We're here every week giving you our tips on the best Draft Premier League players to pick up ahead of Fantrax Waiver Wire processing! Acquisitions via waivers can make or break your Fantasy EPL season, so make sure you follow our Gameweek 4 recommendations to help dominate your Draft League.
Essential reading before your weekly waiver requests process!
Waiver Wire Gameweek 4
Here we outline our Fantasy EPL Waiver Wire Gameweek 4 targets that are 40% rostered or below on Fantrax. These players should perform well over the upcoming period! Check out the table below showing our waiver picks' essential stats for the upcoming GW, as well as those of a few new transfers (either within the Premier League or new additions altogether) since our last waiver wire article.
New Signings
Mohammed Kudus (WHU, MID)
Prospects: The 23-year-old Ghanaian was West Ham's most expensive signing this window (€43M), and the third most expensive in their history. After an impressive 2022 World Cup, scoring 2 goals in 3 games for the Black Stars, Kudus could be one of the best options to utilise your remaining FAB as the transfer window closes.
During his last season in Ajax, Kudus averaged a goal every 152 minutes across all competitions. In total, Kudus registered 21 attacking returns in his 26 appearances. In the Eredivisie he averaged 19 PP90 and 12.8 gPP90 in 19 starts. He played across multiple positions including as a 9, 10, and RW. In the UCL & UEL last season he averaged 13.3 PP90 and 5.1 gPP90. Compared to other forwards in the big 5 leagues, UCL, & UEL, Kudus was 95th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90, 9th in assists, 94th in successful take-ons, and 99th in interceptions. He contributes on both sides of the ball, is a versatile attacker, and is a very exciting dribbler. In the short term, Kudus is projected to score approximately 12.7 FPts if he starts in GW4 versus Luton Town. Even given the large likelihood he doesn't start this fixture, his historical output suggests he'll be good when he plays.
So what's the downside case for Kudus? There are a few things to consider:
Moyes tends to ease new signings into his XI and tends to be a fairly stubborn, more traditional manager who loves hard-working attackers over flashy ones. His starts and minutes could be limited in the short to medium term as a result.
Kudus will face competition for starts in the WHU team, and it's unclear exactly where he'll slot in. Bowen and Paqueta feel the most nailed in the side at two of Kudus's primary positions, RW and attacking mid. Antonio is in hot form up top, despite previously having one foot out the exit door. Even Benrahma played well last game, but more importantly plays left wing where Kudus has rarely played. Some possibilities include: Bowen shifting up top, like Moyes has hinted at; Kudus coming straight in for Antonio as a 9; or Bowen shifting to the LW to make way for Kudus at RW. All possible, but not the Moyes status quo.
How will Kudus transition from the easier Dutch league to the Prem? We saw a steep drop off in his ghost point stats from Netherlands to the UCL & UEL, but will his returns also fall off? This is likely, as West Ham are not the dominant force that Ajax are in their domestic league. Will he be Ziyech or Suarez?
Verdict: I would use a high-end waiver (2 or 3, but not 1) or up to 50-60% FAAB to get him. Although be warned in many leagues Kudus will likely be the #1 waiver target and/or will require a hefty portion (75%+) of your FAAB if you are keen on him.
Hannes Delcroix (BUR, DEF)
Prospects: The 24-year-old CB was signed from Anderlecht, and could become one of Burnley's 1st choice DEFs, especially as Beyer recovers from injury. Delcroix started in a left-back position, but his average position during his debut game versus Aston Villa was more as a LCB. During his first start, Hannes scored the 2nd most FPts (4.75) of all Burnley DEFs, which included 2 KP, 1 SOT, 3 Int, 3 CLR and 1 AER. He also conceded 3 goals, meaning he scored 10.75 ghost points in his first start. He could have some potential later down the season when the schedule turns but isn't an immediate player to roster as Burnley will play Spurs, Manchester United, Newcastle, and Chelsea in their next 5 games.
Verdict: I would not bid FAAB or risk lowering your Bid Tie-Breaker Order on him. If you want to get Delcroix, try to get him as an FA after waivers clear, but preferably in a couple of weeks.
Beto (EVE, FWD)
Prospects: Everton have had a terrible start to the 23/24 EPL season and are currently rock bottom of the table, having scored 0 goals and conceded 6. However, the signs are promising as the Merseyside club have attempted 43 shots with 18 being on target, amassing an xG of 4.6 so far. Everton need a goal scorer, but their main man Calvert-Lewin has had yet another injury-ridden start to his season and there is no guarantee that he will remain fit throughout this season. Enter Beto. The 25-year-old Portuguese FWD from Udinese has some pedigree, having scored 21 goals in 47 appearances across 2 seasons in Serie A. He averaged 10.3 PP90 and 6.2 gPP90 in the Serie A last season. The 25-year-old is good aerially, presses and defends well, and can create for himself off the dribble. He seems to fit the prototypical Dychean striker far more than Everton's current options of Maupay, Danjuma, and Chermiti. When, not if, DCL isn't fit and misses games, Beto could be Everton's solution to their survival this season if he can adapt to the Premier League.
