GW23 : The Draft Pick
Premier League Fantrax Waiver Wire — Weekly Picks with Insight
Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played
Last weekend was a pure fantasy rollercoaster! I was chasing 14 points from Van Hecke to win my head-to-head match, and when he got booked, I thought I was done for. Then, out of nowhere, he pops up in the 91st minute with an assist for Kostoulas’s worldie bicycle kick. Moments like that are why head-to-head leagues are the best—and the most soul-crushing! Between winning all three of my leagues and seeing United dominate City 2-0, it was a perfect weekend. Some of last week’s recommendations really delivered, so let’s dive into the picks for Gameweek 23.
Goalkeepers
Last weeks picks:
Bernd Leno | (6-11) points vs. Leeds (A)
+4% ownership change
A late goal stopped Leno from putting up a very good fantasy score this week, but he still managed to get enough points that doesn’t feel like your game week has been ruined. At home to Brighton could be a good option next week.
Rating: That’s His Job
This weeks picks are:
Alphonse Areola (West Ham)
Last Game: vs. Tottenham (A) (10-12 points)
Ownership: 17% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Chelsea (A), Burnley (A)
Interesting Stat: 54th percentile for save percentage
Alphonse Areola is a great shout this week as West Ham look to carry the momentum from their derby win into the Sunderland game. The Hammers can still be inconsistent, but Areola’s performance against a struggling Spurs side showed he’s ready to rack up the points. Sunderland haven’t picked up an away win since October, so the clean sheet potential is definitely there. If you want an alternative, Martin Dubravka is a solid pick at 32% ownership. He’s been in great form at Turf Moor, and Burnley will fancy their chances against a Spurs team that is currently winless in four and looks completely out of ideas.
Defenders
Last weeks picks:
Hugo Bueno | (12-13) points vs. Newcastle (H)
+8% ownership change
Bueno put up another solid score this week and although not outstanding, still a solid fantasy return and someone who is benefiting from Wolves uplift in form. Might be on the bench against City for this weekend though, but keep him if you have him.
Rating: That’s His Job
Joel Veltman | (6-9) points vs. Bournemouth (H)
+3% ownership change
Veltman put up a respectable score as Brighton weren’t able to hold a clean sheet after a somewhat controversial penalty decision. I think Brighton defenders will be very good value at home this season.
Rating: That’s His Job
This weeks picks are:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham)
Last Game: vs. Tottenham (A) (13-20 points)
Ownership: 41% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Chelsea (A), Burnley (A)
Interesting Stat: 96th+ percentile for interceptions, clearances and successful take-ons versus other full backs.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back from AFCON, and although he’ll be disappointed to have let Cristian Romero equalize at the back post, he remains a great fantasy asset. He recorded four accurate crosses and two key passes against Spurs, which complemented his usual strong defensive output. Facing Sunderland at home next, West Ham will look to build on their latest result. This boost in team confidence could be a very good thing for Wan-Bissaka’s potential returns.
Ethan Ampadu (Leeds)
Last Game: vs. Fulham (H) (24-30 points)
Ownership: 20% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Everton (A), Arsenal (H), Nottingham (H)
Interesting Stat: 88th percentile for interceptions versus other midfielders
Over the last 30 days, Ethan Ampadu has been averaging around 15 points, which is top-round draft quality. Being listed as a defender but playing in midfield presents him with more opportunities for attacking output, like his assist and four key passes last game. I’ve mentioned this before, but Leeds have been a difficult team to play against since changing their formation, and Ampadu is clearly benefiting. While he might not be a must-start every single week, he’s been averaging around 10 points at home all season, so keep that in mind if you pick him up.
Midfielders
Last weeks picks:
Pascal Groß | (8-12) points vs. Bournemouth (H)
+9% ownership change
Groß put up a decent floor of points against Bournemouth with 2 key passes and 2 accurate crosses. As he grows back into this Brighton team, I think he’s definitely worth holding onto.
Rating: That’s His Job
Crysencio Summerville | (21-23) points vs. Tottenham (H)
+2% ownership change
I think this is the Summerville that West Ham fans had been hoping for this season. Although, he had a bit of a lucky deflection for the goal, he remained one of West Ham’s most dangerous players. Keep him around for Sunderland at home next.
