgrade without needing a first goal. Seven full appearances favour continued 90-minute involvement. The 19.8-point projection offers a useful outlook despite a quieter last-three average of six.
- Fixtures: Sunderland (A), Bournemouth (A), Tottenham (H).
- League size: 8–12; usually pass in 4–6.
- Tier: Medium priority.
- Drop: An unused rotation defender.
- Risk: The projection may exceed his actual defensive opportunities.
Konstantinos Tzolakis
Twenty-six saves, including 18 inside the box, and 12 high claims provide a broader goalkeeping record than clean sheets alone. His 630 minutes support another full-match expectation. A 21.5-point projection makes him interesting for an Analytics goalkeeper vacancy, but it remains a forecast, not evidence of increasing save volume.
- Fixtures: Brentford (H), Ipswich (H), Arsenal (A).
- League size: 8–12; smaller leagues only for an upgrade.
- Tier: Medium priority.
- Drop: An expendable backup goalkeeper.
- Risk: Saves and high claims depend on opportunities he cannot control.
Nordi Mukiele
Tackles and interceptions strengthen the Sunderland defender’s case: 12 tackles won and 11 interceptions accompany 39 clearances. He has no goals or assists, making the defensive involvement particularly relevant to Analytics. Six appearances averaging 90 minutes support full-match expectations when selected. His 17.5-point projection tempers enthusiasm for extrapolating a recent 8.3 average.
- Fixtures: Leeds (H), Coventry (A), Chelsea (H).
- League size: 8–12 managers.
- Tier: Medium priority.
- Drop: A defender reliant on occasional attacking returns.
- Risk: Previous full appearances don’t confirm selection for every fixture.
Dara O'Shea
The Ipswich defender offers more than a speculative goal: 40 clearances, 20 aerial duels won and 10 interceptions underpin the Analytics interest. Five chances created add some attacking involvement alongside his season goal. Seven full appearances support a continued substantial role. His recent 6.6 average improves on a season average of 5.6.
- Fixtures: Nottingham Forest (H), Hull (A), Bournemouth (H).
- League size: 10–12; defensive cover in eight.
- Tier: Medium priority in deeper leagues.
- Drop: A fringe defender with uncertain minutes.
- Risk: Recent improvement may not persist across the next three.
Wait for free agency
Murillo
Recoveries and interceptions make this an Analytics watch: 29 recoveries, 10 interceptions and 11 tackles won accompany 45 clearances. His seven full appearances support expecting continued full matches. However, an 8.5-point projection across three Gameweeks is restrained beside his recent seven-point average. That contrast favours patience rather than an aggressive claim.
- Fixtures: Ipswich (A), Brentford (A), Manchester City (H).
- League size: 10–12; cover in eight.
- Tier: Wait for free agency.
- Drop: An unused defensive reserve.
- Risk: Recent output could fade despite dependable-looking playing time.
Mohamed Belloumi
Twelve successful dribbles and six shots on target provide attacking involvement, while 12 tackles won and 10 interceptions broaden the Analytics case. His 73.4-minute average suggests meaningful use but less playing-time security than the full-match options. A 13.8-point projection makes him a conditional midfield watch, not a reason to force out a regular starter.
- Fixtures: Brentford (H), Ipswich (H), Arsenal (A).
- League size: 10–12; conditional bench interest in eight.
- Tier: Wait for free agency.
- Drop: A rarely used midfield rotation option.
- Risk: Starting status and weekly minutes remain uncertain.
Hall is the strongest overall claim, combining varied involvement with full-match usage. Murillo is the best free-agency option for deeper-league defensive cover, provided the modest projection fits your expectations. Waiting risks another manager acting first; sample ownership cannot establish who will remain available.
