GW22: 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 FA Cup brought some absolute madness last weekend! We saw one of the greatest upsets ever as 6th-tier Macclesfield knocked out the holders, Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Man City were in a ruthless mood, putting 10 past Exeter with their new signing Semenyo getting on the scoresheet. Perhaps less surprising—but no less painful—was Manchester United losing at home to Brighton and crashing out in the 3rd round. It’s been a miserable season for us United fans, but at least fantasy is keeping me going! With the Manchester Derby up next, let’s hope for a change in fortune.
Goalkeepers
Last weeks picks:
Caoimhin Kelleher | (24-26) points vs. Sunderland (H)
+9% ownership change
I can’t believe I’ve picked two goalkeepers this season who have saved penalties. In fairness I could of probably saved Enzo Le Fee’s awful paneka attempt. One of the 20+ points for goalkeeper is a rarity so hopefully you grabbed him!
Rating: Man of the Match
This weeks picks are:
Bernd Leno (Fulham)
Last Game: vs. Chelsea (H) (7-11 points)
Ownership: 36% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (A), Brighton (H), Man United (A)
Interesting Stat: 69th percentile for PSxG meaning he faces a lot of high-quality shots, however is save percentage is in 17th percentile.
There aren’t many stand-out goalkeepers with low ownership this weekend, but Bernd Leno might be the best of the bunch. Fulham face a tough trip to Elland Road, and while Leeds have been formidable at home lately, if Fulham can pull off a result, Leno will likely be a massive factor. He’s already managed five clean sheets this season and currently sits in the top five for total saves. If you’re looking for a keeper who can rack up save points even if the clean sheet disappears, he’s the one.
Defenders
Last weeks picks:
Pascal Struijk | (0-6) points vs. Newcastle (A)
+16% ownership change
To be honest, it could have been a lot worse fantasy output, conceding 4 goals so I wouldn’t use this score to drop Struijk he still has value this season esepecially at home. At least you didn’t have Thiaw he gave me a nice little -5.
Rating: On The Bench
This weeks picks are:
Hugo Bueno (Wolves)
Last Game: vs. Everton (A) ( points)
Ownership: % of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Newcastle (H), Man City (A), Bournemouth (H)
Interesting Stat: 97th percentile for progressive carries versus other fullbacks.
In the last two weeks, Hugo Bueno has been averaging around 10 points per game, which puts him among the top 10 defenders in the league for that period. With Wolves now unbeaten in their last two games, including a massive 3-0 win over West Ham, and gaining confidence, Bueno has been one of the real bright sparks. Although Newcastle are a tough opponent, they are far less formidable away from home (averaging only 1 goal per game on the road). Wolves will be looking to continue the better form they’ve shown recently, and Bueno’s attacking threat from the wing-back position makes him a great pick.
Joel Veltman (Club)
Last Game: vs. Burnley (H) (14-16 points)
Ownership: 5% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Bournemouth (H), Fulham (A), Everton (H)
Interesting Stat: 87th percentile for expected non-penalty goals and 97th percentile for interceptions versus other full backs
Joël Veltman has averaged just under 18 points per game in the last 14 days, which is pretty remarkable for a defender. He is clearly going unnoticed by most managers. With Bournemouth at home next, there’s likely to be a high-scoring game, but Veltman is firmly back in the starting XI and playing with real confidence. Also worth considering is Ethan Ampadu (17% owned), who has averaged just under 12 points over the last month. Leeds have been excellent at home, and although he missed the United game through suspension, he’s back now and could be well worth the risk for their home clash against Fulham.
Midfielders
Last weeks picks:
Vitaly Janelt | (10-12) points vs. Sunderland (H)
+27% ownership change
Four assists in three games now for Vitaly Janelt, that’s some pretty good form. He’s also taking corners which is great for a fantasy asset. Not a worldie performance, in Brentford’s dominating win against Sunderland, but still a good one.
Rating: That’s His Job
This weeks picks are:
Pascal Groß (Brighton)
Last Game: vs. Man City (A) (5-7 points)
Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Bournemouth (H), Fulham (A), Everton (H)
Interesting Stat: 94th percentile for expected non-penalty goals and assists. He creates chances and gets into good scoring positions.
