Premier League Fantrax Waiver Wire — Weekly Picks with Insight
Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played
I’d like to start this week by publicly apologizing for the absolute horror show of recommendations I gave you last time out. My only saving grace is that you aren’t paying to read this! Every manager is due a few ‘stinkers’ a season, but hopefully, last week’s disaster won’t discourage you from finding a bit of hope in this week’s picks. Let’s try and scrub the slate clean!
Goalkeepers
Last weeks picks:
Caoimhin Kelleher | (4-7) points vs. Leeds (H)
+9% ownership change
Thought I would take myself up on my own advice and take Kelleher over Donnarumma since Martinez was injured again. Was the wrong choice, unfortunately. Not a terrible performance from Kelleher, but the clean sheet would of been nice and to be fair, Leeds deserved their goal.
Rating: On The Bench
This weeks picks are:
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)
- Last Game: vs. Liverpool (A) (0-2 points)
- Ownership: 26% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Arsenal (A), West Ham (A)
- Interesting Stat: 69th percentile for PSxG meaning he faces a lot of high-quality shots, however is save percentage is in 12th percentile.
Despite winning the Wear-Tyne derby last weekend, Sunderland are about to be hit hard. They’re losing at least seven first-team players to AFCON. This creates a huge opportunity for Brighton to dominate at home. Because of that, I’m sticking by Bart Verbruggen this week. Last time he saved a penalty when I recommended him and I can’t promise he’ll do that again, but with Sunderland’s ranks depleted, I’m hoping Bart won’t make me eat my shorts!
Defenders
Last weeks picks:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka | (-3 – 0) points vs. Aston Villa (H)
+7% ownership change
Not the best recommendation as West Hame went back to a back 4 instead of a back 3 where AWB had been picking up good points as a wing-back. I still think their will be weeks after AFCON and he starts at wing-back and will be a good pick up.
Rating: Transfer List
Diogo Dalot | (5-18) points vs. Bournemouth (H)
+19% ownership change
Well points varied across league formats, but 5-10 points and I’ll say that’s not to bad considering United let in 4. He seems to have solidified that LWB spot and you’d imagine he’ll play a lot with AFCON coming again.
Rating: That’s His Job
Dalot at least was okay and looks to be picking up form again and could be a good pick up at wing-back. However, United only have 6 clean sheets in 43 games – so this pick up is more about United’s attacking stats this season! This weeks picks are:
Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds)
- Last Game: vs. Brentford (A) (4 – 7 points)
- Ownership: 22% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Crystal Palace (H), Sunderland (A), Liverpool(A)
- Interesting Stat: 93rd percentile for progressive carries versus other full backs
Leeds have looked far more secure since switching to a back five, and Gabriel Gudmundsson has fitted that wing-back role perfectly. While he’s yet to record a goal or an assist this season, his underlying numbers are fantastic—he’s averaging around 10 points at home lately, even without the clean sheets. His constant threat down the left makes him a very solid floor-of-points pick for your defense.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
- Last Game: vs. Wolves (H) (4-9 points)
- Ownership: 41% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Everton (A), Brighton (H), Aston Villa (H)
- Interesting Stat: 80th percentile for successful take-ons
I know the pain of picking up Lewis-Skelly last week just to see him benched, but don’t drop him just yet! Good news (though not for Ben White) — Arsenal’s defensive injury crisis has hit a tipping point. With White and Mosquera out long-term, MLS is the natural solution to step back into the XI. It’s been surprising how little game time he’s had lately, but with a busy festive period and clean sheets being Arsenal’s specialty, this is the perfect time to get him in. He’s ready to take his spot back.
Villa are arguably the most in-form team in the country right now, and Ian Maatsen (38% owned) might have pipped Lucas Digne for the LB spot. Though their upcoming schedule of United, Chelsea, and Arsenal might give some managers pause. If that fixture list scares you, look at Alex Jiménez (3% owned) at Bournemouth. He’s been a revelation lately, putting up huge scores, and facing Burnley at home this week is the kind of matchup fantasy dreams are made of. Grab him while you can and while he starts further up on the pitch.
Midfielders
Last weeks picks:
Dwight McNeil | No points vs. Chelseas (A)
+0% ownership change
Maybe a week or two early with this recommendation with Ndiaye still in the team. It will be interested to see if McNeil is still playing at Everton by the end of January and if he gets much time over the busy period.
Rating: Did Not Play
Enzo Le Fée | points (-1 – 1) vs. Newcastle (H)
+6% ownership change
Sunderland may have won the Tyneside derby, but Le Fees fantasy output didn’t win. That’s all I have to say.
Rating: Transfer List
Terrible picks last week, I’m not mad just disappointed in myself you know. These weeks picks have to be better right?
Emile Smith-Rowe (Fulham)
- Last Game: vs. Burnley (A) (10-13 points)
- Ownership: 36% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Nottingham Forest (H), West Ham A), Crystal Palace (A)
- Interesting Stat: 81st percentile for non-penalty games versus other midfielders
f you’re looking for an in-form midfielder, look no further than Emile Smith Rowe. With two goals in his last three starts, he is rediscovering that clinical edge we saw at Arsenal. Fulham are flying right now—seven goals in two games—and while the emergence of young Josh King keeps the pressure on, Smith Rowe is currently the man in possession of the shirt. Against a Nottingham Forest team that can be brilliant one week and baffling the next, I fancy ESR to be involved in the goals again.
Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
- Last Game: vs. Brighton (H) (8-12 points)
- Ownership: 16% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Tottenham (A), Wolves (H), Leeds (H)
- Interesting Stat: 94th percentile for progressive passes versus other midfielders
If you want a midfielder with a high floor and a potentially appealing ceiling, look at Curtis Jones. He’s been consistently hitting 7–9 points recently just through his all-around play. Mac Allister’s dip in form has opened the door, and Jones is walking right through it. Liverpool’s upcoming schedule looks promising: they face a Tottenham side that can’t stay consistent, a Wolves team that hasn’t won all year, and a home game against Leeds where they’ll be desperate to avenge that recent 3-3 draw. Jones is due a goal, and these are exactly the kind of games where he might find one.
Ready to play Pep Roulette? Savinho (55% owned) looks like a great option for City’s home clash with West Ham, provided you can stomach the risk of the bench! But the real secret weapon this week is Ao Tanaka (9% owned). He has been a revelation since joining Leeds, netting huge goals in back-to-back home matches against the league’s heavyweights. Leeds host Crystal Palace at Elland Road this Saturday, and if Tanaka keeps ghosting into the box like he has been, that 9% ownership is going to skyrocket very soon.
Forwards
Last weeks picks:
Eddie Nketiah | (0-3) points vs. Team (A)
+2% ownership change
Nketiah only got 26 minutes against City and failed to make an impact. Palace had some great chances throughout the game with their forwards missing some good chances. Sarr will be gone and I think Nketiah will be worth holding on to.
Rating: On The Bench
Thierno Barry | 0-2 points vs. Chelsea (A)
+6% ownership change
Everton recommendations not so good this week, after Jesus played mid-week I thought about recommending him, but unfortunately didn’t follow up. Arsenal at home will be another tough game for Barry and he might be back on the bench until some easier games come up.
Rating: Transfer List
I understand if you don’t trust me anymore haha. Can only get better? This weeks picks are:
Noah Okafor (Leeds)
- Last Game: vs. Brentford (A) (10-12 points)
- Ownership: 31% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Crystal Palace (H), Sunderland (A), Liverpool (A)
- Interesting Stat: 96th percenitle for successful takes ons versus other wingers.
Noah Okafor looked like Leeds’ most dangerous player against Brentford, and if he can start becoming more clinical, we are dealing with a truly elite fantasy asset. Leeds have navigated a brutal run of games brilliantly, silencing critics with a 3-1 win over Chelsea and a 3-3 draw with Liverpool. The new 3-5-2 formation they’ve adopted seems to be getting the best out of the entire squad, but Okafor is the one benefiting most from the extra freedom. With his pace and movement, the goals and assists are surely about to flood in.
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
- Last Game: vs. Wolves (H) (1-2 points)
- Ownership: 22% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Everton (A), Brighton (H), Aston Villa (A)
- Interesting Stat: Only started 23 games in his last two seasons at Arsenal
I think every Arsenal fan was secretly hoping that Yerson Mosquera’s own goal was actually Gabriel Jesus nodding it in to save their blushes. It was an unconvincing win against Wolves, and with Viktor Gyökeres currently in a bit of a dry spell and Kai Havertz not expected back until late December, the striker spot is up for grabs. If you have a spare slot, Jesus is a high-upside pick as Arsenal continue the hunt for their first title since 2004. He’s been out for a long time, but maybe this ‘Jesus’ can be the savior Arsenal need for the festive period!
Fixture Spotlight
Brighton
- Last Game: vs. Liverpool (A) L 2-0
- Next Fixtures: vs. Sunderland (H), Arsenal (A), West Ham (A), Burnley (H)
Brighton have some very promising fixtures ahead, starting with a Sunderland side decimated by AFCON absences. Aside from a tough trip to the Emirates, they face West Ham and Burnley—two very winnable games. If they start, Yasin Ayari (27% owned), Brajan Gruda (18% owned), who looked bright starting at Anfield, and Ferdi Kadıoğlu (14% owned) are all exciting options. Keep an eye on Jack Hinshelwood and the veteran James Milner, who is back from injury and likely on penalties. The Sunderland game is the perfect opportunity to see which of these players tickles your fancy.
One to Watch
My ‘One to Watch’ this week is Rico Henry (1% owned). It finally looks like he’s over his injury nightmare, and when he’s fit, he is a top-tier fantasy asset. Brentford’s home record is pretty decent and Henry’s attacking numbers are elite as he sits in the 98th percentile for successful take-ons and proved his worth with a brilliant assist during his cameo against Leeds last weekend. He might not be starting every game just yet, but at 1% ownership, he is worth keeping an eye on.
Last Weeks VAR Review
| Position | Man of the Match | That’s His Job | On the Bench | Transfer Listed | Did Not Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| D | 3 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 2 |
| M | 8 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 1 |
| F | 3 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 2 |
| Total | 21 | 22 | 27 | 22 | 6 |
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!
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