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 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 are 50% 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.
Calvin Bassey (FUL, DEF)
Prospects: Bassey is the new Fulham CB signing, and is already adored by Fulham fans. He scored in his first start in preseason and will almost certainly start in the opener vs. Everton. As we have already seen, he is a threat from set pieces, and has gone seriously under the radar in drafts. He didn't fit Ajax's style of play, but is an out-and-out, no-nonsense defender. Based on preseason highlights it looks like he will be very aggressive and get into decently high positions for a CB. With a favorable match against Everton who are missing McNeil, Gray and potentially both Calvert-Lewin and Danjuma, Bassey is worth a punt to find out if he is a season keeper. At worst he is an easy drop, but I expect Marco Silva's side to win this weekend and have a good chance at a clean sheet to go along with it.
Verdict: I would use a low-end waiver claim or 2-3 FAB to bring in Bassey.
Kurt Zouma (WHU, DEF)
Prospects: Zouma has a kind first match up vs. Bournemouth to kick off the season. The Cherries have a few key players injured and have a new manager. I expect Zouma to rack up quite a few counting stats battling Solanke in the air. West Ham don't have the best start to the season so this is strictly a 1 week punt. Additionally, Bournemouth are very poor at defending set-pieces, as seen in preseason. So much so, in fact, that David Brooks even admitted they will look to correct that issue. This could provide the opportunity for a Zouma attacking return to kick off the season; what could be better? I do think Bournemouth may score against the Hammers, but there is a chance of a clean sheet while they figure out their shape and best XI. West Ham have been woeful in preseason, but I expect them to play tight at the back to make up for the lack of attacking prowess and the departure of Rice.
Verdict: I would use a low-end waiver claim or 0-1 FAB to bring in Zouma.
Ryan Giles (LUT, MID)
Prospects: Giles is a favourite of mine, but hasn't featured in many articles due to only recently joining the Hatters from Wolves, where he was never going to see the field. I have been following the midfielder since last year, and he had quite the successful spell at Middlesborough. Luton fans were excited to see him sign and he has made an instant impact in preseason. The biggest issue for Giles is that he is contesting the starting role with Alfie Doughty. As of now, I believe he is the favourite to start in the LWB role (though our projections show otherwise). Based off of preseason, he will have a set-piece monopoly with penalties being the only exception, and he should be one of the focal points of this attack. It seems Luton will be looking to him to whip in as many crosses as possible for Morris, Adebayo, and Lockyer to attack. There is always the chance he won't start until gameweek 3 (given Luton's blank in GW2), but I think regardless he is worth the hold. He won't lose points for GAO in Fantrax default scoring which is an added bonus for any promoted asset.
Verdict: I would use a low-end waiver claim on Giles due to the lack of hype/knowledge surrounding him. You may be able to get him for 0 FAB, but if you want to be sure look to spend 2-3 FAB on him.
Jordan Ayew (CRY, FWD)
Prospects: Ayew is almost guaranteed to start the weekend vs. Sheffield United given Zaha's departure and the injuries to Olise and new signing Franca. Ayew offers a decent floor whenever he starts, but I think Palace, even without some of their firepower, win this one comfortably. Sheffield are my top contender to be relegated this season, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a 10+ point outing from Ayew this weekend. With the forward pool really shallow, especially once drafts are done, Ayew offers very sneaky FWD3 value this weekend.
Verdict:I would use a low-end waiver claim or 0-1 FAB to bring in Ayew.
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