Premier League Fantrax Waiver Wire — Weekly Picks with Insight
Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played
It’s not just your primary waiver claims that can win you matches, but also those last-minute pick-ups when a player unexpectedly doesn’t start or you’re unsure of a matchup. I had to do exactly that this past weekend when Maxim De Cuyper was benched, and I grabbed Jan-Paul van Hecke, which paid off handsomely. Most owners will have a couple of players they can afford to switch in and out throughout the season, so don’t be afraid to drop them! This blog hopefully has some somewhat decent recommendations, but ultimately I’ll get some picks wrong, like with Saša Lukić not starting. Luckily, my backups performed!
Goalkeepers
Last weeks picks:
Bernd Leno | 13-15 points vs. Wolves (H)
+11% ownership change
I think picking the goalkeeper facing Wolves at home will be a very good strategy this year for fantasy owners without a reliable goalkeeper in their league!
Rating: Man of the Match
One-for-one is a great start, down hill from here.
This weeks picks are:
Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)
- Last Game: vs. Man United (A) ( 4-8points)
- Ownership: 49% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (H), Liverpool (A), Brighton (H)
- Interesting Stat: 97th percentile for passes longer than 40 yards
Matz Sels might have conceded two goals against Manchester United at the weekend (one being a wonder-strike from Amad), but he still put up a decent points return. At home to Leeds next, and with Forest looking much more solid at the back under Dyche’s guidance, Sels will be hoping to recapture his amazing form from last season. We all know the Ginger Mourinho will build a solid foundation, so it could only be a matter of time before Forest defenders and goalkeepers become a hot commodity
Defenders
Last weeks picks:
Quilindschy Hartman | (-1-4) points vs. Arsenal (H)
+6% ownership change
Probably not the best recommendation with Burnely hosting the best team in the league at the moment, however Hartman will prove to be a good gamble on weeks when Burnely play more favourable opposition.
Rating: Transfer Listed
Maxim De Cuyper Jan-Paul van Hecke | (17-20) points vs. Leeds (H)
+7% ownership change
I’m hoping everyone else who picked up De Cuyper, replaced him with van Hecke when he wasn’t in the line up against Leeds. This might be a desperate attempt and not getting a did not play rating to a man of the match, however as fantasy owners you have to adapt.
Rating: Man of the Match
Last weeks main two picks weren’t great, but that’s why you have back-ups and JPVH ended up being a pretty great back-up.
This weeks picks are:
Malo Gusto (Chelsea)
- Last Game: vs. Tottenham (A) ( 16-19points)
- Ownership: 25% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Wolves (H), Burnley (A), Arsenal (H)
- Interesting Stat: 85th percentile for interceptions versus other full backs.
After serving his suspension, Malo Gusto had a pretty decent return in Chelsea’s good away win at Spurs. With a healthy squad, I don’t think Gusto will always start over Reece James (hopefully his injuries are finally behind him), but with Chelsea still battling some injuries, Gusto is a good pickup. Also, they have Wolves at home next, so he’s worth the gamble. If he is already taken, think about picking up Wesley Fofana (6% owned), who is likely to regain his place after his own impressive performance.
Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
- Last Game: vs. Man United (A) (is 6-9points)
- Ownership: 48% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (H), Liverpool (A), Brighton (H)
- Interesting Stat: 97th percentile for blocks and 95th percentile for successful take-ons versus other center backs
Similar to Sels, I’m backing Forest at home to Leeds. They looked much more confident against Manchester United, and the team seems to be welcoming the familiar style of management, shifting from Nuno to Dyche’s tactics. Murillo was a big part of Forest’s outstanding defence last season, and now could be the perfect time to pick him up. Let’s see if Forest are truly back on track or if it’s going to be another season where we can’t rely on them for consistent clean sheets. If he isn’t available Nicola Savona (1% owned) , who scored last week could also be a good bet, however I’ll be honest I don’t know much about him other than he played for Juventus before!
I also like Vitaliy Mykolenko (44% owned) at home to Fulham, and other Everton defenders are certainly worth a look this week. Brentford defenders, too, might be worth playing as they host a Newcastle team that has struggled away from home and looked a little deflated in their recent loss to West Ham.
Midfielders
Last weeks picks:
Saša Lukić Casemiro | (22-25) points vs. Nottigham Forest (A)
+12% ownership change
With Lukic not starting, lets talk about Casemiro who has put in back to back 20+ point games. Jamie Carragher is never going to live down that ‘leave the game, before the game leaves you’ comment he made last year. He has been integral to United’s good form this season.
Rating: Man of the Match
Yasin Ayari | (7-9) points vs. Leeds (H)
+10% ownership change
I thought Ayari was pretty unlucky not to score last weekend, with the keeper making two good saves against his chances. I think he will be a good gamble on gameweeks where Brighton will have a lot of possession and someone who feels like an easy pick up most weeks for last resort changes.
Rating: That’s His Job
Again, back ups were key last week. Casemiro seems to be looking like his old self, which is great for Man United!
This weeks picks are:
Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
- Last Game: vs. Burnley (A) (1-3 points)
- Ownership: 24% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (A), Tottenham (H), Chelsea (A)
- Interesting Stat: 98th percentile for non-penalty goals versus other midfields and 99th percenitle for aerials won.
