Gameweek 1 Waiver Wire: Draft EPL

We're here every week giving you our tips on the best Draft Premier League players to pick up ahead of Fantrax/Sleeper Waiver Wire processing! Acquisitions via waivers can make or break your Fantasy EPL season, so make sure you follow our Gameweek 1 recommendations to help dominate your Draft League.

Essential reading before your weekly waiver requests process!

Waiver Wire Gameweek 1

Here we outline our Fantasy EPL Waiver Wire Gameweek 1 targets that have 40% rostered or below on Fantrax. These players should perform well over the upcoming period!

Casemiro (Ros 25%)

Prospects: As Fantrax/Sleeper managers embark on the 24/25 campaign, there has been a noticeable drop-off in the quality of reliable scoring midfielders available during most default-scoring-league live drafts. Although some managers must have struggled to roster a reliable MID-4/5, they might now get lucky with a gamble on Casemiro. Despite the ex-Madridista legend being heavily criticised by football viewers as being unfit and past his prime last season, the Manchester United midfielder has now played the most minutes (377) this pre-season, and even notched a goal during a 3-2 preseason win versus Real Betis. Despite the slight drop off in PPG (points per game) from 9.1 to 8.6 over the last 2 seasons, Casemiro is still projected to score 9.2 PPS (points per start) this season and should be a nailed asset as the Red Devils start a new season.

Verdict: I would use a low-tier waiver pick or 0-1 FAB to get him.

Arijanet Muric (Ros 35%)

Prospects: There are a few different strategies managers have when it comes to drafting goalkeepers. Some like drafting Onana in the 8/9th round, some grab the next best available asset in the last couple of rounds of the draft and some managers don't draft one at all! Regardless of your path to a GK asset, Muric should be your starting GK for the 24/25 campaign. The ex-Claret shot-stopper is back in the league but is now employed by the Tractor Boys, Ipswich Town. As a promoted team, the natural tendency is to concede chances and shots as one of the new teams around, so going with last season's best PPS GK asset at 13.5, this pick should be a no-brainer if he is available.

Verdict: I would use a low-tier waiver pick or 1-2 FAB to get him.

Conor Chaplin (Ros 33%)

Prospects: During the 23/24 Championship campaign for Ipswich Town, Conor Chaplin registered the most attacking returns with 13 goals and 8 assists, along with the most shots (138) and the 2nd most key passes (53) for the club. However, managers might have been hesitant to roster the newly promoted FWD given the plethora of FWD assets available from the surviving pack of the 23/24 campaign. Don't let Chaplin's position fool you though. Chaplin has been playing as a No.10 for Ipswich during the preseason games, which could make him an out-of-position asset that could have arguably been categorised as a MID. If you can spare a slot on your roster, Chaplin is a gamble that could pay off for the rest of the season.

Verdict: I would use a low-tier waiver pick or 1-2 FAB to get him.

Check out the table below showing our waiver picks' essential stats from the recent past and for the upcoming GW.

Rodrigo Gomes (Ros 16%)

Prospects: After Chelsea purchased yet another player during the 24/25 summer transfer window, Wolves find themselves without one of their talismans, Pedro Neto. However, in typical Wolves fashion, the club signed their umpteenth Portuguese youngster. The under-21 wide man is coming off the back of a productive season on loan at top-flight Portuguese side Estoril, for whom he registered 9 goals and 8 assists in 36 games. Although there are similar characteristics to Neto, Gomes' versatility in being able to play on either wing or wingback position, should see him have more starts and minutes than his teammates. It also bodes well that Gomes scored 3 goals during their preseason fixtures, the most of all Wolves outfielders. A possible talisman in the making.

Verdict: I would use a mid-tier waiver pick or 3-4 FAB to get him.

Kevin Schade (Ros 18%)

Prospects: After an injury-riddled 23/24 campaign, the German MID is now on course to start the 24/25 season after playing the 3rd most minutes for the Bees during their pre-season fixtures. Managers might have forgotten that the Brentford MID joined the Premier League during the 22/23 winter transfer window and started 7 of 18 games, while scoring 8.1 PPG, with only 1 assist. Schade then followed that up with a surprising 9.2 PPG during the 23/24 season, despite only starting 3 games. There is definite upside with Schade as he has been playing as a winger in the West London club's last few friendlies, resulting in the Bees MID being tied for the most goals scored (3), along with Bryan Mbeumo.

Verdict: I would use a low-tier waiver pick or 0-1 FAB to get him.

Luis Sinisterra (Ros 20%)

Prospects: After Solanke's shock transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, many managers are scrambling to find the next possible talisman for the Cherries as they start their 24/25 campaign without their top-scoring asset from the 23/24 season. Sinisterra could be that player! During the 22/23 campaign, the Colombian FWD scored 5 goals in 13 starts and then scored 2 goals in 7 starts in the 23/24 season. Sinisterra is a proficient goalscorer when he plays but the main issue with the Bournemouth FWD has always been how injury-prone he is. If there's any hope that Sinisterra can stay fit, he is a great gamble given he scored 2 goals in his last 2 games for Bournemouth during their preseason tour.

Verdict: I would use a low-tier waiver pick or 0-1 FAB to get him.

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