God willing, this will be the last season that the Premier League has without a winter break. The heavy schedule for Premier League teams that are also playing in Europe has clearly taken its toll. Liverpool’s depleted back line is topped only by Arsenal’s defensive woes as they look to find literally anyone to play in defense (I wonder if Nigel Winterburn or Tony Adams can still clear a cross?). But as always in fantasy football, injuries means opportunities and these Premier League waiver wire options are looking to make the most of that opportunity.
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Week 17 Premier League Waiver Wire
The FPL Draft waiver wire deals with players owned in 65% or less of Fantrax Leagues.
1. Robert Snodgrass – Midfielder – West Ham – 64% Owned
Of course, when West Ham signed a plethora of useful midfielders this year it was going to be Robert Snodgrass who shone in fantasy football. The Scotsman has cut back on the service station dinners and is proving to be a key part of the West Ham midfield. He has scored or assisted in four straight games and his fantasy points in that span have been bonkers. He is the number one fantasy player in the Premier League for the month of December and available in 36% of leagues. Do I really need to tell you to pick him up from the Premier League Waiver Wire?
2. Jonny – Defender – Wolves – 62% Owned
I always like a player that goes by one name. Jonny is back on the scene after being sidelined with a knee injury since November. He played 90 minutes this week, which for Wolves, means he is as good as nailed on. The Wanderers are in great form recently and Jonny’s fantasy day was helped by Wolves second clean sheet of the season. He was a top fantasy option before getting injured and you will do well to capitalize on his availability if an owner in your league gave up on him. Check your Premier League waiver wire for him now.
3. Javier Hernandez – Forward – West Ham – 52%
Arnie will be out until the New Year and West Ham are currently filling their boots with goals. Hernandez has scored 3 goals in four games with an assist. Playing 90 minutes continues to elude the former ‘super sub’ however he is a threat to score whenever he is on the pitch. West Ham is in great form with a nice run of fixtures coming up. Pick up Chicarito from the Premier League waiver wire and ride him into the New Year.
4. Laurent Koscielny – Defender – Arsenal – 40% Owned
My god, they must be desperate. Koscielny played his first game for Arsenal since picking up an injury in the Europa League semi-final last May. To be honest, Koscielny looked like he hadn’t played football since May. He was at fault for at least one of Southampton’s goals and finished the day with a negative fantasy scoreline. That being said, Koscielny has a proven track record and plays for a team that continues to improve defensively. It might feel dirty but you can do worse than picking up Koscielny from the Premier League waiver wire.
5. Nathaniel Clyne – Defender – Liverpool – 16% Owned
How did it come to this? I remember trying to rank fantasy players before the season and mentioning how crowded Liverpool’s defensive situation was. With Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren and Alexander Trent Arnold currently unfit, Nathaniel Clyne got the start on Saturday. Clyne was very impressive against United and showed he should perhaps be in the starting conversation regardless of injuries to other players. His ownership percentage is very low so he should be available on the Premier League waiver wire, even in deep leagues.
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