The German maestro is back, and it’s like he never left. Pascal Groß walked straight into the XI against Man City and looked as composed as ever. If you’ve played fantasy football for more than five minutes, you know Groß is basically a points-printing machine when he’s in the mood. Brighton host Bournemouth next, and with the Cherries’ defense likely to be a bit rattled after losing Semenyo, Groß is perfectly placed to run the show. Grab him now before his price rockets asit’s rare to find this much “nailed-on” value mid-season.
Crysencio Summerville (West Ham)
Last Game: vs. Nottingham Forest (H) (6-9 points)
Ownership: 21% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Tottenham (H), Sunderland (A), Chelsea (A)
Interesting Stat: FBRef says he’s somewhat similar to Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus and Iliman Ndiaye
The only other midfielder I’m interested in this week is Crysencio Summerville. He provided a magical assist for Castellanos’ winning header last weekend and looked like West Ham’s most dangerous creative outlet. Picking a West Ham player right now is definitely a gamble given their league position, but they face a Tottenham side that has been incredibly inconsistent lately. And besides… Lads, it’s Tottenham. If the Hammers are going to turn their season around, a big performance from Summerville in the derby would be the perfect starting point.
Forwards
Last weeks picks:
Mateus Mane | (11-14) points vs. Everton (A)
+23% ownership change
Mane’s stock is on the rise as he scores in back-to-back weeks and has definitely added a little resurgance back into this Wolves side. If you’re struggling for a forward he’s worth a pick-up even with Newcastle at home next.
Rating: That’s His Job
This weeks picks are:
Tolu Arokodare (Wolves)
Last Game: vs. Everton (A) (6-10 points)
Ownership: 11% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Newcastle (H), Man City (A), Bournemouth (H)
Interesting Stat: 99th percentile for aerials and clearances versus other forwards. He is massive to be fair.
Tolu Arokodare has averaged around 9 points in the last 14 days, all without even contributing to the scoresheet. With Wolves unbeaten in their last two and finally turning a corner, they’re probably as confident as they’ve been all season. They face a Newcastle side on Sunday that has won three on the bounce, but the Magpies’ away form is the Achilles heel, as they’ve only won 2 of their 10 road games this season. Wolves will definitely fancy their chances, and Arokodare’s aerial dominance makes him a massive threat against a Newcastle defense that can struggle with height.
Eli Kroupi (Bournemouth)
Last Game: vs. Tottenham (H) (11-14 points)
Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Brighton (A), Liverpool (H), Wolves (A)
Interesting Stat: 99th percentile for non-penalty goals versus other forwards.
Alternatively, with Semenyo leaving for City, a massive opportunity has opened up for Eli Junior Kroupi to step up. The 19-year-old Frenchman has already bagged 7 goals this season—a remarkable return for his debut Premier League campaign that puts him level with Lamine Yamal for goals by a teenager in Europe’s top leagues. He’s likely to see far more consistent minutes now. While Bournemouth’s defense is admittedly leaking goals (conceding 40 so far), their forward line is relentless, and Kroupi’s clinical finishing makes him a high-upside pick for the coming weeks.
Fixture Spotlight
Sunderland
Last Game: vs. Brentford (A) L 3-0
Next Fixtures: vs. Crystal Palace (H) , West Ham (A), Burnley (H), Arsenal (A)
Sunderland will be looking to bounce back this weekend with some players returning from AFCON as they host a Crystal Palace side winless in seven. Brian Brobbey (16% owned) has started the last six games and will be looking to add to his three goals this season. Meanwhile, Simon Adingra (31% owned) has a massive point to prove. After his shock omission from the Ivory Coast squad, he’ll be desperate to show the manager he deserves to stay in the starting XI even when the internationals return.
One to Watch
West Ham’s new signing Valentín “Taty” Castellanos (21% owned) will be looking to help the Hammers climb out of the relegation scrap they’ve found themselves in. They can’t just rely on Jarrod Bowen for goals, and fans are hoping the Argentine can be the clinical finisher they’ve lacked. He’s already made a dream start, scoring a dramatic winning header in extra time of his FA Cup debut against QPR last weekend. With his high-intensity style and aerial threat, he could be the perfect foil for Bowen as they head into a tough run of fixtures.
Last Weeks VAR Review
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!