Rating: Man of the Match
This weeks picks are:
Mathias Jensen (Brentford)
Last Game: vs. Chelsea (A) (10-12 points)
Ownership: 2% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Nottingham Forest (H), Aston Villa (A), Fulham (A)
Interesting Stat: 87th percentile for non-penalty goals versus other midfielders
Mathias Jensen was really unlucky last weekend against Chelsea, hitting the post and being unfortunate not to score. With him starting six of the last seven games, it seems that Keith Andrews trusts him, and with Brentford playing well at the moment, you’d fancy them against Nottingham Forest next. At home on Sunday (Jan 25), Jensen’s set-piece delivery and recent form make him a very interesting differential for this upcoming round.
Tomas Soucek (West Ham)
Last Game: vs. Tottenham (A) (10-12 points)
Ownership: 17% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Sunderland (H), Chelsea (A), Burnley (A)
Interesting Stat: 97th+ percentile for non-penalty goals, clearances and aerials won versus other midfielders.
Tomáš Souček has started the last two games in a row and has averaged around 15 points per game over the last two weeks. The giant Czech has been impressive recently, and if Nuno can get the best out of him, he’ll continue to find those dangerous scoring positions and contribute to the attacking output. With Crysencio Summerville finding form and West Ham signing two new attackers in Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, Souček could be the one who benefits most from the extra space in the box.
Forwards
Last weeks picks:
Tolu Arokodare | (1-3) points vs. Newcastle (H)
+3% ownership change
Arokodare had some lovely touches against Newcastle and to be honest, the more I’ve seen with him there seems like there could be a very good player there. The fantasy output for both forwards was low, which reflected the game. Most likely back on the waiver wire for away at City.
Rating: Transfer List
Eli Kroupi | (5-6) points vs. Bournemouth (A)
+17% ownership change
With a big increase in ownership this last week, I think a lot of people are starting to see how Kroupi could be the big benefactor from Semenyo’s departure to City. Although he didn’t set the world alight against Brighton, he might be worth keeping around for Liverpool at home. Keep an eye on this kid.
Rating: On The Bench
This weeks picks are:
Marcus Edwards (Burnley)
Last Game: vs. Liverpool (A) (12-14 points)
Ownership: 10% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Tottenham (H), Sunderland (A), West Ham (H)
Interesting Stat: 92nd+ percentile for progressive carries and received passes versus other wingers.
If you saw Marcus Edwards silence Anfield last Saturday, you know he’s found his rhythm. He’s averaging 13 points a game lately and looks like the game-changer Scott Parker knew he was getting from Sporting Lisbon. Burnley host a Tottenham side this weekend that is currently winless in four and looks completely low on confidence. The Clarets will definitely see this as a game for the taking, and I’m backing Edwards to haunt his former club and keep this hot streak going.
Liam Delap (Chelsea)
Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (6-7 points)
Ownership: 58% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Crystal Palace (A), West Ham (H), Wolves (A),
Interesting Stat: 93rd percentile for successful take-ons versus other forwards
Liam Delap came on and won a penalty against Brighton and looked really bright. With Cole Palmer holding his groin at the end of the game, this could mean that Delap gets his chance to start against Crystal Palace, with João Pedro moving back into the number 10 role. Even if he doesn’t start the next game, I think Delap will begin to get more chances, so if you have the space to grab him, do it now before he becomes a hot commodity.
Fixture Spotlight
Chelsea
Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) W 2-0
Next Fixtures: vs. Crystal Palace (A), West Ham (H), Wolves (A), Leeds (H)
While many of Chelsea’s stars have high ownership, there is still an opportunity to pick up several players as they have a favorable sequence of games coming up. Tosin Adarabioyo (13% owned) started the last game, and both Jorrel Hato (4% owned) and Josh Acheampong (6% owned) might have opportunities to start over the next couple of weeks as well. With Chelsea facing Crystal Palace and West Ham next, keep a close eye on the line-ups, as Rosenior seems to switch things up quite a lot to manage the heavy schedule.
One to Watch
I really like watching João Gomes (23% owned) as he plays with a lot of heart and bite. He’s played exceptionally well over the last few weeks, averaging about 12 points a game. While Man City away next will be a tough challenge, as Wolves continue to improve, so has Gomes’ fantasy output. Keep an eye on him as he continues to impress.
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!