The EPL Draft Waiver Wire is back for the 2024-2025 EPL season! Most drafts are completed and managers are now looking to fill in gaps before the opening game on Friday.
This early in the season managers are hoping their draft was perfect and that they won’t need the waiver wire much but reality will set in soon for all of us. At this point, managers should be looking at players with some high upside to fill the final spots on their team, unless they have immediate needs in their starting 11.
Waiver wire suggestions (under 50% rostered) for Week 1 are listed below in order of most to least rostered in Fantrax.
Week 1 Fantasy EPL Draft Waiver Wire
Willy Boly – Defender – 44% Rostered – Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth
Boly is a quality defender when he’s healthy. Forest hosts Bournemouth who are playing without last year’s top goal scorer, Dominic Solanke, who just left for Spurs. Boly is big, he’s aggressive, and he can put up points. If you’re looking for a solid defender, Boly is a quality choice and could be a long-term roster choice if he stays healthy.
William Smallbone – Midfielder – 33% Rostered – Newcastle vs Southampton
Southampton has returned to the EPL after just one year in the Championship Division. Smallbone notched the assist in their 1-0 win against Leeds to earn their place back in the EPL. It looks like he may be on set-piece duty from time to time too. There is nothing sure about Smallbone or Southampton, but he could be a solid squad player for your team when needed.
Danny Welbeck – Forward – 10% Rostered – Everton vs Brighton
Welbeck, as too often has happened, spent too many weekends injured and off the pitch. He is healthy now though and has even been on penalty kicks. Brighton has lots of options, but when he’s in good form Wellbeck can and will score goals. He should have chances. If you need a forward, the Seagull frontman is worth a shot.
Sean Longstaff – Midfielders – 8% Rostered – Newcastle vs Southampton
Longstaff won’t be rostered by many, as Newcastle has options, which means he’s around for managers on the EPL waiver wire. He contributes on both sides of the ball, giving him more opportunities to score points. At the end of the season, he found a place on the squad each week.
Week 1 won’t make or break you, but you always want to start the season off strong. Just as importantly, you need to keep your eye on lineups and players who may show something. Grabbing breakout players early in the season can make or break your season, so be ready!
Good luck!