GW36 - The Draft Pick
Premier League Fantrax Waiver Wire — Weekly Picks with Insight
Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played from Fotmob
What a crazy end to the City vs. Everton game! To think that Arsenal are now in the driving seat as we approach the season’s finale is incredible. I was buzzing for United after they completed the double over Liverpool, but it came at a massive cost: negotiations between Brazil and Man United means Matheus Cunha (whom I own in all three of my leagues) will be rested for the remainder of the season. I can’t believe I wasn’t consulted first! At least I have Patrick Dorgu ready as backup. With playoffs secured in two of my leagues (finishing 2nd and 6th) and a title charge still on in my non-playoff league, it’s going to be a wild finish. I hope you’re all ready to win some money or avoid those dreaded forfeits. Here are this week’s picks!
Goalkeepers
Last weeks picks:
Karl Darlow | 2-6 points vs. Burnley (H)
-9% ownership change
The ownership change suggests Darlow was just used for the double gameweek and not a lot of people trusted them to keep a clean sheet at home to Burnley. They were right, however Darlow won’t care as leads pretty much secure another season in the Premier League.
Rating: Transfer List
This weeks picks are:
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)
Last Game: vs. Newcastle (A) (2-6 points)
Ownership: 53% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Wolves (H), Leeds (A), Man United (H)
Interesting Stat: 81st percentile for save percentage (71%)
I’m a simple man: I see Wolves at home, and I pick the goalkeeper. Bart Verbruggen has hardly let me down this season when I’ve recommended him, and I’m backing him once again. Brighton will be looking to bounce back immediately from their defeat to Newcastle as they continue their push for a European spot. With Wolves struggling for clinical finishing away from home, Verbruggen is the obvious keeper choice for any defense this weekend.
Defenders
Last weeks picks:
James Justin | 7-11 points vs. Burnley (H)
+2% ownership change
Every time I suggest Justin, Bogle gets a goal involvement and every time I recommend Bogle, Just gets a goal involvement. So just pick the one I don’t suggest next time! Having said that no clean sheet and ~9 points is not bad.
Rating: That’s His Job
Harry Maguire | 3-6 points vs. Liverpool (H)
+2% ownership change
His points didn’t quite match his performance as Maguire looks very much like his old self with another dominate performance. Sunderland away next, but United are find there groove again and it’s no coincidence Maguire is at the back-bone of it.
Rating: On The Bench
This weeks picks are:
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
Last Game: vs. Fulham (H) (10-13 points)
Ownership: 36% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs West Ham (A), Burnley (H), Crystal Palace (A)
Interesting Stat: 98th percentile for successful dribble % compared to other fullbacks
Myles Lewis-Skelly was exceptional filling in for Martin Zubimendi, delivering an excellent performance that showcased exactly what Arsenal had been missing: relentless energy and forward-thinking passing. With a tough away game at West Ham next, Arsenal will be desperate to capitalize on their lead after City’s 3–3 draw with Everton. The big question is whether MLS can do enough to secure a spot on the World Cup plane this summer. If he maintains the form he showed last week, and if his mid-week injury from the Atletico clash isn’t too serious, he has a fantastic chance of making the squad.
Destiny Udogie (Tottenham)
Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (4-9 points)
Ownership: 15% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (H), Chelsea (A), Everton (H)
Interesting Stat: 85th percentile for touches in oppositions box
It’s great to see Destiny Udogie playing again after what feels like a long time out. You can tell he’s a incredibly solid player, and Tottenham will definitely need him this weekend following his impressive performance away at Villa. Seriously, who expected them to come away with a 2–1 win there? With that momentum going into a must-win game against Leeds, Udogie could be the key to helping Spurs secure a clean sheet in what I expect to be a very tight affair.
Midfielders
Last weeks picks:
Kobbie Mainoo | 14-16 points vs. Liverpool (H)
+2% ownership change
For all those football romantics out there, is there anything better then seeing a young academy product sign a new contract, commit his future to the club and then score the winner against your biggest rivals. Mainoo is a big game player and I’m excited to watch him develop. Next season I see him as being a great draft option mid-round.
Rating: Man of the Match
Mathias Jensen | 12-17 points vs. West Ham (H)
+7% ownership change
Mathias Jensen continues his great form with another solid performance as Brentford dominated at home against West Ham. Four weeks in row now with double digits for points and honestly, he’s just a very enjoyable player to watch.
Rating: Man of the Match
This weeks picks are:
Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton)
Last Game: vs. Newcastle (A) (13-15 points)
Ownership: 26% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Wolves (H), Leeds (A), Man United (H)
Interesting Stat: 79th percentile for non penalty expected goals
Jack Hinshelwood seems to have settled into that attacking midfield role quite nicely, finishing off a well-worked Brighton team goal against Newcastle. With Wolves at home next and Brighton still fighting for a European spot, you’d imagine this could be a high-scoring affair—especially given the Seagulls’ impressive home record this season.
Joao Palinha (Tottenham)
Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (2-4 points)
Ownership: 37% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (H), Chelsea (A), Everton (H)
Interesting Stat: 91st percentile for expected goals versus other midfielders
I feel like João Palhinha is due a goal, having already racked up four goals and two assists this year in a struggling Spurs side. With a must-win game against Leeds this weekend, I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds the scoresheet. Roberto De Zerbi seems to have reinvigorated not only the midfield but the entire squad, and Palhinha is reaping the rewards of that new-found energy.
Forwards
Last weeks picks:
Georginio Rutter | 6 points vs. Newcastle (A)
+3% ownership change
Six points in 10 minutes is a great appearance by Rutter and I still think he offers value for the last couple of games of the season providing he starts. That’s a big if though, but Wolves at home next so keep an eye on line-ups Saturday.
Rating: That’s His Job
This weeks picks are:
Mathys Tel (Tottenham)
Last Game: vs. Aston Villa (A) (11-13 points)
Ownership: 48% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Leeds (H), Chelsea (A), Everton (H)
Interesting Stat: 84th percentile for chances created versus other forwards
Mathys Tel delivered a wonderful cross to set up Richarlison as Spurs capitalized on an Aston Villa team that looked like they had one eye on their Europa League campaign. That was easily the best Tottenham have looked in a while, and they completely deserved the 2–1 win. While the upcoming game against Leeds will be tough, Tottenham will be looking to maintain this momentum, and Tel is looking like one of their most dangerous players in the final third.
Fixture Spotlight
Brighton
Last Game: vs. Newcastle (A) L 3-1
Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (H), Leeds (A), Man United (H)
If you don’t know who to pick this weekend, look to Brighton’s lineup for their home clash against Wolves. We’ve already mentioned Hinshelwood, but keep an eye on Mats Wieffer (55% owned) and Georginio Rutter (52% owned). While Wieffer is currently a doubt following an ankle knock at Newcastle, his teammate Joel Veltman (1% owned) is ready to step in and represents a very smart, low-ownership pick-up. With Brighton boasting an 8-win record at the Amex this season and Wolves struggling to find the net, this is the perfect fixture to load up on Seagulls.
One to Watch
Rio Ngumoha looked incredibly bright in his cameo against Manchester United, nearly dragging Liverpool back into the game. Surely Arne Slot should be considering him for a start, as the teenager has looked dangerous every time he’s stepped onto the pitch and has proven his clinical edge multiple times this season. Keep a close eye on the lineups this weekend; with Liverpool facing a Chelsea side in total turmoil, this could be the perfect moment to unleash Ngumoha from the first whistle.
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!