Spotting the trends early on is often the key to success in your FPL draft league. Being one step ahead of your rivals, knowing who to pick up and who to trade away can be the difference between champions and mid-table obscurity. Here are this week’s FPL draft risers and fallers.
Follow @Fantrax_epl to keep up with all of our fantasy soccer content.
FPL Draft Risers
Xherdan Shaqiri
Good things come to those who wait. It’s fair to say that Xherdan Shaqiri has had to bide his time ahead of his Anfield debut but his virtuoso first-half performance against Southampton was worth the wait.
Two assists and an electric performance certainly caught the eye of the Liverpool faithful on Saturday. If the weekend is anything to go by, Shaqiri may primarily be used in games where Liverpool look to be expansive and kill lowly opposition off early in the game. If this is the case, the Swiss midfielder is worth owning if you have the roster space to spare in your FPL draft team.
Bernardo Silva
Possibly the only player to “benefit” from Kevin De Bruyne’s injury. Bernardo Silva has taken his opportunity with both hands. Praised by his manager at the very start of the season for his fitness, Silva’s ability was never in doubt, but the flashes of brilliance we saw in the Premier League last season seem to have been replaced by consistent class.
Mesmerising ball control, incredible vision and an eye for goal: he’s got the lot. His faultless start to the Premier League season means that both Pep Guardiola and Fantrax managers have a big decision to be made upon the return of KDB. Ultimate trade high candidate in FPL draft.
Ben Chilwell
A personal favourite of mine. An early loss of his clean sheet didn’t stop Ben Chilwell racking up a monster score in GW6. The young English fullback reminded everyone of his massive potential through his lung-busting attacking runs at the weekend, with his endeavours in the opposition half most notable. Five key passes contributed to an impressive 20 point haul. Still only 65% owned with good Premier League fixtures to come.
Anthony Knockaert
I feel like I’ve written a lot about Anthony Knockaert recently. In my defence, the guy is on fire. An assist at Southampton in GW5 was backed up by a sparkling GW6 display against Tottenham. A 14 point haul was made into 25 thanks to a well-taken consolation goal.
Still only 66% owned, if he’s available in your league he’s a definite pick up. Once the daunting trip to the champions is out of the way, Brighton’s Premier League fixtures are enticing.
Erik Lamela
Two weeks, two sub appearances, two goals. I anticipate that Erik Lamela’s ownership will have increased following the clearance of waivers but at 42% there’s still a lot of unowned Erik’s floating around the Fantrax leagues. Lamela faces an uphill battle to break into the Spurs team but he’s giving it a good go. While his goal against Liverpool was a mere consolation, the Brighton strike was crucial.
Mauricio Pochettino seems to be an admirer of his fellow countryman and I wouldn’t be surprised if he sees more minutes as fixtures start to come thick and fast. Lamela is definitely worth an add if you have the roster space.
Although he still seems to really polarise opinion on here, Erik Lamela’s overall ability is so criminally underrated.
If Spurs can keep him fit and the player can find his consistency he is just an important player as Sonny and Moura from an attacking sense for us.#THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/Fc4PObfHY3
— Ricky Sacks 🎙 (@RickySacks) September 22, 2018
FPL Draft Fallers
Alexis Sanchez
Out of form and soon to fall out of favour. That’s the view of many Premier League watchers; Manchester United fans in particular. Much is being made of the expense of the Chilean’s wages but Fantrax managers will be cursing their wasted first round pick after an uninspiring start.
Many are calling for Anthony Martial to start which would spell disaster for Alexis owners. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot you can do but hope it doesn’t happen. Due to his form, his trade value is at an all-time low. On the flip side, if you don’t own him then now is a good time to get him. He’s too good for this to last, surely…
Demarai Gray
I’m a big fan of Demarai Gray but news of his injury broke at the time of writing. Gray has a suspected broken leg, meaning we may not see him in the Premier League for a while. As talented as he is, he’s not worth holding in your roster. I wish him all the best (of course) but it’s time to drop him!
Christian Eriksen
I’m a long-term admirer of Christian Eriksen but it seems his FPL value has taken a hit. His average of 10.42 ppm isn’t disgraceful but isn’t up to his high standards and is actually less then Joao Moutinho (10.58)
Yet to find the net in the Premier League this season, the fact he has also lost free kick duties to Kieran Trippier is a big disappointment for FPL draft owners. His upcoming fixtures are kind but anything signals of a deeper role in the team are more bad news.
Max Meyer
Max Meyer still can’t buy a start for Crystal Palace. Even with injuries/players struggling for form, the German seems to be a bit part player at Selhurst Park at the moment, despite a lot of promise. Droppable in FPL draft leagues.
Cenk Tosun
At long last, Marco Silva has dropped Cenk Tosun. A collection of missed chances against West Ham looks to have sealed his fate as Dominic Calvert Lewin was chosen to lead the line at Arsenal in the Premier League.Fortunately for Tosun, his replacement seems to struggle with finishing just as much as he does.
It remains to be seen whether Tosun’s place on the Everton bench is a permanent one but owners of the Turk are faced with a real dilemma. Is he really worth the roster spot in your FPL draft side? Probably. Just. For now.
FantraxHQ will be featuring more fantasy soccer content than ever before. Check out the full archive and let us know what you think.
If you enjoyed this Premier League Planner and are ready to add soccer to your fantasy repertoire, head over to Fantrax to start or join a league today! Fantrax can meet virtually any league setup, offering an unmatched level of customization.