🏆 GW24 FPL Draft Zone - Weekly Brief 🏆
Welcome back to the FPL Draft Zone Weekly Brief! 🎙️ Whether you’re celebrating a Gameweek 23 masterclass or wallowing in self-pity after utter humiliation, it’s time to reload and reset for Gameweek 24, which kicks off this Saturday.
We’ve got a massive week ahead with fresh faces entering the league and a few low owned assets hitting their stride.
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🚨 Top 3 Waiver Wire Targets
If these players are sitting in your free agent pool, move fast! 🏃♂️💨
• Lorenzo Lucca (Nottingham Forest - FWD): Forest’s new Chris Wood regen is officially the tallest player in the league at 6'7". He scored 14 goals for Udinese last season and should be their first choice striker in the absence of the big New Zealander…. assuming Jean Philippe Mateta isn’t about to rock up at the City Ground and really complicate matters.
• Estêvão (Chelsea - MID): Get him while you can, because after a 13-point haul in GW23 demand for the Brazilian is going to be HIGH. Chelsea face four of the bottom five teams in their next four matches - points incoming…
• Brian Brobbey (Sunderland - FWD): He’s scored three goals in his last four matches, and this weekend he’s up against a Burnley side that ranks 20th in the league for expected goals conceded (xGC), and 19th for ACTUAL goals conceded. I mean, even YOU could score against them.
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💎 Midfield DEFCON Monsters, Under the Radar Gems & Returnees
Looking for consistent points or high-ceiling long-term holds? 📈
• Yasin Ayari (Brighton): Currently ranked 3rd for form of all midfielders, Ayari has hit double figures for DEFCON 12 times this season, and he’s averaging 7.4 points per match over his last five games.
• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Everton): Just back from injury, he’s got four goals and three assists this campaign - and he’s on set pieces. If you can get him in, he’s a long term hold.
• Anton Stach (Leeds United): Back with an assist last week, Stach averages an attacking return every 1.9 games. Grab him now if a rival manager was naive enough to drop him after his GW22 no show.
• Emi Buendía (Aston Villa): With Tielemans and McGinn injury doubts, Buendía is likely to keep his place in the Villa starting XI for the forseeable future. He returned 11 points last week, he loves a goal from long range and he’s even a low-key DEFCON asset too.
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🛡️ Defensive Diamonds
Secure your backline with this little lot:
• Piero Hincapié (Arsenal): Back from injury in the defeat to Manchester United, he’s Arsenal’s most natural (and most fit) left back. An easy route into the most elite defence in the league.
• Mosquera (Wolves): Wolves have conceded less than one xG in each of their last five matches, and Mosquera has also picked up four defensive contribution returns in his last six games. It’s Bournemouth at home this week, and like a travel sick child, the Cherries don’t like going on the road.
• Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton): Everton’s most technically gifted centre back has returned, and while there is competition for places, he could be an astute bit of business if you can afford to hold him and see if he ousts Michael Keane long-term.
• Joachim Andersen (Fulham): He shouldn't be free in any league, but if he is, SIGN HIM UP, BUTTERCUP. He’s racked up 14 defensive contribution returns in just 22 games so far this season - a certified DEFCON MONSTER.
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🤝 The Trade Room
• Dominic Solanke: After his first Spurs start, he should be their starting striker for the rest of the season. Try to convince his owner to part with him before his value peaks.
• The Mateta Dilemma: Jean-Philippe Mateta is being linked with moves to Juventus and Nottingham Forest. He’s already underperforming his xG, and this might be the perfect time to trade him to a manager willing to gamble on him staying in the top flight.
• Incoming Talent: Keep an eye on Oscar Bobb, who is set to sign for Fulham - the Norwegian could be a high-upside fifth midfielder option.
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Good luck this week - may your victories be sweet and your rivals be salty! 🥂