Verdict: Given the lack of forward depth available and DCL's constant fitness issues, I would use a low-end waiver claim or 5-15% FAAB to bring in Beto when he enters the system.
Cameron Archer (SHU, FWD)
Prospects: Sheffield United completed the signing of striker Cameron Archer from Aston Villa on a four-year deal for a sizable fee, though Villa do have a buy-back option. Archer scored 11 goals in 19 appearances while on loan at Middlesbrough last season, and had a successful campaign with England's U21 team, scoring twice on their route to European glory. He averaged 15.0 PP90 and 6.3 gPP90 in the Championship in 17 starts in 22/23, demonstrating a knack for getting returns but with a low ghost point floor. The Blades have had to replace top scorer Iliman Ndiaye and have gambled on the ex-Villain to help them retain their EPL status for next season. Due to his lack of a ghost point floor and landing on a bottom-of-the-table team in Sheffield United, you should temper your expectations. But SHU are desperate for bodies up top, so it's fair to expect a lot of starts ROS. This week, if he starts, he is projected to score 8.2 FPts, and faces an Everton team that is low on confidence.
Verdict: If he starts, he could be worth a stream, as their fixture versus Everton is at home. However, I would not use a waiver claim on him unless you have little to no starting forwards.
Konstantinos Mavropanos (WHU, DEF)
Prospects: The Greek DEF is back in the EPL after spending 3 seasons in Germany. The ex-Arsenal man scored pretty well last season for Stuttgart, averaging 8.4 PP90 and 10.4 gPP90. The 6-foot-3 centre-back put up serious defensive volume with 3.2 aerials won/90, 2.5 interceptions/90, and 1 tackle won/90. However, he was playing for a nearly relegated side that catered to defensive stats, and West Ham likely won't fall in that category. More importantly, based on Moyes' comments, Mavro could require some time to get up to speed and gain the required match fitness to start. The 25-year-old will then also need to beat out one of the existing West Ham centre-backs in Zouma, Aguerd, and Ogbonna which may not be an easy task.
Verdict: I wouldn't use a waiver claim on Mavropanos. Wait and see on this one, and think about picking up if and when he starts in his first decent matchup.
Aaron Ramsey (BUR, MID)
Prospects: The younger brother of Aston Villa player Jacob Ramsey, Aaron is now part of the first-team picture in the EPL and has been tipped to surpass his family member in terms of talent. During the 2022/23 season, Ramsey's tenures at Norwich and Middlesbrough saw him register 8G & 4A in 21 appearances. He made an appearance off the bench during Burnley's 1-3 loss to Aston Villa in GW3 and registered just 1 clearance in 21 minutes. Time will tell if the Young Lion will live up to football fans' expectations, but Burnley's XI is currently an unpredictable mess, and he likely won't be among the goals often.
Verdict: I would not use a waiver claim on Ramsey. Watch and see if he can nail a starting spot and Burnley can be a competent offensive team.
General Waiver Adds:
Johann Gudmundsson (BUR, MID)
Prospects: The Icelandic veteran made his first appearance this season against Aston Villa and had an immediate impact, registering 14.5 FPts in 45 minutes as a substitute. His points included 3 KPs and an assist for Lyle Foster's 1st goal of the season. Johann is projected to score 7.2 FPts in GW4, but it could be a risk waivering in an asset who has yet to start this season (even if Burnley have only played twice). Gudmundsson took the 2nd most corners for Burnley in their Championship title-winning season and registered 4G & 6A during 23 appearances. Experienced Fantrax managers will be familiar with how injury-prone Johann is, but this could be the experience that Burnley needs on the pitch to register their first points of the season. 67% set pieces taken for a team that could do decently well offensively in a possession-heavy system could lead to a decent floor.
Verdict: I would use a low-end waiver claim or 0-2 FAAB to bring him in.
Alphonse Areola (WHU, GK)
Prospects: After displacing mainstay Fabianski in the Hammers starting line-up, Areola has played a huge role in West Ham's brilliant start to the season. The Parisian currently sits as the 2nd highest-scoring GK in the league with the 2nd best save percentage of 84.2% (a rate that is almost certainly unsustainable). Areola has yet to keep a clean sheet, but has already registered scores of 8.25, 17.5 and 16 FPts, which includes a penalty save against Chelsea. GW4 seems like a safe fixture versus newly promoted Luton Town.
Verdict: I would use a low-end waiver claim or 0-2 FAAB to bring him in.
James Garner (EVE, MID)
Prospects: Everton have lost two of their main creative outfielders (McNeil & Iwobi) to mid-to-long-term injuries, and must now rely on the creativity of young Garner. Everton are yet to score their first goal of the season and face newly-promoted Sheffield United in GW4. Garner has registered at least 1 KP per game this season and is averaging 6.5 FPts without any attacking returns. He could be a decent MID 4/5 streaming option for any managers, especially those rostering Iwobi or McNeil. This week I'd roll him out confidently and expect a near-double-digit performance
Verdict: I would use a low-end waiver claim or 3-5 FAAB to bring him in.
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