GW15: The Draft Pick

Premier League Fantrax Waiver Wire — Weekly Picks with Insight
Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played

The ultimate fantasy football pain is hitting the panic button. I was dealt a bad hand with Martínez dropping out late (though maybe it was a blessing in disguise) and my punt on Kroupi failing. But the real wounder was leaving Jan-Paul van Hecke on the bench, who repaid my lack of faith with two goals! At least the high scores made up for it—there were goals galore this mid-week. Sucks for the lot in my leagues who didn’t even check their team! Let’s hope the mayhem continues this weekend.

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Goalkeepers

Last weeks picks:

Martin Dúbravka | (5-6) points vs. Crystal Palace (H)
-1% ownership change
Burnley suffered a rare home defeat with Dúbravka failing to get a clean sheet. Five points isn’t great, but it’s also not terrible.
Rating: On The Bench

Probably should of gone with Matz Sels (52% owned, 11 points) as Forest beat Wolves away (much the story of the season).

This weeks picks are:

Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)

• Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (H) (3-5 points)
• Ownership: 17% of Fantrax squads
• Next Fixtures: vs West Ham (H), Liverpool (A), Sunderland (H)
• Interesting Stat: 79th percentile for PSxG meaning he faces a lot of high-quality shots, however is save percentage is in 6th percentile.

I’m genuinely struggling for an inspiring keeper pick this week. I certainly wouldn’t trust Manchester United’s defense against Wolves, despite their struggles. Let’s be smart and look at the numbers: Brighton is actually looking solid, having racked up three clean sheets in their last five outings. Following that kind of form with Bart Verbruggen seems like the wisest choice this week.

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Defenders

Last weeks picks:

Maxim De Cuyper | (4- 14) points vs. Aston Villa (H)
+2% ownership change
One of my leagues clearly doesn’t punish defenders playing as midfielders hence the big points difference. West Ham at home next and I think he’s worth holding on to, especially with him playing further forward. Don’t think anyone expected this game to be a 7 game thriller.
Rating: That’s His Job

Malick Thiaw (42% owned, 4-5 points) also struggled this mid-week with Spurs managing to hold Newcastle at home to a 2-2 draw. Burnley at home next so I think you should definitely keep him!

This weeks picks are:

Piero Hincapié (Arsenal)

• Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (13-16 points)
• Ownership: 37% of Fantrax squads
• Next Fixtures: vs Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H), Everton (A)
• Interesting Stat: 99th percentile for expected goals and assists versus other center backs.

With Cristhian Mosquera limping off the pitch, adding to Arsenal’s growing centre-back injury list, Piero Hincapié is likely to get a good run of games. Arsenal have been absolutely brilliant at the back this season, and you’d imagine that strong defensive unit will continue. I would try and pick him up as quickly as you can while he’s still widely available—this is a high-priority waiver claim!

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Midfielders

Last weeks picks:

Lewis Miley | (10-12) points vs. Tottenham (H)
+2% ownership change
Miley put in another solid performance as Tottenham held the Magpies to a 2-2 drew. While not contributing to the scoresheet, he did put up solid fantasy numbers that look encouraging as I’d imagine his stock will rise.
Rating: That’s His Job

Mason Mount (25% owned, points) Burnley were kept quiet home with Zian Flemming (13% owned, 2-3 points) still struggling to find the net at Turf Moor.

This weeks picks are:

Carlos Alcaraz (Everton)

• Last Game: vs. Bournemouth (A) (10-12 points)
• Ownership: 26% of Fantrax squads
• Next Fixtures: vs Nottingham Forest (H), Chelsea (A), Arsenal (H)
• Interesting Stat: 87th percentile for assists and is most comparable to Morgan Gibbs-White

Everton is a weird team, man! Getting smashed 4-1 at home but then clinching a 1-0 win away at Bournemouth. Idrissa Gueye’s mid-week suspension moved Dewsbury-Hall back, which allowed Carlos Alcaraz to get his first start and set up the winner for Jack Grealish If this midfielder keeps his spot, his value is great for Everton at home this weekend.
Additionally, Jack Hinshelwood (5% owned) could be a good pick this week, with Brighton desperate to bounce back and beat West Ham. Enzo Le Fée (37% owned) has also been going under the radar the last few weeks with a goal and two assists in his last two games.

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Forwards

Last weeks picks:

Joshua Zirkzee | (2-4) points vs. West Ham (H)
+3% ownership change
Zirkzee looked bright at times against West Ham, but failed to add to his goal from mid-week. I think he’ll play a little more over the next few weeks, but his fantasy output is yet to be consistent.
Rating: Man of the Match

Samuel Chukwueze (12% owned, 24-26 points) scored two brilliant goals off the bench as Fulham nearly clinched a remarkable comeback against Man City in their 5-4 defeat. He is definetly in hot form and worth picking up. Athony Elanga 60% owned, 0-2 points) didn’t start against Spurs and struggled to make an impact off the bench. I’d imagine him and Murphy will be sharing time over the Christmas period.

This weeks picks are:

Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham)

• Last Game: vs. Man City (H) (24-26 points)
• Ownership: 14% of Fantrax squads
• Next Fixtures: vs Crystal Palace (H), Burnley (A), Nottingham Forest (H)
• Interesting Stat: 99th percentile for assists, shot-creating actions and successful take ons versus other wingers.

Samuel Chukwueze is probably one of the most in-form forwards in the league right now, with two goals and two assists in his last three games. At such low ownership, you’d be a fool not to at least gamble on him! Fulham has a great run of games coming up, and if he can maintain this blistering form, it will absolutely be worth it.
Thierno Barry (25% owned) is still looking for his first goal and looks like the preferred choice to Beto; I fancy his chances this weekend at home to Forest. As for Evann Guessand (6% owned), he got two assists against Brighton. A game against Arsenal will be tough, but if Villa’s form continues, his increased output could be a huge benefit for the Champions League push!

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Fixture Spotlight

Fulham

• Last Game: vs. lost 5-4 Man City (H)
• Next Fixtures: vs. Crystal Palace (H), Burnley (A), Nottingham Forest (H), West Ham (A)

Hopefully, we get more nine-goal thrillers at Craven Cottage this season—what a crazy game that was! Fulham has a lovely little run of games coming up and is full of low-ownership players. While Harry Wilson (59% owned) and Ryan Sessegnon (61% owned) might be gone, you still have options under 50% ownership who will get minutes Emile Smith Rowe, Josh King, and defender Joachim Andersen are all available. Be sure to check line-ups, as their attackers are still highly rotated!

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One to Watch

s it just me, or does Jack Hinshelwood (5% owned) always seem to pop up on the score sheet? He’s incredibly versatile, playing a number of different positions for Brighton, and always looks a threat. He played particularly well in the middle against Villa, so it will be interesting to see if he stays there with Carlos Baleba struggling for form and heading off to AFCON, leaving that crucial midfield spot wide open.

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Last Weeks VAR Review

Position	Man of the Match	That’s His Job	On the Bench	Transfer Listed	Did Not Play
G	7	4	2	4	1
D	3	8	8	4	2
M	8	5	8	3
F	3	3	5	7	2
Total	21	20	23	18	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!