October’s Premier League round has started. With Halloween just around the corner, football appears to have gotten in the spirit, entering a sort of Premier League ‘Upside Down’. Newcastle and Manchester United produced an excellent five-goal thriller in which the fans got behind Jose. Then, two of the best-attacking teams the Premier league have ever seen, produce a nil-nil draw. Glenn Murray scored his fifth goal this season, tying Sergio Aguero’s total, and Ross Barkley came back from Chelsea bench purgatory (cue the x files theme). With all these unusual happenings, some new players have risen to fantasy league significance. The draft fantasy soccer waiver wire will try to sort through which of these players should be picked up on the soccer waiver wire in week 9, and which should be left to hang out with Barb in the ‘upside down’.
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Draft Fantasy Soccer Waiver Wire
The following players are owned in 65% or less of Fantrax leagues.
1. Anicio Caldeira Duarte, Bernard – Midfielder – Everton – 50% Owned
I can see why he goes by Bernard. The slight Brazilian made his first start for Everton against Leicester after impressing midweek in the cup midweek. He was impressive in his first start and should have got the assist for Everton’s first goal. Bernard sent two defenders the wrong way before crossing to fellow Brazilian Richarlison who put it away. The Brazilian has that impressive ability to always be in a decent attacking position, and if he continues to start, I would expect him to rack up some point. Bernard was a coupe for Everton when they signed him this summer, and he fit excellently into the team this weekend. If Bernard continues to get playing time, expect him to be a top 20 midfielder with a high ceiling. Bernard should be a top soccer waiver wire pick up
2. David Brooks – Midfielder – Bournemouth – 33% Owned
Exit Ryan Fraser, enter David Brooks. At 24, Fraser should probably step aside and let the younger Brooks take the reigns for the Cherries. Although he may look like a prepubescent teenager, Brooks has been excellent for Bournemouth. This week he caught the eye of the pundits and also got a Wales call-up. Bournemouth fans have known for a while how good the young man is. They may later regret the vindication they are now getting as if he continues on his current trajectory he is destined to warm the bench of a bigger club next season. Brooks has scored in both of his last two games and has a good run of fixtures coming up. At 33% owned, Brooks is a steal on the soccer waiver wire this week.
3. Phillip Billing – Midfielder – Huddersfield – 65% Owned
The 2002 Honda accord of fantasy premier league. Billing is unexciting but reliable, and he will get you to where you’re going. Huddersfield has been relegation fodder so far this season and doesn’t look like they are going to get much better. Billing is, however, a top 20 fantasy midfielder this season and has shown that he has a reliable floor. In Togga scoring formats Billing has had over 10 points in 8 out of the ten games he has played. Billing is a fine soccer waiver wire pick up for fantasy owners that have a few high-risk players already.
4. Nathan Redmond – Midfielder – Southampton – 58% Owned
Southampton might have had one of the best performances in a 3-0 loss I have ever seen this weekend. The Saints made chances and played their own game against Chelsea but were ultimately kept scoreless by Kepa. Redmond was impressive in the loss and was unlucky not to score an impressive long shot towards the end of the game. Like Billing, Redmond has proven to give consistent returns for fantasy owners, and the goals should come. Redmond is a good player and a good soccer waiver wire pick up in week 9.
5. Ross Barkley – Midfielder – Chelsea – 25% Owned
Remember when Ross Barkley was the next Wayne Rooney? Barkley has risen from the graveyard of the Chelsea bench this week to get an England recall and his first Premier League goal for the Blues. It’s a mystery as to why Barkley has never lived up to the hype, and he showed in this game that he certainly has the raw talent to at least become the next Jack Wilshere. Barkley assisted Hazard to go along with the goal and made a case to get more starts for Chelsea. It’s speculative, and Sarri isn’t short on rotation options, but if Barkley can get more starts he would be an interesting fantasy option. He is a soccer waiver wire pick up for owners wanting a lottery ticket type player.
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