Every Fantrax manager knows that Waiver Wire and Trade acquisitions can make or break your Fantasy EPL season. This Gameweek 31 article is here to help managers pick up the best Draft 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!
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Gameweek 31 Waiver Wire Targets
James Justin
Position: Defender
Team: Leicester City
Ownership: 26%
Average Points per Match: 8.15
Next 5 Fixtures: BRI (H), eve (A), CRY (H), ars (A), bou (A)
Prospects: With Ricardo out for the season James Justin will see the majority of time at the right back role. Recently, he scored 11.75 points vs. Watford with no returns or clean sheet. Justin has the potential to be a high-end DEF2, especially with Leicester’s schedule. Justin will offer points at both ends of the pitch and could see a few clean sheets over the next few games. While there is the risk of rotation with the quick games, I reckon Justin starts at least 6/8 games. Ahead of gameweek 31, I would use a top waiver wire priority on Justin, with his high upside and friendly schedule.
Will Hughes
Position: Midfielder
Team: Watford
Ownership: 14%
Average Points per Match: 5.41
Next 5 Fixtures: bur (A), SOU (H), che (A), NOR (H), NEW (H)
Prospects: Hughes got a respectable 9.5 points vs. Leicester on the weekend. The Watford attacker also player 90 minutes, and should continue to see heavy minutes with Deulofeu out for the season. Hughes takes some set pieces, giving him more upside with his key pass potential. I would consider Hughes a MID4 with MID3 upside for the rest of the season. Watford play teams who have been poor defensively this season, giving Hughes the upside of a potential return. While they didn’t play well vs. Leicester you would expect them to push on as they look to confirm Premier League safety. I would use a mid-tier waiver wire claim on Hughes ahead of gameweek 31.
Stuart Armstrong
Position: Midfielder
Team: Southampton
Ownership: 21%
Average Points per Match: 6.14
Next 5 Fixtures: ARS (H), wat (A), MCI (H), eve (A), mun (A)
Prospects: Armstrong was incredible vs. Norwich getting a goal, an assist, and 27 total points. While I don’t expect this to happen every week, he is certainly worth an add. Armstrong has started 8 consecutive games and should continue to see good minutes. While the Saints have a mixed schedule Armstrong can be considered a MID4. Armstrong loves to shoot and will rack up a few ghost points in all stat categories. Southampton will hope to continue their form against a struggling Arsenal team, and Armstrong could get an attacking return. I would consider Armstrong a must add for the rest of the season. With the midfield pool already small, there are very few free agents with the upside of Armstrong.
Ben Davies
Position: Defender
Team: Tottenham
Ownership: 26%
Average Points per Match: 3.12
Next 5 Fixtures: WHU (H), shu (A), EVE (H), bou (A), ARS (H)
Prospects: Ben Davies has locked down the left back role for Tottenham, and will see out the season there. While he may sit out the odd game he is nearly a guaranteed starter. Tottenham have a decent run of fixtures where Davies can start to see points come in. A few years back he was a top 5 overall defender and his that upside in his locker. For now, I would consider him a DEF3, but he is certainly worth an add ahead of a home game vs. West Ham. Tottenham looked solid defensively against Manchester United and could see a few clean sheets in their next games. Davies isn’t a top priority, but he is worth a waiver wire add to see if he can regain his form of a few years ago.
Gameweek 31 Trade-In Target
Jonny
Position: Defender
Team: Wolves
Average Points per Match: 7.5
Next 5 Fixtures: BOU (H), avl (A), ARS (H), shu (A), EVE (H)
Prospects: Jonny could have DEF1 upside for the rest of the season. While I would consider Jonny a DEF2, his upside with the incredible schedule could see him be a top 15 defender in the remaining games. He will be easier to acquire than his wingback partner in Matt Doherty. I would look to offer a DEF2 or a MID3/4 in a trade for Jonny. Look to offer the likes of Stevens, Trossard, Fleck, or Gomez in a 1:1 trade for Jonny. If it helps to get the deal across the line don’t be afraid to throw in a MID5/DEF3. The 2:1 trade will give you an extra roster spot which could help during this fixture congestion.
Wondering who the best current Draft Premier League players are to target? Look no further than our Top 150 Player Rankings!
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