GW25 - The Draft Pick
Premier League Fantrax Waiver Wire — Weekly Picks with Insight
Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played
What a wild weekend of football. We saw David Moyes get booked for sprinting onto the pitch to celebrate Beto’s 97th-minute equalizer—and to be fair, a Beto goal in 2026 is definitely cause for a party. The “Fergie Time” vibes were back at Old Trafford as Benjamin Šeško snatched a dramatic 3-2 winner, while Dominic Solanke’s insane scorpion kick saved a point for Spurs. On the fantasy front, I had a bit of a nightmare with James Justin. I fell for the FotMob trap and played him thinking he was at wing-back, only for him to slot in at center-back for Leeds. Not my best move, but that’s the beauty of the game. Let’s look ahead to Gameweek 24 and get those green arrows back.
Goalkeepers
Last weeks picks:
Sennes Lammens | (5-9) points vs. Fulham (H)
+5% ownership change
Despite conceding two late goals against Fulham, Lammens made 4 saves, two of which where great. It seems like United always seem to concede when Casemiro goes off, which is annoying for all fantasy owners that are desperate for a clean sheet. Nonetheless, Lammes looks great so far.
Rating: That’s His Job
This weeks picks are:
Alphonse Areola (West Ham)
Last Game: vs. Chelsea (A) (2-4 points)
Ownership: 18% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (A), Man United (H), Bournemouth (H)
Interesting Stat: 93rd percentile for saves made / roughly 4 a match
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure who to recommend this week. However, with West Ham looking much better over the last few weeks (and being very unlucky to lose to Chelsea) they could be a good gamble away at Burnley, who struggle to score most weeks. Areola has been in top form despite the scorelines, and with the Hammers desperate for points to pull away from the drop zone, I can see them giving a disciplined defensive performance at Turf Moor.
Defenders
Last weeks picks:
Ola Aina | (11-14) points vs. Crystal Palace (H)
+16% ownership change
Although Forest were down to 10 men for the majority of the game after a great save by Neco Williams, they held tight for a draw and Aina played well with a big defensive performance. Leeds away next and I think Aina is starting to show the signs of what a great fantasy asset he was last week.
Rating: That’s His Job
Luke Shaw | (-2-2) points vs. Fulham (H)
+6% ownership change
Not the Shaw I was expecting this weekend. There were some bright moments, but he doesn’t seem to have the same drive going forward as he did a few years ago. Maybe Amorim playing him at CB has caused this and we might need to be a bit more patient to see that Luke Shaw.
Rating: Transfers Listed
This weeks picks are:
Sepp van den Berg (Brentford)
Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (11-15 points)
Ownership: 27% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Newcastle (A), Arsenal (H), Brighton (H)
Interesting Stat: 91st percentile for Aerial Duels won
Sepp van den Berg is the defender in form at the moment, as Brentford keep surprising everyone with a massive win away at Villa. In his last two games, he’s averaged over 12 points, returning to the same level of consistency he showed before his injury in December. While Brentford don’t have the easiest schedule coming up, they are currently one of the most in-form teams in the league. If you’re looking for a reliable starter who can rack up defensive “ghost points” alongside clean sheets, he’s a top-tier pick.
Ian Maatsen (Aston Villa)
Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (11-15 points)
Ownership: 37% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Bournemouth (A), Brighton (H), Leeds (A)
Interesting Stat: 93rd percent for successful dribbles and 88th percentile for chances created
With this recent run of games, are we finally starting to see the Maatsen that earned him his big-money move to Villa? He’s found it hard to compete with Lucas Digne over the last year and has had to be patient, but that patience is paying off. Although Villa lost at home to Brentford last weekend, Maatsen performed well and looked dangerous throughout. He’s starting to look like a solid asset moving forward, especially with some favorable fixtures on the horizon. If he can keep Digne on the bench, his attacking upside is massive.
Midfielders
Last weeks picks:
Joao Gomes | (4-6) points vs. Bournemouth (H)
+9% ownership change
Just as predicted, not brilliant and not terrible. This is what Joao Gomes gives you from a fantasy output. He was also unlucky to not grab a goal with his header just hitting the post.
Rating: On The Bench
Kobbie Mainoo | (2-6) points vs. Fulham (H)
+17% ownership change
Was going to recommend Casemiro last week, but his ownership jumped up to 71%, so that’s why Mainoo was given the call. I’m not sure how much value Mainoo offers as a fantasy asset moving forward, but from a footballing perspective its good to see him back playing. One for three for United recommendations from last week. Sorry I got excited.
Rating: Transfer Listed
This weeks picks are:
Alex Scott (Bournemouth)
Last Game: vs. Wolves (A) (20-21 points)
Ownership: 28% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Aston Villa (H), Everton (A), West Ham (A)
Interesting Stat: 81st percentile for successful dribbles and 77th percentile for xG
Alex Scott has been one of Bournemouth’s most reliable players this season, and with a goal last weekend, the interception that led to Junior Kroupi’s fantastic opener, and an altogether impressive performance. At home to Villa next will be a tough challenge, but Bournemouth are starting to regain form, and Scott is the engine behind it. He’s now contributed to two goals in his last three games and is consistently racking up high ratings on FotMob, making him a great mid-range asset.
Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (16-18 points)
Ownership: 30% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Bournemouth (A), Brighton (H), Leeds (H)
Interesting Stat: 86th percentile for shots and 95th percentile for chances created
Douglas Luiz looks to have returned home after spells away at Juventus and on loan at Forest. He backed up his return with an impressive outing despite Villa’s home loss to Brentford. He created five chances and recorded two successful dribbles, quite the return for a debut! With Youri Tielemans sidelined, Luiz has a massive opportunity to fill in and regain the form that made him an incredible fantasy asset a couple of years ago. At his currently low ownership, please pick him up if you get the chance.
Forwards
Last weeks picks:
Wilson Odobert | 5 points vs. Man City (H)
+5% ownership change
Considering Odobert didn’t start he still managed 5 points in 21 minutes, which is a pretty good return. Tottenhams fight back and Solankes stunning scorpion kick might make them kick on. If Odobert gets more time he seems to be good values for minutes to points.
Rating: That’s His Job
Brian Brobbey | (2-4) points vs. Burnley (H)
+17% ownership change
Brobbey was unlucky to not get an assist with the Diarra’s goal changed to an own goal. Away at Arsenal next and although he looks to be Sunderlands no. 9, I don’t think he’ll get many points this upcoming weekend.
Rating: Transfer List
This weeks picks are:
Valentin Castellanos (West Ham)
Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (5-7 points)
Ownership: 31% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (A), Man United (H), Bournemouth (A)
Interesting Stat: 88th percentile for shots
Is it finally “Taty Time”? Castellanos has been knocking on the door since his January move, and it feels like a goal is inevitable. He was a constant threat against Chelsea and with West Ham playing with a lot more heart lately, and with the relegation battle heating up, they need a hero. Burnley are struggling for confidence and have one of the leakiest home defenses in the league. If Taty is going to kickstart the Hammers’ survival bid, is it going to start at Turf Moor this Saturday?
Amine Adli (Bournemouth)
Last Game: vs. Wolves (A) (12-13 points)
Ownership: 25% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Aston Villa (H), Everton (A), West Ham (A)
Interesting Stat: 77th percentile for goals
Amine Adli looks to be finding his rhythm in a Bournemouth shirt, punctuated by a great assist for Junior Kroupi’s brilliant opening goal last weekend. While the home game against Aston Villa next will be a tough challenge, Bournemouth are finding their form at just the right time. Adli has been the bright spark in that attack, picking up exactly where Semenyo left off. With goal involvements in back-to-back games (including that massive winner against Liverpool) he is becoming a high-priority asset for those looking for mid-range value.
Fixture Spotlight
Chelsea
Last Game: vs. West Ham W 3-2
Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (A), Leeds (H), Burnley (A), Arsenal (A)
Chelsea have a nice run of games coming up, and you’d imagine Rosenior will want to secure maximum points with Champions League spots being so competitive this year. He rotated heavily against West Ham, and it nearly cost him the game, making it a real question whether he’ll take that risk again. on the horizon. Keep a close eye on the line-ups, especially for players with 65% or less ownership like Alejandro Garnacho, Welsey Fofana, Liam Delap, Benoit Badiashile and Jamie Gittens. Although he was one of the half-time casualties in the West Ham comeback, his brace against Arsenal recently proves he is a massive differential when he’s on the pitch.
Crystal Palace
Last Game: vs. West Ham W 3-2
Next Fixtures: vs. Brighton (A), Burnley (H), Wolves (H), Man United (A)
Palace are struggling, but a “winnable” run after the Brighton derby offers a chance to pull away from the relegation battle. New signings Jørgen Strand Larsen (60% owned) and Evann Guessand (11% owned) are eager to make an impact, while Daichi Kamada (9% owned) is set to return. Jefferson Lerma (3% owned) also impressed last game, showing his value in the box. It might not be the week to buy in just yet, but watch this space—the Eagles could be prime differential territory very soon.
Ones to Watch
This week’s "One to Watch" section focuses on the impact of the January transfer window.
Oscar Bobb (48% owned) has moved to Fulham, potentially as a long-term replacement for Harry Wilson. I like Bobb a lot, but he couldn't convince Pep to give him more minutes; the question is, can he convince Marco Silva he’s better than an in-form Wilson?
Meanwhile, another Brazilian wonderkid, Rayan (22% owned), has landed on British shores and already provided a wonderful assist for Alex Scott’s late goal against Wolves. He looked incredibly bright in his short cameo.
Elsewhere, the 6’7” giant Lorenzo Lucca (7% owned) looks set to give Igor a break during Forest's packed schedule. His physical profile makes him a "proper" Dyche signing and he won't be hard to miss.
We also see James Ward-Prowse (37% owned) at Burnley. I’m not convinced Turf Moor is the right fit to revive his career after tough spells at West Ham and Forest, but we’d all love to see him return to his best.
Absolute unit Adama Traore made his transfer known as he was at the centre of all the argy-bargy at the end of the Chelsea-West Ham game. He's never really cemented his place at any team, but he has the potential to be a good fantasy asset when he's in form.
Finally, with Ollie Watkins sidelined, Villa have secured the return of Tammy Abraham (50% owned). He’s already been unlucky not to score, and given Villa's form, having their lead striker is usually a safe bet. Can he reclaim his status as the cult hero who helped them to promotion?
Sunderland have signed Nilson Angulo for £20M from Anderlecht and he already has 11 goal contributions this season so keep an eye on him and if he can break into the Sunderland team.
Tyrique George has joined Everton from Chelsea and we look to apply some pressure to Beto and Barry up top as they have an alternative they can play there now.
Can Adam Armstrong prove to the Premier League that he's not just a Championship forward and that he can play at this level. He has 15 goal contributions so far this season and will be looking to continue that at Wolves.
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!