Every Fantrax manager knows that Waiver Wire and Trade acquisitions can make or break your Fantasy EPL season. This Gameweek 18 article is here to help managers pick up the best Premier League players possible from the waiver wire, as well as suggest players to potentially target for a trade with a fellow manager!
Here we outline Fantasy EPL Waiver Wire Targets that have 30% ownership or below on Fantrax. These players will also have a favorable run of fixtures upcoming, so they could perform very well over the upcoming period! Trade Targets will be players who look set to do well over the upcoming period, but their ownership statistics suggest they are probably taken in most draft leagues!
Essential reading before the Tuesday waiver requests process!
Gameweek 18 Waiver Wire Targets
Leighton Baines
Position: Defender
Team: Everton
Ownership: 1%
Average Points per Match: 5.0
Next 5 Fixtures: ARS (H), BUR (H), new (A), mci (A), BRI (H)
Prospects: Baines looks set to replace the injured Digne starting in Gameweek 18. Digne came off with another groin injury and could miss at least a few games. In comes the ever-reliable Leighton Baines. The once fantasy darling will get another run in the spotlight. In 65 minutes vs. Manchester United, he managed a solid 9 points. With the exception of Manchester City, Everton have some friendly fixtures making Baines a must-own. Baines has the upside of a DEF1 thanks to his attacking potential, and probability he will be on some set pieces, including penalties. I would use anything other than a top 3 waiver wire claim on the Everton left back. If Digne misses significant time, you will have a set and forget defender for the foreseeable future.
Simon Francis
Position: Defender
Team: Bournemouth
Ownership: 1%
Average Points per Match: 2.64
Next 5 Fixtures: BUR (H), ARS (H), bri (A), whu (A), WAT (H)
Prospects: Francis managed 15 points in a win vs. Chelsea, and looks to be back in the Bournemouth XI. Bournemouth kept Chelsea’s potent attack to zero goals in a great win. Francis has always been solid in Fantrax scoring thanks to his ghost points. With the win and the injuries for the Cherries, he will be in line for quite a few friendly fixtures over the festive period. I would look to use a low-end waiver wire claim on Francis ahead of Gameweek 18. He can be considered a DEF3 with the upside of a DEF2 in easier fixtures. Bournemouth has been poor of late, but this win will surely give them the confidence needed to go on a good run.
Phil Foden
Position: Midfielder
Team: Manchester City
Ownership: 17%
Average Points per Match:
Next 5 Fixtures: LEI (H), wol (A), SHU (H), EVE (H), avl (A)
Prospects: Foden got his first EPL start in the 3-0 win vs. Arsenal totaling 13 points with an assist. He did well to stake his claim for more playing time going forward, and after a great performance expect a few more starts out of this prospect over the festive period. It is always worth owning a City attacker, and Foden is probably the only one available on your waiver wire. If Foden starts he should be considered a MID3 with upside and immediately placed in your lineup. I would use anything shy of a top 3 waiver wire claim on the City midfielder with the fixtures starting to pile up.
Gameweek 18 Trade In Target
Lucas Moura
Position: Midfielder
Team: Tottenham
Average Points per Match: 7.97
Next 5 Fixtures: CHE (H), BRI (H), nor (A), sou (A), LIV (H)
Prospects: Moura has been a revelation since Mourinho has taken over at Spurs. He has scored 3 goals in 5 games with 2 performances of 20+ points. Spurs have scored plenty of goals in the last few games, and Moura will surely be heavily involved in more going forward. Spurs face some leaky defenses over the festive period and while Moura may rotate the odd game, he is still worth trading in. We can consider Lucas a MID3 with MID2 upside for the rest of the season. I would try to offer a 1:1 with a different MID3/FWD3 with less upside such as Tielemans, Jota, McTominay, Pukki, Willian, or Kante. Ahead of Gameweek 18, Lucas should be a top trade target.
Gameweek 18 Player to Trade Out
Nathan Redmond
Position: Midfielder
Team: Southampton
Average Points per Match: 6.2
Next 5 Fixtures: avl (A), che (A), CPL (H), TOT (H), lei (A)
Prospects: Redmond was hooked at half time in the Saint’s most recent defeat and has been incredibly poor this season. With just 1 goal and 0 assists this year, and 1 double-digit return in his last 10 games, it doesn’t look like there is improvement in sight for him. Last year Redmond was consistent as ever, causing most managers to spend a Round 3-5 pick on him. If you are one of the unfortunate chaps who own Redmond now is the time to try and trade him out.
At this point his value is at an all-time low, but there are no signs it will improve at all. I would look to try and get back a MID5 with some upside with a DEF3/4 for Redmond. Look to try and acquire players such as Sissoko, Doucoure, Fred, Alderweireld, Keane. If you can’t get a trade completed, then consider dropping Redmond for just about any starter, including Declan Rice (41%).
Check out if any of these Fantasy EPL Trade Targets are still available from the Week 15 Waiver Wire | Week 16 Waiver Wire | Week 17 Waiver Wire |
Get ahead in your Fantrax EPL league by learning how to make the perfect trade that could bring you one step closer to your league title!
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