With Viktor Gyökeres nursing an injury mid-week, Mikel Merino again showed he is someone who can be counted on, playing up top and bagging a brace. If he starts as a forward against Sunderland, he might be a fantastic gamble, especially since Arsenal are setting records this season for set-piece goals.
Diego Gomez (Brighton)
- Last Game: vs. Leeds (H) ( 34-36 points)
- Ownership: 8% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Crystal Palace (A), Brentford (H), Nottingham Forest (A)
- Interesting Stat: 96th+ percentile for non-penalty goals, tackles and blocks versus other midfielders
Is Diego Gómez staking his claim to be Brighton’s next big star? He put up a massive score last weekend with a brace against Leeds, adding to his four goals from an earlier Cup match. He also contributed to four shots, two key passes, four tackles and one interception; an all-round performance. With Kaoru Mitoma still facing fitness issues and yet to find form, Gómez might just be a smart pick-up. Fantasy owners will surely be bidding for him this weekend as the Seagulls look to continue their excellent start to the season.
Reports suggest Iliman Ndiaye’s injury isn’t as bad as first thought, but keep an eye out on Dwight McNeil (29% owned) as he always offers good fantasy value if he plays. I know David Brooks (27% owned) maybe hasn’t maintained the form he showed early this season, but he looked really bright against Manchester City. Although Bournemouth has another tough game at Villa this weekend, the following match at home to Wolves makes him one to keep an eye on. I’ll almost definitely be mentioning him again next week!
Forwards
Last weeks picks:
Wilson Isidor | (3-4) points vs. Everton (H)
+10% ownership change
Sunderland didn’t really kick into gear until the second half against Everton and Isidor to be fair didn’t have to many chances. Everton defended very well and Isidor will look to get on the scoresheet in a tough game at home to Arsenal.
Rating: On the Bench
Raúl Jiménez | (15-16) points vs. Wolves (H)
+14% ownership change
I think it’s simple, if you there is a starting forward playing against Wolves this season he will be worth the gamble picking him up. This could be the boost Jimenez needs to go on a little goalscoring spree.
Rating: Man of the Match
The theme of last week was one decent option, one not so much. Hey, one out of two is alright for waiver claims!
This weeks picks are:
Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)
- Last Game: vs. Man United (H) (7-9 points)
- Ownership: 16% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (H), Liverpool (A), Brighton (H)
- Interesting Stat: 88th percentile for non-penalty expected goals versus other forwards – in other words he get’s chances!
According to FotMob, Igor Jesus lost the most duels (17) of anyone on the pitch, but he did, in fact, manage a slightly fortunate assist. With Chris Wood not hitting the heights of last season, could this now be an opportunity for Jesus to ascend? (Religious pun definitely intended) At home to Leeds would be a great place to get the manager and the fans worshipping him
Unfortunately, there are not many other forwards this week that I feel confident recommending. Callum Wilson (13% owned) could be worth a shout at home to Burnley. A win would pay off for him and could see West Ham trying to claim back-to-back victories and finally climb out of the relegation places.
Fixture Spotlight
Crystal Palace
- Last Game: 2-0 win vs. Brentford (H)
- Next Fixtures: vs. Brighton (H) , Wolves (A), Man United (H), Burnley (A)
Palace will be looking at the next four games as an opportunity to continue their winning ways after going three matches without a victory before last weekend. Oliver Glasner has built a team that is difficult to beat and excellent in transition. Next up is the big derby against rivals Brighton, where you’d imagine they’ll be desperate to put in a massive performance. Both Adam Wharton (59% owned) and Daichi Kamada (52% owned) will be fighting for fitness to start, and Yeremy Pino (50% owned) will be looking to start adding more to the attack.
One to Watch
This section has been pretty decent the last two weeks, if I don’t say so myself, with Nico O’Reilly and Jan-Paul van Hecke putting up big performances last weekend. My next recommendation is Mateus Fernandes (10% owned), who has a goal and an assist in his last two games (in less than 100 minutes of play time). He could be integral to turning the ship around for West Ham. He ranks in the 85th+ percentile for progressive carries and successful take-ons and also has a high non-penalty expected goals (npxG), which means he will definitely get chances. Freddie Potts (1% owned) also had a bright debut, nearly scoring a goal that was later disallowed. He was excellent when he came on, and it will be interesting to see what kind of value he will offer as a fantasy asset.
Ongoing Season VAR Review
| Position | Man of the Match | That’s His Job | On the Bench | Transfer Listed | Did Not Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | 5 | 4 | 4 | 1 | |
| D | 2 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| M | 5 | 3 | 6 | 3 | |
| F | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Total | 14 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 5 |
Man of the Match (MOTM): This player was a great pick up, scoring big and carrying your team.
That’s His Job (THJ): As Roy Keane would say “that’s his job’, putting up a decent score with no surprises.
On the Bench (OTB): this player might not have performed super well last week, but might be worth holding on to.
Transfer Listed (TL): This player wasn’t my finest recommendation.
I’ll be keeping a record to track my accuracy. This is good for you too, if it starts getting bad you know not to read anymore!
Lastly
Who are you picking up this week? Do you agree with my suggestions? Or am I way off? Finally, good luck this weekend!
Please leave a reply if you have enjoyed reading this, or wish me to stop wasting my time!
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