Gameweek 8 Waiver Wire: Fantasy EPL Draft

The English Premier League’s Gameweek 8 is fast approaching, and our Fantasy EPL Draft scout is hunting the waiver wire for prime ghosters and high-scoring potential. In this post we will dive into some valuable gameweek news, matchup analysis and stay-aways as we look to identify the best possible pickups to help you win your matchup. Let’s begin with a short-term three week window into fixtures and strength of schedule. This way, you can keep in mind which teams you should be looking to pick up potential from.

Upcoming Fixture Difficulty

Below are the top 5 clubs for easiest fixtures through Gameweeks 8-10. Keep these five teams in mind as you scour the waiver wire to find some gems for short-term strategies. It’s always good to have an eye on upcoming fixtures so that you are optimizing your transfer strategy.

Fixture Difficulty Gameweeks 8-10

Waiver Wire and Scout Sleepers - Gameweek 8

Our scout recommendations for Gameweek 8 are here - and may offer you some surprising food for thought. Here is a list of some possible additions that may just help you beat that pesky opponent. Keep in mind this is a list of players who are rostered 40% or lower on Fantrax.

Elliot Anderson, M - Newcastle United

The Fantasy EPL Draft scout is high on Anderson this week as Joelinton and Joe Willock struggle to regain fitness, leaving a nice opportunity for the new boy to continue to be blooded in the middle of the park. Anderson has already tallied 42 points this season, with 6 FP/G and only 28% rostered. He shows promise of ghost points, stability and a decent fantasy output expected in a strong side. Fantrax has him projected to score (grain of salt) 10.9 points for the gameweek. If you need another midfielder , Anderson could be a nice option.

Oliver McBurnie, F - Sheffield United

While McBurnie has only seen an FP/G of 6.2 thus far, this output has been against a very strong set of opponents. His 17 point return against Everton looks to be built upon as he will likely lead the line against an unpredictable Fulham side, offering a great chance for McBurnie to add to his season’s goal contributions. The Fantasy EPL Draft Scout can see a decent ghost point tally from SOTs and Tackles as the Blades match up well against the Cottagers. He should be available in most leagues with only 21% rostered on Fantrax.

Jacob Murphy, M/F - Newcastle United

Jacob Murphy is a true short-term sleeper with only 5% rostered on Fantrax, usually with great output when playing. Miguel Almiron put in a MOTM performance against PSG midweek, but was replaced by Jacob Murphy with a knock in the 71st minute. This news alongside a suspension for regular starter Anthony Gordon and a long-term injury for new signing Harvey Barnes means Murphy could be in line for a run of games on the wing. Moreover, Murphy already tallied an assist this season in just 4 minutes of premier league action. Our scout is looking to him for a nice short-term flex positional output boost.

Dango Ouattara, M/F - Bournemouth

Ryan Christie seems to be the popular Cherry to pick up this gameweek, but Ouattara is in-line for a start after a few substitute appearances in high-pressure games away at Brighton and vs a strong Arsenal side. He looks to have recovered from his ankle injury and will add some needed sharpness to the Cherries attack against a struggling Everton. He contributed one goal and three assists in just 18 appearances last season, and our scout has pinned him to tally some points against the Toffees this weekend with only 27% of managers having rostered him.

Raul Jimenez, F - Fulham

Jimenez has struggled to find contributions thus far, however his performances have indicated there could be something there. Fantrax has him at 33% rostered and they face a Sheffield team at home this weekend with his projected points tally (grain of salt) at 8.6. Wouldn’t use any serious FAAB on him at this point as the fixtures get extremely tricky after GW8 for Fulham.

Injury and Suspension News

There are a few assets of note that are clouded with question marks for Gameweek 8:

Bukayo Saka, who has been Mr. Reliable over the past 2 seasons, is a question mark for the game against Manchester City after being subbed off in the 30th minute on Tuesday with injury. Arteta is always sly and hush about injuries, it could very well be that his substitution was more for protection so he can feature against Manchester City. Gabriel Martinelli is also in-line for a return, but recovering from a hamstring injury, Leandro Trossard seems in line for a start.

Cody Gakpo picked up an injury vs. Spurs, but it looks like he may recover in time. However, starting is an unknown quantity. With Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones both suspended, rotation will be necessary.

Villa’s wingers Moussa Diaby and Leon Bailey are also considered questionable, while Bailey got a start on Thursday for Villa in Europa League. Jacob Ramsey has also suffered a setback to his foot injury and will likely not feature.

Pascal Gross has recovered from injury faster than expected and could feature, but a start is not guaranteed for Brighton this gameweek as he played a full 90 on Thursday, adding a goal to his season tally.

Anthony Gordon is serving a yellow card suspension and needs applicable cover. Callum WIlson, Sven Botman and Joelinton are also suffering from injuries and will likely be fit to feature for the magpies this gameweek.

Eberechi Eze suffered a hamstring injury that could see him out for the next month, adding to Palace’s woes with their other main creator in Olise. Edouard is also a doubt for this gameweek which would likely see Maeteta grab a start.

Reece James is still not fit, Mudryk will likely not start after being pulled at half in the last game with a thigh issue. Moises Caicedo has a knee injury and his fitness is also a question mark. Carney Chukwuemeka is in line for a limited minute return.

Rodri is still serving suspension for City as they travel to the Emirates for a big game against Arsenal.

Michael Antonio and Ben Johnson are doubts for midweek, but should recover in time for the weekend fixture. Neither are guaranteed a start, however.

_________________