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GW4 Preview for OFPL Scoring Draft
This article is based on the OFPL Scoring System made famous by the Official Fantasy Premier League game. Bonus points and Kante Points (1 point for every two tackles or interceptions) are also included as per Draft Fantasy Football. Much of this insight will be applicable to OFPL Draft and Fantrax/Togga style too.
Three gameweeks and half an international break in, and it now feels like we know less than we did at the start of the season. Transfers, international quarantine and all too familiar ‘injuries’ see half the free agent pool in doubt of game time. Never fear, let’s try and wade through the mess to find some free agents to bolster your squads, some potential trades with decent upside, and players that may be able to fill a one week hole in your roster!
Fixture Swings
The following team have a good run of fixtures coming up and should be targeted for trades or free agent pick-ups.
Wolves
Next Four Fixtures: Watford (A), Brentford (H), Southampton (A) and Newcastle (H)
Basically any fixture tracker you look at for the next few gameweeks will have Wolves sitting pretty at the top, and for good reason. This incredible run should be capitalised on by a team that, despite not scoring a single goal, have had excellent underlying metrics in both defence and attack. This is particularly impressive considering their particularly difficult fixtures so far. The obvious pick here is Jimenez as the assured starter, but he will almost certainly be locked into someone’s squad. Smaller leagues may see the likes of Trincao, or even Adama on waivers, which are easy picks and should definitely be looked at.
For bigger leagues these options will be taken but may be ripe for a trade having frustrated owners so far. Defensively, Saiss, Semedo and Marcal look the most assured of starts, and all have semi-decent attacking threat. The two players to keep your eye on are old favourite Podence, and new signing Hwang Hee Chan, if either can nail down a starting spot, they should prove a fruitful pick up.
Arsenal
Next Four Fixtures: Norwich (H) Burnley (A) Spurs (H) Brighton (A)
Okay, hear me out with this one. Being successful in Draft Premier League is all about investing in players when their stock is low before a good run, and there is no team with lower stock right now that bottom of the league Arsenal. If we are to believe that Arsenal are even a mid-table side, then Norwich at home followed by a porous looking Burnley must be considered good fixtures. Easily my favourite picks here are Tierney, Smith Rowe and Saka. These are the players Arsenal will be looking at to turn the ship around and the points should follow if this comes off. I would snap your hand off if any of these are free on waivers, and I would consider looking to offer a trade for these players as this is probably the lowest their stock will be all season.
The next best option may well prove to be Gabriel, who has returned from injury and should improve the Arsenal defence. One slightly more left field option is Sambi Lokonga, who will be nailed on to start the next two with Xhaka suspended, he has looked great for Kante Points and if he does sneak an assist or goal should be good for bonus - a great first on the bench option as a banker 3-6 points.
Watford
Next Four Fixtures: Wolves (H) Norwich (A) Newcastle (H) Leeds (A)
When playing in a ten or twelve man league you often have to scrape the barrel when looking at free agents. That’s just the way it goes. The sheer number of options at Watford has led to many managers steering clear altogether, which means if you can wade through the seemingly endless names on their roster there might be some points in it for you. The standout option for this team is obviously Sarr. He looks by far and away the most talented player in the side and will usually have massive goal involvement when Watford score. As Sarr will almost certainly be taken in most leagues, and owners may be unwilling to trade him away because of the fixtures, there are a couple more options that appeal.
Dennis hauled in GW1 and has blanked in the two subsequent fixtures which may have seen him drop to the waivers. If this is the case I would seriously consider him as forwards are very thin on the ground and he is a real threat - especially against weaker opposition. The final man I would recommend from Watford is far less exotic, but Tom Cleverley looks like a reasonably smart, if rather boring pick. He has guaranteed minutes, license to get involved in attack and a steady trickle of Kante points.
One Week Pickups
Goalkeeper or defenders with a bad fixture? Attacker with a potential short-term injury? No worries, I’ve got a smattering of players that could serve as good one-week punts to fill a void.
Goalkeepers
Sanchez/Raya - I think if you had to pick a 0-0 this week, you’d have to back Brentford v Brighton. For this reason, I think both goalkeepers are good pickups. If both are available I’d lean towards Sanchez.
Defenders
Dunk/Webster - Good chance at a clean this week and look to be very secure for minutes in the Brighton back line.
Saiss/Semedo - Wolves have been solid at the back and will now start their run of favourable fixtures. Both Saiss and Semedo look to offer decent attacking threat.
Holgate - Seems to be trusted by Rafa at least until Godfrey returns, Burnley at home is about as good as it gets for a well organised side. I would advise keeping an eye on press conference news as if it looks like Godfrey is fit, then Holgate will be at risk. Although with Coleman ruled out through injury, Holgate or Godfrey could fill-in at RB.
Midfielders
Mac Allister - You can probably tell I’m high on Brighton, and for good reason. Always a creative side, finishing has been their problem under Potter. Mac Allister is a real creative force in the team when he’s on the pitch, and can be very effective off the bench so don’t be too worried if he doesn’t start.
Elyounoussi - A bit out of left field here but he’s had a knack for goal lately and is a good prospect vs a rather leaky West Ham.
Gallagher - He won’t score a brace every week, but still a classy player that looks good going forward. It will be a scrappy game in midfield this week vs Spurs and that will be ripe for Kante Points.
Forwards
Sargent - Three one pointers doesn’t scream great pick so far, but a good showing in the League Cup may see him get a start against Arsenal this week, and we all know of Arsenal’s problems. With forwards thin on the ground, it could be a decent pick up.
Joelinton - If Callum Wilson is confirmed to miss this game, then I would expect Joelinton to be tasked with spoiling the Ronaldo love in this week. I wouldn’t be too confident with this prospect but Newcastle have looked pretty open and attacking and United haven’t kept a home clean sheet in their last five.
That concludes my picks to look out for in the free agent pool, as well as players to try to trade for. I hope you found this helpful, if so a follow over on Twitter would be much appreciated @SnakeDraftFPL
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