GW35: The Draft Pick
Craig Heard··6 min readPremier League Fantrax Waiver Wire — Weekly Picks with Insight
Note: All stats mentioned are listed as values per 90 minutes played from Fotmob
Did anyone else get "done over" by the blank gameweeks? I find myself needing a lot of luck in these remaining games to have any shot at the title, but since playoffs have pretty much been made in my other two leagues, it’s not all bad. It’s officially crunch time, and as a reminder: Crystal Palace and Manchester City have double game weeks coming up after next week, so keep that in mind for your upcoming pick ups!
Goalkeepers
Last weeks picks:
Mads Hermansen | 1-6 points vs. Everton (H)
+15% ownership change
The big ownership increase shows everyone starting to see the value in taking a gamble on Hermansen. Only one save against Everton, so points were limited this game and with Brentford away this upcoming week there might be better options.
Rating: Transfer List
This weeks picks are:
Karl Darlow (Leeds)
- Last Game: vs. Bournemouth (A) (9-11 points)
- Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (H), Tottenham (A), Brighton (H)
- Interesting Stat: 89% percentile for accurate long passes
Karl Darlow continued his excellent form in the double gameweek and currently stands as the second-highest scoring goalkeeper in the last 30 days, trailing only Bernd Leno. We are seeing a clear pattern emerge this weekend, and to no one's surprise, it’s all about Leeds players. At home to Burnley and with a favorable run of fixtures coming up, the salvation of your fantasy season starts in the net with a much-improved Darlow.
Defenders
Last weeks picks:
Luke Shaw | 9-11 points vs. Brentford (H)
+8% ownership change
Luckily for Shaw fantasy owners he came off injured before Brentford so got that clean sheet bonus! I’ll be honest, United were extremely fortunate to only concede a goal, a wins a win though!
Rating: That’s His Job
This weeks picks are:
James Justin (Leeds)
- Last Game: vs. Bournemouth (A) (0-4 points)
- Ownership: 32% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Burnley (H), Tottenham (A), Brighton (H)
- Interesting Stat: 89th percentile for goals versus other centre backs
The thing with James Justin this season is that he’s a bit of a rollercoaster when it comes to points. One week it’s close to 20 and the next it’s close to 0. But if you get him on a good week, it could win you the game week. With Leeds likely to dominate possession at home to Burnley in a game they must win to stay clear of the relegation scrap, Justin will likely help at both ends of the pitch.
Harry Maguire (Man United)
- Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (19-26 points)
- Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Liverpool (H), Sunderland (A), Nottingham Forest (H)
- Interesting Stat: 93rd percentile for headed shots versus other centre backs
What a U-turn it’s been for Harry Maguire. Many United fans wanted him out the door a couple of years ago, but he is now considered an important first-team player who leads both on and off the pitch. He has completely earned his recent contract extension, and picking up an assist last weekend, shows his inevitable threat in the box. With Bruno Fernandes providing elite delivery from set pieces, Maguire is a could get some big points in the last gameweeks and lets not forget he'll be wanting to get a crucial goal against Liverpool like he did at Anfield earlier this season.
Midfielders
Last weeks picks:
Habib Diara | (-1 -2) points vs. Nottingham Forset (H)
+14% ownership change
I’m really hoping you read my report on him last week and disagreed. I suppose you can be happy you’re not paying to read this!
Rating: Transfer List
This weeks picks are:
Kobbie Mainoo (Man United)
- Last Game: vs. Brentford (H) (10-12 points)
- Ownership: 39% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Liverpool (H), Sunderland (A), Nottingham Forest (H)
- Interesting Stat: 89th percentile for successful dribbles versus other midfielders
It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned a United midfielder, but if you’re looking for one, Kobbie Mainoo is him. He’s looked very good since Michael Carrick slotted him back into the team, and his performance against Brentford was, in my opinion, his best yet. He was great at both ends of the pitch and racked up 10+ fantasy points. With Liverpool at home next, we know that Mainoo is a "big game" player who thrives under the lights at Old Trafford.
Mathias Jensen (Brentford)
- Last Game: vs. Man United (A) (18-23 points)
- Ownership: 42% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs West Ham (H), Manchester City (A), Crystal Palace (H)
- Interesting Stat: 95th percentile for expected assists versus other midfielders
Mathias Jensen scored a wonderful long strike to top off another impressive performance in the 2–1 loss at Old Trafford. He’s averaging about 12 points over his last three games, proving his technical floor is incredibly high right now. Please pick him up if he’s still available; he’s been very dependable, and Brentford continuously create chances. With a home clash against West Ham next, Jensen is the ideal candidate to spearhead your midfield while the bigger names are blanking.
Ryan Sessegnon (30% owned) scored the only goal of the game and looked bright once again against Villa as he currently keeps out Robinson. Away at Arsenal might not be the game to start him, but he could be worth holding onto if you have space in your squad!
Forwards
Last weeks picks:
Omari Hutchinson | 9-11 points vs. Sunderland (A)
+10% ownership change
Comments Hutchinson was heavily involved in Forests demolishing of Sunderland. He didn’t get a goal or an assist, but played well and still put up a decent fantasy haul. Igor and Wood both on the scoresheet too, so all three recommendations doing well!
Rating: That’s His Job
This weeks picks are:
Georginio Rutter (Brighton)
- Last Game: vs. Chelsea (H) (11-13 points)
- Ownership: 49% of Fantrax squads
- Next Fixtures: vs Newcastle (A), Wolves (H), Leeds (A)
- Interesting Stat: 89th percentile for penalties awarded versus other wingers
Tottenham fans were in bits when Georginio Rutter scored his last-minute equalizer two weekends ago, and he followed that up with an assist against Chelsea. Not fully owned in most leagues, he could be a good option against a Newcastle side that has been inconsistent of late. If he’s picking up form for this last part of the season, he could be a great asset for anyone who needs a forward. The big question will be whether he plays instead of or alongside Danny Welbeck in Fabian Hürzeler’s attacking setup.
Fixture Spotlight
Leeds
- Last Game: vs. Chelsea (N) L 1-0
- Next Fixtures: vs. Burnley (H), Tottenham (A), Brighton (H), West Ham (A)
Leeds will be gutted to miss out on what would have been their first FA Cup Final appearance since 1973, the year they suffered that famous upset against second-division Sunderland. To make matters worse, wins for Forest, Spurs, and West Ham last weekend have kept the pressure firmly on the Whites. However, their upcoming fixtures are definitely winnable, and that starts with a massive clash against Burnley at Elland Road. The following players are still below 50% owned: Gabriel Gudmundsson, James Justin, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rodon.
One to Watch
Mateus Mane looked impressive in his first 90 minutes in a while against Spurs, getting double digits in points. With Sunderland at home and the forward pool scarce, he could be a good gamble or at lteast keeping an eye out. These last couple of games could be an opportunity for Mane to show he's a Premier League player as I'm sure he'll get interest this summer.
Last Weeks VAR Review
| Position | Man of the Match | That's His Job | On the Bench | Transfer Listed | Did Not Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | 12 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 1 |
| D | 9 | 19 | 15 | 9 | 5 |
| M | 11 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 1 |
| F | 6 | 11 | 13 | 11 | 4 |
| Total | 38 | 56 | 48 | 39 | 11 |
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!