GW38 - 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
I can’t believe we’re finally here at the last gameweek of the season, and I must say a massive congratulations to Arsenal for getting over the line to secure the title! I don’t know about you guys, but I’m completely drained from this campaign. That late Haaland goal absolutely cost me my matchup last week, and I’m now sitting in 4th place, trailing three teams tied for 1st by just three points:
Honestly, I’m pretty gutted, especially after a last-minute decision to drop Adam Wharton (who went on to bag over 25 points) for James Justin. That’s the fantasy gods punishing me, I suppose. There’s still a tiny chance I can win this season since none of the top four are playing each other on the final day!
Finally, thank you to everyone who has read the blog this season; I hope it helped at certain moments, and if it didn’t, at least you didn’t have to pay for it! Let’s get on with the picks, and just remember: everyone is droppable when the lineups drop on Sunday.
Goalkeepers
Last weeks picks:
Senne Lammens | (0-6) points vs. Nottingham Forest (H)
+3% ownership change
I’ll be honest, I didn’t fancy too many goalies this past gameweek and I should have known better than to trust a United defence that has been leaking all seasons. Nothing Lammens could do about the goals though and if United can solidify their defence next season Lammens could be a top tier goalkeeper next season.
Rating: On The Bench
This weeks picks are:
Bernd Leno (Fulham)
Last Game: vs. Wolves (A) (2-6 points)
Ownership: 58% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs. Newcastle (H)
Interesting Stat: No interesting stats on Bernd Leno, message me if you find one.
Honestly, I’m not sure if any goalkeepers really stand out for this final weekend. With the low-ownership keepers available, I doubt we’ll see many clean sheets on the final day of the season. However, Bernd Leno has averaged just over 8 points over the last 30 days, which isn’t terrible considering Fulham’s recent form (winless in their last three games). They are at home to a Newcastle side that looked great last weekend but has notoriously struggled on the road this season. If Fulham want to finish their campaign on a high, Leno will need to be at his brilliant, shot-stopping best.
Defenders
Last weeks picks:
Maxim De Cuyper | (8-13) points vs. Leeds (A)
+21% ownership change
A lot of people saw the opportunity to grab De Cuyper and were probably buzzing to see him start further up top against Leeds. He had some good defensive actions and provided two key passes and successful crosses. I know I’ll be looking him to draft him next season again as Brighton have a good track record for players in their second season.
Rating: That’s His Job
This weeks picks are:
Timothy Castagne (Fulham)
Last Game: vs. Wolves (A) (16-19 points)
Ownership: 18% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs Newcastle (H)
Interesting Stat: 86th percentile for successful cross percent versus other full backs
Predicting final day lineups is an absolute minefield, but when in doubt, follow the data. While Fulham have looked a bit disjointed lately, Timothy Castagne has been going unoticed at Craven Cottage, averaging a superb 10 points per game over his last three home outings. He’s playing with massive confidence right now and enters the weekend fresh off a clinical assist. Newcastle’s defensive transitions on the road have been suspect all year, meaning Castagne should have plenty of license to bomb forward down that right flank. If you want a defender who doesn’t rely solely on a clean sheet to return value, he’s a fantastic pick for the curtain-closer.
Reinildo (Sunderland)
Last Game: vs. Everton (A) (4-8 points)
Ownership: 7% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs. Chelsea (H)
Interesting Stat: 87th percentile for successful dribbles versus other full backs
Like most weeks this season, there’s always one position I’m a bit unsure of, and this week it’s definitely the defenders. For the final match, I’m suggesting Reinildo at home against an inconsistent Chelsea. He’s been dependable recently, logging solid 90-minute shifts and strong ratings (according to FotMob) in the win over Everton and the draw with United. That said, if I’m being completely honest, there might be a more tempting option that appears come an hour before kickoff. Keep your eyes on the team sheets.
Midfielders
Last weeks picks:
Joelinton | no points vs. West Ham (H)
+1% ownership change
Well, turns out Joelinton couldn’t be fit enough to play against West Ham and to their misery as they most certainly are down now. Hopefully you were able to pick up Jacob Ramsey or Nick Woltemade who played in his place and both provided a goal or assist.
Rating: Did Not Play
Ross Barkley | (1-3) points vs. Team (A)
-2% ownership change
Barkley only played the second half and was unable to contribute to the attack as he has in the last couple of weeks. Again, hopefully seeing him not start you were able to grab someone else this week!
Rating: Transfer List
This weeks picks are:
Jacob Ramsey (Newcastle)
Last Game: vs. West Ham (A) (12-15 points)
Ownership: 12% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs. Fulham (A)
Interesting Stat: 90th percentile for expected assists versus other midfielders
Jacob Ramsey looked a lot more comfortable starting out on the wide left, and he’s finally starting to look like the highly valued prospect he was before suffering a long series of injuries. I truly hope those dark days are over, because he is such a clever player to watch. You could see his vision clearly from that brilliant, weighted pass to set up the in-form William Osula. With Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali potentially leaving St. James’ Park this summer, there looks to be a lot more playing time on the horizon for Ramsey next season. Don’t sleep on him in your drafts next year.
Zian Flemming (Burnley)
Last Game: vs. Arsenal (A) (4-6 points)
Ownership: 37% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs. Wolves (H)
Interesting Stat: 74th percentile for goals versus other forwards
Zian Flemming wasn’t able to spoil Arsenal’s title hopes last weekend, but you’d imagine he’ll fancy his chances at home against Wolves. He has managed 10 Premier League goals this season, which is a genuinely solid return for a promoted team that ultimately ended up relegated. I’d be fascinated to see where he goes this summer; I could easily see him playing somewhere like Brentford, Brighton, or Bournemouth (the “Triple B” wasn’t planned!). Either way, if you think the final match between the league’s bottom two teams will have goals, I’d bet Flemming is involved.
I also like Oscar Bobb (26% owned) if he manages to start over Harry Wilson, but I’d imagine Wilson will get the nod for what looks to be his final emotional game at Craven Cottage.
Forwards
Last weeks picks:
Mateus Mané | (21-24) points vs. Fulham (H)
+1% ownership change
Mane repaid the faith in his owners this week with a brilliant strike. Although he gave away the penalty for Fulham equalizer, I’m sure lots of clubs will be asking about him this summer.
Rating: Man of the Match
This weeks picks are:
Valentin Castellanos (West Ham)
Last Game: vs. Newcastle (A) (19-21 points)
Ownership: 41% of Fantrax squads
Next Fixtures: vs. Newcastle (A)
Interesting Stat: 84th percentile for shots on target versus other forwards
It’s a massive shame that Taty’s unbelievable strike against Newcastle was nothing but a consolation goal, as West Ham now need to throw absolutely everything at Leeds at home on Sunday. They’ll be praying Tottenham lose at home to Everton to pull off a miracle escape. Can Castellanos produce another piece of magic when West Ham desperately need it? The final day of the season is definitely known for late drama, so you can’t count them out just yet. At a time when starting forwards are incredibly scarce, he could be the gamble to win your last gameweek.
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!